One of the best ways to help kids find their next book to read is to ask them what their favorite book is. Then you use a read alike book list, like the ones you see here to choose a good match.
Most read alike book lists are filled with popular, tried and true titles, but our suggestions also include some hidden gems. In fact my favorite book recommendations help kids find books they love in a new genre, exposing them to different reading experiences.
We have read alike book lists, aka "If you liked this book... read this next!" lists, for a wide variety of titles and ages, including beginning readers, newly independent readers and kids reading middle grade and YA. Your young reader is sure to find their next favorite book!
MORE: Print out these read alike bookmarks to keep book recommendations tucked in a favorite book!
Table of contents
Beginning Reader Read Alikes (ages 5-7)
These read alike picks of favorite easy reader books are helpful when encouraging beginning readers to practice reading fluency
Books Like Elephant and Piggie
A collection of delightfully humorous early readers for fans of Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems.
Books Like Frog and Toad
Early reader books that feature gentle and funny friendship stories for kids who want more books like Frog and Toad.
Chapter Book Read Alikes (Ages 6-9)
Independent readers love to get hooked on a favorite series, but what do you do when they've exhausted all the book in a series? These early chapter book read alike lists will help you find recommendations.
Books Like The Bad Guys
These illustrated chapter books like The Bad Guys will make kids laugh!
Books Like Ivy and Bean
Funny and heartwarming chapter books for kids who love the Ivy + Bean series.
Books Like Junie B. Jones
When you need alternatives to the sassy Junie B. Jones character, turn to these great books for independent readers.
Books Like Magic Tree House
Early chapter book series like Magic Tree House for readers who love adventure stories.
Books Like Charlotte's Web
Gentle classic and contemporary children's novels like Charlotte's Web, perfect for reading aloud. Includes middle grade novels.
Books Like Baby-Sitter's Club
Readers who want more chapter books like Baby-Sitters Club will love these stories of friendship and camaraderie. Also includes middle grade novels.
Books Like Beverly Cleary
These Beverly Cleary read alike chapter books and novels feature adventurous kids who are learning to use their voice and make their way in the world.
Books Like Harry Potter for Young Readers
When your young reader is desperate to read Harry Potter, but isn't ready for the more scary and serious elements, these books are reading magic.
Read Alike Book Lists for Ages 8 and up
Middle grade and teen readers love to pick out their own books but sometimes need help finding new titles. Most of the following book lists feature primarily middle grade books (ages 8-13) but some of the lists (I've specified which ones) also include young adult titles.
Books Similar to Judy Blume
Judy Blume write books about serious topics that are important to kids. So do these middle and upper middle grade Judy Book read alike books.
Books Like The One and Only Ivan
Animal stories and emotional journey fill this book list of The One and Only Ivan read alikes.
Books Like Smile
Here are heaps of graphic novels and traditional novels for readers who love graphic novels like Smile by Raina Telgemeier.
Books Like Wonder
This list of books like Wonder for kids who want to choose kind includes tender stories with gentle humor.
Books Like the Land of Stories
For middle grade readers who enjoyed Chris Colfer's The Land of Stories series, these books and series feature adventure, magic and fairy tale elements.
Books Like The School for Good and Evil
This list of read alike books for kids who like The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani includes both middle grade and young YA titles.
Books Like Percy Jackson
Thrilling adventures for readers who like Rick Riordan's books. These books draw upon global mythology, legend and magic .
Books Like Harry Potter Series
Kids who love Harry Potter will also enjoy these books with adventure, mythical creatures, boarding schools and magical trains.
Books Like Catherine, Called Birdy
Kids who enjoyed the book or film version of Karen Cushman's Catherine Called Birdy will love these historical fiction tales. Includes YA titles.
Mystery Books Like Enola Holmes
Readers who love mysteries about girl detectives will love these Enola Holmes read alike books!
Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Do you have a young reader who wants more books like the popular series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid? These books will make them laugh!
Books For Readers Who Like Holes
Readers who want more books like Holes by Louis Sachar will enjoy these suspenseful middle grade novels.
Books Like Anne of Green Gables
L.M. Montgomery's books holds a special place in the hearts of many readers. Many of these Anne of Green Gables read alike books feature strong heroines and rural settings.
Books Like The Secret Garden
If your child loves the classics, these luminous books like The Secret Garden feature curious and intrepid protagonists who won't stop until they can make things right.
Children's Books Like Little Women
Louisa May Alcott's novels have stood the test of time. Young readers who want children's books like Little Women can choose from these great modern middle grade and YA titles.
Books Similar to Pippi Longstocking
Who doesn't love the self-confident heroine of Astrid Lindgren's classic books? For more crazy fun, try these Pippi Longstocking read alikes.
Books Like Artemis Fowl
Spies, thrilling chases and bewildering mysteries. These books will enchant fans of Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Includes upper middle grade books.
Books Like Hatchet
These middle grade books like Gary Paulsen's Hatchet are terrific for readers who enjoy survival stories.
Books Like Narnia
These books like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe feature magical portals, talking animals and fantasy worlds.
Books Like Warriors
Kids who love the Warriors series will enjoy these survival stories and books that put animal lives at the center of exciting adventures.
Books Like Wings of Fire
Readers who want more stories like Wings of Fire will love these exciting tales of dragons, brave protagonists and edge-of-your-seat adventure.
Books Like The Hunger Games
The best dystopian fiction for YA and upper middle grade readers who want Hunger Game read alikes.
Books Like The Giver
Readers who want more books like The Giver will stay up all night turning the pages of these suspenseful books. Includes YA titles.
Books Like Little House on the Prairie
Whether you love Laura Ingalls Wilder, or not, you'll love these tales of independence, and carving out your own path.
Books Like Roald Dahl
These wierd and wonderful Roald Dahl read alike books feature crazy plot twists, quirky characters and wacky vocabulary.
Books Like Mulan
Mulan is a fierce heroine who isn't afraid of adventure. If you loved the movie Mulan, you'll love these middle grade and YA novels.
Books Like Robin Hood
Adventure! Heroes! Friendship! Those are just some of the enticing themes in these books inspired by the Robin Hood legend. Includes picture books, middle grade and YA books.
Books Like King Arthur
Do your kids love knights, dragons and tales of chivalry? These retellings of the King Arthur legend will speak to their heroic nature. Includes picture books, chapter books, middle grade and YA books.
YA Retellings of Jane Austen Novels
For teen readers who love romance, wit and girls who want to make their own choices, you can't go wrong with this list of YA adaptations of Jane Austen.
Don't see a list based on your child's favorite book? Drop me a note and I'll help with some recommendations, or you can check out the index of all our book lists arranged by age and genre in the Master Book List!
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