Favourite 2024 Fiction for School-Aged Kids

Every book has its reader, so if you’re looking for the next chapter book for your unique kid, take a look at our top picks of 2024! 

Chapter Books 

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti

Siblings Alex and Zoe Sherlock form a detective agency with their friends and grandpa dubbed the Sherlock Society. They decide to locate the long lost treasure of notorious gangster Al Capone. Through following clues, they stumble upon a more recent crime, with new culprits to apprehend. A funny, action-packed adventure from the author of City Spies!

Heroes by Alan Gratz

In 1941, best friends Frank and Stanley spend their time on the beach at Pearl Harbour. The boys dream of creating their own comic book someday—but everything changes on December 7th, when Pearl Harbor is bombed. Although they escape the carnage, their friendship is tested when Stanley faces prejudice for his Japanese heritage. This gripping, well-researched historical fiction novel is a great pick for fans of the I Survived series or War Stories by Gordon Korman.

The Magic Paintbrush by Kat Zhang

Amy Li loves to draw, but struggles to find her own style. While staying with her grandmother, Amy discovers a magic paintbrush that has the power to make whatever she paints come alive. The paintbrush makes her flying tiger drawing come to life, but also awakens something evil. With the support of friends both real and make-believe, Amy must prevent the paintbrush from falling into the wrong hands. This twist on a classic Chinese tale is perfect for fantasy readers who love the Dragon Pearl series.

Early Chapter Books

Disaster Squad: Wildfire Rescue by Rekha S. Rajan

Leela, Jaden, their parents and their dog, Lucky, visit natural disaster areas and offer help to those in need. In this first book, the family travels to California, where forest fires are blazing out of control. The sky is clouded with smoke, animals are trapped, and there is lots of danger! Can the Jackson family get everyone to safety? This illustrated adventure series is an excellent choice for early readers who love survival stories.

Legendarios: Wrath of the Rain God by Karla Valenti

When twins Emma and Martín move to Illinois, their abuela gives them a book of Mexican legends. Little do they know the book is magic and pulls them right into the legends! In the first legend, they meet the god of rain, Tlaloc, and they have to find his lightning bolt before his storm of rage floods the city of Texcoco. Kids who love Magic Tree House and Heroes in Training will truly enjoy this early chapter book series. 

Graphic Novels 

Wires Crossed by Beth Fantaskey

Mia feels caught in the middle lately. Her best friend Addy is more interested in her new popular friends than in hanging out with her. Tariq, Mia’s friend from science camp, will be attending her school and Mia looks forward to helping him fit in. However, Tariq has changed a lot. He looks more grown up now, and Mia’s middle school embraces him as their newest soccer star. Mia tries to find her place amongst new and old friends as she and Tariq team up for a science competition. A top choice for Raina Telgemeier fans and kids who love realistic middle school stories.