50 Best Read Aloud Chapter Books for Children Ages 6-12 Years

Inside: A great big list of the best read aloud chapter books for children ages 6-12 years.

As I shared in our previous list, 150 Best Kids Picture Books to Read Aloud, I recently asked friends of the Childhood 101 community to share their favourite read aloud titles – both picture books and chapter books/novels. This post shares 50 great chapter book read alouds from that survey, with titles that are suitable from children age around 6 to 12 years of age. I love that these are books that have been actually recommended by parents and teachers!

50 Best Read Aloud Chapter Books for Children Aged 6-12

Obviously those of you with children within this age range may have competent, independent readers and it’s possible that reading aloud to your child isn’t something that you spend a lot of time doing any more. With a voracious 10 year old reader in our home I completely understand but I would encourage you to consider continuing to read aloud together when you have the opportunity.

Why read aloud with my older child?

Put simply, because books are full of words! Research has demonstrated that a well developed vocabulary has been linked to better school performance.

A child listen and understands at a higher level than they can read independently right up until they reach high school. Reading aloud allows your child to listen to and engage with texts that are beyond their own reading level, and this is great for vocabulary development.

Beyond that, books teach. Books invite conversations with children around important social issues and personal challenges, so when you are reading a book like this together you have a perfect opportunity for talking with your child around what can be tricky topics – like friendship, prejudice, bullying or homelessness.

Reading aloud with your child makes reading, and the relationship your child has with books more enjoyable, which will hopefully help to make books a place they turn to at times when they are in need of rest and relaxation. The magical escape into a great book can be a fabulous stress reliever.

We read with our daughters even once they developed into independent readers,  the way we spend our read aloud time has changed but it’s still an important part of our day.

For me it’s an important time for  connection. Whether I am reading – or she is – spending the time being physically close together – we usually hang out in her bed or mine – is important. It’s an easy way to maintain connection with an older child.

RELATED: Make read aloud time your favourite part of the day with these read aloud tips.

And so onto the list! Obviously the titles in this collection include books suitable for a broad age range and so each title is linked to Amazon and The Book Depository (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for any you are not personally familiar with.

The Adventures of the Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton is the first chapter book that my eldest (now 14) fell in love with. It tells the story of Mollie and Peter and their discovery of a magic wishing chair that has the power to grow wings and fly. The chair takes on many fun adventures, introducing them to a host of magical folk along the way. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann is the story of a group of animals who must band together when bulldozers enter their home, Farthing Wood. Will they all make it to the nature reserve at White Deer Park? A story of strength, endurance, compassion and love for all animals. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The BFG by Roald Dahl is about an orphan named Sophie who is snatched from her bedroom one night by The Big Friendly Giant. A giant who likes to collect dreams rather than eating people (which is what the other giants do!) The BFG and Sophie make a plan to rid the world of the bad giants once and for all. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening but only five lucky children will be allowed inside! Will the kind and honest Charlie Bucket be one of them? And what wonders will the children discover inside the gates of this wondrous factory? Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Charlotte’s Web by EB White. Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s spiderweb as she shares her feelings for a pig named Wilbur. A pig simply looking for a friend and the love of a girl named Fern, who saved his life. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Chronicles of Narnia series by CS Lewis. Epic battles between good and evil, fantastic creatures, betrayals, heroic deeds, and friendships won and lost in an unforgettable world, The Chronicles of Narnia series of seven books has been enchanting readers of all ages for over sixty years. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne introduces Christopher Robin, Pooh Bear and their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Great for those just starting out with chapter books. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. Danny thinks his dad is the most marvellous and exciting father any boy ever had but Danny’s dad has a secret. This secret leads them both into the strangest adventure of their lives, and a daring plot that makes Danny the champion of the world. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Eighteenth Emergency by Betsy Byars. Benjie likes practical jokes but he’s a good kid who never meant to harm anyone. The same cannot be said for Marv Hammerman – he’s as big as a high schooler with the temper of a 2 year old. And Benjie has upset Marv with is practical jokes! Available: Amazon  |  Book Depository

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. A fairy tale like no other, Ella is ‘gifted’ the gift of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it’s to hop on one foot or chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate and sets off on a quest to change her destiny. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

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Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. When Kyle learns that the world’s most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town’s new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, he’s determined to be there. But once they are in, the kids have to get out and that is proving harder then they thought! Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. Siblings Kendra and Seth have no idea that their grandfather is the caretaker of Fablehaven – a refuge where mystical creatures gather together to prevent their own extinction. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep the peace between trolls, satyrs,  witches and fairies. However, when the rules get broken powerful forces of evil are unleashed. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Fairy Realm by Emily Rodda is a series of ten books following the adventures of Jessie whose grandmother happens to be a fairy queen who ran away to the human world to marry a human. The series chronicles Jessie’s travels into the magical world of the Fairy Realm. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in this exciting, classic series by Enid Blyton. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl shares the adventures of Mr Fox, his adoring wife and their four small children as they continually outsmart three nasty, not so bright farmers who have teamed up to try to stop them stealing their livestock. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown. Stanley Lambchop is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary problem. One night, a giant pinboard falls on top of him leaving him completely flat.At first it’s fun but then Stanley realises that it’s not always easy being different and he wishes he could be just like everybody else once again. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Funniest Stories by Paul Jennings is a collection of 25 humorous short stories that are sure to have your laughing out loud. Available: Book Depository

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams. Ben’s granny is the boringest granny ever – she just wants to play Scrabble and eat soup. What Ben doesn’t know is that his granny is an international jewel thief and she needs his help! Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. Harriet is a spy. She writes down everything she knows about (or think she knows) about everyone, even her classmates and her best friends. Then Harriet loses track of her notebook and it ends up in the wrong hands. Now Harriet must find a way to put her life and friendships back together. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. On his eleventh birthday Harry Potter finds out he is a wizard with a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin! Available: Amazon | Book Depository

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I Am David by Anne Holm. David’s entire life has been spent in a prison camp in Eastern Europe. He knows nothing of the outside world. But when he is given the chance to escape, he seizes it. Does he know enough to survive? Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Indian in the Cupboard series by Lynne Reid Banks. When Omri receives a plastic Indian figure for his birthday he is disappointed and puts it into a metal cupboard, locking the door with a mysterious key that once belonged to his great-grandmother. The cupboard is magical and transforms his plastic warrior into a real man. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. After James Henry Trotter’s parents are eaten by a rhinoceros he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree. The peach at the top of the tree grows as big as a house.  Inside James meets a bunch of oversized insects and the great adventure begins! Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer begins with The Wishing Spell and an introduction to Alex and Connor, twins who are about to discover that their grandmother is really the Fairy Godmother in an alternative world, The Land of Stories. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder is an autobiographical series of historical stories about the life of a family of five in Pepin, Wisconsin in the 1800s. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton. Joe, Bess and Fanny move to a new home and discover an Enchanted Wood on their doorstep. Within the forest they find the Magic Faraway Tree and their many magical adventures begin! Please note: Modern editions of this series are not true to the original text, with name changes and changes in character behaviour, and they lack the gorgeous, original illustrations. In my opinion, finding a pre-loved version of the original is the way to go for this series. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay is the classic Australian story of a magic pudding which, no matter how often it is eaten, always reforms in order to be eaten again. It is owned by three companions who must defend it against Pudding Thieves who want it for themselves Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne is a classic series that takes children on an new adventure to an alternative time and place with each book – from prehistoric dinosaur times to ancient Egypt and everywhere in between. Great for children new to chapter books, start with book one, Valley of the Dinosaurs. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. Orphan Peter must know if his sister is alive and the fortune teller’s mysterious answer – an elephant will lead him there! – sets him off on a remarkable journey. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Matilda by Roald Dahl. Matilda is an exceptional young girl but her parents think she’s just a nuisance and the kid-hating headmistress at her new school despises her (and all of the children). Matilda discovers her own inner strength with which to fight back and make life much more pleasant for all. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

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The Midnight Fox by Betsy Byars. Tom is horrified when his parents tell him he has to stay on Aunt Millie’s farm while they are away. He finds country life every bit as strange as he feared until he discovers a fascinating, rare black fox with green eyes.When her life -and that of her cub- is in danger Tom knows exactly what he must do. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Milly Molly Mandy by Joyce Lankster Brisley is a simple series of early chapter book stories exploring Milly Molly Mandy’s busy adventures in a small village in the countryside. Engaging for younger readers. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Midnight Gang by David Walliams. Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except for the Midnight Gang! That is when this group of five hospitalised children begin their quest for adventure. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is the story of a beloved china rabbit – Edward, the property of a girl named Abilene, who is lost and must find his way home again. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Mr Stink by David Walliams. When Chloe hears that the local tramp is to be driven out of town she decides to hide him in the garden shed. It’s true, he smells a bit but there might just be more to Mr Stink than people think. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett is about a young boy, Elmer Elevator, who runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon. This award winning novel is the first in a trilogy – followed by Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards is a series of stories about a mischievous little sister who is always getting into trouble. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The One and Only Ivan by Kathryn Applegate is the story Ivan is an easy-going gorilla who has spent his life performing for the crowds at a shopping mall. He rarely thinks about life in the jungle until everything changes when a baby elephant called Ruby arrives and Ivan realises he must find a new life for them both. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Pinballs by Betsy Byars is the story of three foster children (pre-teen/early teens), each from difficult circumstances, who learn to work together to solve problems instead of feeling sorry for themselves. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lingren. Tommy and Annika have a new neighbour. Her name is Pippi Longstocking and she has crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, a horse that lives on her porch, and a flair for the outrageous that seems to lead to one adventure after another! Available: Amazon | Book Depository

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Delois Taylor is the first in a trilogy about an African American family in Mississippi during the Great Depression. It’s a story about the importance of family ties, prejudice and racism, told through the voice of a nine year old girl. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is the story of spoiled orphan Mary Lennox who is sent to live at in a lonely mansion in Yorkshire and discovers a magical world on the other side of a locked garden door. Mary decides to bring the abandoned garden she finds there back to life and, in doing so, changes her own forever. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is the first in the Fudge series of five books, introducing Peter and his annoying little brother, whom everyone calls ‘Fudge.’ Everyone likes Fudge because he’s the cute one but Peter just finds him and his antics downright annoying. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Tashi by Anna Fienberg, Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble. Brave Tashi is Jack’s imaginary friend. Tashi is a gnome and a storyteller – relaying captivating tales of his bold adventures and close escapes from ghosts, giants and other menacing mystical and magical folk. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Three Doors trilogy by Emily Rodda. In the walled city of Weld lives Rye and his family. They know well to shelter from the dangerous world outside the wall of the city until a reward is offered to to anyone who will go and defeat an enemy beyond the walls. When Rye’s brothers try and and fail, Rye begins a quest to find his brothers and reunite his family. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George is the first in a fantasy adventure series featuring Princess Celie, her family and their rather unusual castle. On Tuesdays, the Castle Glower often adds or re-configures the rooms of the castle. Celie loves the challenge of attempting to map her enchanted home. When Celie’s parents disappear, Celie’s knowledge of the castle could jsut be what saves the kingdom and her family. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is–but she knows she needs to survive. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is a classic tale of Mole, Ratty, Badger and the lovable rogue, Mr Toad, and their adventures on the riverbank. It is one of our personal favourites. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Wonder by RJ Palacio is about a boy starting fifth grade who has never been to regular school – and he had a facial deformity. Auggie wants to be treated like a normal boy but must deal with a range of reactions to his unusual appearance, from both peers and adults. Reading Wonder aloud with your child provides a wonderful invitation to discuss empathy, compassion and acceptance together. Available: Amazon | Book Depository

Why the Whales Came by Michael Murpurgo Living on a remote island during World War I, Gracie and Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman. But then, they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. A story about war and perceptions and prejudice to get children thinking. Available: Book Depository

For those who are on the hunt for picture books to read aloud, be sure to check out the picture books version of our list – 150 Best Kids Picture Books to Read Aloud.

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