As part of my early chapter book list series, I’m highlighting our favorite early chapter book series with female characters today. Why ought children to read series? My kids have started to consider their favorite characters to be buddies, which promotes reading since you want to read about your friend’s future experiences when you have friends! Therefore, be ready to return home with heaps of books from the library.
The reading levels of these books vary, even though they are all considered “early chapter books” and are often aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 9. The greatest candidates for them are kids who have outgrown simple readers but aren’t quite ready for what is often referred to as middle-grade books. If you need assistance locating nice books in the library or bookshop, see my parent’s suggestions for discovering early chapter books. (Please note: Book titles and covers are affiliate links.)
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke. This is a fantastic story about a girl who lives in Africa with her large family. All the critics have given it high marks, and they should have. It’s a beautiful series to show your kids how families function in different cultures.
Jasmine Toguchi by Debbi Michiko Florence. The plot of every book in this entertaining new series features Jasmine’s Japanese-American roots. Jasmine takes on various challenges, including pounding muchi rice, Japanese Girls’ Day, Japanese drumming, and more.
Lola Levine (series) by Monica Brown, illustrated by Angela Dominguez. This is the first novel in the Lola Levine series, which I greatly like. Lola, who is half Jewish and half Peruvian, enjoys playing soccer but becomes upset when she accidentally harms a classmate, and the other children begin to refer to her as “Mean Lola Levine.” Lola devises a strategy to prove to everyone that she is a kind and loyal friend and to modify their perceptions of her. I like how this Lola’s books celebrate her multicultural roots.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker. My favorite 21st-century heroine would be Clementine. She frequently gets into mischief but is spirited and wants to live life to the fullest. She’s often compared to Ramona, but I like her even more.
Ruby Lu, Brave and True by Lenore Look. Since there aren’t many children’s novels with Asian-American female protagonists, the vivacious Ruby Lu is a wonderful addition to the genre. The tales heavily feature Ruby Lu’s Chinese roots, particularly when her cousin Flying Duck visits. I like Ruby’s distinct style of expressing the world around her and the cute little flip book that was included in the first book. (Side note: If you’re searching for Asian-American heroines, Grace Lin’s Pacy Lin trilogy is another series at a harder reading level.)
The Doll Shop Downstairs by Yona Zeldis McDonough. Three sisters live above their parent’s doll repair business in early 20th-century New York City. These two books are great, with a vintage vibe and endearing drawings. The author Yona Zeldis McDonough expertly weaves historical information on how World War I affected Jewish life and the family business in NYC’s Lower East Side.
Dyamonde Daniel. Self-assured Dyamonde Daniel moves to a new apartment with her now-single mother in this series by Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Nikki Grimes. An endearing heroine who consistently shows and practices her compassion for others is Dyamonde.
Marty McGuire by Kate Messner. This clever, brand-new early chapter book series centers on the exploits of a protagonist who is not a girlie girl! Marty, a third-grader, rips her paper princess dolls because she doesn’t want to play the princess in the school play. I like these two novels, so if you want to give your princess-obsessed kid a chance to discover some balance in life, take these two home from the library.
Amber Brown by Paula Danziger will be thrilled to offer the Amber Brown series to their children. One of my favorite characters on this list is Amber, as is Kiddos. She is alluring and deals with various issues, including her parents’ divorce and missing friends. Author Danziger is a true professional who makes reading about childhood enjoyable and realistic.
Piper Reed by Kimberly Willis Holt. Piper has a lot on her plate, the middle child of a Navy Chief who just announced the family’s next move. Even though Piper struggles with dyslexia and worries about school, she is lucky to have a close relationship with her parents and sisters.
