50 Must read books for elementary school

(By series by Jo Ann) This educational series follows Ms. Frizzle and her adventurous class as they embark on wild, science-filled field trips in their magical school bus. Covering topics from space to the human body, these books make learning exciting through engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations.

(By Madeleine L'Engle) This sci-fi fantasy series expands on the world introduced in A Wrinkle in Time. It follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their family through journeys across dimensions, battling dark forces and unraveling cosmic mysteries. The series explores deep themes of love, science, faith, and identity, appealing to readers of all ages.

(By Roald Dahl) A short but powerful tale about a girl with a magical ability to punish those who mistreat animals. When she turns a hunting family into birds, they experience life from a new perspective. The book blends humor with a strong moral lesson about empathy and consequences.

(By Madeleine L'Engle) A mix of science fiction and fantasy, this classic novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they journey across space and time to rescue Meg’s father from an evil force. Guided by three mysterious celestial beings—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which—the children confront dark forces while learning about love, courage, and self-acceptance.

(By Dav Pilkey) This wildly popular series follows best friends George and Harold, who hypnotize their principal into becoming the superhero Captain Underpants. Filled with humor, comic-book-style illustrations, and imaginative storytelling, the series is a favorite among reluctant readers.

(By Lynne Reid Banks) Omri receives a cupboard and a tiny plastic Indian figure for his birthday, only to discover that the cupboard can bring toys to life. He befriends Little Bear, a real Iroquois warrior, and faces moral dilemmas about responsibility and power. This imaginative story blends adventure with thought-provoking themes about history and ethics.

(By E.B. White) A heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty, Charlotte’s Web follows the story of Wilbur, a young pig who is saved from slaughter by a kindhearted spider named Charlotte. Charlotte weaves words into her web to convince the farmer that Wilbur is special, drawing attention from the community. The novel explores themes of life, death, and the beauty of kindness. White’s storytelling captures the innocence of childhood while conveying deeper life lessons. With lovable characters such as Fern, the girl who first saves Wilbur, and Templeton, the gluttonous but helpful rat, this book remains a beloved classic that teaches the power of love and sacrifice.

(By Marc Brown) Following Arthur the aardvark and his friends, this series explores childhood experiences such as school, friendship, and family life. The books, later adapted into a popular TV show, are known for their gentle humor and important life lessons.

(By R.L. Stine) A best-selling horror series filled with creepy creatures, eerie mysteries, and spine-chilling twists. Each book presents a new thrilling adventure, keeping readers on edge while delivering engaging and suspenseful storytelling.

(By Frances Hodgson Burnett) This timeless classic follows Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled girl who moves to her uncle’s mansion in England. She discovers a hidden, neglected garden and, with the help of her sickly cousin and a kind local boy, works to bring it back to life. The novel beautifully explores themes of healing, transformation, and the power of nature.

(By Judy Blume) A collection of realistic fiction novels covering topics like friendship, growing up, and self-identity. With books such as Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Blume’s writing resonates with young readers through its honesty and humor.

(By Louis Sachar) A gripping blend of mystery, adventure, and humor, this novel follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy sent to a juvenile detention camp where he and other boys dig holes as punishment. The story weaves past and present together, revealing secrets about Stanley’s family curse and the hidden purpose behind the holes. Clever, engaging, and full of twists, it’s a modern classic.

(By C.S. Lewis) This beloved fantasy series transports readers to the magical land of Narnia, where children embark on epic adventures filled with talking animals, mythical creatures, and powerful forces of good and evil. The first book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, introduces the Pevensie siblings, who discover a wardrobe that leads to Narnia. With the guidance of Aslan, the noble lion, they must defeat the White Witch and restore peace. The series, rich in allegory and moral lessons, explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. Lewis’s imaginative worldbuilding and timeless storytelling have made The Chronicles of Narnia a cornerstone of children\'s literature.

(By J.K. Rowling) The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces readers to an orphaned boy who discovers he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday. Harry, who has lived a miserable life with his cruel relatives, is invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends like Ron and Hermione, learns magic, and unravels the mystery surrounding the Sorcerer’s Stone. Along the way, he discovers his connection to the dark wizard Voldemort. Full of adventure, magic, and a sense of wonder, Rowling’s novel captivates readers with its richly developed world and themes of friendship, bravery, and destiny. This book marks the beginning of an iconic series that has enchanted millions.

(By series by Jeff Brown) After being flattened by a bulletin board, Stanley Lambchop discovers his new shape allows for exciting adventures, including being mailed across the country! The series explores themes of adaptability and creativity while offering humorous and lighthearted storytelling.

(By Jacqueline Wilson) This novel follows siblings Evan and Jessie as they compete to see who can make the most money selling lemonade. Blending real-life business concepts with family dynamics, the book explores themes of competition, teamwork, and sibling relationships in a relatable and entertaining way.

(By Beverly Cleary) This series follows Henry Huggins, an ordinary boy who finds adventure in everyday life, from adopting a dog named Ribsy to getting into amusing predicaments. With humor and heart, the books capture the joys and mishaps of childhood.

(By Beverly Cleary) The adventures of Ramona, a spirited and imaginative eight-year-old, showcase her humorous misadventures at school and home. This book highlights childhood resilience, family relationships, and the ups and downs of growing up.

(By Kenneth Grahame) This beloved novel follows the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, four anthropomorphic animals living in the English countryside. With themes of friendship, adventure, and home, the story is a charming blend of humor, nostalgia, and gentle wisdom, making it a classic of children’s literature.

(By series by Stan and Jan Berenstain) This beloved series follows a family of bears as they navigate life’s everyday challenges. With lessons on friendship, honesty, and responsibility, these books provide gentle moral guidance through relatable stories and timeless illustrations.

(By E.B. White) This classic children’s novel tells the story of Stuart, a tiny, adventurous mouse born to a human family. Despite his small size, Stuart embarks on a grand journey to find his lost friend, a bird named Margalo. The novel is a charming tale of resilience, curiosity, and the pursuit of adventure.

(By Beverly Cleary) This charming story follows Ralph, a daring young mouse, who discovers a toy motorcycle that he can ride. He befriends a boy named Keith and experiences exhilarating adventures in a hotel. With fun escapades and a heartwarming message about friendship and bravery, it remains a beloved children’s classic.

(By Mary Pope Osborne) This engaging series follows siblings Jack and Annie as they discover a magical treehouse that transports them through time and space. Each book presents a new historical or fantastical adventure, from meeting dinosaurs to exploring ancient civilizations. The series blends education with excitement, introducing young readers to history, science, and mythology in an accessible way. Osborne’s simple yet captivating storytelling makes these books perfect for early readers, fostering curiosity and a love of learning. With over 50 books in the series, The Magic Tree House remains a favorite for children eager to embark on thrilling journeys while gaining knowledge along the way.

(By Daisy Meadows) A fantasy series featuring best friends Rachel and Kirsty, who help fairies regain their lost magical items from mischievous goblins. Each book introduces a different fairy with a unique theme, such as weather, sports, or holidays, making it an engaging and collectible series for young readers.

(By Cressida Cowell) This humorous and action-packed series follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a Viking boy who struggles to live up to his tribe’s expectations. He befriends Toothless, a small and mischievous dragon, and learns that intelligence and empathy matter more than brute strength. The books mix humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments in a unique take on dragon lore.

(By Peggy Parish) Amelia Bedelia, a well-meaning but literal-minded housekeeper, takes everything at face value, leading to humorous misunderstandings. The series is beloved for its wordplay and lighthearted humor, making it an entertaining way to introduce young readers to idioms and figurative language.

(By Lois Lowry) A historical novel set in Nazi-occupied Denmark, this gripping story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish best friend, Ellen, escape to Sweden. Based on real events, the book highlights bravery, sacrifice, and resistance, offering an accessible and powerful introduction to World War II history for young readers.

(By Jenny Nimmo) A fantasy series about Charlie Bone, a boy who discovers he has a magical ability to hear people in photographs. As he attends Bloor’s Academy, he unravels dark family secrets and battles hidden dangers, making this an exciting and suspenseful read for fans of mystery and magic.

(By Wilson Rawls) A deeply moving tale of a boy and his dogs, Where the Red Fern Grows follows Billy, a young boy in the Ozarks who works hard to buy and train two Redbone Coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann. Together, they become an unstoppable hunting team, but their journey is filled with challenges, triumphs, and heartbreak. The novel beautifully captures the deep bond between humans and animals, touching on themes of perseverance, love, and loss. With vivid descriptions of the countryside and a poignant ending, this book has left many readers with bittersweet emotions. It is a timeless story of determination and the powerful connections we form with our loyal companions.

(By series by Ann M. Martin) This series follows a group of middle school girls who run a babysitting business while navigating friendships, school, and personal challenges. The books highlight teamwork, responsibility, and growing up, making them relatable and engaging for young readers.

(By Kate DiCamillo) A charming and beautifully written story about an unlikely hero, The Tale of Despereaux follows a small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart. Born different from other mice, Despereaux defies expectations by falling in love with a human princess and embarking on a quest to save her from the darkness of the dungeon. The book weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of courage, love, forgiveness, and the power of storytelling. DiCamillo’s poetic prose and memorable characters make this novel a modern classic, enchanting readers with its whimsical yet profound message of hope and redemption.

(By Gertrude Chandler Warner) This classic series begins with four orphaned siblings—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny—who make a home in an abandoned boxcar. Their adventures showcase their independence, problem-solving skills, and strong family bond. The series continues with the children solving mysteries, making it a beloved staple of children’s literature.

(By Roald Dahl) This classic fantasy novel tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. Inside, he and four other children explore the factory’s wondrous rooms, each revealing life lessons about greed, kindness, and imagination. With quirky characters and vivid descriptions, it’s a timeless favorite.

(By Louis Sachar) A collection of quirky, humorous short stories set in Wayside School, a bizarre building constructed 30 stories high. Each chapter features a different eccentric student or teacher, blending absurdity with witty social commentary. Its humor and unexpected twists make it a favorite among young readers.

(By Rick Riordan) This five-book series follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon. As he navigates a world of Greek mythology hidden within modern society, he embarks on dangerous quests, battles monsters, and struggles with prophecies. With humor, action, and deep friendships, the series blends adventure with mythology, making it a thrilling read for young audiences.

(By Roald Dahl) James, an orphan living with his cruel aunts, discovers a giant magical peach. As the peach grows enormous, he embarks on a fantastical adventure with a group of talking insect friends. They travel across the ocean, encountering danger and wonder. The novel is filled with Dahl’s signature whimsical storytelling and dark humor.

(By Barbara Park) Featuring the mischievous and outspoken Junie B. Jones, this series captures the world through the eyes of a spunky kindergartener. With humor and heart, the books explore childhood challenges such as making friends, school antics, and family life in an engaging and relatable way.

(By Donald Sobol) This series follows Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown, a boy detective who solves small-town mysteries using logic and reasoning. Each book presents multiple short cases, encouraging readers to solve them before reading the solutions.

(By Roald Dahl) Matilda is the story of a brilliant young girl with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Despite her tough home life, Matilda is a voracious reader and discovers she has telekinetic powers. With the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey, she learns to harness her abilities and stand up to the injustices around her. Dahl weaves humor and whimsy into this empowering tale of intelligence and resilience. The novel celebrates the power of books and knowledge, proving that even the smallest person can create change. Matilda remains a favorite for young readers, inspiring them to embrace their own intelligence and creativity.

(By Jeff Kinney) Diary of a Wimpy Kid presents the hilarious and relatable misadventures of Greg Heffley, a middle schooler trying to navigate friendships, bullies, and family life. Written in a diary format with humorous doodles, the book captures Greg’s awkward experiences, from embarrassing school moments to failed attempts at popularity. Kinney perfectly portrays the struggles of adolescence with humor and authenticity, making the book a hit among young readers. The story highlights themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the ups and downs of growing up. With its unique format and laugh-out-loud moments, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has become a staple for reluctant readers and those who enjoy lighthearted, witty storytelling.

(By Roald Dahl) The BFG tells the whimsical story of Sophie, an orphan who is whisked away by the Big Friendly Giant to a land of much larger, meaner giants. Unlike the others, the BFG refuses to eat humans, instead surviving on snozzcumbers and delivering dreams to children. Sophie and the BFG team up to stop the evil giants from terrorizing the world. Dahl’s tale is filled with imaginative language, humor, and heartwarming moments that showcase the power of friendship and kindness. With its unique storytelling and endearing characters, The BFG is a beloved classic that continues to enchant readers.

(By Geronimo Stilton) A fun and adventurous series featuring Geronimo Stilton, a timid newspaper editor who constantly finds himself on daring quests around the world. The books are filled with colorful fonts, quirky humor, and engaging illustrations that make them an exciting read for kids.

(By George Selden) A heartwarming tale of friendship, this novel follows Chester Cricket, who accidentally ends up in a bustling New York subway station. Befriending a cat, a mouse, and a young boy, Chester’s musical talent brings joy to many. The book beautifully contrasts rural and city life while delivering an uplifting message.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) Based on Wilder’s childhood, this historical fiction novel follows the Ingalls family as they settle in the American frontier. Through hardships, adventures, and daily life, the story captures the challenges of pioneer living with rich descriptions of family, resilience, and the spirit of exploration.

(By Megan McDonald) This series follows Judy Moody, a spirited and independent third-grader with big moods and even bigger ideas. Each book captures her humorous adventures, school experiences, and quirky personality as she navigates friendships, family, and exciting projects. The books are filled with humor, relatable themes, and fun illustrations, making them engaging for young readers.

(By Katherine Applegate) Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has spent years in captivity at a mall. Told from Ivan’s perspective, the story explores his relationships with fellow animals and his longing for freedom. When a baby elephant arrives, Ivan is motivated to take action, leading to an emotional and heartwarming journey.

(By Michael Ende) A fantasy novel about a boy named Bastian who discovers a magical book that draws him into the world of Fantastica. As he embarks on a journey to save the realm, he learns about the power of imagination and the dangers of losing oneself in fantasy.

(By R.J. Palacio) This heartwarming novel tells the story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends school for the first time in fifth grade. Told from multiple perspectives, the story explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and resilience as Auggie faces bullying and struggles to find friendship. An inspiring read that encourages empathy and understanding.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) This series chronicles the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder as she grows up on the American frontier. Spanning multiple books, it captures the challenges and triumphs of pioneer life, offering rich historical detail about self-sufficiency, family bonds, and resilience.