8 Exciting Chapter Books and Series for Reluctant Readers

The Stink series, by Megan MacDonald and Peter H. Reynolds
If you haven’t already met Judy Moody’s little brother, Stink, now is the time to do it. He’s the shortest kid in second grade, and loves exploring the world around him through math, science, research, and his own wildly concocted schemes. With a healthy dose of gross humor, Stink delights readers with his adventures. In his newest book, Stink has chosen to go to Shakespeare camp with his best friend Sophie over spending the summer with his annoying older sister. One thing he didn’t count on: being the only boy there!

The Mercy Watson series, by Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen
I’m not sure any chapter book list is complete without this series about a toast (especially with butter—YUM!) loving pig. Every Mercy Watson book is a gem, and a gateway for reluctant readers. In this book, Mercy’s owners, don’t think twice about taking Mercy to the drive-ins, especially since the movie title is, When Pigs Fly. But when they get there, Mercy is less interested by the movie than she is by the lure of butter. Mercy just cannot resist. She has to find the source of that smell. Off she goes on a hilarious chase that would leave any other family vowing never to take their pig out again. But Mercy isn’t just any pig, and you can be sure that there will be another fabulous outing in Mercy’s future. For more fun with Mercy’s friends and neighbors, you can also check out the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series.

The Here’s Hank series, by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Most parents will recognize Henry Winkler from his illustrious acting career, but he has also developed a name for himself as a children’s author, specifically writing characters who, like himself, struggle in school due to dyslexia and other learning challenges. In this final book in his Here’s Hank series, Hank has the opportunity to take the stage, along with his two best friends, to introduce a visiting author to the school. There’s only one problem: Hank has never finished reading her book. It’s no big deal, though, Hank is used to covering up his struggles and winging it. But will he be able to pull it off this time, in front of the author herself?

The Story of Diva and the Flea, by Mo Willems and Tony DiTerlizzi
Best known for his Elephant and Piggie early readers, Willems delivers his same characteristic charm and humor to this story inspired by a real-life cat and dog he observed in Paris. Diva is a dog, passionate, in the way of all small dogs, about protecting her home. Flea is a cat who “been there, done that, seen it all” while roaming the streets of Paris. At first meeting, these two opposites want little to do with each other. But as Flea continues to stop by daily, a friendship develops. Flea encourages Diva to step beyond the wrought-iron gates of her home and explore the greater world around her. Diva then invites Flea into her home, an act which takes courage and trust on Flea’s part. Tender, humorous, and set in a location exotic to many readers, this story has it all.

The Bink and Gollie series, by Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee, and Tony Fucile
One short, one tall. One rumpled, one tidy. Both adventurous, and, at the end of the day, both the best of friends. Bink and Gollie are opposites in many ways, but this roller-skating duo make the perfect pair. Each book contains multiple short stories that can be read as stand-alones, but that children will want to read in one sitting. In the latest book, Gollie has decided that she has royal blood flowing through her veins, and Bink is left suffering her high-and-mighty airs. The “vertically challenged” Bink wishes she were as tall as her friend. And the girls make it their goal to get their picture into a book of record holders…somehow. Each story is full of antics and light adventure as the dynamic duo skates their way through life and friendship lessons.

The Zoey and Sassafrass series, by Asia Citro and Marion Lindsay
This series is perfect for STEM readers who enjoy a little magic and adventure mixed in with their science. Zoey is bright and inquisitive, always questioning and always learning.  When magical animals begin appearing, injured, in Zoey’s backyard, Zoey realizes that she has the power to help them. Each book offers a new adventure, a new challenge, and new successes (and failures!) in Zoe’s quest to help the animals of the magical forest. The books explore various components of the scientific process, from investigation to experimentation to research, emphasizing that, in science, each problem is unique. Parents who appreciate a non-formulaic series will love Zoey and Sassafrass.

The Who Would Win? series, by Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster
Some reluctant readers can be hooked by high-concept non-fiction texts. This series fits that bill. Each book pairs off two creatures (like a komodo dragon and a king cobra), or the animals of an ecosystem (like the ocean or the jungle). High-interest text examines the features of each organism and pits the organisms against each other in a death match. Readers are often surprised by who wins, and come away with amazing, and often unknown, facts that they’re eager to share. Parents, meanwhile, are thrilled by the level of reading and learning engagement.

The Justin Case series, by Rachel Vail and Matthew Cordell
Having made it through the trials of third grade and summer camp, Justin is now facing a new year as a fourth grader. With his usual trepidation, Justin embarks on a year of friendships, tests, and a new challenge: bullies. While readers are able to get some laughs out of Justin’s exaggerated fear of, well, just about everything, there’s a part of Justin that rings true in all of us, and those same readers will find comfort in his apprehension. Add in the very real seriousness of bullying, and you have a story that allows young readers to fully embrace Justin and his experiences.