Bridge Books

Do you have a child ready for his or her first chapter book? Not sure how to help him through the broadening of his literary horizons? You’ve come to right place!

The world calls this category of books by many different names:

emerging reader books
beginner readers
books for newly independent readers
and, my favorite: bridge books!

I hope this page can serve you as a secure bridge–stepping carefully from the picture books to the chapter books. It will never be a complete book list as it’ll always be growing, so check back from time to time. Now let’s cover a few basics:

What is a chapter book?

You’d be surprised at how often this question is asked…and I’m glad it is! Chapter books are the next step up from picture books. They have more text and usually fewer illustrations (though bridge books can be the exception here). There are more pages than in picture books and each is sectioned off to allow for breaks (or cliff hangers!). These chapters/sections are typically very short in bridge books, which encourages young readers and gives a sense of accomplishment as they progress.

Because they are longer, chapter books allow for more intimate character development, forming a bond with readers. The best ones are unforgettable!

Chapter books span the gamut of genres, allowing kids ample opportunity to find just the right one for their likings. Some hold mysteries to be solved while others tell true stories from history. Some have talking animals and hilarity while others are more somber and thought-provoking. Worlds truly open up with chapter books!

These stories often make wonderful family read-alouds, so feel free to use this page as ideas for your whole family. Children can often understand books at a higher level than they can read themselves, so try multiple levels and genres to find what works best for your unique situation.

How do I encourage my child to cross this bridge successfully?

Three words come to mind: example, consistency, and together.

1. EXAMPLE: Parents have busier lives than most children. We can’t sit down and read as often as we like, but we can pick up a book those moments we do take some leisure time. Kids learn by example. Be that for them.

2. CONSISTENCY: This applies to all areas of parenting, when we really think about it. If you begin something new, stick with it. When children have consistency beaming down from the parents, they are more relaxed and more open to new things. This broad concept can apply to your family’s literary habits.

3. TOGETHER: Just because they’ve learned to read independently, don’t stop reading with them! Keep checking out and reading picture books together. Read aloud longer chapter books as often as possible. Be interested in what they’re interested in. Love stories together.

All these things will set your child on the path toward the rich experience a good book can give.

Why are your lists different than others?

That’s the beauty of the bookish world–we’re all human beings with feelings and our own set of circumstances. AKA, all book reviews and book lists are subjective. I have always leaned toward a more conservative approach–not exposing children to certain content too early–so that families can safely gauge what works for their own children. In this particular category (bridge books), we’re talking about very young ages, which is a factor in my ratings and book thoughts.

How is this list categorized?

Each book is placed in one of three categories:

Level 1: basic vocabulary, simple sentences, short length
Level 2: midway between Level 1 and 3
Level 3: more sophisticated vocabulary/topics, possibly longer

Some of the Level 1 books are technically longer picture books, but they still provide a good bridge.

The books are further broken down, indicated by the circled letters:

B: biographical
FF: fantasy fiction
HF: historical fiction
NF: non-fiction
RF: realistic fiction

What do the star ratings mean?

As you’ll see on each book cover below, a star rating is provided. This is how those generally break down:

5 stars: loved it, almost no content concerns to discuss

4 stars: really liked it, a few minor items to note

3 stars: it was just okay, probably has a few things parents should be ready for

2 stars: didn’t really care for it for multiple reasons, definitely content discussion points

1 star: did not like at all, would not recommend

PLEASE REMEMBER: This list, like many of my book lists, includes the good and the bad. I’ve been asked many times what I think of certain books, and sometimes they’re just plain awful. This is the space I collect all bridge books I’ve carefully read, so that parents can have a quick glance option. If a review is written, the image will link to it.