Transitional to Early Fluent Readers: Helping Your 2nd and 3rd Grader Find Early Chapter Books

Transitional readers are children just starting to transition from picture books to early chapter books. They know many sight words and can decode common words. They are typically in 2nd grade and are ready for more complex stories with more text on the page. Early chapter books are a wonderful way to help transitional readers develop their reading skills and confidence. 

Early chapter books help transitional readers level up to being “Early Fluent” readers who are reading independently with text that is longer with more complex sentence structures. All these book series are shelved in our “In-Between” collection- a collection for early fluent readers between picture books and middle-grade chapter books with most of the books with a reading level from mid-2nd grade to mid-4th grade. This is a key reading stage and finding books that engage young readers during this stage is crucial to helping them move forward in being able to read not just for enjoyment but be able to ‘read to learn.’

Here are seven popular book series that are perfect for transitional to early fluent readers looking for chapter books:

  

• Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo: This series follows the adventures of a lovable but clumsy pig named Mercy Watson and the family that loves Mercy. Perfect for the transitional readers looking for their first chapter book. The books are funny and heartwarming, and they have an AR reading level range across the series of 2.4 to 3.3.
• Princess in Black series by Shannon and Dean Hale: Princess Magnolia is just any ordinary princess. She has an alter ego who protects the kingdom as the “Princess in Black.” Illustrated by LeUyen Pham, this book series is a fun adventure series that still has lots of great pictures to keep young readers engaged. AR reading level of 3.0 to 3.2.
• Owl Diaries series by Rebecca Elliott: This series follows the adventures of Eva, a young owl who is starting school. The books are full of color illustrations and have an AR reading level of 2.7 to 3.2.
• Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne: This series follows the adventures of Jack and Annie, two siblings who travel through time in a magical tree house. The books are educational and exciting, and they have an AR level range of 2.6 to 3.5.
• Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park: This series follows the adventures of Junie B. Jones, a sassy and funny first grader. The books are relatable and humorous. AR Level range 2.6 to 3.
• Press Start! series by Thomas Flintham: This series follows the adventures of Super Rabbit Boy and his friends as they work to stop King Viking from taking over Animal Town. Not only is Super Rabbit Boy a brave hero but also the star of a video game! The books are action-packed and exciting, and they have an AR reading level range of 2.5- 2.9.
• Dragon Masters series by Tracey West: For kids that love fantasy, Dragon Masters is a perfect first chapter book series to start with. Drake is an eight-year-old kid who is selected by a wizard with Anam, Bo and Opeli to be a dragon master! Great series for an Early Fluent Reader AR reading level 3.1 -4.2.