Books Your Reluctant Reader May Actually Enjoy
Books Your Reluctant Reader May Actually Enjoy
Because I loved them when I was a kid, too!
By Jenna Klemm | Rockstar Leaders
Some kids love reading right away. Others? Not so much—especially in the summer when the pool, the popsicles, and the playground are calling. But with the right book, even the most reluctant readers can get hooked.
This list is packed with books I genuinely loved as a kid—stories that made me fall in love with reading. I’ve matched each title with an approximate grade level and added a few fun notes along the way. Whether your child is just stepping into chapter books or looking for their next big series, this list is a great place to start.
Chapter Books Kids Might Actually Like
1. Holes by Louis Sachar
Great for 4th–5th graders
A mystery, buried secrets, and laugh-out-loud moments—it’s clever, layered, and totally absorbing.
2. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Great for 2nd–3rd graders
A tender story of unlikely friendship, written with heart and depth. Timeless.
3. A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
Great for 5th–7th graders
One of my personal favorites—emotional, beautifully written, and so real.
4. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Great for 2nd–3rd graders
Fast, funny, and full of charm. Kids love Ralph and his big adventure.
5. Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff
Great for 4th–5th graders
Emotional and powerful—this one hits home for kids navigating identity and belonging.
6. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Great for 3rd–5th graders
Sweet, sad, and heartwarming—with a lovable dog at the center of it all.
7. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Great for 2nd–4th graders
A classic mystery series about siblings building a life together—always a hit.
10. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Great for 3rd–5th graders
An unforgettable fantasy adventure full of wonder. I loved reading this in school!
11. Whatever After: Fairest of All by Sarah Mlynowski
Great for 3rd–4th graders
It’s like Magic Tree House meets fairy tales—fun, clever, and full of girl power.
12. A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
Great for 3rd grade and up
Dark humor, daring escapes, and quirky storytelling—this series is hard to put down.
13. Nancy Drew (Classic + Diaries series) by Carolyn Keene
Great for 2nd grade and up
Mystery-loving kids will fall hard for Nancy. I was totally a Nancy Drew girlie.
14. Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
Great for 2nd–5th grade
Short chapters, time travel, and real-world facts—this series is a must-have for early chapter book readers.
💡 Jenna’s Reading Tips:
Let kids choose what they want to read.
Make it cozy—create a little reading nook or bring books outside.
Try buddy reading or audiobooks for reluctant readers.
Celebrate progress, not perfection. Every page counts!
If your child finds one book they love this summer, that’s a win. And if they get hooked on a whole series? Even better.
Let me know which ones they try—or which ones you loved as a kid too!