Beginning Chapter Books Below AR Level 4.0

Is your child ready to start reading chapter books? Take a look at some of our awesome titles for kids reading between AR level 2.1 and 3.8. At the Benton location these books can be found in our First Chapter section in the children’s room.

Inspector Flytrap by Angleberger

Hoping to become the greatest detective that ever grew, Inspector Flytrap, a Venus Flytrap, and his assistant, Nina the Goat, investigate “big deal” mysteries at an art museum, a cookie shop, and a garden.

AR Level: 3.3

Roscoe Riley: Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs by Applegate

When the first-graders’ bee antennae would not stay on their heads and the drummers would not stay in their seats for the open house play, Roscoe decides to help by using the “don’t-you-dare” glue.

AR Level: 2.9

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy by Butler

While searching for his mysteriously lost human family, Buddy the dog is adopted by another family and helps solve the mystery of their missing boy.

AR Level: 3.0

Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Citro

A girl, Zoey, and her cat, Sassafras, use science experiments to help a dragon with a problem.

AR Level: 3.8

Monster Hunter by Dahl

In Tokyo, Ren has met with three other teenagers who have the dragon birthmark, but the public has learned that the dragonborn exist and teams of hunters are searching for them–and not all of Ren’s new friends are what they seem to be.

AR Level: 2.9

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths by Keene

Deirdre is having a sleepover party, but when Deirdre’s City Girls doll, Hollywood Heather, goes missing, Deirdre is upset. But there is a detective in the room who can help the girls make sense of this mystery.

AR Level: 3.1

Captain Awesome to the Rescue by Kirby

When second-grader Eugene and his family move to a new neighborhood and he starts at a new school, he has a chance to bring out his superhero alter ego, Captain Awesome, to find the kidnapped class hamster.

AR Level: 3.8

Kung Pow Chicken: Let’s get Cracking by Marko

Gordon Blue and his brother Benny, unlikely superheroes, must save Fowladelphia from Granny Goosebumps, who has filled the city with cookies that cause innocent chickens’ feathers to fall off.

AR Level: 3.0

Bramble and Maggie: Horse Meets Girl by Haas

Bramble the horse gets bored giving riding lessons, but regains her enthusiasm when she goes to live with a girl named Maggie.

AR Level: 2.1

Kylie Jean: Blueberry Queen by Peschke

It’s time for the Blueberry Festival, and everyone in town is busy getting ready. Kylie Jean Carter’s momma is baking pies, her pa is picking berries, and Kylie is thinking about becoming the Blueberry Queen.

AR Level: 3.6