4 Must-Have Book Series to Keep Your Kids Hooked on Reading

It can be an up-hill struggle to get kids excited about reading in this day and age that is so digitally focused. When you consider all the distractions out there (TV, video games, social media), reading can look pretty antiquated. But the right series can grab a kid reader and set them up for years of reading dedication. Look no further when you are in search of the ideal book series that will keep your kids engaged. Here are four exceptional series, complete with stand-out volumes that will fire up your child’s imagination.

Wings of Fire

The Wings of Fire graphic novel series is an adaptation of the best-selling novels by author Tui T. Sutherland, and with good reason – kids love them! This series transports readers to a universe where dragons reign over the skies and the land below. Those larger-than-life hero stories of destiny and friendship provide another undeniably appealing dimension to the series, something that any fan tributes for a fantasy epic worth its salt.

It starts with “The Dragonet Prophecy” (Graphic Novel, Book 1). It centers on the five dragonets prophesied to end a generation-old conflict between the dragon tribes. These young dragons, each of a different tribe, wrestle with their place in fulfilling the prophecy and their wish for independence. As graphic novels, the stories gain more excitement to this already exhilarating tale with colorful illustrations bringing the dragons and their world to life. Kids will be captivated by the action-packed scenes, friendship among the dragonets, and the prophecy they are to fulfill.

“The Lost Heir” (Graphic Novel, Book 2) dives further into the story of Tsunami the SeaWing dragonet. This book goes in Tsunami’s past and her struggles with identity, loyalty and more. Accompanied by stunning illustrations of the ocean floor, this page-turning narrative is chock-full with intrigue and revelations. I enjoyed this second book more than the first, and I think that kids who loved the initial story will enjoy where things go here.

Dragon Masters: Affordable Adventure for Young Readers

Dragon Masters is a great series for parents to get their children hooked on reading. Priced at only $4.99 per book, this series packs serious bang-for-the-buck-factor. That said – the low price is no reflection that these 24 books (and counting) are less on content, because each compact edition is a fierce power-packed story just perfect for young readers.

The series begins with Rise of the Earth Dragon” (Book 1), in which a young boy named Drake learns that he is destined to be a Dragon Master. This book is a great intro to the series, establishing this magical world where children are selected to bond and protect dragons while harnessing their powers. The story is familiar but exciting story of how Drake went from a simple farmer’s son to one of the most valent Dragon Master ever, gathering friends all along his journey. The Earth Dragon, Worm, brings the story a perfect mixture of mystery and power that keeps young readers on their toes.

I’ll add a bit about the next book in the series, but with 24 and counting books, I could go on for days with the adventures. In Saving the Sun Dragon” (Book 2) the young Dragon Masters need to save the Sun Dragon from losing its power – a completely new challenge! This book builds on the magic introduced in Book 1 and develops the relationships between the Dragon Masters and dragons. Another intriguing part of the story is how our heroes must solve different problems combined with a magical adventure. Readers will want to keep reading to learn how the young masters will save the day – day after day.

Bone: A Fantastical Journey Through an Unknown Land

Storytelling doesn’t get any better than Jeff Smith’s Bone series which combines humor, adventure, and mystery. This series tells the story of three characters known as bone brothers – Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone – who are exiled from their home village (due to one brother’s greed) but actually get lost in a mysterious valley filled with strange creatures, mysteries and grand adventures.

The series starts with “Out from Boneville” (Book 1), where the Bone cousins are kicked out of their town and become lost in an uncharted desert. Soon their travels brings them to a lush valley, where they discover many creatures, from friendly forest-dwelling insects to sinister rat creatures. This book informs the reader of the sort of adventures to expect throughout the series – adventures that are random, whimsical and terrifying – mixing humor, suspense, and beautiful illustrations. Readers are pulled into a world that is familiar yet wonderfully bizarre.

After the first adventure, “The Great Cow Race” (Book 2) raises the humor and excitement to another level. The Bone cousins find themselves at the center of a village’s annual cow race. Phoney Bone’s schemes and a looming danger from the rat creatures make this book an emotional rollercoaster. Kids will love the playful but intense plot, as new relationships and unveiling the Bone personas build for the series.

Lunch Lady: Quirky, Affordable, and Full of Fun

Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is simply a fun series with humor, mystery, and a unique twist on defining a superhero/super spy. It is also an ideal book series for parents who wish to build their child’s library without spending a lot. But the price is only one of many reasons to love it.

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute (Book 1) introduces readers to the Lunch Lady, who is not your average cafeteria worker. When strange things start happening at the school, the Lunch Lady and her sidekick Betty must uncover the truth. This book is fun because it builds off the unexpected idea of a lunch lady who doubles as a superhero, complete with kitchen appliance-themed crime-fighting gadgets. The humor is light and relatable – and not as far-fetched as you may think – making it great for younger readers. The mystery aspect of the story kids guessing as they follow Lunch Lady through her adventure to uncover the diabolical plan of a cyborg substitute teacher.

With Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians” (Book 2), our hero faces sinister librarians plotting to take over the world, starting with this school. The thought of librarians as villains is totally conceivable – right? The inventive use of kitchen appliances and the quick pace of the stories and book length guarantees that kids will stay engaged and cheering for Lunch Lady from start to finish.

Why These Series Are a Must for Your Child’s Bookshelf

Each of these series – Wings of Fire, Dragon Masters, Bone, and Lunch Lady – are unique except for the huge benefit to any child’s reading collection. Whether it is dragons with their own free will, epic adventures of young dragon trainers, the journey of the Bone brothers, or the crime busting Kitchen Lady, these books are sure shot ways to get any kid hooked on reading.

These series are not just entertaining stories; they provide inspiring examples of courage, friendship, imagination and determination. When you expose your child to these books, they receive hours of reading enjoyment and an understanding of how creativity can build relationships and self-awareness.

Additionally, the affordability of series like Dragon Masters and Lunch Lady makes it easier to fill your child’s bookshelf. And with series like Wings of Fire, we eagerly wait for each new adventure.

In a screen-dominated world, these book series offer a welcome break that combines fun with learning. So why wait? Start building your child’s collection today, and enjoy watching them get lost in a good book.

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