When a teacher or parent invites a book into their classroom or home, they’re not just giving the book valuable real estate, they’re giving space to the characters within that book.

When I was working in elementary schools, I was often charmed by the classroom libraries the teachers had curated.

And they had given lots of space to Chapter Books —books for emerging or newly independent readers.

Chapter Books have staying power in the hearts of children.

They have a way of settling into a child’s imagination and subconscious and staying there for years like memories of a good friend.

Here are some awesome features of Chapter Books:

*They’re short—sometimes no more than about 5000 words (as opposed to Charlotte’s Web which is about 32,000 words and the first Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with about 77,000 words).

They give readers a sense of accomplishment quickly.

*They teach tolerance and acceptance.

I’m thinking of the Junie B. Jones series or Clementine or Ramona the Pest.

*They open up the world of history.

Thank you Magic Tree House books.

*They open up the world of science.

Thank you Magic School Bus books.

*They are precursors to fantasy.

Thank you Secrets of Droon.

*They are charming.

Have you ever read the Lighthouse Family series by Cynthia Rylant?

*They’re humorous.

I’m looking at you, Wayside School series.

*They teach problem solving.

*They teach conflict resolution.

*They help build character.

*They do all this with a sense of humor, adventure, and kindness.

My hope is that the publishing industry, teachers, librarians and parents will continue to embrace these books.

In my own house, my kids read Chapter Books when they were young, and they are the books they want to keep forever for nostalgic reasons.

One day, they’ll pass them down to their own kids.

Chapter Books have staying power on bookshelves and in hearts.

Happy reading!

~Gail

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