34 Classic Children's Chapter Books Still Worth Reading

These classic children's chapter books follow the everyday adventures of a spirited and imaginative young girl named Ramona as she navigates childhood. Beloved for the relatable characters, humorous situations, and honest portrayal of the challenges and joys of growing up.

Four orphaned siblings make an abandoned boxcar their home in these classic mystery books, originally created in 1942. Everywhere this family goes, there's another mystery to solve. Young readers remain impressed at how well these amateur sleuths work to solve clues on their own, with little to no adult supervision.

Sarah C. said:  This is a fun chapter series for sure! I read them with my daughter, because I do find there to be topics that she has questions about and it is easier to talk about it right then.

C.S. Lewis has enchanted children (and adults) for generations with this classic chapter book about four siblings who, while hiding in a wardrobe in their new home, suddenly walk through the back of it and find themselves in a fantastical land of perpetual winter. Their adventures beyond the wardrobe, as well as the story preceding this discovery, are covered in the seven books of the Chronicles of Narnia.

This classic children's chapter book by Madeleine L'Engle is a space adventure story about Meg Murry and her little brother, who travel through space and time to rescue their father, a scientist who disappeared while working on a secret government project.

Alexandra F. said:  This was my introduction to science fiction as a child and I remember being absolutely captivated and drawn to fantasy and sci fi ever since. I was thrilled when my daughter finally agreed to give it a try. It was an unmitigated success!

Charlotte's Web is a heartwarming story about the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. It's a classic chapter book for kids because it beautifully explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and the meaning of life in a way that resonates with readers of all ages.

Anne of Green Gables is a heartwarming story about a spirited orphan girl named Anne Shirley who finds a loving home on Prince Edward Island. It's a classic children's book for its charming characters, vivid descriptions of nature, and timeless themes of belonging, self-discovery, and the power of imagination.

Alexandra F. said:  I've adored this book since I was a child, and it was a real turning point in our relationship when I was finally able to share it with my then 9-year-old daughter. I was surprised by how well the book held up to my extremely high expectations when I reread it as an adult. Anne is just such a wonderful character, brimming with life and positivity, curiosity and openness. Though it's appropriate for any age, the more old-fashioned language and setting makes it an especially great book for middle schoolers, and perhaps strong younger readers.

A young girl discovers a family with the secret to eternal life in this classic children's chapter book.

Kelly R said:  This story about eternal life was a quick 2 day read for my son in the summer after 6th grade, and he really enjoyed it.

A young orphan escapes his lonely life by setting off on a journey inside of an enchanted peach. Along the way, he meets a host of magical creatures, makes new friends, and finds the home he always wanted.

Lisa R said:  No author better captures the feeling of being a child lost in a world of arbitrary and ridiculous adult rules than Roald Dahl. The imaginative and often slightly naughty heroes in his many classic chapter books for kids consistently captivate readers with their mind bending adventures.

Generations have adored The Secret Garden, which follows 10-year-old Mary Lennox as she falls under the care of her uncle in England after losing both her parents to sickness. One of the best classic children's mysteries, Mary tries to find the source of strange sounds in the old mansion and finds a key to a secret garden that has been locked away for years.

Laura Ingalls Wilder has a way of bringing pioneer life alive through her vividly descriptive life stories in these classic children's chapter books. Laura, along with her sisters and parents, brave the harsh and oftentimes dangerous wilds of America in the 1870s.

This Newbery Medal winner is all at once an animal adventure tale, a page turner, and a good introduction for kids to mystery reading. The book centers around the mouse Mrs. Frisby, who needs help from the rats of NIMH to save her son.

Generations of children have fallen in love with Astrid Lindgren's red-haired, freckle faced Pippi Longstocking, with her upside down braids and her wild sense of adventure. Readers will delight in Pippi's adventures with her friends and her unusual pets, a horse and monkey. The classic 80s family movie is a fun pick for movie night!

A creative children's classic that stands the test of time, a girl and her younger brother run away from home to live in Manhattan's Metropolitan Museum of Art and become swept up in solving a mystery.

Matilda is a classic children's book about a brilliant young girl named Matilda who loves to read but is mistreated by her neglectful parents and tyrannical headmistress. 

Vanessa M. said:  I enjoyed reading this book aloud to my 7 & 5 yr olds, and they loved it as well. When we finished reading the book, we had a family movie night where we baked a huge chocolate cake (as a nod to Bruce Bogtrotter) and watched the movie together!

This delightful story by E.B. White explores being different, overcoming adversity, and the power of music. Follow the tale of Louis, the swan that is unable to make sounds until his father steals him a trumpet and changes his future forever.