The Ultimate Advanced Reader Book List: Best Early Chapter Books for Growing Readers
Helping a young reader transition from beginner books to confident, independent reading can feel overwhelming. With thousands of early chapter books on the market, how do you know where to begin—and what to choose next? If you child has finished Set 3 of the Dash reading program -- this is what to read next too!
To make this journey easier, the Dash into Learning Advanced Reader Book List offers a beautifully curated, level-by-level guide designed to meet children right where they are. These recommendations are perfect for graduates of the Dash into Learning Reading Program and are organized from easiest to more challenging, helping you pick the right next step with confidence.
In this guide, you'll find an overview of each recommended series, what makes it a great fit, and how to use the leveling system to support fluency, confidence, and joy in reading.
How to Use This Advanced Reader Book List
Before starting a new book or series, have your child read the first few pages aloud. If they stumble on more than five words within the first 2–3 pages, try a slightly easier title first.
This simple check ensures they enter each new level with confidence and can focus on fluency, comprehension, and enjoyment—not frustration.
The books are arranged by difficulty:
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Level 1: Easiest early readers and simple chapter books
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Level 2–3: Transitional readers with more plot, character development, and vocabulary
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Level 4–5: Longer chapters, deeper storylines, and more independent reading
Children should move to the next level once they can comfortably read multiple books in their current level.
Read below to see all the books we recommend and go HERE to get the FREE printable PDF with links to each book.
Level 1: Perfect First Chapter Books for Emerging Readers
These gentle, humorous stories are ideal for new chapter-book explorers.
Puppy Mudge – Cynthia Rylant
A charming look at Mudge’s puppy days—sweet, simple, and perfect for beginners.
Flubby – Jennifer Morris
Meet a lovable, very lazy cat whose antics make early reading fun.
Elephant and Piggie – Mo Willems
A wildly popular duo whose expressive, hilarious conversations keep kids laughing while building confidence.
Chester, Sammy the Seal, and Who Will Be My Friends? – Syd Hoff
Classic, gentle stories featuring animals, friendship themes, and simple plots.
Young Cam Jansen & Bones Mystery – David Adler
Light mysteries that introduce early logic and problem-solving.
Level 2: Building Fluency Through Humor, Friendship & Adventure
These stories offer slightly richer vocabulary while remaining highly accessible.
Henry and Mudge – Cynthia Rylant
A boy and his gentle giant dog share warm, engaging adventures.
Annie and Snowball – Cynthia Rylant
Henry’s cousin Annie and her pet bunny bring sweetness and imagination.
Frog and Toad – Arnold Lobel
Timeless tales of friendship filled with humor and charm.
Katie Woo and Pedro Mysteries – Fran Manushkin
Kid-detective stories that build both reading stamina and inference skills.
Danny and the Dinosaur – Syd Hoff
A classic, joyful adventure perfect for kids who love dinosaurs.
Level 3: Introducing Science, Curiosity & Deeper Storytelling
This level expands vocabulary, narrative complexity, and scientific thinking.
Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa – Erica Silverman
Fun “boot-stomping” ranch adventures between a girl and her loyal horse.
High-Rise Private Eye – Cynthia Rylant
City mysteries featuring Bunny Brown and Jack Jones—great for problem-solvers.
Millicent Selsam Science Stories
Includes Greg’s Microscope, Let’s Get Turtles, Plenty of Fish, Seeds and More Seeds, and Tony’s Birds.
These titles are excellent for curious kids who love learning how the natural world works.
Cobble Street Cousins – Cynthia Rylant
Three cousins spending a summer together create gentle, imaginative stories.
Mercy Watson – Kate DiCamillo
The adventures of a lovable “porcine wonder” whose silliness delights readers.
Level 4: Expanding Confidence With Longer Chapters & Richer Plots
More developed characters and plots help children transition toward full independence.
Cam Jansen – David Adler
Cam’s photographic memory solves bigger, more exciting mysteries.
Nate the Great – Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Another kid detective classic—perfect for mystery lovers.
George and Martha – James Marshall
Short, humorous stories about two hippo best friends.
Humphrey’s Tiny Tales – Betty G. Birney
Heartwarming school adventures told from the perspective of a class hamster.
Dash into Happy Fairy Tales – Joan Landes
Beloved Dash characters retold in classic fairy-tale settings—familiar, fun, and confidence-building.
Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read) – Peggy Parish
Literal-minded Amelia Bedelia brings laughter and introduces idioms in a kid-friendly way.
Level 5: Longer Stories for Strong, Ready-to-Soar Readers
These series help readers stretch into more independent chapter books.
Ballpark Mysteries – David A. Kelly
Sports, travel, and whodunits come together in ballpark-themed mysteries.
Zoey and Sassafras – Asia Citro
Science meets fantasy as Zoey uses experiments to help magical creatures—excellent STEM integration.
Sophie Mouse – Poppy Green
Wholesome, nature-themed chapter books full of adventure and heart.
The Critter Club – Callie Barkley
Perfect for animal lovers: four friends rescue creatures around town.
Sydney and Taylor – Jacqueline Davies
A skunk and hedgehog chase their dreams through imaginative adventures.
The Lighthouse Family – Cynthia Rylant
A gentle, beautifully written series about found family and seaside life.
Diva and Flea – Mo Willems
A dog and a cat explore Paris in this warm, beautifully illustrated friendship story.
Why This Book List Works
✓ Structured progression
Books are arranged from easiest to most advanced, giving parents a clear roadmap.
✓ Strong mix of genres
Mystery, adventure, friendship, humor, science, and fantasy keep readers engaged.
✓ Classic + contemporary favorites
Blends beloved classics with fresh modern series.
✓ Designed for fluency & decoding growth
Every title supports continued development in reading confidence and skill.
Want the pdf list of all these books with links? Download it HERE for free!
