7 Best Children's Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds and Beyond to Read This Summer

1. Junie B. Jones

The “Junie B. Jones” series is one that almost every child (and parent!) falls in love with. It follows the hilarious adventures of a spunky first-grader who constantly finds herself in “misadventures.” She tries her best to do good, but trouble always seems to follow her. The humor in these stories is entertaining for both adults and children, making it a popular chapter book series for family read-alouds. In today's terms, you could say Junie B. was the original junie b influencer, teaching kids to embrace their quirks. With talk of a Junie B. Jones summer movie always in the air, now is the perfect time to get hooked on her stories. You can find the whole series on the official Junie B. Jones website.

2. Little House on the Prairie

Is any childhood complete without the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder? These were some of the first books I ever read, and they still hold a special place in my heart. The wonderful thing is that children today still love these timeless tales of pioneer life. While the series is often popular with girls, “Farmer Boy” focuses on the childhood of Laura’s husband, Almanzo, and is sure to capture the interest of boys as well. It’s definitely one of the best kids chapter books for learning about history in a fun way. Check out more about Laura’s world at the Little House on the Prairie museum site.

3. Charlotte’s Web

“Charlotte’s Web” is a classic that has been cherished for generations. It tells the touching story of a pig named Wilbur and his extraordinary friendship with a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur realizes his life on the farm might be short-lived, he becomes distraught. Charlotte comes to his aid by spinning messages into her web to save him. There are so many life lessons about friendship and sacrifice to be learned from this book, making it one of the best childrens chapter books ever written.

4. Stuart Little

Written by E.B. White, the same author as Charlotte’s Web, “Stuart Little” is a whimsical tale about a mouse born into a human family. As you can imagine, Stuart faces plenty of obstacles, but he meets them all with bravery and charm. Stuart seems to draw adventure to him wherever he goes, especially when he sets out on a quest to find his best friend, a bird named Margalo. It's a fantastic choice if you're looking for best chapter books for 6 year olds who love a bit of fantasy.

5. Beezus and Ramona

“Beezus and Ramona” is an adorable story of two sisters by Beverly Cleary. Ramona is the energetic four-year-old younger sister who always seems to be causing chaos for her big sister, Beezus. Beezus tries her hardest to be patient, but Ramona makes it very difficult! This is a great book for siblings who might be going through similar struggles. If your kids fall in love with this one, there are many more Ramona Quimby books to explore. You can learn more about Beverly Cleary's work on her official website.

6. Anne of Green Gables

You will simply fall in love with “Anne with an e.” Anne Shirley is a delightful, imaginative orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Though she wants to be helpful, her dramatic nature often leads her into one mess after another. Your children will love her spirit and her "kindred spirits." This book and the series that follows are generally geared toward readers ages 10 and up, but they make for a wonderful family read-aloud as well.

7. The Borrowers

First published in 1952, Mary Norton's “The Borrowers” is just as enchanting today as it was decades ago. It tells the story of the Clock family—tiny people who live under the floorboards and “borrow” items from humans to furnish their home. Seeing how they repurpose everyday objects is fascinating for kids and sparks a lot of imagination. It’s an essential addition to any list of the best children's chapter books.

Here are a few quick tips for summer reading success:

These 7 popular chapter books are wonderful summertime reads that will keep your kids entertained and their brains active. For more ideas on keeping the family busy, check out our guide on fun summer activities for kids. What books have you enjoyed with your children? Please share with us in the comments!