25+ Best Beginner Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
If you have a 6-year-old who’s ready to move beyond picture books, you’re probably looking for beginner chapter books that are not only age-appropriate but fun and clean as well. I’ve been there too, while all three of my kids were at different reading levels at age six, I kept a running list of books that we loved during this age. Today, I’m going to share our favorite 25+ best beginner chapter books for 6-year-olds that you can use to start your own list.
Do 6-year-olds read chapter books?
It really depends are where your child is at. Some kids at this age are just beginning to read simple chapter books, some are already immersed in longer books, and some are not quite ready to read chapter books on their own. Either way, break out the chapter books! Your students can read on their own, they take turns reading every page with a parent, or the chapter books can be read aloud.
What book topics do 6-year-olds like to read?
6-year-olds enjoy all kinds of books. Having a variety of books on hand is the best way to go. Here are some book topics that kids in this age bracket typically enjoy.
Book Topics for 6-Year-Olds:
- Animals – Books with animals as the lead character or books that feature animals are always a favorite among early readers.
- Friendship – Stories and tales about friendship are a great way to teach kids about how to make and keep friends as well as, how friendships bless their lives.
- Adventure and Mystery – Mystery and adventure stories are awesome at reeling in new readers. (That’s probably why so many of them turn into series!)
- Imagination – Books that spark imagination and curiosity are an awesome catalyst for creative thinking and play.
- Everyday Living – Everyday living books are often gentle reads that feature sequencing, daily habits, problem solving, and common scenarios.
- Inspiring – Inspiring books might include simple biographies, or stories that compel us to feel empathy, compassion, or motivation.
25+ Best Beginner Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
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Before we get into our chapter books for 6-year-olds list, let me give you a few quick notes. First, I’ve divided this list into topics. Secondly, since I did not write a snippet or review for each book, I’ve linked each one to Amazon, where you can find more info, read reviews, and decide for yourself if it is a good fit for your child. And lastly, if you have any other book suggestions, leave them in the comments below! Now let’s jump into the list!
Animal Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
- Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
- Henry and Mudge Series by Cynthia Rylant
- The Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh
- Tales from Maple Ridge by Grace Gilmore
- Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty adapted by Cathy East
Friendship Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
- Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
- Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
- Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant
- Mr. Putter & Tabby by Cynthia Rylant
Adventure & Mystery Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
- Nate the Great Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
- Cam Jansen Series by David A. Adler
- The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborn
- The Secret of the Hidden Scroll Series by M.J. Thomas
- A-Z Mysteries by Ron Roy
Imagination Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
- Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
- Tales From Dickawoo Drive by Kate DiCamillo
- Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo
- The Lighthouse Family Series by Cynthia Rylant
Every Day Life: Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
- Now we are six by A.A. Milne
- The Berenstain Bears’ (Early chapter books) by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes
- Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik
Inspiring Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
- Daniel’s Duck by Clyde Robert Bulla
- The Paint Brush Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla
- The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh
- Prairie School by Avi
More Booklists
125+ Best Chapter Books for Boys Ages 6-18
125+ Best Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6-18
25+ Fantastic Family Read Alouds
50 Best Books for Third Graders
50+ Best Books for 2 Year Olds
How to Find More Book Suggestions
This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I may earn a commission from sales made. Thank you!
I’m always searching for books I can add to my kids’ reading lists. Here are a few things I do that help to keep the book suggestions coming:
- Keep a running list of your favorite, trustworthy authors. Oftentimes, they will have multiple books or series that you can draw from in the future.
- Get hold of booklists from trustworthy sources. You can find them online (like this one), in the curriculum packs, or in books like the Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp.
- Use the Amazon suggestions tab under the books that you buy. Sometimes you can find similar books that would be just as good. Goodreads also makes recommendations that can be helpful as well. (Be sure to read reviews and dig a little deeper before purchasing from an unfamiliar source.)
- Collaborate with friends and family with similar values. If you ask around, you will certainly discover new book ideas to add to your list.
