6 Chapter Book Series that Celebrate Diversity
Right around elementary school, that magic time happens. That time when children start to move from read-aloud listeners to independent readers. And when they do, they move into the world of chapter books, where they find kids just like them, who face many of the same challenges they do.
But for some, finding characters “just like them” takes a little more searching. Here are six chapter book series as diverse as our kids.
Ling and Ting series, by Grace Lin
These books were early favorites in our house. Each book is divided into several short story chapters that can be read together or stand alone. It’s the perfect scenario for kids who are just starting to branch out into chapter books, and like the idea of independent reading but may be overwhelmed by longer chapters. Identical twins Ling and Ting are each other’s best friend and they do a lot together. But make no mistake…they’re not the same. And the more you get to know them, the more you pick up on both subtle and the not-so-subtle differences.
Lulu series, by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
Seven-year-old Lulu loves animals. All animals. And animals seem to love Lulu, including dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, hedgehogs, and ducks. The books in this series really chronicle the everyday life of Lulu and her best friend Mellie; things like school, and sleepovers, and vacations. But each book also introduces a new animal friend, whether it’s one of Lulu’s many pets, or one she rescues along the way. Lots of lighthearted antics, humor, and expressive black-and-white illustrations make for a fun, easy read.
Get Ready for Gabi series, by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Joe Cepeda
Third grader Maritza Gabriela Morales Mercado (better known as Gabi) is a super-outgoing, colorful, fun character, the kind you want your child to be friends with. She faces the typical third grader problems—making new friends, working with sworn enemies on classroom projects, and saying goodbye to her visiting abuelita. But Gabi also faces a challenge unique to billingual students. She used to love that she could speak two languages. But lately it causes problems. Her mami only wants her to speak Spanish at home. No exceptions. And at school, when she gets flustered, she mixes up her English and Spanish, which leads to teasing and embarrassment. Even for the spunky Gabi, straddling the two worlds can be hard.
Bobby series, by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat
In Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and its sequel, Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) we meet Robert Carver Ellis-Chan. He’s a perfectly normal fourth grader. He has working mom, a stay-at-home dad, a bossy older sister, and a cute younger one. In the first book, Bobby’s relationship with best friend Holly is tested when Holly starts acting like a girl, something Bobby doesn’t know quite what to do with. In the second book, Bobby struggles with disappointing his father, the former pro football player, while Bobby himself can barely throw a football. And it doesn’t help that his older sister is quarterback on the football team. Turning just about every stereotype on its head, and accompanied by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat’s cartoon-like illustrations, these books deal with some tough situations in a humorous way that readers can relate to.
Alvin Ho series, by Lenore Look, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Asian-American second grader Alvin Ho is terrified of everything. And I mean, everything. And while Look keeps the voice light and humorous, there’s an undercurrent of seriousness to these books. Alvin’s anxiety is such that it has an impact on his daily life. He never talks at school. When he has to go to his first funeral, he is consumed by thoughts of his own mortality (and impending doom). And traveling to a new continent? Forget it. Readers will love Alvin for his funny take on life, his uncanny ability to get himself into jams, and his determination to plow forward, despite his fears. But some readers, those who face life with a higher level of anxiety, will find comfort in a kind of character you don’t often in books for this age group.
Clementine series, by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee
If you haven’t yet met Clementine, you’re missing out. From the tips of her frizzy orange hair to the ends of her untied shoelaces, Clementine is energy. She moves fast, she thinks fast, she talks fast. In fact, sometimes she wishes she could slow her thoughts down. It can be hard to focus in school, and it seems that just as soon as she gets used to the way things are, something changes. And Clementine doesn’t particularly like change. Then there’s her germaphobe best friend Margaret. Everything Margaret does is deliberate and thought out. They couldn’t be more different, but when it comes down to it, these two girls have each other’s backs. Pennypacker recently completed the series, with seven books covering Clementine’s third grade year, from start to finish.
What chapter book series do you love?