I am a big believer in children reading. I will read to my children someday, the same as my parents did for me, and I hope that they continue to love to read throughout their lives.
I know it’s difficult sometimes to get kids reading. Some think it’s nerdy, or they want to go do other things. I know children who hate to read. Some have problems, such as dyslexia, which hold them back. (That is a case when I suggest a wonderful thing called an audiobook. I have a friend who is dyslexic, but he listens to audiobooks all the time.) Others, though, just don’t want to do it, sometimes because of peer pressure that it’s uncool.
Reading improves the mind in more ways than can be measured in a classroom. That’s why I (and many, many other people) believe reading is so important.
Thankfully, the young adult and middle school reading levels are filled with books that should hopefully provide every child with books that interest them. More books enter those age-related categories every year.
I found this site via Pinterest that gives the 100 Best Children’s Chapter Books. I’ve read more than half of these, and here are my favorites:
A Wrinkle in Time – I loved Madeleine L’Engle‘s books when I was in middle school. A Newbery Medal winner, this book (and the series) fascinated me.
Artemis Fowl – This series is great. Not only is it about a young kid who is also an evil genius, but it involves fairies and the author seems to enjoys sarcasm as much as I do.
Harry Potter – I don’t think I need to say much about this book, or the series. Everyone should read these books, in my opinion.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – This series should also be read by everyone. The movies are amazing, but the books are even better.
The Giver – I read this book when I was in early elementary school, so I didn’t get everything out of it that someone older would have. I reread it my freshman year of high school, when my English teacher debated me on some of the points I thought I remembered. Still a good book, and worth rereading.
Julie of the Wolves – This book captivated me when I was a fifth grader.
The Hobbit – I have another post about this wonderful book, so I won’t say any more here.
Where the Red Fern Grows – As one of my husband’s favorite books, I have to list it here. (I enjoyed it, too.)
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events – This series is really about a series of unfortunate events, all which befall three orphaned siblings who merely want to be happy.
Island of Blue Dolphins – This book won a Newbery Medal, and it deserved it. I really enjoyed this book when I was younger.
Ella Enchanted – Written by an amazing author, this is another Newbery Medal winner. I would personally recommend all of Gail Carson Levine‘s novels.
If your child isn’t quite to reading chapter books yet, the site also has a list of the 100 Best Picture Books of All-Time.
I'm a lover of writing and books. I graduated from South Dakota State with a master's degree in communications in 2011, the same year I was first published. I'm a wife and mom, and I work in content and digital marketing in South Dakota.
Me and my writing life 
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