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.
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
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Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
List continues below.
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
List continues below.
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
List continues below.
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
Available: Amazon | Book Depository |
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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