When our younger son was learning to read, I was so frustrated by the lack of easy reader chapter book series that were diverse. Almost everything I could find at the library or bookstore either focused on animals or white children.
I wanted to continue our pattern of reading diverse books, which we’d been doing for many years with picture books. I was even more distressed when I started volunteering at my son’s school, supporting children who were using leveled readers. At his majority Black school, hardly any of the levelled books had Black characters. My son’s classmates were being taught early that they shouldn’t expect to see their stories told at school.
Over time, more diverse easy reader chapter book series have been published. (I’ve also discovered some that I missed back when my own family needed them.) In this post, I share my favorites that your new reader is sure to enjoy.
Diverse easy reader chapter book series (leveled readers)
If your child is fairly new to reading, leveled books can be a good choice. These have vocabulary that’s carefully chosen for easy reading.
For most of the series, I’ve linked to the first book. In general though, your child does not need to read the books in order in these particular series.
Ty’s Travels: All Aboard by Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata
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Some of the travels that little Ty takes are to actual places; others are journeys of his imagination. In All Aboard, Ty wishes that his parents had time to play with him, but they’re busy preparing dinner. It’s up to him to create his own fun, and he soon proves he’s up to the challenge! (Recommended for ages 5 – 7. Black author.)
Molly of Denali: Party Moose by WGBH Kids
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You may know Molly, an Alaska Native girl who loves science, adventure, and using webcams to educate others, from her PBS show. This easy reader series is based on episodes of the show, which could help ease a reluctant reader into the text. In Party Moose, Molly accompanies her pilot mom on a trip to deliver supplies to Nina, their nature journalist friend. But a moose on the runway presents a serious obstacle to landing! (Recommended for ages 6 – 8.)
Confetti Kids: Lily’s New Home by Paula Yoo and Shirley Ng-Benitez
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Lily and her parents are moving from a quiet suburban area into New York City. Lily’s isn’t sure she’ll like their new place; there isn’t even a front yard! But the bustle of children in the neighborhood is a big advantage. (Recommended for ages 5 – 7. Korean-American author.)
Related Post: 12 comforting picture books about home
Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same by Grace Lin
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People often assume that everything about twin sisters Ling and Ting is the same, including the barber. The girls know that their personalities are quite different. An unexpected sneeze during their haircuts soon makes it easier to tell them apart! I found myself giggling often during the sisters’ adventures. (Recommended for ages 6 – 8. Taiwanese American author.)
Bradford Street Buddies: Block Party Surprise by Jerdine Nolen and Michelle Henninger
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Jada and her brother Jamal cannot wait for the neighborhood’s block party. They, along with their friends Carlita and Josh, are especially curious about the surprise their dad has promised. I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say it isn’t anything I would expect at a block party! (Recommended for ages 6 – 8. Black author.)
Diverse easy reader chapter book series (not levelled)
These books are somewhat more challenging than the previous levelled books, but still have a generous number of illustrations and range from 40 – 75 pages.
My Furry Foster Family: Apple and Annie, the Hamster Duo by Debbi Michiko Florence and Melanie Demmer
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If you have an animal lover at home, definitely check out this easy reader chapter book series about 8-year-old Kaita Takano and her foster pets. Kaita wants to locate a forever family for the curious hamsters, but she won’t be able to do that if she can’t even find where they’ve hidden in her own house! (Recommended for ages 7 – 9. Japanese-American author.)
Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time by Marti Dumas and Marie Muravski
Jaden Toussaint is a five year old who’s confident he knows almost everything. But this young scientist has one problem he can’t crack despite all of his charts and field notes: how to get screen time.
When his amazing kindergarten teacher, Ms. Bates, gives a homework assignment with a screen time option, he’s sure that this will convince his parents to budge their tough rules.
This slightly quirky series is funny and keeps kids guessing about how JT will solve his problems. And parents who have strict screen time rules, don’t worry. Volume One’s story has your back. (Recommended for ages 7 – 9. Black author.)
Related Post: 15 picture books filled with Black joy
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi
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Yasmin is always seeking new adventures, whether it’s exploring her neighborhood, becoming an artist, designing a building, or making her mark with fashion. While at times Yasmin’s adventures get too big to handle, her Pakastani-American family is there to support her. (Recommended for ages 6 – 8. Pakastani-American author.)
Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman Nuurali and Anjan Sarkar
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Sadiq’s father is getting ready to go on a business trip, which makes Sadiq sad. But when Baba tells him the story of the desert star from Baba’s childhood in Somalia, Sadiq learns that as long as he can see the desert star, Baba is safe. Sadiq is sure his new space club will be able to spot the desert star, but he soon learns that it’s much harder to see when he’s so far from Somalia. Can he and his friends meet this challenge with a creative solution? (Recommended for ages 7 – 9. Somali-American author.)
Related Post: Diverse chapter book series for independent readers
King and Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth by Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Myers
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Kids who like mysteries that aren’t scary will enjoy solving them King and his human Kayla. Kayla can’t wait to show her friends at school her missing tooth, but when she tries to show it to King, it’s not in the special pouch where she keeps it. King’s doggy narration is sure to keep the giggles coming. (Recommended for ages 7 – 9).
Sofia Martinez: Abuela’s Birthday by Jacqueline Jules and Kim Smith
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It’s rare to find easy reader chapter book series with Spanish vocabulary. The Sofia Martinez series uses 1 – 2 Spanish words per page, which are highlighted in pink. There’s a glossary children can use in the back if needed.
In Abuela’s Birthday, Sofia is building a piñata because “no one is too old for a fun birthday party.” But a flour spill and a frisky cat could detour the party (especially when Tía Carmen finds out what Sofia did!) (Recommended for ages 6 – 8.)
