10 New Chapter Books for Ages 6 to 9, July(ish) 2025
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Chapter books fill the gap between early readers and middle grade books. They have short chapters, simple sentences, accessible vocabulary, relatable plots, and often are in a series. Here are nine new chapter books from the summer and fall of 2025 that I think your growing readers, ages 6 to 9, will love to read.
Remember, chapter book formats can be graphic novel or prose. Both count as reading!
New Chapter Books, July 2025
Box Tales Grow. Strawberries. Grow! written and illustrated by James Burks
I love this book, it’s sooooo cute and funny! Bea and her best friend Box love strawberries. But when Bea’s mom won’t buy more because they’re expensive, Bea and Box are determined to find a way to get more strawberries. Can they choke down the lima beans as a fair trade for strawberries? NO. That won’t work. What if they grow their own? Maybe! They research at the library and have hilarious interactions as they read, learn from their neighbor, plant, wait, protect, and harvest. Because there are many unexpected problems with growing the plants– like WAITING and SQUIRRELS. An absolute delight to read.
Groucho The Grouchy Groundhog: Pancake Panic! written by Lydia Lukdis, illustrated by Tara J. Hannon
FUNNY GRAPHIC NOVEL
Adorable characters, hilarity from the first page, and charming art make this a stand-out, must-read early graphic novel for growing readers. Blork (a half pig, half unicorn) and her neighbor, Groucho, must stop the evil villain Commander Hare E. Bun Bun from stealing all the pancakes in Critter Creek. They devise a no-plan plan, which is slightly confusing, but they forge ahead anyway. Hijinks, misunderstandings, and mayhem ensue and it doesn’t look good for the pancake situation, especially when our heroes get captured. What will they do and how will they stop the villain?
The Faraway Forest Wally’s Route written and illustrated by Debbie Fong (9/9/25)
FRIENDSHIP
In this gentle, sweet story, a mail carrier named Wally and his best friend named Bo who deliver mail throughout the Faraway Forest, always stopping to help anyone who needs it. Wally even delivers in the pouring rain! I love the art and the text size!
Class Pet Ghost Detective by Akeem S. Roberts
MYSTERY GRAPHIC NOVEL
review written by Jemma Taylor
CLASS PET GHOST DETECTIVE is a punchy mystery following Carter, who’s been blamed for the death of his class’ pet naked mole rat. He doesn’t want to believe it until the naked mole rat itself shows up on Carter’s desk—in ghost form! Carter gets to follow leads, investigating suspects, and chasing down the trail, all to clear his name. The story has great male and female characters, expressive art, and fun banter—definitely a worthwhile read for fans of comedy or mystery.
Hedgehog Whodunit written by Heather Preusser, illustrated by Gal Weizman
GRAPHIC NOVEL MYSTERY
When the zoo’s Panda goes missing, Hitch the Hedgehog and his trusty sidekick Vinnie the Rat are on the case! And who is changing the zoo’s signs with red paint? I love this fun, playful, and funny mystery with lovable personality-filled characters, a strong narrative voice, and an intriguing mystery. DON’T MISS THE SECOND BOOK OUT NOW– THE CAROUSEL CAPER!
The Only Ghost in School written and illustrated by Tara J. Hannon
What’s it like to be the new kid at school when you’re a ghost? When Ghostie’s parents get jobs in a human town, he’s less than thrilled. And he’s right–it’s hard to make friends! Sometimes people make fun of him, and other times, they’re scared of him. With humor and heart, this story shows how even when things are tough, it’s possible to make a friend. Full-color illustrations!
Mystery at the Biltmore written by Colleen Nelson, illustrated by Peggy Collins
MYSTERY
If your reader like mysteries but want gentle, low-stakes problems with smart and kind kids, then this will be a great choice. Elodie is a detective in a city apartment building. When Mrs. Vanderhoff’s jewels go missing, the accused housekeeper asks for Elodie’s help. Elodie and her trusty sidekick dog Carnegie and a new, grumpy neighbor kid named Oscar investigate, interview, and follow the clues which lead to . . . an unexpected culprit!
Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret written by Willow Coven, illustrated by Pricilla Burris
MAGICAL REALISM / FANTASY
Lucy is Heidi Heckelbeck’s friend (she has her own book series). In this series about Lucy, Lucy discovers that when she hiccups, she can do magic. Because of that, she gets to use the special magical library for witches. Her teacher, Ms. Egli helps guide her and even teaches Lucy her first spell. Set in the school setting, this is a sweet story for readers who wonder what it would be like to have magic.
Max a Little Axolotl written and illustrated by Jerry Spiotto
FRIENDSHIP
Rescued from his home lake invaded by construction in Mexico, Max is taken to an aquarium where he’s enrolled in school. He meets other aquatic creatures but there are other axolotls like him and often, he’d prefer to be left alone. When he kicks a new friend’s ball into a deep dark cave with a scary monster, Max bravely searches the cave and encounters…a new friend! Big, clear fonts with bold, cute cartoon art tell this sequential story about new beginnings and new friends in an engaging, fun-to-read way.
Wildlife Rescue How to Save an Otter written by Kate Messner
REALISTIC
Riding bikes with their mom, Ivy and Ezra discover an injured otter. Luckily, they know what to do. They don’t feed or touch it and wait for their mom to get a towel and critter crate from the car to safely tranportt the otter to a wildlife hospital. Because they can’t stay, only visit, the siblings help out how they can by holding a towel drive to help the hospital with supplies. Back matter gives tips for being a wildlife hero like the kids in this book.
