Books for struggling Readers
Recently a friend asked if I had any book suggestions for her struggling reader. We are both in the same boat where are second graders, are not confident in their reading and therefore find no joy in reading. How sad! The last few months I have been working hard to find books that my reluctant reader will be able to read confidently, and hopefully find enjoyable as he does it. I am sure many of you can relate to the struggle of finding age-appropriate books that are the right fit for your child’s reading ability. One thing that hinders a child’s confidence is when they see their classmates reading chapter books, and they are on easy readers, or what they feel are baby books. This is the biggest reason I have learned to love graphic novels. They have pictures to keep interest, they are a favorite of most kids of all ages and reading levels, and many look more like chapter books that easy readers, even if the words are easier.
I am all about building confidence in reading, instead of forcing a child to read harder books, making reading fun, will build confidence, and hopefully a love of reading and learning.
Here are a few that we have loved recently.
Graphic novels and short chapter books for early readers
Who is the Mystery Reader: A book from the Unlimited Squirrels Series
As easier graphic novel for emerging readers, there are currently 4 in the series. The pages are filled with a lot of humor and jokes throughout the books. Our second graders flew through the ones we checked out from the library and is on a hunt for the fourth. We love Mo Willems in our house, and if your kids enjoy the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo these are the next logical step.
Age 4-8 Lexile 480L Grades PK-3
Cat Kid Comic Club: A series from the much-loved Dav Plikey
Have your kids already read Dog Man? Then these would be what they are looking for next, they have all the silly humor you would expect from a Dav Pilkey book. This one was directly recommended from our second grader, and he said he feels like these were easier to read than the Dog Man books.
Age 7-9 Levile GN520L Grades 2+
Baloney and Friends: Greg Pizzoli
This graphic novel series is made of several short stories and a few silly comic strips between each story. I would say this is one of the first books Oscar flew through with a smile on his face. He loved the characters, and most of the text was fairly easy for him (confidence boost!).
Age 6-9 Lexile GN430L Grades 1-4
The Never Girls Series: Side stories of Tinker Bell and some fairy friends in Never Land.
These books are short chapter books for kids that love the imagination of Disney. Our oldest read the first of these books and liked the story but thought it was too quick of a read for her. She is a very strong reader, so that makes a lot of sense, and it also makes it a great book for our emerging readers! She was also never one for princesses and fairies, so I am guessing that is another factor as to why she didn’t get super into the series. Several of her friends really enjoyed this series especially as they were getting introduced to chapter books. I love that there are so many books in this series because if your kiddo does wind up liking it you are set with another 10+ books! Mom win!
Age 6-9 Lexile 480L Grades 1-4
The Babysitter Club Graphix: Yep the old school Baby Sitters Club made graphic novel
Fair warning: these books are on the upper threshold of graphic novels for beginners. The stories are fast paced and there are a lot of pictures, great for keeping the interest of struggling readers, but the text is a little harder in these books. Sentences are a little longer, and words are more difficult, like we have definitely moved past sight words. Again, if your kids get hooked on these though, you are in luck because the series is lengthy. These may also be a great book for you to read to your struggling reader so they can see you model the reading of a graphic novel, you can discuss what is happening in the pictures to help them notice the details, and likely gain their interest in reading because the story lines will suck them in.
Age 8-11 Lexile IG290L Grades 3-7
Dragon Series: Dav Pilkey
In our library these are located in the easy reader section, not the chapter book series section. They are an easy read; specifically developed for emergent readers and have the humor and fun characters you can expect from Dav Pilkey. There are several in the series and ones that our second grader keeps going back to read.
Age 5-7 Lexile 400L Grades K-2
Pizza and Taco: Stephen Shaskan
Another great option for an easy chapter style graphic novel. Designed to be an easy read, helping to build confidence and reading stamina. The characters are lovable, the stories are funny, and the pictures are fun. There are 5 in the series so far.
Age 5-8 Lexile GN360L Grades K-3
Nugget and Dog: Jason Tharp
Silly stories about two friends, a chicken nugget and a hot dog, hanging out in their city trying to make it a better place. These stories do a nice job of introducing how to read graphic novels and have lots of word bubbles in the pictures. The vocabulary is easy, and the pictures are fun, another great series to get your kiddos confident in reading and hopefully enjoy it too!
Age 5-7 Lexile GN510L Grades K-2
Happy Reading! If you have any other books struggling or emergent readers would enjoy list them below and I’ll check them out!