April 12th is observed as DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Day, in honor of author Beverly Cleary's birthday. To celebrate, here are some great early reader chapter books that would be great for younger readers to DEAR, or perhaps for a fun family readaloud.
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Ramona Quimby, age 8
by Beverly Cleary Confronting good times and bad times during her third-grade year, Ramona Quimby rediscovers the strength and durability of her loving family. Newbery Honor Book. Reissue. |
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Be real, Macy Weaver
by Lakita Wilson Determined to find a new best friend in Brynn, who's smart, kind and beautiful, 11-year-old Macy turns one small lie into a whole new life to win her over until everything falls apart. |
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Cilla Lee-Jenkins : future author extraordinaire
by Susan Tan A biracial young writer begins penning her memoirs in the hope that her family will not forget about her when a new baby sibling arrives, describing her embarrassment at having little hair as a toddler, her struggles with reading and the cultural traditions she shares with her Chinese grandparents. |
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Jasmine Toguchi, mochi queen
by Debbi Michiko Florence A debut entry in a new chapter book series featuring a spunky Japanese-American heroine finds messy 8-year-old Jasmine Toguchi wanting to do something unique in response to the fact that her older sister always gets to go first, a desire that leads to an opportunity during the mochi rice preparations for New Year. |
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Lola Levine is not mean!
by Monica Brown Unfairly dubbed "mean" when a soccer game during recess turns too competitive and a classmate gets hurt, Lola, a biracial and bicultural second-grader, enlists the support of her family and best friend, Josh, to navigate problems using words and humor. |
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Marya Khan and the incredible henna party
by Saadia Faruqi When she claims she's having the most epic henna party ever to compete with her rich neighbor, third grader Marya is still determined to make turning 8 great with a little help from her family when her plans backfire. |
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Meena meets her match
by Karla Manternach Third-grader Meena Zee navigates the triumphs and challenges of family, friendship, and school while being diagnosed with epilepsy. |
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Rock star
by Kelly Starling Lyons Feeling bereft when her best friend moves away, a science-loving little girl struggles to make a new friend while exploring her love of rock collecting during a school project that is met by a team member's stubborn resistance. |
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Ways to make sunshine
by Renee Watson The Hart family of Portland, Oregon, faces many setbacks after Ryan's father loses his job, but no matter what, Ryan tries to bring sunshine to her loved ones. |
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Zara's rules for record-breaking fun
by Hena Khan When neighborhood queen bee Zara is threatened by new girl Naomi, Zara decides to break a Guinness World Record to get everyone to notice her again, until she realizes that maybe sharing her crown wouldn't be so bad. Simultaneous and eBook. Illustrations. |