Motivating SCHOLASTIC BRANCHES Chapter Books

I love the Scholastic BRANCHES “Pick a Series, Grow a Reader” chapter books because they keep kids motivated to read with something for everyone.

There are book series about so many topics, such as superhero chickens, horses, joining a circus, magical twins, a haunted school, dragon riders, and lots more.

SCHOLASTIC BRANCHES

The BRANCHES book series are designed for newly independent readers (ages 6 – 9) who aren’t quite ready for middle grade books. They’re supportive chapter books with helpful illustrations, easy-to-read text, and simple plot lines. So if your reader is moving on from Acorn books or easy readers, BRANCHES is the next step before non-illustrated chapter books.

If you’re wanting to foster a love of reading in your kids, you want to provide just-right books for them to comprehend and practice reading. Try one of the BRANCHES book series. Visit the Scholastic BRANCHES Official Site.

Motivating, Easy-To-Read Chapter Books

PRINTABLE LIST

We love fantasy and funny stories so one of our favorite BRANCHES series is Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe by Norah Z. Jones. It’s familiar fairy tale stories that are messed up. Because in the original story was Goldilocks but in this series, it’s Moldylocks. Or instead of pigs, it’s pugs — The Three Little Pugs. Plus, we love the cartoon-like illustrations with dialogue bubbles. Although my kids don’t really enjoy spooky, I would add Eerie Elementary by Jack Chabert and illustrated by Sam Ricks to my list of favorites — it’s actually not too scary at all. Sam isn’t thrilled about becoming a hall monitor. Especially when he discovers that the school is ALIVE and trying to harm him and the other students. Sam has quite a wild adventure trying to save the students from the school. I think kids who like sort of scary things (it’s not too bad) will enjoy this book. I love how Sam and his friends must save the students from THE SCHOOL. Can you imagine?! Box set of 6 books here.

Tagis in training to become an Owl of Valor in The Last Firehawk by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Jeremy Norton. One day while playing tag with his squirrel friend, Skyla, Tag finds a golden egg that hatches into the last Firehawk. Tag and friends must keep the Firehawk safe. Then they’ll quest to find the magical stone that may save their land from the Vulture and his army of tiger bats. This easy Scholastic Branches chapter book introduces kids to epic fantasy stories with the theme of good vs. evil.

Don’t miss the Monkey Me books by Timothy Roland about the hilarious antics of a boy who turns into a monkey when he gets hyper. To make matters worse, his principal moves NEXT DOOR!

Dragon Masters by Tracey West is our favorite Scholastic Branches book of all time. It’s about kids who are able to communicate with and ride dragons! This is an adventurous fantasy chapter book that will interest almost any child as it has just the right amount of conflict, adventure, and excitement.

Another cool STEM series is Layla and the Bots by Vicky Fang, illustrated by Christine Nishiyama. In each book, Layla investigates a problem and then figures out a solution. In the first book, she helps her amusement park owner friend keep the park open.

If your kids like bright and friendly illustrations to match the fun antics of a girl called Missy, try Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe by Susan Nees.

Once an ordinary second grader, a science laboratory accident turns Gordon into a superhero called Kung Pow Chicken. Funny, easy to read, and entertaining, Gordon will always save the day. Written by Cyndi Marko.

Stella and the Night Sprites Tooth Bandits by Sam Hay, illustrated by Lisa Manuzak, is part of the Scholastic Branches series of early chapter books and a sweet story about a little girl named Stella who sees a mischievous sprite steal her Tooth Fairy money. She learns more about why Stella wants the money and helps her find different ways to solve her problems and make friends.

In Sparkling Jewel: Silver Pony Ranch by D.L. Green and illustrated by Emily Wallis, Tori and her little sister are spending the summer at their grandma’s ranch. Tori falls in love with the spunky pony named Jewel who she can’t ride just yet, which is really hard. This is a sweet story for animal lovers!

You will fall in love with Haggis and Tank Unleashed written by Jessic Young! These two dog friends with opposite personalities have hilarious adventures like sailing on a pirate ship, or visiting a Scottish castle, or searching for dinosaurs.

Notebook of Doom by Troy Cummings SCARY A kid-favorite series that you’ll also love! Alexander discovers his new town is FILLED WITH MONSTERS! And, he’s right in the middle of everything especially after he finds an old notebook of drawings and facts about monsters. Fun with an edge of scary.

Boris is a wildly imaginative boy with relatable adventures and school activities. His stories written by Andrew Joyner are always fun and funny.

Olive and Beatrix by Amy Marie Stadelmann are the Scholastic Branches series about sisters who are twins, one who is a witch and one who is a super smart science nerd. What could go wrong?

If your readers like cute diary entries with colorful illustrations, Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott are the diaries of an owl named Eva.

Friends Kara and Zed Once Upon a Fairy Tale by Anna Staniszewski and art by Macky Pamintuan help solve problems in their magical kingdom. In the first book, when Kara learns the ice princess is in trouble, she and her best friend Zed travel to the ice palace to help fix a magic mirror.

If your kids love video games, they’ll want to read the adventures of video game hero, Super Rabbit Boy, in the Scholastic Branches chapter book series, Press Start! written by Thomas Flintham.

Another series by Rebecca Elliott is called The Unicorn Diaries. They are the sweet diaries of Bo, short for Rainbow. He writes about his life in Sparklegrove Forest with relatable stories about a new friend, disappointments, helping others, and figuring out what’s really important in life — friendship!

Finally, also there’s the Scholastic Branches series by Heather Alexander, The Amazing Stardust Friends. Who can resist a story about joining the circus and making best friends with a special group of girls?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Download the Leveling Guide Download the “After Reading” Guide

KEEP READING

Scholastic Acorn Easy Readers