Category: Children

The bestselling series by Jeff Kinney is adored by readers for its relatable main character in Greg Heffley, the entertaining shenanigans he gets up to at school, and its uplifting message about finding out who you are for yourself. The below 21 recommendations for books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid all include one or more of those same themes. …

The I Survived books in order take middle grade readers into real historical disasters through fictional children fighting to survive them. Lauren Tarshis combines fast-paced historical fiction with carefully researched context, while keeping courage, fear, loss, and resilience at the center of every story.

The franchise also includes graphic novel adaptations and two nonfiction lines. I’ve separated each format below …

The Bad Guys books in order follow a group of notorious animal criminals who decide they want to become heroes. Aaron Blabey writes and illustrates the fast-paced graphic chapter-book series, which mixes outrageous comedy with friendship, redemption, and second chances.

Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha make up the original crew, with Mr. Tarantula joining them early …

Roald Dahl books have introduced generations of readers to giant peaches, chocolate factories, clever foxes, fearsome witches, and children who refuse to be pushed around. Dahl wrote imaginative fiction and comic verse for young readers, but his bibliography also includes adult novels, macabre short stories, memoirs, nonfiction, and books he edited or helped create.

This guide separates the books Dahl …

The Big Nate books in order depict the shenanigans this middle schooler gets up to and the comics will have you laughing out loud as you turn the page. Nate Wright is a rambunctious sixth-grader who is doodling his way through middle-school enemies, new transfers, and unreciprocated crushes. His time at P.S. 38 is full of mistakes, blunders, and hilarity …

Junie B. Jones books in order follow a funny, outspoken child from her first day of kindergarten through first grade. The series begins when Junie B. is almost six. She makes mistakes, learns lessons, and says exactly what she thinks, which is a big part of why young readers connect with her.

Barbara Park wrote 28 original chapter books, and …

The Dragon Masters books in order are perfect for kids who are ready for fast, fun fantasy chapter books. The series has dragons, wizards, magic stones, castles, quests, and short chapters that make the books easy to race through.

The main series follows Drake and the other Dragon Masters as they bond with their dragons, learn new powers, and protect …

Beverly Cleary’s books in order are easiest to follow by character and series. Henry Huggins begins the Klickitat Street stories, Beezus and Ramona starts the Ramona series, and The Mouse and the Motorcycle introduces Ralph S. Mouse. Cleary also wrote young adult novels, standalones, picture books, activity books, and memoirs.

Most of these series stand on their own, so you …

Looking for the Tom Gates books in order? Liz Pichon’s illustrated middle-grade series follows doodle-loving Tom through school, family life, friendships, and his attempts to turn DogZombies into a brilliant band. The stories are packed with jokes, handwritten notes, comics, and the everyday disasters Tom records in his diary.

Pichon writes and illustrates the series, giving it a style that …

The Magic Tree House books in order are easy to follow once you know how the series is split. The main Jack and Annie chapter books are the core series, while the Merlin Missions, Fact Trackers, graphic novels, and companion books each serve a different purpose.

Start with Dinosaurs Before Dark for the main story. From there, you can keep …