50 Best Boxed Book Series Sets for Kids and Teens
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Give the gift of reading with the best boxed book series for kids and teens. Once you get kids hooked on a book series, it will keep children reading for hours, days, and weeks.
These are chapter and middle grade books series that are just too good to put down.
When should you give children a box set of books? Holidays like Christmas or birthdays or anytime…just for fun. (Or if you’re at home during quarantine and not able to get to your school or library.)
And to whom would you give a boxed set?
Any child in your life.
Book series boxed sets make great gifts for godchildren, nieces or nephews, grandkids, or your own children.
Remember, you’re giving more than books. You’re giving kids and teens an opportunity; an opportunity to immerse themselves in stories and improve their reading skills.
Best Boxed Book Series Sets for KidsÂ
Beginning Readers Ages 5 – 6
Learn to Read with TUG THE PUP and Friends Box Set 1 Guided Reading Levels A-C
These aren’t your average dull as dirt easy readers. (Thank, God!) The little books will keep your child’s attention with interesting plots, lovable characters, and engaging illustrations. Each box set contains 11 stories, 1 parent guide, and stickers.
Set 1 – Beginning Readers (12 books)
Set 2 – Advancing Beginners (12 books)
Set 3 – Word Families (10 books)
Set 4 – Complex Words (8 books)
Set 5 – Long Vowels (8 books)
I really like the Bob Books and how they made reading accessible for my daughter. Plus, these easy reader books are short and sweet. The illustrations are line drawings with only a few splashes of one color per picture. JJ also LOVED the Bob Books on the iPad because reading the word correctly meant the pictures got colored in.
Curious George Math and Science ReadersÂ
STEM Reading ProgramÂ
A content-rich easy readers series about topics like shapes, growing a garden, the weather, patterns, the number 10, healthy bodies, and more. A simple sentence on each page is accompanied by a colorful illustration on the opposite page. Each book includes a glossary at the front of STEM words, sight words, and study words. Finally, because each book has a card of information for you to help extend the learning.Â
Chapter Book Series Boxed Sets for Ages 6 – 10
Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
FANTASY
Amazingly enough in the first book, this princess is able to fight monsters and have a fun birthday party — even though it keeps getting interrupted. These books celebrate girl power with a heroine who can do it all.
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot The Voodoo Vultures from Venus by Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Dan Santat
SCI-FI
Kudos to Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat for creating such an action-packed, engaging new series for young readers. Plus, the illustrations are marvelous. I predict that once your kid reads this first book, he’ll want all the books in this beginning chapter book series.
Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
FANTASY
This is a kid-favorite, wonderful fantasy series that incorporates the scientific method! Zoey learns that like her scientist mother, she can see magical creatures and begins to assist her mother who helps injured creatures. When her mom leaves town, Zoey must listen for the special doorbell in case a magical animal needs her help. With the help of her cutie cat named Sassafras she helps a sick baby dragon. But that’s only the beginning of her magical animal adventures…
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
MAGICAL REALISM
Dory is one of my favorite book characters because her imagination is THE BEST! She has three imaginary friends: one monster friend, one fairy godmother (who is really a gnome-like man), and one bad lady nemesis. This book is totally hilarious and you’ll love the child-like illustrations — it’s a favorite book series for so many 1st grade kids, too. Also, see all the Dory books here.
The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne
HISTORICAL MYSTERY
A must-read easy chapter book series boxed set for boys and girls that combines mystery, history, magic, and adventure. Siblings Jack and Annie travel in their magic tree house through time to solve mysteries. I highly recommend this series and if you get a chance, listen to them on audiobook, they’re narrated by Mary Pope Osborne herself.
A to Z Mysteries by Rob Roy
MYSTERY
This addictive (and wholesome) chapter book mystery series will keep your kids reading for days. My kids read the books more than once which to me is a sign of excellence! Friends Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve mysteries for every letter of the alphabet. We highly recommend this series, especially for second grade.
Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
HUMOR
Bad Guys is a hysterical, VERY popular book. In the first story, Mr. Wolf invites other bad guys to a meeting with hopes they will join him in being good. Lots of drawings and minimal text make this a sure-bet for first and second-grade readers who like irony and humor. (Note: If you don’t like potty humor, this is not the book for you. I will admit, after a few books, I was DONE.)
Unicorn Academy by Julie Sykes
Well-written and charming, this unicorn book series is sure to entrance many young readers. In this story, Sophia arrives at Unicorn Academy and is paired with the lovely Rainbow. But, she feels guilty for making a new friend and leaving her best pony, Clover, back at home. On top of that, the unicorns’ magic is wonky because the lake is being poisoned. When someone accuses Sophia of doing the poisoning, she and her new friends investigate to find the true culprit.
Who Would Win? by Jerry Pallotta
NONFICTION
Kids can’t get enough of the Who Would Win? books that pit two animals against each other. First, you’ll learn facts about one animal, then you’ll learn about the other, and compare the two as you learn about each. Finally, read what happens when these two creatures face-off.  Can you predict who will win?
Dog Man by Dav Pinkey
GRAPHIC NOVEL / HUMOR
Weird. Quirky. Funny. I think all three describe this new graphic novel from the creator of Captain Underpants. In the first story, a police officer and a dog are joined together — the top from the dog, the bottom from the officer to make: Dog Man. Dog Man solves crimes and has adventures, the likes of which will entertain readers for hours.
ALSO READ:Â Books Like Dog Man
Geronimo Stilton #1 Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye by Geronimo Stilton
MYSTERY
Geronimo Stilton is a newspaper writer/adventurist. These books share his adventures with interesting fonts and colorful illustrations. I personally find the design of the books distracting as did my own kids but for many others, the style adds to the engagement and entertainment factor.
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
HUMOR
In a word: hilarious. Kids think Bad Kitty is very naughty but, oh so funny. These chapter books are addictive to read and fun to reread. Plus, they’re illustrated with only minimal text on every page. What are they about? Bad Kitty –a cat with an attitude — and all her misadventures.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
HUMOR
Mercy lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. They feed her buttered toast and take her for drives in their convertible. One night, Mercy gets scared and decides to sleep with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. Can you imagine what happens next? Hilarious and quirky, this is a fun series filled with many amazing adventures.
Amelia Bedelia Chapter Books by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril
HUMOR
I’ve been enjoying these updated Amelia chapter books by the original author’s son. Her adventures are kid-friendly and relatable like getting a new bike, earning money for a dog, going on a road trip, and more.
The Curious Cat Spy Club by Linda Joy Singleton
MYSTERY
Three kids from seemingly different social circles band together to rescue kittens they find in a dumpster, forming their own detective investigation group. Who could have dumped these innocent kittens? The answer, they find, will surprise everyone. Each book in this lovely, well-written mystery series is about three kind kids who solve mysteries together.
Wow — these are addictive reads! They’re excellent, fast-paced adventures set during significant historical events that are perfect for elementary age kids just getting comfortable with chapter books. Kids will zip through these incredible adventures, learning history in the process. The books always are about a young person trying to survive a historically important, life-changing event such as Pompeii, the Titanic, Pearl Harbor, or the Battle of Gettysburg.
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
HUMOR
Get ready to laugh along with these charming young friends who won’t stop until they find the best way to solve their perplexing troubles, no matter how many ideas they must try.
The Baby-Sitter’s Club by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Raina Telemeter (ages 7+)
REALISTIC
This classic chapter book series is now retold in cartoons! Four best friends work together to handle all sorts of issues — from babysitting to emergencies, to competition from other babysitters. Your kids will love these excellent, addictive stories.
Weird But True
NONFICTION
Full-color photographs highlight tons of really cool facts — weird facts, of course. And kids will love reading them all!
Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
FANTASY
Fairy tales become very real when Alex and Conner (a brother and sister) find themselves taken to the fairy tale world through a book given to them by their grandmother. In the first story, their only way out of the Fairy Tale world is to find the ingredients for a Wishing Spell. Finding the items will be dangerous, mysterious, and life-changing. The stories are non-stop adventures in magical, imaginative worlds. My kids couldn’t put these down. (Neither could I.)
Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady
SCI-FI
Gamers and non-gamers alike who love exciting and dangerous stories won’t want to miss this excellent action-packed series. Jesse’s friend gets an early release of a video game — and it sucks in both boys. They’re literally trapped. Inside the game, they meet a classmate who has been missing for weeks, now a grown-up man in the game. He’s been stuck there for years yet thinks he knows the one way they can get out…
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Laura Park
HUMOR
Rafe’s goal in middle school is to break every single rule. You can imagine how his plan will go, right? Filled with cartoon-like illustrations, these worst years stories will crack your kids up. A favorite gifted boxed set of books for kids!
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
HUMOR
One of the most popular book series ever, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, shares the hilarious story of Greg, in his own words and drawings. Life in middle school is not easy. And Greg is here to prove it! One thing you’ll notice about these books is that kids will read them more than once which is great if you have them all. This boxed set makes a great gift because kids often read these books multiple times over.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
FANTASY
The Percy Jackson middle-grade chapter book series is amazing! Greek gods still exist and so do their kids, half-bloods, or demigods, who have incredible abilities. Unfortunately for these kids, monsters are out to kill them. But, they are also the only ones who can save the world from a war between the Greek gods the Titans. Percy goes to Camp Half-Blood where he gets trained to protect himself… that is until he’s sent on a dangerous quest. Betrayal, adventure, plot twists, and incredible mythological world-building make these stories that kids can’t put down.
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
FANTASY / GRAPHIC NOVEL
This popular graphic novel series tells about two siblings trying to save their mom who was taken to an underground world of elves, demons, robots, and talking animals. Beautiful artwork with compelling characters and an adventurous plot make this a hit with readers.
City Spies Boxed Set by James Ponti
ADVENTURE
Action-packed, every book in this series is a thrilling adventure of five daring kids who are tasked with saving the world through disguises, hacking, breaking and entering, and more. HIGHLY recommended!
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
ADVENTURE / MYSTERY
Even though he’s only 13 years old, Theo knows all about being a lawyer. In fact, to prepare for his career, he gives legal advice to anyone who needs it. But when he learns about a reluctant murder witness, the only witness, who is an illegal immigrant and scared to come forward, Theo must figure out what the right thing to do is.
The Doll People by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin, illustrated by Brian Selznick
MAGICAL REALISM
After discovering her missing aunt’s diary, Annabelle Doll can’t stop wondering about what happened to her aunt and is determined to find out — even at the risk of becoming “Permanent.” Will she leave the safety of her family’s dollhouse to find her aunt? Kids love this enthralling adventure of the dolls in a dollhouse that are real and do come to life when we’re not watching. (Just like you thought!)
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
FANTASY
The best selling children’s book of all time, this is a MUST READ for so many reasons: the brilliant storytelling, a complex and entertaining plot, relatable characters, rich language, essential life lessons about friendship, magic, and bravery, and more. (See all my reasons for reading Harry Potter.) Harry Potter gets kids excited about reading, I can’t say enough good things about it!!
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles (Dealing with Dragons) by Patricia C. Wrede
FANTASY
You’ll love the strong female main character princess named Cimorene who doesn’t want to live the typical princess life. She leaves her home to apprentice herself to a dragon. Just for fun. No prince rescuing needed, thank you very much. In the first story, she must help save her dragon from a group of evil wizards. We LOVE and highly recommend this girl-power dragon boxed set of chapter books.
Both my kids (and I) loved the Warriors series about a unique clan civilization of wild cats. It follows the story of a former house cat who joins ThunderClan. Not everyone accepts this former domestic cat. He’ll have to prove himself in order to help his clan fight the menacing ShadowClan. Because these are fast-paced and addictive, your kids will want the boxed set!
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
FANTASY / ADVENTURE
Fantastic world-building, complex plot development, and characters you’ll adore… Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life, probably because Sophie has a BIG secret—she’s a telepath and not even a human. She leaves the human world for the Elvin world but she’ll face danger from both worlds; danger that has to do with her past. Her only hope is to regain her lost memories…
Choose Your Own Adventure 4-Book Boxed Set by R.A. Montgomery
ADVENTURE
Get. a box set of four bestselling titles from the classic gamebook series!
Lockwood & Co by Jonathan Stroud
GHOST ADVENTURE
Dangerous ghosts and spirits appear everywhere in London, but only certain kids can see them. Teens Lucy, Anthony, and George badly need money for their ghost-hunting agency, Lockwood & Co., so they take a perilous job that, if the ghosts have their way, may just be their last. An enthralling, spooky adventure series kids won’t be able to put down.
The Ruins of Gorlan: Ranger’s Apprentice by John A. Flanagan
FANTASY
Will is apprenticed to become a Ranger, a job he’s unsure about. But as he develops a relationship with his master and learns what being a Ranger is all about (spying for the kingdom,) and comes to embrace his new life. When an old enemy of the kingdom sends out dangerous beasts to attack Will’s master, Will is instrumental in getting help and killing the creatures. Action, fantasy, adventure, friendship, excellent writing — this book series has it all! Ranger’s Apprentice is a must-read, mesmerizing epic fantasy you’ll want to own in a boxed set.
Best YA Book Series Boxed Sets for Teens
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
SCI-FI
Set on Mars in a color-coded caste society, Darrow, a low-caste Red, infiltrates the ruling Gold caste’s special training school. He trains to kill, lead armies, plan battle strategies with any failure leading to enslavement or death. Every book in this unique sci-fi series is addicting — I dare you to put it down; it’s one of my favorite books EVER. *some mature content — nudity and swearing
Steelheart (The Reckoners Series) by Brandon Sanderson
SCI-FI
An epic can’t-put-down sci-fi adventure series typical of Sanderson’s unique worlds with crazy plot twists and turns and non-stop action. In this YA book series, the Epics are super-powerful individuals who have extraordinary powers, no goodness, and control the cities. David’s father was killed by Chicago’s Epic, Steelheart. Now David wants revenge so he joins the Reckoners to assassinate as many Epics as he can. But that’s only the beginning of this fight… (I couldn’t put this book series down!)
The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
FANTASY
Epic fantasy stories weave together a world of magical creatures where evil is threatening the land. The writing is complex, detailed, and intense. A boxed set makes the perfect gift for readers who love this type of writing. My teen reread this series multiple times.
Cinder
(Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer SCI-FI
This is a great series for teens or tweens who are transitioning from middle grade to YA books. When Prince Kai asks Cinder, a human with cyborg parts, to fix something for him, she becomes entangled in a plot which puts her life at risk and the entire country’s fate is hanging in the balance. And, it turns out she’s not who she thinks she is. This is an AMAZING can’t-put-it-down series based on the fairy tales like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Red Riding Hood! And, every book is just as good as the previous book.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
REALISTIC / ROMANCE
Mia’s trying to remember what happened after her entire family was killed in a car accident. She’s trapped in a broken body and wondering if she has a life worth living anymore. It’s grief, it’s hope, it’s despair, it’s everything. . . it’s un-unputdownable. SO, so powerful!
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
HISTORICAL / FANTASY
Part historical (ancient Rome) and part fantasy, Elias and Laia live in a world that enslaves them both in different ways — Elias to fight and Laia to serve and spy. This is an epic page-turning series with lots of mystery, action, and a hint of romance. It’s SO good that it’s one of the most popular YA books right now.
Legend
DYSTOPIAN / ACTION / ROMANCE
These mesmerizing stories pit a wealthy elite girl prodigy, June, against a slum-kid criminal named Day. June’s brother is supposedly murdered by Day so she decides to hunt him down. But, the truth is that the country is manipulating them both. Teens who like action plus romance will enjoy this series.
Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Mayberry
ZOMBIE
I didn’t even know what a zombie really was until I read this book. I wanted to give the zombie fiction a try. Surprisingly, I really loved it. Benny is required to become a zombie hunter with no choice. But what happens when you’re supposed to kill zombies who were your former friends and family? The author skillfully makes the zombies somewhat sympathetic –a difficult task to be sure. It’s an absolutely compelling story and hard to put down– gift this to your reluctant reader teens!
The Selection by Kiera Cass
ROMANCE
Well-written and very popular, this boxed set for teens is about a selection process for the next princess. Many girls like this love triangle story filled with drama and political intrigue. I didn’t make it through all the books — only the first three — because this type of book isn’t my cup of tea but they’re a great choice for kids who like romance.
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, et.al
SCI-FI
Because these books zip along with fast-paced adventure and action, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop reading! John isn’t a human teenager, he’s one of 9 Loric children who were sent to Earth when their planet was attacked by the evil Mogadorians. He moves around a lot with his guardian to escape these alien killers who can only kill the kids in numerical order…Now that he’s come of age, he develops his Legacies — powers that will help him survive. But one, two, and three have been killed already. John is next.
Book Lists By Age
Easy Reader Books for 5- and 6- year oldsÂ
Beginning / Easy Chapter Books for 6- and 7- Year Olds
Books for 8-year olds
Books for 9-year olds
Books for 10-year olds
Books for 11-year olds
Books for 12-year olds
YA Books
Book Lists By Genre
Adventure Books for Kids
Fantasy Books for Kids
Funny Books for Kids
Historical Fiction Books for Kids
Mystery Books for Kids
Nonfiction Books for Kids
Realistic Books for Kids
Science Fiction Books for Kids
ALL Picture Book Reviews
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