New Beginning Chapter Books to Build Reading Momentum

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If you have kids who are beginning to transition from early readers to beginning chapter books, you’ll want to know what new and amazing book choices you have. Here are (mostly) recently published books I recommend ranging from animal adventures to misunderstood soccer players.
For even more book recommendations, visit all my recommendations: Best Books for 5- and 6- Year Olds and Best Books for 7- Year Olds.

New Beginning Chapter Books to Build Reading Momentum

Catnapped! Puppy Pirates Review New Beginning Chapter Books to Build Reading Momentum
Catnapped! Puppy Pirates
by Erin Soderbergh (ages 6 – 8)
Calling all dog lovers! Read about the most awesome pirate puppies who due to an unfortunate prank one pulled, are now prisoners on the pirate kitten’s ship –with no escape. This is a charming and funny rollicking adventure and #3 in the new Puppy Pirate series. See also: Puppy Pirates #1 Stowaway and Puppy Pirates #2 x Marks the Spot. 
Mouse Scouts Review New Beginning Chapter Books to Build Reading Momentum
Mouse Scouts: Make a Difference
 #2
by Sarah Dillard  (ages 6 – 8)
Six new Mouse Scouts and friends share adventures as they seek new merit badges. In this story, the girls must to work together to rescue a . . . CAT! What a sweet new illustrated series for beginning chapter book readers. See also Mouse Scouts #1.
Misty Inn Runaway Pony review early chapter book recommendation for horse lovers
Marguerite Henry’s Misty Inn Runaway Pony #3
by Kristin Earhart  (ages 6 – 8)
While their parents finish fixing up the recently purchased house to be a bed and breakfast, siblings Willa and Ben help their grandmother take care of the pony’s she’s rehabilitating. Both kids can’t figure out why the pony’s keep escaping but they do know that they’d be the perfect new owners for Starbuck, their favorite pony. Children will find this to be a well-written and easy-to-read story with an interesting plot, especially for animal-lovers. It might be fun to read one of the books which inspired these stories such as Misty of Chincioteqgue, — but have an adult read it aloud because it’s a more difficult reading level.  See other books in this easy chapter book series: Buttercup Mystery #2 and Welcome Home #1.
Oona Finds an Egg review early chapter book recommendation for kids ages 6 to 8
The Oodlethunks: Oona Finds an Egg
by Adele Griffin, illustrated by Mike Wu  (ages 6 – 8)
Oona brings home a gigantic egg that she hopes will hatch into a wonderful pet. At school after her opposable thumb exercises and tall tale telling, she learns that Egg needs a habitat so she makes Egg a habitat. A wild adventure of stolen Egg and hatching at the neighbors who wants to keep him, Oona gets to keep her new pet Steg! I love this story and adore Oona’s family because they defy all stereotypes about cave-people — the dad is quit the cook (crepes with mushrooms, anyone?) and the mom is the hunter / gatherer for the family.
Balto of the Blue Dawn review beginning chapter book recommendation for kids ages 6 to 8
Balto of the Blue Dawn
by Mary Kate Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca  (ages 6 – 8)
Ready for another enjoyable and educational adventure from this inspired historical-adventure beginning chapter book series? In this Magic Tree House book, Jack and Annie travel to the cold north in 1925 where they must save lives by getting medicine through a blizzard to a sled dog team led by a dog named Balto.
Dogsledding and Extreme Sports nonfiction chapter book for beginning readers
Dogsledding and Extreme Sports: A nonfiction companion to Magic Tree House #54 by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, illustrated by Carlo Molinari  (ages 6 – 8)
I learned a lot from this little book; it’s packed full of interesting information about many extreme sports such as open water swimming, the Iditarod, and the X Games.
Einstein the Class Hamster REVIEW good beginning funny chapter books
Einstein The Class Hamster
by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian  (ages 6 – 8)
Einstein, like his namesake, is super smart. His dream is to host a game show for the class but since he’s a hamster, that’s a problem. But one student, Ned, can actually hear Einstein talking. Will Ned help Einstein get his big chance while the teacher naps? Filled with awesome cartoon-like illustrations, hilarity, and trivia, this is sure to be a hit with beginning readers. Also see the other book in the series: Einstein the Class Hamster and the Very Real Game Show.
Lola Levine Is Not Mean REVIEW realistic beginning chapter book with diversity
Lola Levine Is Not Mean
by Monica Brown (ages 6 – 8)
Second-grade soccer-loving Lola, daughter of a Peruvian mom and Jewish dad, is misunderstood. Her classmates think she’s mean but really she’s just a competitive person. When she accidentally hurts someone’s ankle playing soccer, she feels terrible especially since her classmates say she’s mean. But, things turn around for Lola when her class does science time with her brother’s kindergarten class. Loved the diversity and the topic — many kids will be able to relate to this charming story. See also: Lola Levine: Drama Queen.
Bookmarks are People Too! REVIEW Realistic chapter book for growing readers
Here’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too! #1
by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver  (ages 6 – 8)
Hank’s brain freezes up when he talks to people — and when he tries out for his class play. That’s why he gets the part of the bookmark. But, when the lead actor flubs his lines, Hank jumps in to save the play from disaster. I love Hank’s relatable character to whom learning doesn’t come easily, it’s a easy to read, well-written beginning illustrated chapter book series for readers transitioning to chapter books. See also: A Short Tale About a Long Dog #2, Stop That Frog! #3, and Fake Snakes and Weird Wizards #4.
The Story of Diva and Flea REVIEW
The Story of Diva and Flea
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi  (ages 6 – 8) 
An unlikely friendship of a small, pampered dog and a savvy street cat teach the friends new things about their worlds with a very satisfying ending.
Princess in Black Perfect Princess Party REVIEW
The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party
by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham  (ages 6 – 8)
Amazingly enough, this princess is able to fight monsters and have a fun birthday party — even though it keeps getting interrupted.
Written And Drawn By Henrietta REVIEW
Written And Drawn By Henrietta a Toon Level 3 Book by Liniers (ages 5 – 7)
This isn’t an easy chapter book but it’s SUCH a wonderful early reader book for children who are developing as readers and writers! It’s about a young writer who gets new colored pencils that inspire her to write and illustrate a story. As it continues, we see her discussing the plotting with her cat — it’s such a great example of the story writing process!! LOVE! Also see: The Big Wet Balloon by Liniers.
book recommendations for kids transitioning to easy, beginning chapter books
also read: Sight Words Apps for Kids, Reading Apps for Kids

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  1. Just what I’ve been looking for! Thank you!!! Just saved us A LOT of time at the Public Library. You have a bunch of other good lists of books. I appreciate you including the age range for each book you list. It helps so much.