What’s more exciting than finishing a great book? Diving right into the sequel! Our staff at the Iowa Reading Research Center has compiled a list of our favorite book series for readers in pre-K through high school.
Picking up a book series is a great way to further develop reading comprehension, fluency, and confidence. Following familiar characters across books with a similar narrative structure can help readers understand plot and other elements of storytelling.
To learn how to make the most out of reading to or with your children, check out our previous blog posts about paired oral reading and dialogic reading strategies.
The age ranges listed provide general guidance but will vary by student. Use your own judgement when considering which texts are appropriate for your child in terms of text complexity and topic.
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Ages 2+
Chosen by Sydney Smithgall, Student Writer
On her way to the laundromat, 18-month-old Trixie loses her beloved stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny. She tries to tell her father when they get home, but he can’t understand what she’s trying to say. When Trixie’s mother notices that Knuffle Bunny is missing, the family goes on a hunt to reunite the young girl and her rabbit.
“This was my favorite Willems book when I was younger,” Smithgall says. “It’s cute, relatable, and hilarious, and my family still quotes Trixie to this day!”
Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems
Ages 2+
Chosen by Sydney Smithgall, Student Writer
This series teaches early readers about friendship and problem solving as it follows the comedic adventures of Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig. Despite these characters’ very different personalities, they are best friends that are always learning from one another.
“This series is particularly nostalgic for me,” Smithgall says. “My mom read these books to my brother and I once when were kids and then again while in speech therapy for aphasia fifteen years later. Now we own the whole box set!”
Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown
Ages 6+
Chosen by Shawn Datchuk, Director
This graphic novel series follows Roan, a young boy living on Tatooine who dreams of becoming a pilot. When he’s mysteriously denied from flight school, Roan is invited to attend Jedi Academy, where the usual trials of middle school meet the not-so-usual trials of training to become a jedi.
“Did you ever watch Star Wars and Saved by the Bell and wish they were combined?” Datchuk asks. “My 2nd grader LOVES this fun series on teenage drama, lightsaber battles, and Yoda.”
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Ages 6+
Chosen by Lindsay Seydel, Technical Assistance Provider
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are four orphaned siblings who are afraid to be sent to their grandfather’s house. After running away, the children discover an abandoned boxcar in the woods and make it their home.
“Now that I think about it, this series is probably when my love for the mystery genre began!” Seydel says. “As a teacher, I was sure to add this series to my classroom library for my students to enjoy as well. This is a timeless series!”
Geronimo Stilton by Elisabetta Dami
Ages 6+
Chosen by Brian Cochran, Application Developer
This series follows Geronimo Stilton, a mouse who works as the editor and publisher of The Rodent’s Gazette. Stilton is nervous and prefers life at home, but he finds himself repeatedly drawn into adventures around the world alongside his family and friends.
“I have fond memories of reading this series in elementary school,” Cochran says. “The main character is funny, and the many stories are all unique and entertaining.”
The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin
Ages 8+
Chosen by Nikki Hodous, Associate Director of Operations and Project Management
In the fictional town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut, a group of friends start a babysitting service to earn money and spend time together. The books in this series explore a wide range of obstacles the girls run into as they navigate growing up and running their childcare business at the same time.
“I loved how the characters had such different interests, personalities, and backgrounds, which allowed me to see parts of myself in them,” Hodous says. “I also appreciated the depth the stories offered, both for more relatable topics such as issues between friends, crushes, and parents as well as the mysteries they would become involved in solving.”
I Survived by Lauren Tarshis
Ages 8+
Chosen by Lindsay Seydel, Technical Assistance Provider
This historical fiction series follows kids as they fight to survive some of the greatest disasters that have happened around the world. Featured events include the Titanic, the eruption of Pompeii, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, among others.
“Kids love the historical aspect of this series,” Seydel says. “As a teacher and as a mom, it was evident this series was a favorite when my kids asked for them every time the next one came out.”
Clue by Various Authors
Ages 8+
Chosen by Kate Will, Communications Specialist
This series of whodunnit mysteries is based on the board game, Clue. Each mini mystery ends with a checklist from the board game to help you crack the case. An explanation of what happened is also printed upside down at the end so you can check your sleuthing skills!
“I liked using clues throughout the books to make predictions about what would happen. I also liked the spooky setting, which was a haunted mansion,” Will says. “If you're looking for where to start, I would recommend The Vanishing Vampire.”
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Ages 8+
Chosen by Taylor Miller, Project Manager of Online Learning and Research, and Hyejeong Yoon, Graduate Assistant
When Harry Potter turns 11, he discovers he’s a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This series follows the adventures of Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, as they explore the world of magic and face the return of the evil wizard who killed Harry’s parents when he was a baby.
“This series made me love reading! I had never been so invested in a story before,” Miller says. “The series was incomplete when I first started reading them, and I have fond memories of sharing theories and speculations with my friends.”
“These books inspire endless imagination!” Yoon adds.
The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley
Ages 8+
Chosen by Sydney Smithgall, Student Writer
After their parents disappear, Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their grandmother in the town of Ferryport Landing. Here, they learn that they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm, whose fairy tales are actually a historical record—and the townspeople are the magical beings featured in these stories. The sisters work together to solve mysteries connected to their parents’ disappearance and discover an evil society attempting to take over the world.
“This was my favorite series in elementary school,” Smithgall says, “and it was the start of my lifelong interest in fairytale retellings and the fantasy genre!”
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Ages 12+
Chosen by Olivia Tonelli, Communications Coordinator
This series of graphic novels follows openly gay Charlie Spring and popular rugby player Nick Nelson as they meet, become friends, and fall in love. Their story is a heartwarming rollercoaster of the trials of high school love, the complex process of exploring identity, and the joys of finding a place to belong.
“Beyond being incredibly heartwarming, I also love how gently educative these graphic novels are,” Tonelli says. “The themes of self-advocacy and exploring/setting personal boundaries are important for young people to read about!”
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Ages 14+
Chosen by Brian Cochran, Application Developer
On the magical and alien planet of Roshar, residents have adapted to hurricane-like storms that raze the surface every few days. Each book in the series follows a different order of the Knights Radiant, an organization of ten power-wielding groups believed to have betrayed mankind.
“This is a great high fantasy series with strong world building,” Cochran says. “These books are also connected to other works by this author, so if people enjoy this series, there is much more to read!”
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Ages 14+
Chosen by Megan Tetrick, Student Administrative Assistant
Cassie Hobbes is a 17-year-old who is great at reading people based on the tiniest details. Considered an “exceptional teen,” Cassie is recruited to join a similarly gifted group who work together to solve cold cases… and perhaps a new string of murders, too.
“These books are all quick, easy, and fast-paced to keep you on your toes!” Tetrick says. “If you like true crime or Criminal Minds, you'd like this series.”
The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Ages 14+
Chosen by Bailey Christensen, Student eLearning Team Member
Set in the year 2575, this science-fiction series follows teenage colonists Kady Grant and Ezra Mason as they become refugees fleeing from their home planet. Caught in the crossfire of two megacorporations, the protagonists face biological weapons, artificial intelligence, and military coups as they fight for survival.
“The world and characters are so well-built and engaging throughout the entire trilogy,” Christensen says. “I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi but this is one of my favorite series I have read as a teen.”
