Clear the Confusion about Chapter Books
A simple and universal definition is not so easy to come by and the confusion seems to enter with the higher-level chapter books. Where is the cut-off? At what point is a book considered a novel? And does it even matter? In this blog, let’s learn more about chapter books and clear the confusion surrounding them. Early Reader Books, Chapter Books, and Intermediate/Middle-Grade Novels are all designed with a particular reading level in mind and they have distinct differences. Early Readers are designed with beginners in mind. They have pictures, and the words, font, and spacing are chosen carefully to fit a new reader’s ability and stamina for reading. Intermediate/Middle-Grade novels are designed for more advanced readers; they are full-length novels but they are still designed with children in mind. The content and formatting are more mature. What is a Chapter Book? Chapter books fit in between those two categories and are generally geared towards 7-10-year-olds. They are usually a moderate length, roughly 2,000-10,000 words and the writing is more complex. Chapter books are an important category of books and are often considered “make or break books” because they are the gateway to more advanced reading. Chapter books are not full-length novels but they are divided into chapters. The chapters are short, they may contain the occasional illustration, but they contain large blocks of text. A well-formatted chapter book considers the font choice, spacing, and the amount of white space on a page as the entire point of chapter books is to NOT be intimidating to a young reader. Although chapter books are an important tool in bridging the gap between early reader books and novels, not all children need them. Some children bypass chapter books or move through the chapter book stage very quickly and that’s ok. The hurdle here is keeping them challenged without introducing themes beyond their years. It is equally common to have children for whom chapter books become a staple for an extended period of time. These fledgling readers also need carefully selected books but for different reasons. We’ve come up with a few things to consider as you carefully curate your chapter book library. Chapter Book Tips 1. Your Chapter Book Library doesn’t have to be filled with drivel. There is quality literature to found in chapter books. 2. If you are looking for chapter books to spark interest in reading start with something your children are already interested in. 3. Consider the length of the book and the length of the chapters as not all chapter books are created equal. Start small, especially for those wobbly readers. We don’t want to scare them off. Give them a quick win! 3. Take a look at the font size and spacing. The tiny type and compressed spacing can be overwhelming for children as they transition to independent reading. 4. Consider a “you read to me and I read to you” approach. This could be page by page or chapter by chapter. 5. Don’t stop reading aloud to your children. It is invaluable even for advanced readers. If you want to learn more about connecting with your family through reading aloud then you’ll want to get your hand on this book. The Read-Aloud Family It’s important to understand what you are looking for when you are building a stack of chapter books for your young readers. Take care to match your reader with the right book as you don’t want to reading to become drudgery. More of Our Favorite Chapter Books: Adventures with Waffles The Whipping Boy The Hundred Dresses Sarah, Plain and Tall by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 8 to 24 and in 2021 the family added a son-in-law to the bunch. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrolment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important missions field walk with Him.
Asian Heritage Month Book Stack
Asian immigration to Canada can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Chinese workers arrived on the west coast to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada and we’ve gathered a stack of books to help you and your family learn about the heritage of our Asian community. Use the links to find complete descriptions of each book. Anno’s China The Five Chinese Brothers Ruby’s Wish Water Buffalo Days Chu Ju’s House The Story About Ping Tikki Tikki Tembo The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks The Story of Little Babaji Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Inside Out and Back Again Rikki Tikki Tavi El Chino Ming Lo Moves the Mountain The Lotus Seed Something Beautiful for God Crow Boy Once A Mouse Grandfather’s Journey Taste of Asia by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 23. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrolment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important missions field walk with Him.
Family Life Novels
The Vanderbeekers Series The Mitchells Series The Penderwicks Series The Fairchild Family Series
Love and Friendship Book Stack (Ages 8-12)
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew Heidi Old Mother West Wind The Hundred Dresses Chu Ju’s House Archer and Zowie The Penderwicks The Boxcar Children Charlotte’s Web Beezus and Ramona Cupid and Psyche
Adventure Awaits Your Boys
Adventure Awaits Your Boys Books are the perfect gateway to adventure, courage, and imagination. These seven timeless stories capture the essence of boyhood—mischief, bravery, curiosity, and heart. Perfect for solo reading, read-alouds, or even a small book club, these titles will inspire the boys in your life to explore new worlds. 1. The Thrill of Mischief Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark TwainFollow Tom Sawyer as he navigates graveyards, schemes, and childhood escapades. Twain’s classic captures the excitement and mischief that define boyhood adventures. 2. Courage in the Face of Danger Book: The Green Ember by S.D. SmithJoin courageous rabbits battling for survival and justice. This story is packed with action and bravery, perfect for boys who love heroism and adventure. 3. Independence and Survival Book: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead GeorgeRun away to the Catskill Mountains with Sam Gribley as he learns to live off the land. A tale of resourcefulness, independence, and connection with nature. 4. Loyalty and Heart Book: Lassie Come-Home by Eric KnightExperience the journey of a devoted dog returning to her family. This emotional tale highlights courage, loyalty, and the deep bonds of friendship. 5. Adventure Across Time Book: The Cat of Bubastes by G.A. HentyTravel to ancient Egypt and explore history, mystery, and danger. A thrilling historical adventure that sparks curiosity about the past. 6. Quest and Imagination Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienEmbark on an epic journey through Middle Earth with Bilbo Baggins. Trolls, dragons, and unforgettable characters await in this classic fantasy adventure. 7. Honor and Legendary Deeds Book: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (retold by Roger Lancelyn Green)Step into the legendary world of knights, quests, and noble adventures. Tales of courage, honor, and magic continue to inspire boys today. Making the Most of These Adventures Read-Aloud Fun: Share the stories with reluctant readers—adventure is better together! Book Clubs for Boys: Order multiple copies and explore favourite moments and characters as a group. With these seven books, the boys in your life can embrace the spirit of adventure, courage, and imagination. by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrollment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children, but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important mission field walk with Him.
Book Stack for Girls
Stories That Shape Hearts, Minds, and Imaginations Books have always had a way of shaping the hearts of our girls. They offer safe places to explore emotions, risks, new worlds, and character. Whether you’re reading aloud at bedtime, handing your daughter her next independent read, or building a homeschool book list, the right stories can spark conversations that last long after the final chapter. Below are some beautiful, timeless reads packed with adventure, life lessons, and memorable characters your girl will carry with her for years. A Lesson in Kindness and Courage The Hundred Dresses This small but powerful story invites you into a conversation every girl needs: How should we treat others? As you follow Wanda, Maddie, and their classmates, you’ll find natural openings to talk about empathy, peer pressure, and the regret that follows when we stay silent instead of doing what’s right. It’s the kind of book that lingers and often leads to thoughtful discussions. A Journey into Another Culture Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Introduce your daughter to another culture through a story infused with beauty and imagination. Following Minli’s quest to change her family’s fortune, readers encounter Chinese folklore, bold bravery, and themes of gratitude and contentment. It’s magical, memorable, and rich with meaning. A Spirited Trip to the 1860s Caddie Woodlawn For girls who love strong heroines with a spark of mischief, Caddie never disappoints. Set in the 1860s American frontier, this story blends humour, courage, history, and the joy of simple childhood adventures. It’s a wonderful way to travel back in time and a delightful read-aloud for the whole family. One for the Horse Lovers Misty of Chincoteague If your girl is all about horses, you simply can’t go wrong with Marguerite Henry. Misty is a perfect introduction to the world of Ponies, wild herds, and deep bonds between children and animals. The adventure feels real, and the setting is unforgettable. Rabbits, Heroes, and Imagination on Fire The Green Ember I have a daughter who was so captivated by the story that she kept forgetting Heather was actually a rabbit; the bravery, friendship, and high-stakes adventure feel that real. This series ignites the imagination and gives girls heroes worth rooting for. Creativity, Siblings, and Sweet Nostalgia The Saturdays Meet the Melendy children, who come up with a clever plan for making the most of their Saturdays by pooling their resources and taking turns planning special adventures. It’s charming, wholesome, and full of sibling dynamics that feel both timeless and endearing. Imagination, Kindred Spirits, and the Beauty of Becoming Anne of Green Gables No list for growing girls is complete without Anne Shirley. Follow this spirited, imaginative heroine as she navigates friendship, belonging, mistakes, and the joy of finding “kindred spirits” in unexpected places. Anne’s wild imagination, tender heart, and resilient spirit make her a character your daughter will cheer for and learn from. Why Stories Matter The right books don’t just entertain. They help shape our girls, teaching them to notice beauty, act with kindness, embrace courage, and explore the wide world beyond their own front door. Whether you’re building a home library or looking for your next read-aloud, these stories are packed with meaning, delight, adventure, and character building. by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 23. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrolment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important missions field walk with Him.