34 Classic Children's Chapter Books Still Worth Reading

Generations of children have fallen in love with Astrid Lindgren's red-haired, freckle faced Pippi Longstocking, with her upside down braids and her wild sense of adventure. Readers will delight in Pippi's adventures with her friends and her unusual pets, a horse and monkey. The classic 80s family movie is a fun pick for movie night!

A creative children's classic that stands the test of time, a girl and her younger brother run away from home to live in Manhattan's Metropolitan Museum of Art and become swept up in solving a mystery.

This classic children's book about courage and acceptance is a charming story of a mouse born into a human family, navigating the world with his unique perspective and size.

Vanessa M. said:  A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is one of those classic children's chapter books that never goes out of style. Young Sara Crewe lives a happy life at her boarding school set in turn of the century England until word comes that her father has died in India, leaving her penniless. Sara finds herself living in the school's drafty attic, working as a maid. Her positive, determined, and imaginative outlook keeps her "a little princess" no matter what she faces.

Erika Roh... said:  Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel about adventure, pirates, and treasure has lived on for many generations and has not lost its excitement. When young Jim Hawkins finds a treasure map, he embarks on a brave adventure to find the treasure but he has to battle with the deceased pirates' shipmates to do so, specifically the charming and iconic Long John Silver. The writing style and prose might prove a bit challenging. However, Treasure Island is a fun fantasy full of pirates, money and the will to become extraordinary and should not be missed.

Lisa R said:  Based on a true story, Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry has captivated young horse lovers for decades. The novel tells the story of the annual wild pony roundup and auction in Chincoteague, Virginia that still occurs to this day. In the book, two young children dream of buying a special pony at the auction, but will they be able to earn enough money to cover the cost? Kids who are particularly taken by Henry's book can enjoy the sequels, too.

Erika Roh... said:  Bridge to Terabithia is a beautiful book about friendship, imagination and loss that many kids can relate to. Katherine Paterson tells the story of two unlikely friends who find themselves outcasts at school and at home. They create a safe haven in the imaginary world of "Terabithia" in their backyards, where they spend a lot of their time. This story takes a sad turn, but offers opportunities for meaningful conversations with your child about friendship and loss.

Erika Roh... said:  This is a great book for animal lovers and anyone who enjoys an adventure tale. This beloved story by Sheila Burnford is about two dogs and a cat that are forced to set off on a long adventure through the Canadian wilderness to get back home. This is a tale of love and the incredible bonds we have with our pets.

Erika Roh... said:  Enid Bagnold's classic is a beautiful story of a girl staying true to her dreams and defying the odds of her age and ability. Velvet Brown is a scrawny 14 year old girl who has big hopes of becoming a great equestrian and racing at the Grand National competition. Despite the lack of support from her dad (and her quirky family), she manages to train a fiery horse and pursue her dreams.

These classic children's stories about a family of tiny mouse-like people who live inside the walls of a house have enough action and peril to keep them exciting, but not scary, for younger readers.

This classic book is based on the true story of a Native American girl named Karana as she survives for 18 years alone on an island, battling wild dogs and struggling to survive. As Karana faces hardships, a quiet strength grows within her - a strength that continues to inspire readers today.

Classic kids' adventure story about a boy's extraordinary bond with a wild Arabian stallion.

Erika Roh... said:  This book by Anna Sewell is a classic set in 19th Century England and is told by the perspective of a horse, Black Beauty. It follows the horse through various owners and experiences, good and bad and sometimes violent. Black Beauty teaches the lessons of perseverance, positivity and hard work. Historically, it actually helped change the laws in England and brought awareness to animal cruelty. This book is definitely emotional, especially for an animal lover.

Classic mystery book where sixteen people are gathered to solve the murder of a millionaire, each a potential suspect and heir.

Classic children's fiction about a Peruvian bear who travels to London and is adopted by the Brown family.