12 New Chapter Books for Growing Readers to Love in 2018
by Dena McMurdie
Reading to your child doesn’t have to stop when they graduate from picture books. I still read chapter books to my two older girls (ages nine and seven). It gives us time to bond over the stories we love and a chance to talk about lessons learned by the characters in our books.
Of course, I also encourage my kids to read on their own, and they often recommend books to each other and to me. Since reading is such an important skill to cultivate, I’m always on the lookout for chapter books that cover a wide variety of themes and interests.
Whether you’re looking for books to read aloud to your kids or books for independent reading time, here are 12 chapter books to look forward to in 2018.
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Finding Tinkerbell #1: Beyond Never Land
Available from:When Tinker Bell goes missing, Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby set out to find her. Readers that enjoyed the original Never Girls series will be glad to see the return of these four friends as they start a new adventure.
(On Sale: 1/2/18)Also available from: -
Wolfie and Fly: Band on the Run
Available from:Live performances and daring escapes are more than Wolfie bargained for when she agreed to join Fly's one-kid band. Full of goofy humor and self-discovery, this chapter book is about authenticity and the joy of friendship.
(On Sale: 1/9/18)Also available from: -
Ellie, Engineer
Ellie loves to invent and build things in her workshop. Along with the help of some kids from the neighborhood, Ellie is determined to build an epic birthday present for her best friend. This sweet and funny book has themes of friendship, honesty, and hard work.
(On Sale: 1/16/18)Preorder from: -
Princess Pulverizer Series
To prove her valor, Princess Serena (aka Princess Pulverizer) must complete a Quest for Kindness before she can become a knight. This sword-swinging series is for any girl or boy that fancies themselves a knight in shining armor.
(On Sale: 1/16/18)Preorder from: -
Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet
Kids that loved the Vampirina picture books will be thrilled to discover this chapter book series. Isadora is half fairy and half vampire and 100 percent herself.
(On Sale: 1/23/18)Preorder from: -
Kitty's Magic
When Kitty discovers that she can turn into a cat, it opens up a whole new world of fun — and trouble. With themes of leadership, problem-solving, and magic, this adorable new series is perfect for kitten fanatics.
(On Sale: 2/20/18)Preorder from: -
Dory Fantasmagory: Head in the Clouds
Growing readers won't want to miss this newest installment in the Dory Fantasmagory series. Funnier than ever, Dory tackles fashion, loose teeth, and the pesky Mrs. Gobble Gracker who's determined to steal the Tooth Fairy's job.
(On Sale: 3/6/18)Preorder from: -
Absolutely Alfie and the Worst Best Sleepover
Available from:Alfie wades into the messy world of friendships and sleepovers in the third installment of this adorable series. Kids that enjoy realistic fiction will cheer as Alfie finds a solution to a common childhood problem.
(On Sale: 3/27/18)You'll also want to be on the look out for Absolutely Alfie and the Princess Wars, out 9/4/18.
Also available from: -
Nick the Sidekick
Dust off that superhero cape! Scratch that — better go with the sidekick cape. Being the sidekick to a superhero is more work than Nick bargained for. He does everything and gets none of the glory. This wacky, action-packed graphic novel will keep kids turning pages.
(On Sale: 4/3/18)Preorder from: -
Monsters Unleashed #2: Bugging Out
A 3D printing project results in enormous, man-eating bugs taking over Freddie's town! Kids that like slightly-scary adventures will stomp and smash their way through the pages of this monsterrific tale.
(On Sale: 4/24/18)Preorder from: -
The Zach and Zoe Mysteries Series
Well-loved author Mike Lupica started a new series for younger readers. These short, action-packed sports mysteries will keep growing readers guessing and flying through the pages.
(On Sale: 5/1/18)Preorder from: -
Bea Garcia: Tale of a Scaredy-Dog
Available from:When her dog goes missing, Bea is frantic in her search to find him. This chapter book is about wild imaginations and the special friendship that exists between kids and their pets. It's perfect for readers of Ivy and Bean.
(On Sale: 7/3/18)Also available from:
What chapter books is your child looking forward to reading? Let us know in the comments!