Chapter Books Kids Actually Ask For

These chapter books all come from real Wish Well wishlists — and noticeably, families were adding them from Hicklebee’s, a beloved independent children’s bookstore, so that’s where our links go. Perfect for family read-alouds and newly confident solo readers.

Every gift in this guide was added to a real child's wishlist by a real family on Wish Well.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

The series’ turning point — the one where read-aloud nights start running long.

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Deep-series Potter for the kid who is now fully all-in.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The finale. Buy it before they finish book six, or face the consequences.

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The Templeton Twins Have an Idea

Twins, inventions, and a narrator who argues with the reader. Smart and very funny.

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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

An escape room of a book set in the world’s best library. Catnip for puzzle kids.

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Pages & Co.: The Bookwanderers

A girl who can walk into books — for the kid who already lives in them.

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The Eyes and the Impossible

Dave Eggers’ Newbery winner, narrated by a free-running dog. A gorgeous read-aloud.

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The Great Cake Mystery

Precious Ramotswe’s very first case, age eight — a gentle, clever first mystery.

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Half novel, half silent film in pencil drawings — a brick of a book that kids devour.

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The Tale of Despereaux

Kate DiCamillo’s brave mouse — a modern classic for family read-alouds.

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The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

A big, warm family story — the modern heir to the Penderwicks.

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Too Small Tola

Short, funny, big-hearted chapters set in Lagos — perfect for newly independent readers.

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