10+ Best Chapter Books for 5-7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chapter books for 5-7-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether you're looking to ignite a love for reading in your little one or searching for fresh stories to add to their growing library, we've got a variety of picks that are sure to captivate and inspire young minds. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of chapter books that are just right for 5-7-year-olds, and find the perfect next read to share with your child!

Fun Chapter Books for 5-7-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte spins words into her web to try to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and around the world with the help of a magical tree house. Each book focuses on a different historical period or culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history and geography in an exciting and magical context, which can help spark a love of learning.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and curious minds who enjoy fantasy and learning about different times and places.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Fiction, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories details the adventures and everyday experiences of two friends, Frog and Toad. The stories are simple, sweet, and often humorous.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for developing readers due to its simple text and relatable themes of friendship. The stories also subtly impart moral lessons.
  • Perfect for: Beginning readers and young children learning about the dynamics of friendship.

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Superhero
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she’s also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. This series combines action, adventure, and humor as the Princess tackles various challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks traditional gender roles and shows that girls can be both delicate and strong. The action-packed narrative keeps young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and superheroes, and anyone looking for a strong female protagonist.

• Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Mercy Watson, a porcine wonder who loves buttered toast and finds herself in various humorous situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple narrative and humorous plot are perfect for young readers, encouraging both reading skills and a love for storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny stories and quirky characters.

Educational Chapter Books for 5-7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This charming story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden and faces the consequences of his actions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding consequences, empathy, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless classic that combines delightful illustrations with a moral lesson, engaging young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and learning life lessons through fiction.

• Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Early Reader
  • Synopsis: Nate, a young detective, solves mysteries for his friends and family, using his sharp observation skills and logical reasoning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the mystery genre in a fun and accessible way, encouraging analytical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any child who loves solving puzzles and mysteries.

• Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish, illustrated by Fritz Siebel
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Amelia Bedelia, a literal-minded housekeeper, often misunderstands her employer's instructions, leading to hilarious results.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Language nuances, humor, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous introduction to the complexities of language and encourages problem-solving through understanding context.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy comedy and playful misunderstandings in stories.

• Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series of books features Little Bear and his adventures with his friends and family, told through simple and heartfelt stories.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, family values, basic reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers beautifully written narratives that are both soothing and educational, perfect for bedtime stories or beginner readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to read independently and enjoy warm, family-oriented stories.

• The Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Family, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: This series follows the everyday adventures of the Bear family in Bear Country where they learn valuable life lessons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, moral lessons, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: Each story is a gentle exploration of issues faced by children, such as fear of the dark, bullying, and honesty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and families looking for engaging stories that also teach important social values and behaviors.

Challenging Chapter Books for 5-7-Year-Olds

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Classics
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger in the English countryside.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features rich vocabulary and a narrative style that is more complex than typical children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless stories of friendship and moral lessons, wrapped in beautiful, descriptive prose.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal characters and vivid, imaginative settings.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows Stuart Little, a small mouse born into a human family, on his adventures in a big world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates elements of fantasy with a higher level of vocabulary and themes that ponder existence and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and resilience, showing that being small doesn't limit one's possibilities.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure stories and exploring big questions through the eyes of relatable characters.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a terrifying school principal, who discovers she has extraordinary telekinetic powers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes like child abuse, resistance against authority, and intellectualism.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, with a good dose of humor and whimsy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are advanced in their reading skills and appreciate stories of justice and triumph.

• The Borrowers by Mary Norton, illustrated by Diana Stanley
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story centers on the Clock family, tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and "borrow" from the big people to survive.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores themes of survival and human nature through a unique perspective, using a sophisticated level of language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination about the unseen world and encourages creativity and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy tales of adventure and fantasy with a touch of mystery.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Ingrid Vang Nyman
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong, and fiercely independent young girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey and has adventures with her neighbors Tommy and Annika.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and the book's playful approach to language and societal norms make it a thought-provoking read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes independence, strength, and the importance of joy and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who admire strong, unconventional female protagonists and enjoy humorous stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your little ones develop good reading habits with chapter books, I've got some fun and effective exercises for you. These activities are designed specifically for kids aged 5-7, making reading a delightful adventure that builds strong literacy skills. Let’s dive in!

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read a chapter book aloud with your child, taking turns by page or chapter.
  • How it helps: This strengthens listening skills, vocabulary, and comprehension.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make the reading session more engaging and fun.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable and inviting area in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a special space for it.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up the nook and decorating it with their favorite themes.

• Book-Based Projects
  • What it is: After finishing a book, work on a project related to the story (like drawing a scene or building a model).
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention by connecting reading with creative expression.
  • Tips: Keep the projects fun and simple; use materials that are readily available at home.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books or chapters your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by showing them their progress visually.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching milestones to keep the excitement alive.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Encourage your child to dress up as a favorite character from a book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Deepens engagement with the story and aids in understanding character traits and motivations.
  • Tips: Use clothes and props available at home to keep it simple and cost-effective.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time after reading to discuss the book with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express their opinions.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child’s daily life. By incorporating these activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading and learning. So, grab a book and let the adventures begin!