By now you guys probably know how passionate I am about getting my kids (and helping you get YOUR kids!) to love reading. I’ve already written about ways to help kids grow into bookworms here and here.
There are so many ways to encourage kids to read more and to love doing it. Even the kids who aren’t that excited about reading (or the ones that think they hate it!) can come around and end up growing into readers.
What I’ve found is that there is an age- usually between 8 and 12 years old that kids can get completely obsessed with their favorite book series. There’s something about them connecting with the characters and seeing them as their friends that gets them to devour one book after another.
If you can find a series that speaks to your child, it can really get him or her to fall in love with books.
I know that when my kids get hooked on a book series, they just can’t get enough. They want to know everything about the characters and read and watch everything there is to do with the books.
A great way to get kids really into a book series is to find one that was also made into a television series. That way they can read a book (or all the books) and then have another way to relive the books and reconnect with their favorite characters.
For kids who struggle with reading or who don’t love it, this can also be a great way to encourage them to finish a book. Finish the book and you get to watch TV- what kid won’t love that?!
Keep reading for some great book series that were made into TV shows.
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1. Just Add Magic (Amazon Prime)
Just Add Magic only has two books in the series, but they are great reads. The books follow the lives of three best friends who stumble upon a magical cookbook and create a secret magic cooking club.
While the books are great, the Amazon series is absolutely wonderful. The kids and I have watched every episode, and it was loved by my boys just as much as my girls.
2. The Mysterious Benedict Society (Disney+)
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a great book series for older kids or kids who are looking for a challenge. I would say the reading level is around 5-6th grade, and they’re the longest books on my list (around 500 pages each). They would also make excellent family read alouds for younger kids who aren’t quite at that reading level yet.
The Disney+ series was hands down the favorite show we watched this summer. Season 1 covered the first book in the series. Season 2 is schedule to come out next year, and we cannot wait!
3. Redwall (Amazon Prime)
Some of the series I’ve included in the list will appeal more to girls than boys. Not this one. Redwall is a great series for kids who love adventure war stories. The content is a little difficult, so definitely not for kids who are beginning to read chapter books. I would say these would be for 5th grade and up or 3rd grade if you want to make this a read aloud.
The Amazon series is great to watch after (or while) reading the books.
4. Little House on the Prairie (Amazon Prime)
The Little House on the Prairie series is such a classic.
I will say, though, that unlike the other books on the list this television series hasn’t been updated since the 70’s version. Even so, my kids loved to see the TV adaptation after reading the books.
5. A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix)
This is another one that might be for more advanced readers. The books are quirky and humorous and dark, which will really appeal to some kids.
Watch the series on Netflix. There is also a fantastic movie adaptation that I recommend for anyone who loved the books!
6. American Girl (Amazon Prime)
American Girl books are GREAT to get girls hooked on a series. You can find a character that you know will speak to your child since there are so many diverse ones to choose from. You can find some character movies and single episodes streaming on Amazon.
Also, if you have a child who really wants read chapter books but isn’t quite there yet, a great stepping stone book series is the American Girl’s Wellie Wishers series. This also has a TV series!
7. Babysitter’s Club (Netflix, Amazon Prime)
Maybe you read these when you were in elementary school. The classic series is great for girls who want to read everything they can about their favorite characters because there are a TON.
Netflix has an updated series that will appeal to kids who love these books.
8. Captain Underpants (Amazon Prime)
Yes, they’re rude and silly, but if your kids love that kind of thing, this might be the series that they can’t put down. There’s a reason this series has been such a phenomenal success- it gets kids reading (even the ones who think they don’t like to).
If your kids can’t get enough, check out the episodes on Amazon. Unlike the others I’ve included, these are not free streaming. You’ll have to buy or rent the episodes.
9. Magic School Bus (Netflix)
Magic School Bus books are great for kids who are just getting into chapter books. The books are fairly short, so they’re good for kids who get intimidated by longer books.
After following Ms. Frizzle and her students on their adventures, kids can watch the episodes on Netflix.
10. The Saddle Club (Amazon Prime)
You guys. The Saddle Club book series was my obsession as a kid from around 4th-6th grade. If you have any kids who are horse crazy, then this is the one! There are a ton of books in the series, so once your kid gets hooked, they will have a lot of books to read through.
You can watch The Saddle Club on Amazon Prime. My kids have watched and rewatched the series.
11. Wings of Fire (Netflix- Coming Soon!)
Wings of Fire is HUGE right now. I credit this series for my son’s enormous increase in reading over the past year and a half. Both of my oldest have devoured these books, and all of their friends have been reading through the series as well. With over 14 books and counting, there is a lot to keep kids wanting to read more.
The content may not be suitable for younger readers, so I would mark this for older elementary age kids. If your kids are into dragons and battles, then it’s definitely worth checking out.
Also, the first 4 books have been turned into graphic novels. If your kids are interested but find the length or reading level daunting, then you can start off with these.
Wings of Fire is being turned into a cartoon series and will be available on Netflix sometime next year.