Thank You!

The perfect book picks are on their way.

You're all set!

Growing Reader

20 Excellent Early Chapter Books With Diverse Protagonists

by Laurie Espino

diverse protagonists

Photography by Seana Williamson

Graduating from picture books is a great accomplishment but can be a little intimidating for developing readers. To make the transition easier and a lot more fun, here are 20 early chapter books growing readers will enjoy from cover to cover.

Best of all, these books feature diverse protagonists. Readers need to identify with the characters in their stories at such a crucial point in their reading development. From fun and hilarious to profound and inspirational, your kids will have a blast reading these titles.

The Magnificent Makers Series

The Magnificent Makers Series

by Theanne Griffith, illustrated by Reggie Brown

Also available from:

Written by neurologist Theanne Griffith, The Magnificent Makers series blends adventure with science. Follow best friends Violet and Pablo as they open magic portals to learn everything from robots and 3D printers to how the brain works. Kids will enjoy the problem-solving stories, and parents will love that their little ones are working on their STEM skills.

Also available from:

EllRay Jakes Series

EllRay Jakes Series

by Sally Warner, illustrated by Jamie Harper

Also available from:

Just because EllRay Jakes is the smartest kid in his class doesn’t mean he's not a troublemaker. It seems like all he ever does is get into trouble. EllRay Jakes's fun and humorous stories will keep even reluctant readers entertained as he navigates through everything from school bullies to helping his little sister fight dragons.

Also available from:

Jada Jones Series

Jada Jones Series

by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Also available from:

Young readers everywhere adore Jada Jones! She’s an energetic little girl who loves trying new things and experimenting. Whether learning new dance moves or running for student council, Jada’s enthusiasm and love for STEM shines through.

Also available from:

Miles Lewis Series

Miles Lewis Series

by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Wayne Spencer

Also available from:

Kids who fell in love with the Jada Jones series will enjoy this high-energy spin-off series about Miles Lewis. Like Jada, he loves science and sports and is always interested in learning something new. This slice-of-life series delivers STEM themes wrapped in an engaging story.

Also available from:

The Unicorn Rescue Society Series

The Unicorn Rescue Society Series

by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly

Also available from:

Welcome to Pine Barrens, where unicorns are real, and there’s a secret society to protect them! Elliot and Uchenna are the two newest members, and they’re ready to defend the mythical creatures no matter what. Written by New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor-winning author Adam Gidwitz, The Unicorn Rescue Society series is the type of fantasy adventure young readers crave. Exciting stories and an abundance of illustrations make this series the perfect choice for developing readers.

Also available from:

The Secret Explorers Series

The Secret Explorers Series

by DK and SJ King

Also available from:

Calling all adventure seekers! From stopping tomb robbers in Ancient Egypt to time-traveling back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, The Secret Explorers series has a story for everyone. Best of all, each book bursts with fun facts, illustrations, and activities that will keep even the most reluctant readers entertained and educated.

Also available from:

Dragon Storm #4: Mira and Flameteller

Dragon Storm #4: Mira and Flameteller

by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by Eric Deschamps

Also available from:

Fantasy lovers will enjoy this action-packed installment in the Dragon Storm series that combines STEM with magic. A unique machine keeps the dragons and their humans safe. When that machine breaks, Mira and Flameteller must fix it before anyone breaks into their sanctuary.

(On sale: 1/24/2023)

Also available from:

She Persisted: Harriet Tubman

She Persisted: Harriet Tubman

by Andrea Davis Pickney and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint

Also available from:

In this chapter book biography, Harriet Tubman's heroic story gets told by New York Times best-selling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and features an introduction by Chelsea Clinton. Even though she was born into slavery, Harriet’s courage carried her to freedom. She then dedicated her life to helping others do the same. Check out other books in the She Persisted early chapter book series to learn about other fierce females in history.

Also available from:

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten)

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten)

by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Also available from:

Curious kids will love this hilarious nonfiction chapter book. With a wacky cockroach as their guide, readers will learn how to take a peaceful walk with a python without becoming a meal. This book is jam-packed with fascinating facts, humor, and full-color illustrations.

Also available from:

Planet Omar Series

Planet Omar Series

by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik

Also available from:

An NPR Best Book of the Year winner, the Planet Omar series tells the tales of a young Muslim boy named Omar. Follow along as Omar navigates through the ups and downs of life, from making friends to saving his family’s beloved mosque. Jam-packed with artwork by Indonesia-based illustrator Nasaya Mafaridik, these books are the perfect way to diversify your middle grader’s library.

Also available from:

King & Kayla Series

King & Kayla Series

by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers

Also available from:

A little girl named Kayla and her dog King solve mysteries in this award-winning chapter book series. Whether searching for missing dog treats or figuring out who destroyed the neighbor’s yard, this duo tackles every mystery with humor and heart.

Also available from:

Juana and Lucas

Juana and Lucas

by Juana Medina

Also available from:

Juana lives in Bogotá, Colombia, and has started to learn English in school. But Juana would much rather be drawing than learning a new language. When her Abuelo promises to take her on a trip to Spaceland in Florida on the condition that she become proficient in English, she’s ready to take on the challenge. Sweet and lighthearted, this book’s unique format illustrates how the main character is learning English while readers are simultaneously learning Spanish words weaved into the text!

Also available from:

Every Day with April & Mae Series

Every Day with April & Mae Series

by Megan Dowd Lambert, illustrated by Briana Dengoue

Also available from:

Growing readers who enjoy friendship stories will love this humorous and charming series. April and Mae are best friends and spend time together daily. Whether watching a scary movie or playing a soccer game, these girls tackle each new challenge together.

Also available from:

Dragons in a Bag

Dragons in a Bag

by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Geneva B

Also available from:

Do you have what it takes to babysit a dragon? That’s what Jaxon finds himself doing one day with his best friends. But these are just baby dragons, so it’s not that bad—until the kids break the two most important rules of caring for the mythical creatures. Now Jaxon and his friends have to get the dragons back where they belong before they’re lost for good! Full of imagination, joy, and humor, Dragons in a Bag is the perfect illustrated chapter book for growing readers. And for more dragon adventures, check out book 2 in the series, The Dragon Thief.

Also available from:

She Persisted: Maria Tallchief

She Persisted: Maria Tallchief

by Christine Day and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint

Also available from:

Dance enthusiasts will find Maria Tallchief’s biography inspiring. Even though people told Maria to change her name, she stayed true to her Osage heritage. Through hard work and perseverance, she became America’s first prima ballerina.

Also available from:

Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel

Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel

by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Also available from:

Between her parents’ divorce and moving to a new school, Dyamonde Daniel has had it rough lately. But her positive attitude helps her look on the bright side and see a neighborhood full of possibilities. Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel introduces a brilliant and lovable new character for transitioning readers while tackling everything from race and income to divorce and finding new friends in just over a hundred pages!

Also available from:

Absolutely Alfie Series

Absolutely Alfie Series

by Sally Warner, illustrated by Shearry Malone

Also available from:

This series has strong Judy Moody vibes, featuring slice-of-life stories about friendship, pets, and school. Alfie is a spirited second grader who loves spending time with her friends and trying new things. Growing readers will adore this charming character and her adventures.

Also available from:

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

by J. Dillard, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

Also available from:

Third-grader J.D. has managed to turn his unfortunate bad haircut into a thriving business! But not everyone is a fan of his new at-home barbershop, especially the local barber. J.D. may be good at cutting hair, but is he good enough to keep his new business open? Hilarious and fun, J.D.’s story will not only keep growing readers entertained, but it’ll also spark an entrepreneurial bug inside of them!

Also available from:

Most Valuable Players Series

Most Valuable Players Series

by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Scott Brundage

Also available from:

Sports fans will love this diverse and action-packed series from the author of the Ballpark Mysteries Series. These short, easy-to-read books feature high-interest stories about sports with black and white illustrations throughout. They’re an excellent choice for growing readers transitioning to independent reading.

Also available from:

Bea Garcia Series

Bea Garcia Series

by Deborah Zemke

Also available from:

When Bea’s best friend moves away, a family with a boy (or is he a monster?) moves in next door. Bea uses her creativity and love of drawing to help get her through the challenging transition of losing a friend and making a new one. Growing readers will fall in love with this Hispanic main character’s whimsical stories and feel inspired to try their hand at doodling.

Also available from:

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2022.