20 Early Chapter Books for Boys
by Dena McMurdie
One of the questions I’m frequently asked by other moms is if I have early chapter book recommendations for boys. My answer is always an enthusiastic “Yes!”
These 20 early chapter books are great choices for boys, though any young reader, boy or girl, is sure to love the humor, adventure, and heart in these fantastic stories.
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Here's Hank Series
This New York Times bestselling series from Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver is beloved by kids. Hank is an endearing protagonist, always making his classmates (and his readers) laugh with his funny antics and adventures. His struggles with math, and reading, and spelling, and, well, school in general are relatable, and his efforts to try his best and save the day are quite admirable.
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EllRay Jakes Series
Available from:EllRay Jakes is a small kid who often finds himself in big trouble. From fighting bullies to friendship drama, kids will easily relate with EllRay as he deals with the many ups and downs of growing up.
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Bug Boys Series
Available from:This early graphic novel series follows bug friends Rhino-B and Stag-B as they explore the natural world. Simple, episodic stories expertly tackle complex topics like anxiety, war, and spirituality in sweet, funny, and wacky ways. An irresistibly joyful read, kids will fall in love with these beetle buddies and their many adventures.
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George Brown, Class Clown Series
Available from:George Brown wants nothing more than to be a normal, responsible 10-year-old kid, but his efforts tend to land him in big trouble thanks to his super burps. Those magical and pesky belches promise disaster for George Brown and a whole lot of laughs for readers.
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Humphrey’s Tiny Tales Series
Available from:Perfect for readers just starting chapter books, Humphrey’s Tiny Tales follow the happy hamster who lives in Room 26 at Longfellow School. Growing readers will appreciate the large text, funny illustrations, and familiar classroom setting.
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Stink Series
Available from:Readers may recognize Stink as Judy Moody’s little brother. Funny characters, wacky escapades, and sibling shenanigans make this a perfect series for budding readers to dive into. Cartoon adventures drawn by Stink himself definitely add to the hilarity.
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The Zach and Zoe Mysteries Series
Sports AND mysteries? Yes, please! Sports journalist Mike Lupica has created two charming characters in 8-year-old twins Zach and Zoe. Full of action, friendships, and important life lessons, this approachable series covers all its bases.
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Nate the Great
Available from:Budding mystery fans will enjoy diving into this first book in the illustrated Nate the Great series starring a kid detective. Nate the Great is super serious about his detective work — comically so — and he’s pretty good at it too. Follow along as the mini-Sherlock Holmes takes on a new case, collects clues, observes his surroundings, and, ultimately, solves the mystery of his friend Annie’s lost painting.
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Alvin Ho Series
Available from:Alvin is frightened of everything. From school to camping trips to birthday parties and crowded tourist destinations — lots of situations are very scary for him, even as he dreams of being a brave superhero who helps people. Slowly but surely, and with the support of his close-knit family, Alvin begins to branch out and try new things, including making friends. Written from Alvin’s point of view, this lovable series will hook kids from the beginning with its compelling characters and show them that anyone can conquer their biggest fears.
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Arnold and Louise Series
Available from:Best friends Arnold and Louise have a couple minor differences — Arnold is a big black bear, and Louise is a teeny chipmunk. Together, they make one lovable duo. Fun-filled and easy-to-read, these stories are a delightful portrayal of a unique friendship.
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A to Z Mysteries Series
Available from:Kids can race their way through the alphabet in this fast-paced mystery series. From Author to Zombie, there's a new mystery to be solved with every letter, and a new story for pint-sized sleuths to savor. The thrill of solving the case, and completing the full alphabet, are both great enticements for early readers.
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George’s Marvelous Medicine
Available from:Wacky situations and laugh-out-loud moments prevail in this short chapter book from one of the world’s greatest storytellers. It encourages kids to look on the bright side and believe in the impossible.
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Caveboy Dave Series
Available from:This chapter-based graphic novel series is great for coaxing transitional readers into the wide world of middle grade books. Scrawny, 12-year-old Dave Unga-Bunga comes from a long line of inventors, and he’s on a quest to gain his village’s respect — and have some fun along the way.
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Dragons in a Bag Series
Available from:Young readers will love this magical tale of three friends trying their best to return a bag of baby dragons to the world they came from. Plans go awry for Jaxon and his pals, but there’s still time to save the day!
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Beasts of Olympus Series
Available from:Eleven-year-old Pandemonious, a.k.a. “Demon,” is half-human and half-god, and he has a special gift: the ability to talk to animals. So he is assigned the job of caring for the mythical beasts who live in the Stables of the Gods on Mount Olympus — which turns out to be no easy feat. A delightful adventure series that interweaves Greek mythology, humor, fun illustrations, and a hint of danger throughout.
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Max and the Midknights
Available from:The creator of the Big Nate series is back with another dauntless hero in Max, a 10-year-old apprentice troubadour who wants nothing more than to become a knight. Will Max — lowly bard that he is — be able to rescue his uncle from the wicked King Gastley?
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Magic Tree House Series
Available from:The Magic Tree House series has been delighting growing readers for over 20 years now. Centered around the time-traveling adventures of siblings Jack and Annie, the series is packed with history, mystery, adventure, and fun. And some pretty great learning, too. With 30 books in the series, there's plenty to keep budding readers going.
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Dragonbreath Series
Available from:Danny Dragonbreath and his motley crew are a little bit nerdy, a little bit uncoordinated, and a whole lot hilarious. Alternating between comic-book panels and text, Ursula Vernon brings readers an engaging, thrillingly good series.
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Jake the Fake Series
Available from:Jake faked his way into the prestigious Music and Art Academy, but he’s not sure what to do next. Everyone’s waiting on his super-special talent to emerge, but all Jake has is jokes. Could humor be enough to secure his spot? Fingers crossed!
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Warren & Dragon Series
Seven-year-old Warren and his pet dragon — who’s either an ancient, real-life dragon or a stuffed animal, depending on who you ask — get up to all sorts of endearing hijinks that are oh-so-relatable: making new friends, surviving their first sleepover, and so on.
