30 Best Classic Children's Chapter Books

Erika Roh...:  C.S. Lewis chronicles the adventures of 4 siblings when they stumble upon a magical wardrobe that transports them into the fantasy world of Narnia. There they meet many different creatures, talking animals, witches, etc and soon realize Narnia is world built on good versus evil. The kids must help their new friends, even in an all out battle. Just a warning, there is violence in this book and some main characters are affected by it. This is a wonderful fantasy book for kids that combines action and magic but still is appropriate for children.

Alexandra F.:  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!

Erika Roh...:  One of the all-time best classic children's chapter books ever written is a lovely story about friendship, loyalty and love. Fern is a little girl who saves a runt pig, Wilbur, and he befriends a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte realizes that Wilbur is going to be put up for slaughter so she devises a plan to save his life. The relationships that are built between the barnyard animals are truly special and mimic our friendships as well.

Alexandra F.:  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.

Lisa R:  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. In "James and the Giant Peach," 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.

Vanessa M.:  Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell is based on the true story of a Native American girl named Karana as she survives for 18 years alone on an island, battling wild dogs and struggling to survive. As Karana faces hardships, a quiet strength grows within her - a strength that continues to inspire readers today.

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.

Vanessa M.:  Generations have adored The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story follows 10-year-old Mary Lennox as she falls under the care of her uncle in England after losing both her parents to sickness. The book is full of mystery, as 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.

Mark Twain's American classic is a must-read for its literary accolades and history. This is a story of the spirited Huckleberry Finn, who escapes his abusive father and joins up with a runaway slave on an adventure down the Mississippi River, where they learn a lot about one another and develop an unconventional friendship. A good book for teens, who are better poised to grasp it as a commentary on social issues and racism.

Vanessa M.:  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!

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.

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.

christadiserio:  Roald Dahl's Matilda is a classic book read by millions of children everywhere. It's about a very bright young girl with special abilities who was born to some very disengaged parents. They send Matilda to a school run by a horrible principal who cannot stand children. Matilda never imagined the outcome this school would provide for her, like meeting an incredible teacher who ultimately shows Matilda a new world she never knew existed.

Vanessa M.:  Stuart Little was celebrated author E.B. White's first children's book, and has stood the test of time among readers of all ages. Follow tiny Stuart Little, the mouse born into a human family, through all his difficulties and triumphs. The adorable illustrations scattered throughout the book's pages bring Stuart Little to life.

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.