Readers Gotta Read

This is the first in a series I plan to write about where I highlight different “Best of …” books.

Both my husband and I are avid readers. I remember being so excited to combine and organize our book collections after we got married. I spent an entire day doing so and was so pleased when I finished this task.

So, it’s not surprising that the first things I bought for my son when I was pregnant were books (see post – Childhood Books Worth Passing Down to Your Kids). At our baby shower, we received several more books to start building our son’s own little library.

Much of those early years with my boys was spent looking at picture books and reading simple stories. Over time, we transitioned to longer, story-based books. Bedtime reading wasn’t optional—it was a cherished routine.

Some of my favorite books from my own childhood sat waiting on my shelves for the right moment—books I couldn’t wait to share. When my sons were in third and first grades, we hit the perfect stage for starting these longer chapter books. If you’re looking for the best chapter books to read aloud as a family, here are some of our top favorites.

1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. The first chapter book I remember reading together was Charlotte’s Web. I loved this story (and the movie!) as a child, and my boys loved it too. They laughed at Templeton’s antics, adored baby Wilbur, and connected to Charlotte’s wisdom and kindness. This timeless classic remains one of the best family read-aloud books for kids of all ages.
2. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner. My second-grade teacher first introduced me to this book. I remember the cool brook keeping their milk cold, the children’s teamwork, and the excitement of creating a home in an abandoned boxcar. My boys enjoyed the same sense of adventure and resourcefulness. We started with Book One, but the series has many more to explore.
3. Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. With pet gerbils in our home, it was easy for my boys to imagine their own pets having Ralph’s wild adventures. These fun, action-packed stories kept them asking for “just one more chapter.”
4. Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks. Packed with imagination, action, and humor, this series pulled my boys in quickly. The mix of real-life and magical adventures made it one of their most-requested read-alouds.
5. Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. This was the series my husband had looked forward to sharing with the boys. I remember seeing him pull that first book off the shelf. It was 3” thick, and I was doubtful the boys would have the attention span to get through it. But I was happily proven wrong. There were evenings after dinner they’d beg my husband to squeeze in another chapter. They eventually read ALL the Harry Potter books with each other.
6. Old Yeller by Fred Gipson and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. These classics are emotional, heartfelt, and beautifully written. While they contain sad and challenging moments, they offer lessons in sacrifice, compassion, and perseverance. My boys—dog lovers themselves—connected deeply to the characters and the time period of rural farm life.

A Fun Family Reading Tip

One way I’ve helped to motivate the boys with these books is to let them watch the movie AFTER we finish the book. And it’s amusing – even at their young ages, they agree that the books are better than the movies.

Why Reading Aloud Together Matters

Reading aloud together builds more than vocabulary – it builds our family bond, allows for a shared experience, kick-starts conversations and creates lasting memories. The best read-aloud stories aren’t just for kids – they’re family adventures.

What about your family? What chapter books have you enjoyed reading aloud together? Share your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking for new titles to add to our list.