Struggling and Emergent Readers
Explore our Curated List of Books for Struggling and Emergent Readers (Ages 4–11). These carefully selected titles are designed to build confidence and foster a love of reading. Featuring simple text, engaging stories, and vibrant illustrations, these books help young readers enjoy the process of learning to read while developing essential literacy skills. Perfect for reluctant readers and those just starting their reading journey!
The Reading Rescue Series
Susan Barton
Age rating: 6-10
Description: The Reading Rescue Series is a series of adventure based, or realistic fiction books specifically tailored for children with dyslexia or struggling readers. Each story is written in a dyslexia-friendly font and format.
Ages 3-7:
The Very Cranky Bear Series
Author: Nick Bland
Age Rating: 3-6 years
Description:
In this fun and heartwarming series, Bear is grumpy and cranky, but his friends – a lion, zebra, moose, and sheep – try various creative ways to cheer him up. Each story highlights the value of friendship, teamwork, and understanding emotions.
Review:
“I love this book it makes me laugh, and I like the pictures too!”
Tia, age 5
Charlie and Lola Series
Author: Lauren Child
Age Rating: 4-6 years
Description:
Charlie, the older brother, tries to guide his younger sister, Lola, through various fun challenges in this charming series. The stories are relatable for young readers and explore themes of sibling relationships, imagination, and problem-solving.
Review:
“Charlie is the best big brother ever! Lola is so silly, but Charlie helps her with everything. I love that they have lots of fun together!”
Lyla, age 6
Mr. Men and Little Miss Series
Author: Roger Hargreaves
Age Rating: 3-7 years
Description:
This beloved series consists of short stories about colourful, quirky characters with funny traits, such as Mr. Happy, Little Miss Bossy, and Mr. Tickle. Each story highlights the characteristics of the main character and often includes a gentle moral lesson.
Review:
“I love the characters in these books, they are so funny and so different. My favourite is Mr Tickle because he can stretch his arms long.
Oscar, age 6
The Zoe’s Rescue Zoo Series
Author: Jessica Keating
Age Rating: 4-7 years
Description:
In this series, Zoe runs a rescue zoo where she cares for a variety of animals in need. Each story focuses on a new animal’s journey, from rescue to recovery, with Zoe helping them overcome challenges. The series is heartwarming and encourages compassion for animals and nature.
Review: “I love Zoe’s zoo because she helps all the animals. I want to find out what happens next to the animals”
Emily, 7
Ages 7+
Horrid Henry Series
Author: Francesca Simon
Age Rating: 7-10 years
Description:
This series follows the mischievous and often naughty Henry, who regularly gets into trouble both at home and at school. His antics often involve pranks, rivalry with his brother Peter, and attempts to outwit his parents and teachers. The stories are filled with humour, making it an entertaining read for children.
Review:
“Horrid Henry is so funny! He’s naughty, but I like the books because they are so funny!”
Logan, age 8
The Bolds Series
Author: Julian Clary
Age Rating: 7-10 years
Description:
The Bolds are a family of hyenas who live secretly as humans in a suburban neighbourhood. They adopt human lives while still keeping their wild, hyena-like behaviour, leading to many humorous and outrageous situations. The series is full of laughs and light-hearted moments.
Review:
” The stories are silly and funny”
Lucas, age 9
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Age Rating: 8-12 years
Description:
Greg Heffley’s adventures and misadventures are documented in this humorous diary format. From navigating middle school to dealing with family issues, Greg faces a series of awkward and relatable situations. The book’s humorous illustrations and relatable content make it a favourite among young readers.
Review:
” I like the drawings too – they make the funny stories even funnier, and I enjoy reading them.”
- Ethan, age 12
Dork Diaries
Author: Rachel Renée Russell
Age Rating: 9-12 years
Description:
Nikki Maxwell shares her life in a series of funny and dramatic diaries. Between school drama, her crush on a boy, and dealing with mean girls, Nikki’s adventures are full of humour, heart, and relatable moments. The series is often compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid but with a more feminine perspective.
Review:” I love Nikki’s diary because she writes about school stuff that happens to me too. I like the pictures as well!”
- Sienna, age 12
Captain Underpants
Author: Dav Pilkey
Age Rating: 6-10 years
Description:
This wildly funny series follows two boys, George and Harold, who accidentally turn their grumpy school principal, Mr. Krupp, into the superhero Captain Underpants. With his superpowers and silly antics, Captain Underpants embarks on wacky adventures, fighting villains and saving the day in ridiculous ways.
Review: “Captain Underpants is the best! The stories are full of jokes that make me laugh and I love how Captain Underpants always saves the day in a funny way!”
- Rory, age 10
Barry Loser Series
Author: Jim Smith
Age Rating: 7-11 years
Description:Barry Loser is a schoolboy who seems to attract awkward and often funny situations. From dealing with school life to navigating friendships and mishaps, Barry’s humorous perspective on everyday challenges makes this series a fun read for young readers.
Review: “Barry Loser is so funny! He always gets into awkward situations that make me laugh. I like how he tries to fix things but makes them even more hilarious. I also like the pictures”
- Luca, age 11
The Worst Witch Series
Author: Jill Murphy
Age Rating: 7-11 years
Description:
This magical series follows Mildred Hubble, a young witch who isn’t the best at her spells and potions. Despite being awkward and sometimes getting things wrong, Mildred learns valuable lessons at her magical school and proves that perseverance and kindness are more important than perfection.
Review: “I like reading about Mildreds adventures with her friends.”
- Elodie, age 9
The Beast Quest Series
Author: Adam Blade
Age Rating: 8-12 years
Description:
In this exciting fantasy series, young heroes set out on thrilling quests to defeat powerful beasts that threaten their world. Each book focuses on a different adventure and beast, combining action, bravery, and friendship into an engaging tale.
Review:
“The Beast Quest books are awesome!”
Jayden, age 12
Tom Gates Series
Author: Liz Pichon
Age Rating: 7-11 years
Description:
Tom Gates’ life is filled with humour, school pranks, and his love for doodling. This series is written in a diary format, combining hilarious stories about Tom’s school life, his quirky friends, and his family, with fun illustrations that bring his adventures to life.
Review:
“I love the Tom Gates books! The stories are so funny, I also like the doodles”
- Kai, age 11
Level Up
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Illustrator: Thien Pham
Age Rating: 10-14 years
Description:
Level Up is a graphic novel about a young man named Dennis, who struggles between following his love for video games and fulfilling his family’s wish for him to become a doctor. It’s a story about balancing dreams, family expectations, and personal choices, told through engaging illustrations.
Review:
” The pictures are really cool, and the story is really good as well”
- Caleb, age 11