A book list for parents and teachers, curated by The Children’s Book Review, presented in partnership with Sands Hetherington.
Finding the perfect chapter book that combines thrilling adventures, laugh-out-loud humor, and boundless imagination can transform a reluctant reader into a bookworm. These ten fantastic reads deliver exactly that magical combination, offering young readers exciting escapades filled with memorable characters and creative storytelling that will keep them turning pages late into the night.
Here are ten chapter books that are sure to hook even the most reluctant readers:
Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264
Written by Sands Hetherington
Illustrated by Natalie Leininger
Ages: 8-11 | 153 Pages
Publisher: Dune Buggy Press (2023) | ISBN-13: 978-0984741762
In this goofy, surreal adventure, John and Crosley face off against the Iguana Gang, who are terrorizing the borough with a flying school bus that shoots stink bombs and green paint while collecting roadkill for “guandoo puddin.’ John and Crosley are their prime targets, and our heroes must figure out how to stop the speeding, flying bus before disaster strikes! Can they save the day? Climb aboard the Night Buddies’ speedy blimp for this thrilling new escapade! Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264 delivers fast-paced, outside-the-box adventure perfect for young readers who love to get lost in an imaginative story.
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My Father’s Dragon
Written by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Ages: 6-10 | 78 Pages
Publisher: Random House Books (1948) | ISBN-13: 978-1684221967
When young Elmer Elevator hears about a captive dragon on Wild Island, he sets off on a daring rescue mission armed with chewing gum, lollipops, and his wits. This Newbery Honor classic combines imaginative adventure with gentle humor as Elmer outsmarts wild animals and dangerous situations to free his new dragon friend.
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The Wild Robot
Written by Peter Brown
Ages: 8-12 | 288 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2016) | ISBN-13: 978-0316382014
When robot Roz awakens on a remote island, she must learn to adapt and survive while caring for an orphaned gosling. This heartwarming tale blends science fiction adventure with gentle humor, exploring themes of family, belonging, and what it means to be alive.
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Frindle
Written by Andrew Clements
Ages: 8-12 | 105 Pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books (1999) | ISBN-13: 978-0689832505
When fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word for “pen,” calling it a “frindle,” he never expects it to take over his school, his town, and eventually the world. This clever story combines school adventure with laugh-out-loud situations as Nick’s simple word game grows into something much bigger than he ever imagined.
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The Bad Guys
Written by Aaron Blabey
Ages: 6-9 | 144 Pages
Publisher: Scholastic (2016) | ISBN-13: 978-0545912402
Mr. Wolf has had enough of being seen as the bad guy, so he recruits his fellow “villains”—Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha—to join his new Good Guys Club. This hilarious first adventure combines action-packed fun with valuable lessons about friendship and second chances.
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The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Written by Beverly Cleary
Ages: 7-11 | 158 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (1965) | ISBN-13: 978-0061972270
Ralph the mouse discovers a toy motorcycle in a hotel room and embarks on thrilling adventures around the building. This beloved classic perfectly balances humor and heart as Ralph learns about friendship, responsibility, and the joy of adventure while navigating both mouse-sized and human-sized problems.
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Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Written by Judy Blume
Ages: 8-12 | 120 Pages
Publisher: Dutton Children’s Books (1972) | ISBN-13: 978-1101564073
Peter Hatcher’s life is turned upside down by his mischievous little brother Fudge, who swallows Peter’s pet turtle and creates chaos wherever he goes. This hilarious family story captures the frustrations and joys of sibling relationships with Blume’s signature wit and understanding of childhood experiences.
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Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Written by Louis Sachar
Ages: 7-11 | 124 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (1978) | ISBN-13: 978-0380698714
Welcome to Wayside School, a thirty-story building built sideways by mistake, where nothing is quite normal. From Mrs. Gorf, who turns students into apples, to Todd, who gets in trouble for the strangest reasons, these interconnected stories blend absurd humor with genuine heart.
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Captain Underpants: The First Epic Novel
Written by Dav Pilkey
Ages: 7-10 | 128 Pages
Publisher: Blue Sky Press (1997) | ISBN-13: 978-0590846288
When fourth-graders George and Harold hypnotize their mean principal, they accidentally create the world’s most unlikely superhero. This series starter is pure fun, combining comic book adventures with toilet humor that kids absolutely love, all while celebrating creativity and friendship.
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The Last Kids on Earth
Written by Max Brallier
Ages: 8-12 | 240 Pages
Publisher: Viking Books (2015) | ISBN-13: 978-0670016617
Thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan and his friends are living their best life in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and monsters. This highly illustrated adventure combines humor, friendship, and just the right amount of scares to create an irresistible page-turner that reluctant readers devour.
These ten chapter books prove that the best children’s literature doesn’t have to choose between entertainment and substance. Each offers young readers the perfect recipe of adventure, humor, and imagination that transforms reading from a chore into a joy, creating memories that last long after the final page is turned.
