Chapter Books For Reluctant Readers

This is a growing list of engaging books, suitable for readers ages 10 and up who may struggle with focus, comprehension, attention and motivation. Shorter chapters and clear plotlines are some of the reasons these books work! Even for kids with dyslexia or ADHD.

**These selections were made using the criteria in this blog post, which can help you choose more books, so definitely check it out.**

My selections tend to lean mature (for high engagement) so use Common Sense Media (CSM) to make sure it meets your comfort level.

Science Fiction

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Overview: A young protagonist, Ender Wiggin, is recruited to train in a battle school for a future alien invasion.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 7-9
Age Level: 12+
Pages: 352
Average pages per chapter: 12

The Murderbot Diaries Series by Martha Wells
Overview: This series follows a self-aware security robot that hacks its own governor module to explore its autonomy.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 9-12
Age Level: 14+
Pages: 160–176 (per novella)
Average pages per chapter: 5

I Am Number Four Series by Pittacus Lore
Overview: Nine alien teens hide on Earth from an enemy species. The action-driven plot caters to readers needing quick engagement.
CSM Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 7-10
Age Level: 12+
Pages: 448 (first book)
Average pages per chapter: 6

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Overview: A virtual reality treasure hunt filled with 1980s pop culture references. Its fast-paced narrative appeals to tech-savvy teens.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 9-12
Age Level: 14+
Pages: 384
Average pages per chapter: 8

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Overview: Roz, a robot, finds herself on a remote island and learns to adapt by interacting with local wildlife.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 3-6
Age Level: 8+
Pages: 288
Average pages per chapter: 3

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
Overview: Sal, who can manipulate time and space, teams up with Gabi to navigate the challenges of middle school and alternate realities.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 5-8
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 400
Average pages per chapter: 6

Fantasy

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Overview: This first book in the series blends Greek mythology with modern adventure, following Percy Jackson, a demigod, on his quest to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 5-8
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 384
Average pages per chapter: 10

Lockwood & Co. Series by Jonathan Stroud
Overview: This series follows a group of young ghost hunters in a haunted London.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 6-9
Age Level: 11+
Pages: 390 (first book)
Average pages per chapter: 6

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat
Overview: Plum, eager to protect the natural world, attends a Guardian school where students bond with animal spirits.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 4-6
Age Level: 9+
Pages: 160
Average pages per chapter: 5

The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
Overview: The god Apollo is cast down to Earth as a mortal teenager and must navigate quests to regain his divine status.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 6-9
Age Level: 11+
Pages: 400 (first book)
Average pages per chapter

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Overview: This epic fantasy follows Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin, as she competes to become the king’s champion.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 9-12
Age Level: 15+
Pages: 416
Average pages per chapter: 7

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Overview: This dark fantasy follows Mia Corvere, a girl bent on revenge after her family is destroyed.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 10-12
Age Level: 16+
Pages: 448
Average pages per chapter: 7

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
Overview: Set in a world of dragons and magic, Tau’s quest for revenge is full of epic battles, heart-pounding action, and immersive world-building.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 10-12
Age Level: 16+
Pages: 544
Average pages per chapter: 5

Adventure/Thriller

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Overview: Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in a deadly televised competition. The suspenseful and fast-paced narrative engages readers with themes of survival and rebellion.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 7-10
Age Level: 12+
Pages: 374
Average pages per chapter: 8

Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz
Overview: This spy thriller series features Alex Rider, a teenage secret agent, undertaking high-stakes missions. The books are fast-paced with short chapters, suitable for readers with limited focus.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 6-9
Age Level: 11+
Pages: 304 (first book)
Average pages per chapter: 5

The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner
Overview: Set in a dystopian world, this series follows Thomas and other teens navigating a deadly maze. The suspenseful plot and short chapters make it accessible for readers who may struggle with longer texts.
CSM Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 7-10
Age Level: 12+
Pages: 384 (first book)
Average pages per chapter: 7

City Spies by James Ponti
Overview: A group of young, international spies undertakes covert missions. The narrative is action-packed, with short chapters that keep readers engaged.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 5-8
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 368 (first book)
Average pages per chapter: 6

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
Overview: Jack Sullivan, a 13-year-old, navigates a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and monsters. The book combines humor with action, featuring illustrations that enhance the storytelling.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 4-7
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 240
Average pages per chapter: 5

Historical Fiction

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Overview: A beautifully written YA novel set in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death. The story follows Liesel, a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with her foster family and neighbors.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 8-12
Age Level: 12+
Pages: 608
Average pages per chapter: 6

Refugee by Alan Gratz
Overview: This novel weaves together the stories of three young refugees from different time periods and locations, each facing peril and displacement. Its impactful narrative helps readers empathize with the struggles of refugees.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 5-8
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 352
Average pages per chapter: 8

Realistic Fiction

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Overview: This memoir recounts Trevor Noah’s experiences growing up in South Africa under apartheid and transitioning to a new life post-apartheid. His humorous storytelling and insight make it accessible to young readers.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 7-12
Age Level: 13+
Pages: 304
Average pages per chapter: 10

The Front Desk Series by Kelly Yang
Overview: Mia Tang, a young immigrant girl, manages the front desk of a motel while her parents clean rooms. The story is heartfelt and inspiring, with a straightforward narrative style.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 4-7
Age Level: 9+
Pages: 320 (first book)
Average pages per chapter: 6

Nick & Charlie by Alice Oseman
Overview: This novella follows the ups and downs of Nick and Charlie's relationship as they prepare to navigate life post-high school. Written with Oseman’s signature empathy, the book offers an honest look at young love.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 9-12
Age Level: 14+
Pages: 160
Average pages per chapter: 4

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Overview: A sweet, nostalgic read about Lara Jean, whose secret love letters accidentally get sent out, flipping her quiet world upside down.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 7-10
Age Level: 13+
Pages: 384
Average pages per chapter: 7

This Winter by Alice Oseman
Overview: This novella delves into the lives of Tori and Charlie Spring as they navigate holiday family gatherings. It addresses mental health themes, making it relatable for readers experiencing similar challenges.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 9-12
Age Level: 14+
Pages: 128
Average pages per chapter: 4

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Overview: Written in verse, this novel follows twin brothers and their love for basketball. The poetic format and rhythmic flow make it a quick and engaging read.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 6-9
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 240
Average pages per chapter: 3

New Kid by Jerry Craft
Overview: Jordan Banks navigates the challenges of being one of the few students of color at a prestigious private school. The graphic novel format and relatable themes make it accessible and engaging.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 5-8
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 256
Average pages per chapter: 4

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman
Overview: A group of misfit students and their burned-out teacher form an unexpected bond. The humorous and relatable characters make for an engaging read.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 5-8
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 288
Average pages per chapter: 6

Mystery

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
Overview: Candice discovers a letter leading to a hidden fortune and uncovers a mystery tied to her family's past. The narrative is compelling, with short chapters that maintain momentum.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 4-7
Age Level: 10+
Pages: 352
Average pages per chapter: 7

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Overview: This novel combines narrative with vintage photographs to tell the story of a boy discovering a hidden world of peculiar children. The visual elements provide additional engagement for readers with attention challenges.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 7-10
Age Level: 12+
Pages: 352
Average pages per chapter: 8

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Overview: A captivating young adult mystery about a teenage girl who unexpectedly inherits a fortune from a distant relative she never met. To claim her inheritance, she must solve a series of complex puzzles and navigate a web of family secrets and rivalries.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 8-12
Age Level: 13+
Pages: 400
Average pages per chapter: 4

Humor

Wayside School Series by Louis Sachar
Overview: This humorous series revolves around the quirky happenings at Wayside School, a 30-story building where odd and whimsical events keep readers entertained. The short chapters and engaging stories make it suitable for younger readers.
CSM Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Level: Grades 3-6
Age Level: 8+
Pages: 176 (first book)
Average pages per chapter: 3

Roald Dahl Books (e.g., Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Overview: Roald Dahl’s books are timeless classics filled with humor, fantasy, and memorable characters. These stories are known for their whimsical narratives and strong moral lessons.
CSM Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (varies by book)
Reading Level: Grades 3-6
Age Level: 8+
Pages: Varies by book
Average pages per chapter: Varies by book