60 Popular Illustrated Middle Grade Books
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Would your readers love these popular illustrated middle grade books? Whether your kids are emergent readers or middle grade readers, these excellent books all have text plus illustrations, appealing to readers ages 9 to 12 who love graphic novels! For MANY kids, illustrations make the reading experience more fun, more engaging, and more supportive to comprehension.
Illustrations offer picture support for children who are just learning to read as well as provide a sense of frivolity and delight for children transitioning out of beginning chapter books.
But illustrated middle grade books can be just as enticing for tween readers as well. In fact, you might be surprised to know just how many middle-grade books for ages 9 to 12 also include illustrations. You’ll soon see just how many…
Popular Illustrated Middle Grade Books for Tween Readers Ages 8 – 12
Bridget Vanderpuff Baked Escape written by Martin Stewart, illustrated by David Habben
FANTASY / HUMOR
I LOVE everything about this story: the writing, the quirky, brave inventor orphan main character, Bridget, the exciting adventures, the humor, and the loving found family– this will be a HUGE hit with kids! Bridget escapes the horrible orphanage and the meanie headmistress when Mr. Vanderpuff, the baker, adopts her. At the bakery, Bridget gets her own room with a big bed, meets the bakery’s elf Pascal, and is fed delicious baked goods that the kindhearted Mr. Vanderpuff bakes. But whenever Bridget tries to bake, her attempts go wrong every time, whether she’s cracking eggs or making buttercream. Then the worst thing happens — Mr. Vanderpuff is kidnapped! Bridget must use her ailed baking attempts and bravery to save him. But will it work?
Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Brian Floca
FANTASY
Princess Cora’s life is learning, bathing, training, and more bathing and she’s sick of it. That’s why she asks her fairy godmother for a pet. She, unexpectedly, gets a crocodile. Although he isn’t exactly what she has in mind, Cora agrees to let the crocodile trade places with her so she can have a day off. And the results are HILARIOUS, ending with a more understanding king and queen who relax on all that they demand from Princess Cora.
J vs. K written by Kwame Alexander, written and illustrated by Jerry Craft
REALISTIC / HUMOR
This story is about two boys (J and K) who are achievement-oriented and extremely competitive with each other. One is a writer, the other is a cartoonist. They both are determined to win the upcoming writing contest. When the realize each other is their biggest competition, things get heated. My favorite parts in this illustrated humorous story are the snarky author notes and tips about writing stories.
One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans
REALISTIC
I love these three unique, wonderful siblings — they stick together and look out for each other. Liam is a responsible, kind big brother in fifth grade. His mom and dad have recently divorced and now their grumpy landlord has given them an ultimatum — they’ll have to give away their German Shepard dog named Cupcake unless her peeing problem gets resolved. This is a beautiful, warm-hearted story that celebrates family, unique personalities, and the richness in having a dog. If you like the Penderwicks or the Vanderbeekers, you will love this book, too.
Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield
ANIMAL FICTION
With delicious figurative language and deliberate word choice, this is a stunningly beautiful story about family, community, and grief. After the death of her father, Cress and her family move from their cozy burrow into the Broken Arms oak tree ruled by a cranky Owl with a noisy neighbor squirrel family. There, Cress helps her mom collect moths to pay their rent, leaving her mom time to work and gather ingredients for her sickly brother’s tea. As Cress navigates her new environment, the natural world, and the stories around her, it helps her understand her inner world, especially how grief waxes and wanes like the moon’s cycles.
Explorer Academy Vela: The Sailor Cipher written by Trudi Trueit, illustrated by Kadijah Khatib
ADVENTURE
In this new series, we follow Sailor’s adventures on a new and improved boat called Vela. But just as she’s about to start classes, Sailor learns that her sister is missing and it might be due to her work for a secret organization. Despite worrying about her sister, Sailor needs to go undercover to find the mole in the secret organization, keep attending classes, and keep her powers of animal communication a secret. Action, intrigue, and adventure — plus great illustrations and writing make this a stand-out first book of a new must-read series.
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All written and illustrated by Chanel Miller
REALISTIC
Magnolia’s parents own a laundromat in New York City. Her new friend Iris from California suggests that Magnolia find the owners of the lost socks on the embarrassing lost sock bulletin board. Magnolia uses her knowledge of their customers to find the owners, which helps them learn the backstories and secrets of many people, as well as showing Iris the city. Magnolia experiences growing pains in her new friendship and growth in other relationships as she sees the beautiful, diverse, and kind community all around her.
The Minor Miracle: The Amazing Adventures of Noah Minor written by Meredith Davis, illustrated by Billy Yong
SUPERHERO
Noah learns he is a gravitas and can train to be an agent to do good in the world. But he also learns that his uncle is a fugitive and his uncle wants Noah’s help to unlock the secret capsule he stole from Gravitas. Noah struggles to learn and control his powers and he’s swayed by his persuasive, manipulative uncle until he realizes his uncle erased his best friend’s memories. This is an entertaining story of growing up with superpowers and making good choices.
Jerry Let Me See the Moon written and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
PARANORMAL
Illustrated and fast-paced, this unique adventure takes place in a secret city that Jerry’s dad built for were-people. But the full-moon opening ceremony party goes terribly wrong with people’s animal instincts taking over, making the apex predators dangerous to everyone else. Even worse, no one is shifting completely back–they’re stuck partially as animals! This is a BIG problem because a suspicious news crew is trying to uncover the town’s secret. How will Jerry and his new friends solve the problem and keep the weres safe from discovery?
Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
REALISTIC
Leeva’s horrible Matilda-like parents ask her sarcastically, What are people for? And Leeva, who isn’t allowed to go to school and does the chores, cooking, and other tasks to help her parents become rich and famous, decides to investigate the question. She discovers the library and books — but more than that, she discovers kind new friends, including the librarian and her grandson and two kids her age. She realizes that people help you not be lonely because they share life with you…and hugs are a nice bonus, too. I love the writing and the message of both kindness and good things from books!
Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs
FANTASY
Hilarious, illustrated, and perfect for fantasy and adventure fans! Tim and his sister Belinda are peasants who hope to improve their lot in life so they sign up as knights for a not-very-brave prince and his so-called magician sidekick to find and rescue Princess Grace from a monster. Helpful foreshadowing, a strong narrative voice, and humor throughout aren’t all that this book brings to readers, it also includes helpful life lessons from Belinda about the patriarchy and great vocabulary words (which are helpfully indicated so your parents will know the IQ benefits).
Afia and the Land of Wonders written and illustrated by Mia Araujo
FANTASY
Fantasy fans will love this magical and mesmerizing adventure that is inspired (but better) than Alice in Wonderland. Afia is a curious girl who is craving adventure. She leaves her beloved twin sister and closed community but gets tricked and trapped by a shape-shifting wood carver’s master, an abusive queen of an enchanted castle in a magical, slightly wacky land. A masked ghost helps Afia escape the queen’s palace, but she won’t escape the queen’s clutches for long. Lush color illustrations illuminate the dazzling story.
Stuntboy in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raul the Third
SUPERHERO
Portico wants to be a superhero and he dubs himself Stuntboy, which means doing cool things to help other people in his community, including other superheroes like his best friend Zola. But his parents are separating and fighting all the time and it makes Portico anxious. Not to mention, his neighbor kid Herbert is the worst. Relatable, funny, and adventurous, this is an amazing book that tackles big issues with humor and heart.
Dungeoneer Adventures by Ben Costa, illustrated by James Parks
FANTASY
Coop is the only human at the Dungeoneer Academy. He feels alone and fears failure but it’s his lifelong dream to be an explorer. Luckily, his best friend Oggie (a bugbear) and two other new friends on his team stick together to survive the bullying Coop faces at school and the life-or-death jungle trial in which they experience trouble with their team, unexpected attacks, and a monster spider. The stakes are high–if they fail the trial, they’ll be kicked out of the school forever. It’s a fun-to-read, illustrated, and fast-paced fantastical adventure!
The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity written by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Brett Helquist
NONFICTION
You will love the incredible writing, the fun illustrations, the biographical information about the curious, brilliant, and distractable Leonardo Da Vinci, the other art heists from the poorly guarded Louvre (one involving Pablo Picasso), the burgeoning science of fingerprints to replace France’s ear-measuring methodology and the surprising, eventual discovery of the Mona Lisa. Interestingly, the Mona Lisa wasn’t a well-known painting until this art heist in 1911. And the Louvre wasn’t well-attended until after this dramatic theft. The theft was dramatic because the thief simply walked out with the stolen painting tucked under his shirt. Remember, this was long before decent security and video surveillance. Highly recommended!
Growing Home written by Beth Ferry
ANIMAL FRIENDSHIP
If you like quiet books, read this illustrated middle grade novel about friendship and family next! It stars two plants, a grumpy fish, and a spider with a broken leg who live at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive. Their quiet days are interrupted by the discovery of their magical powers that help them fight a fish tank-stealing thief.
Chronicles or Whetherwhy written by Anna James, illustrated by David Wyatt
FANTASY
In a uniquely imagined world with four seasons of magic, Juniper is a twin with Enchanter spring magic who gets sent to a special academy, leaving her brother Rafferty, who has small Summer magic, at home. But on her way to the Thistledown Academy, Juniper is attacked by a sinister group of people who take her magic using a strange-looking bulb. Meanwhile, Rafferty follows his sister to the city and apprentices at a bookbindery where he joins the mysterious Papercut society. Will the adults with nefarious, greedy intentions defeat the siblings and their friends? A magical, adventurous plot!
Return to Sender written and illustrated by Vera Brosel
MAGICAL REALISM
After his dad dies, Oliver acts as the grown-up taking care of his mom who has descended into grief. When they inherit his great aunt’s apartment, Oliver discovers a magical mail slot that grants his wishes. Of course, he uses the wishes to fit in at his new school and even gives a few wishes to a new friend. But Oliver wants more and more and ignores the possible consequences of his actions until something truly terrible happens. A compelling read about grief, greed, family, and friendship.
The Little Match Girl Strikes Back written by Emma Carroll, illustrated by Lauren Child
FAIRY TALE REBOOT / HISTORICAL FICTION
With stunning black, white, gray, and red illustrations, this is a quick but compelling read set in Victorian England that improves upon the famous Hans Christian Anderson story about a little matchgirl. In this story, Bridie lives with a loving little brother and mother. She sells matches to help feed the family while her mother makes them at the match factory. The factory’s conditions aren’t just awful; the phosphorous fumes are toxic to the workers. Starving and hoping for a better future, she blows her last three matches, wishing as she does. Her wishes help her find the courage to get a reporter involved and organize a worker’s strike.
Beneath the Swirling Sky (The Restorationists) written by Carolyn Leiloglou, illustrated by Vivienne To
FANTASY
When his little sister Lili wanders INTO a painting–and doesn’t come out, Vincent learns that his family can travel into paintings. His cousin Georgia leads him through paintings, corridors, and museums to find Lili. They track Lili to where she’s been kidnapped by a mysterious Lady. But they are captured, too. Forced to attend the Lady’s training, it becomes clear that the Lady is using stolen children and art to gain power and wealth. Even still, Vincent never expects the horrifying truth of who the Lady really is! Fast-paced and exciting with unique world-building, this art-filled, faith-implied, illustrated adventure will captivate readers from cover to cover.
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
HUMOR
SO funny and a quick read! Learn some valuable cow trivia in this hilarious adventure of two pranksters who (eventually) work together to pull off the biggest prank of all time — a prank that will ensure they get April Fool’s Day off from school. The entire series is great. Your kids will zip through them, laughing all the way.
The Truth About 5th Grade written by Kim Tomsic and Mark Parisi
REALISTIC
If your kids like reading books in a first-person diary format, and most kids do, they will love this book that alternates the narrative perspectives of best friends Charli and Alex! These best friends’ opposite personalities are evidenced in their diaries and entertaining from start to finish. Dramatic Charli gets mad at best friend Alex, whom she thinks has betrayed her by revealing her crush. Alex has no idea why Charli is acting mad, so he decides to ignore it. This is a relatable, cute, and funny story about 5th-grade life and friendship with misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and revenge! You won’t be able to put this one down.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
REALISTIC
Parallel stories about two different people — Ben and Rose — who each secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother’s room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing. One story is told completely in illustrations.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
ADVENTURE / SURVIVAL
Roz is a robot alone on an island with only animals. To survive, she figures out how to live in the wild despite the animals seeing her as a monster. That changes when Roz adopts a gosling and makes a nest. It’s a meaningful story of family, love, and community that consistently garners passionate readers.
The Doll People by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin, illustrated by Brian Selznick
REALISTIC + MAGIC
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 illustrated chapter book adventure of the dolls in a dollhouse that are real and do come to life when we’re not watching. (Just like you thought!)
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones, illustrations by Katie Kath
MAGICAL REALISM
The book is written as letters from a girl named Sophie, who is newly living at the farm of her deceased great-uncle Jim. She writes to her dead abuelita, her dead great-uncle Jim, and Agnes of the Extraordinary Chickens catalog. While her parents are figuring out their new lives, Sophie figures out the farm. Specifically, the magical chickens who seem to have telekinesis, invisibility, and carnivorous chicks. What!? Unfortunately, a neighbor chicken thief is also interested in Jim’s magical chickens, too — and Sophie must use her wits to stop her. Exceptional writing, characterization, and plot!
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier, illustrated by Douglas Colgate
PARANORMAL (series)
This hilarious story makes the zombie apocalypse sounds like a fun adventure. Jack and his best friend, Quint, live in an upgraded, well-defended treehouse where they plan to first rescue his crush June (she doesn’t need rescuing being quite capable) and then fight zombies. Illustrations throughout make this even more appealing to read and imagine. Delightful. Who would have thought?! BOXED SET HERE.
Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink, illustrated by Jon Bozak
REALISTIC
The Way of the Warrior Kid is a self-help book of sorts wrapped in a fictional story that is engaging and interesting to read. Marc’s Navy SEAL Uncle Jake stays for the summer and in that time, transforms Marc’s life in three months. Marc starts out as a discouraged bad-at-math, weak, average kid who gets picked on by a bully but he decides to take his uncle’s advice and try a different approach. Marc learns discipline, persistence, daily habits, and even how to learn — and it transforms his life.
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, this chapter book series will crack you up. BOX SET HERE.
Anyone But Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp, illustrated by Barbara Cantini
HUMOR
Ivy’s totally clueless, lovable, and so very quirky. Before we read this book together, I read many parts out loud to my kids while I was previewing this book because it was just so funny!! Now my kids are addicted, too. Ivy’s adventures involve a sinister ghost, a mystical jewel, and a surprising destiny.
Treasure Hunters by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, illustrated by Juliana Neufeld
ADVENTURE (series)
The life of the four Kidd siblings isn’t typical — they live on a boat and their parents are treasure hunters. Unfortunately, not only is their mom missing but their father went overboard in a bad storm. Now they’re on their own and need money to survive. The only way they know is to find a treasure and sell it. But danger is around every wave; they’re not sure who to trust. This is a fast, action-packed adventure that sets the tone for more books to come.
The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris and Alec Azam, illustrated by Lissy Marlin and Kyle Hilton
MYSTERY
Carter’s had a rough life, even now after he runs away from his crook of an uncle and lands in a New England town. There he encounters unsavory carnival people who remind him of his uncle. At the town’s magic shop, Carter meets a young girl and her fathers who love magic just like him. He and his new kid friends set out to thwart the carnie’s plot to steal the world’s biggest diamond. And maybe in the process, his luck will turn around. Through the book are ciphers, codes, and tricks giving this already delightful story extra oomph.
Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
SCI-FI
Sky moves to Area 51, a sanctuary for aliens, where her new guardian, her uncle. She’s sad that she can’t ever leave Area 51 or see her beloved grandma again but she makes friend with an alien boy at school. When a group of aliens is abducted, all clues point to Sky’s uncle. She and her friends try to solve who the culprit really is. It’s a funny mystery, adventure, and friendship story with aliens and illustrations!
Harry Potter Illustrated Editions by J.K. Rowling
FANTASY
Harry Potter’s rich fantasy hero’s journey story is now in an oversized, illustrated chapter book format. Readers who haven’t yet read this series, or who want to read it again, completely adore the magical illustrations. Don’t miss this new format! (Also read: Harry Potter Potions Class, Harry Potter Spells, and Good Books Like Harry Potter.)
Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin
FANTASY
Snow and Rose are two sisters who with their mother live in the woods after their father disappeared in those same woods. The girls befriend both a young boy from a mushrooming family and a large bear. Danger comes from the Huntsman and the sinister Little Man who seeks to enchant them or kill them. Surprisingly, this is a Grimm story with a happy ending . . . which I won’t spoil. Marvelous storytelling!
Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
REALISTIC / IMMIGRATION
Pie in the Sky is an insightful, funny, and poignant look at the struggles of immigrating to a new country (Australia) and the difficulties of learning English along with growing up and grieving the loss of a father. Jingwen’s observations and wit make him a likable main character and the illustrations capture the depth and flavors of his experiences. He likens learning English with becoming human. After school with his brother, he bakes the cakes that his father wanted to include at his dream Pie in the Sky bakery. It’s a coming of age story that is both salty and sweet, the perfect blend, and possibly my favorite middle grade book of the entire 2019 year. (Sensitive readers, the main character says cr#p but it makes sense in context.)
Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
BIOGRAPHY
Masterfully plotted and beautifully written, Alexander writes Cassius’s life in first-person verse, alternating with Patterson who writes in prose from the point of view of Cassius’s good friend, Lucky. Enthralling from the first page, this book gives readers the perfect details to set the stage for the man that Cassius becomes, the boxer and the activist. His parents don’t encourage boxing, preferring academics, but Cassius is terrible at school. When he finds boxing, it becomes a powerful outlet not to mention, something at which he finally excels.
Voyage of the Frostheart by Jamie Littler
FANTASY
Voyage of the Frostheart is a fantastic, illustrated adventure chapter book story about an orphan boy with forbidden musical powers. After Ash’s Pathfinder parents disappear, Ash moves in with a strict guardian Yeti named Tobu. Unfortunately, they’re banished from their home when Ash uses his forbidden Song Weaver magic. They leave the village with a Pathfinder crew, a ship that sails over the snow. On their journey, Ash realizes that he can find his parents using the words in his childhood lullaby. But he’ll be tried, tested, and tricked. Who will he trust? And which side will he choose — light or dark?
The Beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggitt-Phillips, illustrated by Isabelle Follath
FANTASY / FUNNY
If you like snarky illustrated books that make you laugh, don’t miss this entertaining fantasy. Ebenezer, a man over 500 years old, is kept alive by a monstrous Beast who gives him youth cream in return for exotic foods…and now the Beast wants to eat a child. Still wanting to be youthful, Ebenezer adopts the rudest girl at a local orphanage, Bethany, and begins to fatten her up. She is horrid for a while until she’s not…and Ebenezer feels so bad that he confesses his evil plan. Together, find a solution to get rid of the Beast and get a happy ending! (Or do they?)
The House with a Dragon in It written by Nick Lake, illustrated by Emily Gravett
FANTASY (ILLUSTRATED)
The title is a bit misleading because this story isn’t about a dragon. It is, however, about a foster girl named Summer who bargains with a dragon, releases a witch from a bottle, and makes wishes that go terribly wrong. (I know, a bit predictable.) The last third of the book was the best part, with more dramatic tension and intrigue than before, and I ended up liking the sweet conclusion.
The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr, illustrated by Katie Harnett
FANTASY
Beautiful storytelling! Grisha is a dragon who spends a few hundred years enchanted as a teapot. Once he’s a dragon again, he meets a lonely girl whose first and only friend is him. Grisha slowly begins to remember that an evil wizard has imprisoned other dragons. He and Maggie decide to find the missing dragons and free them— no matter the cost. And there will be a cost. The ending is HEARTBREAKING but so, so good.
Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol
MYSTERY
Elizabeth, an orphan, is unexpectedly sent to a large, stately hotel with a kind, grandfatherly proprietor for Christmas vacation. There, she discovers a magical book, a sinister couple, a family mystery, and a new friend who loves puzzles as much as she does. The writing is mesmerizing, the mystery fascinating, and the characters, enchanting. This is a delightful, atmospheric read.
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly
ADVENTURE / HISTORY / FANTASY
This is the story of three children in medieval France and tackles big issues such as faith, God, prejudice, friendship, and family. The writing, the story, the characters, and the themes all pack a big punch adding up to a compelling novel that will make you think deeply and leave you changed. (Sensitive readers: there are a few swear words and two scenes with a lot of blood.)
Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye: A Novel by Tania Del Rio, illustrated by Will Staehle
MYSTERY
I loved this quirky mystery book so very much — Warren has inherited his family’s hotel but since he’s still a child, his no-good uncle is in charge. This means that Warren is the bellhop, valet, groundskeeper, and errand boy for very few hotel guests in the once-popular hotel. His uncle’s new wife is up to something and she and her witch sisters reveal that they’re searching for the powerful “All-Seeing Eye” which attracts many mysterious guests who destroy the hotel in pursuit of this treasure. Warren needs allies and ideas about where to search so he can discover the treasure first and save his family’s hotel.
Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata, illustrated by Marianna Raskin
REALISTIC / ANIMAL RESCUE
Looking for a sweet story of animal rescue? Becca is a triplet who doesn’t feel special until she adopts a stray pig. Because he will grow to be 600 lbs, she can only keep him for a while before he’ll go to an animal rescue. Despite his destructive behavior, Becca falls head over heels in love with her crazy pig, Saucy. Unfortunately, he bites her mom and must leave early for his new home, a devastating event for the entire family including grandma. But, Saucy and her brothers find out about a pig factory with deplorable conditions. They rescue even more pigs which helps them with their sadness.
Timeless Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar
DYSTOPIAN / FANTASY
Lush, full-color illustrations (over 150!) fill this dramatic science fiction adventure in one of the most uniquely imagined worlds I’ve read. 13-year old Diego lives in New Chicago post-Time Collision. Now, in the present, the Steam Timers, the Mid Timers, the Elders, and other groups coexist peacefully after a terrible world war. But it’s a fragile peace. When Diego’s dad, the leading engineer for the territories, and his colleague are kidnapped by a splinter group, Diego and his friends set out on a rescue mission where they’re immediately captured by pirates. The action is non-stop, the plot is skillfully crafted, and the characters, both boys and girls, are interesting.
The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome by Jonathan Stokes, illustrated by David Sossella
HISTORY
If Ancient Rome is your preferred destination, you’ll need your handy handbook close by to make sure you survive — which seems to be unlikely since, since as the book says, “Rome is an absolute deathtrap.” Filled with tongue in cheek hilarity while also being boldly informative about the historical topic! These are my new favorite history book series.
MORE BOOK LISTS
Hello! Do you have any suggestions of chapter books for ages 9 to 12 that have color illustrations? I have an almost 10-year-old daughter who LOVES to read but was also a bit of a struggling reader the past few years. We are big fans of graphic novels (she’ll read approximately one graphic novel per day). I’ve noticed that she often sees the cover of a chapter book she’s interested in, but she’ll open it up and discover it has black-and-white illustrations, and immediately put it back on the shelf, even when it aligns perfectly with her interests. (Example: She loves sewing and fashion design and was very excited about the “Craftily Ever After” series until she opened the book and saw the black-and-white illustrations.) She also loves to be read aloud to, so we do read longer text-heavy chapter books together. She’s still a big reader, and I’m happy to keep her supplied with a steady stream of graphic novels, but I would love to know if there are chapter books with color illustrations for a slightly older audience than say, Princess in Black, which she has long ago moved past. She’s currently loving Raina Telgemeier books, Cleopatra in Space, Babysitter’s Club graphic novels, and Shannon Hale’s Best Friends series. I feel like she’s eager to read bigger chapter books (she surprised me by starting Land of Stories recently!), but generally the turn-off of the b/w illustrations seems to be getting in her way.
One of my favorite book series with color illustrations is the Explorer Academy books from National Geographic Kids. It might not be up her alley, but it’s a fantastic adventure, mystery, and friendship story so I’d at least give it a try.
Cress Watercress, a sweet story about grief and finding your place in the world, has gorgeous color illustrations as do the Harry Potter illustrated books.
Finally, Timeless Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar, is an exciting dystopian adventure with SO many beautiful color illustrations. I love that book!
Good luck! Let me know how it goes.
Thanks! I didn’t realize Cress and Explorer Academy were in color! Those do look good.
We love the illustrated Harry Potter books and recently finished the latest one only to find out that Jim Kay will no longer be illustrating the series! My kids are bummed that it’ll likely be a long wait for the next one.
Anyway, thanks for the tips. The next time she’s excited about a series but rejects it because of the b/w illustrations, I think I’m just going to buy them and suggest that she color them in herself— ha!
Love that idea, Jennifer! Good luck!
The Wind Riders series of books by Jen Marlin are beautifully illustrated chapter books that aren’t too difficult a read but a step up from things like Princess in Black. My kids love them and they are 7 and 9.
Thank you for the suggestion, Penny! I’ll see if I can find them at my library.