Do you have or teach young advanced readers? While I only taught a handful of them in the classroom setting, I know from personal friends and blog readers alike that it can be a challenge to find books for them.
The struggle is real.
On the one hand, you want them to have books on their reading level. While other 1st graders might be starting to read Frog and Toad, young advanced readers might devour entire chapter books in what seems like a couple of hours.
On the other hand, you want the content and subject matter of the books they read to be age-appropriate in regards to things like language or violence {among others}.
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Books for Young Advanced Readers
So, what exactly do you do for advanced young readers? Based on my experience, the conversations I’ve had with parents of advanced readers, and the research I’ve done, I’m including 40+ books/book series that are great for young advanced readers. {I personally have not read all of these books, but they all came highly recommended.}
I’m including links to the books so you can check them out yourself. You may even want to peek at my other book lists to give you more ideas.
I would highly, highly recommend Gladys Hunt’s Honey for a Child’s Heart. I’ve had this book for YEARS and even just recently bought the most updated version.
Advanced Readers and Comprehension
But before we jump right in, I want to share a word of caution: Advanced readers may be able to say words on a page, but that doesn’t always mean they comprehend those words. Without the comprehension piece, it’s not really “reading.” It’s just “barking” words.
With some kinds of texts, advanced readers may come across words that they can easily say, but have no idea what they mean. That’s why it’s important to check out the book for yourself.
A good rule of thumb is: If it’s 2 or more grade levels ahead of your reader’s physical grade, be prepared to support the reader. Maybe it’s reading the first chapter {or the entire book} with him/her, doing a little background research of a certain time period before reading, or listening to the book on audio. No matter how you support the reader, remember that comprehension is key for any reader.
Just as a reminder, all of these books make GREAT read alouds, for ANY kind of reader!
Books for Young Advanced Readers {from easiest to hardest}
The books you’ll find in this book list include poetry, classics, series, and some nonfiction. The list of books will go in order from easiest to hardest {about 250L to 990L}, according to their Lexile level, which measures the difficulty of the book.
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Poetry is a great place to start! These books/collections contain poems on all different levels, but that’s okay. Reading and even memorizing poetry can support readers and writers of all ages! Here are some of our favorites:
Shel Silverstein – Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up, A Light in the Attic, & Everything On It
Jack Prelutsky
20th Century Children’s Poetry Treasury {a collection of many different poets}
A Child’s Book of Poems {a collection from some of the classic poets}
Poems to Learn by Heart by Caroline Kennedy
Magic Tree House {series} by Mary Pope Osborne is one of the first “real” chapter books my older boys read. And I enjoyed reading many of the magical adventures of Jack and Annie with them. There are lots of books in this set, although I will say that the books later in the series become more difficult in reading level. {240L-400L, depending on the book}
Nate the Great {series} by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat also is another good book series for younger kids who are advanced readers. Follow the “world’s greatest detective” as he solves cases. {around 300L}
Young Cam Jansen {series} by David Adler – Cam Jansen can be enjoyed by young readers now, too! Join Cam and as she solves cases with her photographic memory. {around 370L}
The Littles {series} by John Peterson features a family of little people with tails that secretly live in the house of The Biggs. This series is great for sparking the imagination of young readers. It is difficult to find some of these books still in print. {around 460L-620L}
A-Z Mysteries Series by Ron Roy – Yes, another mystery series. I’ve only read one book in this series, but I was impressed with the complexity of the plot and how it required kids to really infer. Definitely a step higher Nate the Great and Young Cam. {around 420L-600L, depending on the book}
Cam Jansen {series} by David Adler – I’ve long recommended this book for older, struggling readers, but it’s equally as effective for young, advanced readers. Cam, a 5th grader, has a photographic memory and uses it to solve cases. {420L-500L}
The Boxcar Children {series} by Gertrude Chandler Warner – A classic series that my 2nd grader is currently hooked on! Join the 4 children/siblings as they solve mysteries together. {around 490L}
Imagination Station {series} by Marianne Hering – Follow the historical adventures of Patrick and Beth. Similar to The Magic Tree House books, these are published by Focus on the Family. I don’t know the exact Lexile level, but they seem to written on about a 2nd grade reading level.
Fudge Books by Judy Blume includes Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Superfudge, Fudge-a-Mania, and Double Fudge. I remember reading these as a child and so far, I’ve read two with my own kids. {470-590L}
Geronimo Stilton {series} by Geronimo Stilton – This is a series we’ve yet to fully explore, but I have read a little of the first book myself. I love the comic book look the pictures and words have to them. This series has come HIGHLY recommended by SO many of my friends who have avid readers. {450L-630L}
Judy Moody {series} by Megan McDonald – This was the first series of chapter books that my oldest son wanted to read on his own and I was SO excited! Once this series became popular, Judy’s younger brother, Stink, also go his own series of chapter books! {around 530L}
Flat Stanley {series} by Jeff Brown – The original Flat Stanley was written in 1964, but there’s been more since then and some updates, too. I’m only familiar with the first book, but what a story it is! Kids will enjoy following Flat Stanley on his MANY adventures! {around 580L}
Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting – My 2nd grader took to Dr. Dolittle the moment I read him a paragraph! His ability to talk to and help animals is a child’s dream, really! {580L} I will warn you that the next book in this series, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, takes quite a jump in reading level.
Encyclopedia Brown {series} by Donald J. Sobol is a classic mystery series. I’ve read the first one with my 2nd grader this year. I really like how each chapter requires some inferring to figure out how Encyclopedia cracked the case…and they’re not all as easy as you might think! {around 600L}
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Ronald Dahl is a delightful, short book about a fox who is trying to save his family from three mean farmers. The chapters are short, so it makes an easy read with each chapter left as a cliff-hanger. {600L}
Ranger In Time {series} by Kate Messner – What a fantastic historical fiction series! Adventure with Ranger, a golden retriever as he travels in time. {610L-730L}
The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes is a book about a boy who worries about various things, mostly about his 2nd grade school year. This book is almost like the “boy version” of the Ramona books. If your reader struggles with anxieties, this may not be the right book. I do wish Kevin Henkes would write more books about Billy Miller. {620L}
The Magic Faraway Tree {series} by Enid Blyton – If your reader wants fantasy, this is the series for him/her! It’s filled with all kinds of interesting characters and of course, the Magic Faraway Tree. {around 630L} Your reader may like other books by Enid Blyton, too.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White has been a favorite of mine ever since I was introduced to it in the 4th grade. Love the sweet story of friendship. No list for advanced readers would be complete without this title, in my opinion. {680L} Stuart Little may also become a favorite, although it’s on a higher level of reading at 920L.
The Hardy Boys {mystery series} by Franklin W. Dixon has been around since the 1920’s! A classic for sure! {around 650L-750L}
The BFG by Ronald Dahl – You’ll find several of his books in this book list, as Ronald Dahl has written so many classics on all different levels. This is a book you will probably want to read WITH your advanced reader…only because it’s too good to miss! {720L}
Henry Huggins {series} by Beverly Cleary is another series I greatly enjoyed as a child. My oldest son has read several of these books. I will say that the chapters are long and some chapters could make a story in and of themselves. {670L-820L}
The Magic Treehouse Nonfiction Books {series} by Mary Pope Osborne are companions to the fiction series. Although harder in reading level, readers can join the same characters for some nonfiction learning. {690L-830L}
Who Was…? / Who Is…? {nonfiction series} is fantastic for history buffs! If your reader is not into history, I still highly recommend these books because they are very engaging. {ranging from 620L-900L}
A Bear Called Paddington {series} by Michael Bond – This lovable bear has been a favorite of mine for years. Join him on all his adventures in this series. {around 750L}
Secret Agent Jack Stalwart {series} by Elizabeth Singer Hunt – With short chapters, this Secret Agent Jack travels around the world on different missions. I have not read any of the books in the series, but have been told your reader might not want to put them down! {760L}
The Moffats {series} by Eleanor Estes – This family is anything but ordinary as Sylvie, Jane, and Rufus get themselves into all kinds of situations. {650L-800L}
The Indian in the Cupboard {series} by Lynne Reid Banks – Such a mysterious and interesting book about an Indian figurine that comes to life. I’ve read it twice as an adult and think I’ve enjoyed it just as much as my young readers. {780L} I have not read the other books in the series, but there are 4 more, all roughly 740L-870L.
The Adventures of Max and Liz by Jenny L. Cote – I have not read this series yet, but I have a close friend whose daughter read most of them. Max and Liz, a cat and a dog, take part in different stories of the Bible. {770L}
The Cricket in Times Square {series} by George Selden is the first of seven books. I have not read it, but from what I’ve been told, these books have a great storyline and are perfect for readers who like animals and fantasy. {780L}
Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant – Three unlikely animals pitch in to solve a problem in Gooseberry Park after an ice storm. Another good one if your reader likes animals and fantasy. {780L}
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker – This series was recommended to me. As I flipped through a few pages, she reminds me of a mix of Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, and Ramona. I wasn’t too impressed with the mention of kissing in the book that I skimmed through, but your young reader may enjoy it. {790L}
Nancy Drew Mystery Series by Carolyn Keene – Another classic mystery series, written by the same writer as The Hardy Boys series. Writing of this series started in the 1930’s, so they are true classics! {710L-780L} There’s also a newer version of this series called Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, which is on a lower reading level around 580L.
Ramona {series} by Beverly Cleary – Yet another classic series that I utterly devoured as a young reader. I could so well relate to them, too, having a younger sister with a big imagination. {ranging from 730L-860L}
Tales of Magic {series} by Edward Eager – Written in the 1950’s, this series came highly recommended. Each book takes a different twist on magic. {830L}
Frindle by Andrew Clements – Determined to drive his language arts teacher a bit crazy, Nick creates a new word for pen: frindle. It catches on and spreads all over the country! {830L}
The Mouse and Motorcycle {trilogy} by Beverly Clearly – I think all of Beverly Cleary’s books must have been favorites of mine becauseI remember reading all of these books. Book 1 is probably my favorite in this series. {860L}
Charlie and Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl is another one of his timeless classics. Willie Wonka opens up his chocolate factory for a tour to five lucky kids. Talk about imagination and creativity! This book is FULL of it! {810L}
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren – Pippi is new in the neighborhood and she’s as spunky and hilarious as ever! I’ve enjoyed reading excerpts aloud to my kids as a teaser and can’t wait to read more! {870L}
Harry Potter {books 1-3} by J.K. Rowling – Many might be surprised that I’d include the Harry Potter books on this list, as I know many families with advanced readers who have not allowed their readers to read this series. I will say that I only recommend books 1-3 for young, advanced readers. I have not read all of the books {shame on me!}, but I have heard that each book after book 3 gets a little darker, a little more mature in content, and a little more difficult to read. One reader said that starting with 1st grade, she read aloud one book a year, to slow the pace down a bit. {books 1-3 are around 880L}
My Father’s Dragon {series} by Ruth Stiles Gannett – We JUST finished reading book 1 of this series! My kids were excited to find out there are more. Follow the adventure of the boy’s father {when we was a boy} and the quest to free the dragon on Wild Island. I think one of our favorite parts of the story was trying to figure out how Elmer would use all the strange things in his knapsack along his quest. {910L-990L}
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater – Mr. Popper, a house painter, daydreams of exploring the poles. After writing some fan mail, his life will never be the same again! Kids will love the troubles and and funny situations that Mr. Popper faces due to some unexpected guests! {910L}
Little House in the Big Woods {series} by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Living life as a pioneer isn’t easy! You don’t have the convenience of a grocery store or super store on every corner! Kids interested in history would especially like this series. Some kids might even love the sections about meat curing and other “graphic” practices of early pioneers. {930L}
The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is the most well-known book in the Chronicles of Narnia and for good reason. I don’t remember reading it as a child, but did as an adult. I simply could not put it down. It’s a great read aloud, too! My kids will be hearing it starting in January. {940L}
Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes – Jerry Pye wants a dog, so he works and saves money to buy one. But someone else also wants the same dog, as they find out when Ginger is stolen. If your reader likes a mystery, this is one. Who took the puppy and why? And just who is the person in the yellow hat? {990L}
Want more Nonfiction Texts?
Nonfiction is powerful, especially if your reader has a particular interest. Check out Our Favorite Nonfiction Series Books!
Find ALL our books lists!
Enjoy!
~Becky
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