2024 Recommended Beginning Chapters: Must Haves

These are what I consider the highlights of the beginning chapter books I read, reviewed, or purchased this year. My beginning chapter section is aimed at roughly 1st - 3rd grade readers and when I am adding titles to it I look for books that are around 100 pages, graphic novels with a clear progression and connection between words and art, and a larger font with at least some illustrations. Unless otherwise noted, all titles were purchased or added to the library collection.

Must Haves

These are the most popular sequels, plus one new series, that I think are must-haves for public and school libraries in general.

• Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
• Most kids are familiar with this series, although not all may be aware that the final book came out this fall - and according to the author, marks the end of his writing career for kids.
• The serpent and the beast
• The Bad Guys in One Last Thing
• Branches: Disaster Squad by Rekha Rajan
• Of the recent Branches series in the past couple years, this looks like it has the most potential to have staying power. They sound similar to I Survived but with natural disasters.
• Wildfire Rescue
• Hurricane Rescue
• Blizzard Rescue
• Dragon Girls by Mara Maddy
• I first heard of this from a friend who was looking up new dragon series and shared the hilarious (and NSFW) results of googling this series title. However, it quickly caught on and I have a number of dedicated readers of the original series, spin-offs, and other fantasy series by Mara Maddy.
• Hana the thunder dragon
• Mina the lightning dragon
• Rani the enchanted dragon
• Zora the snow dragon
• Eloise the flame dragon (to be released 12-24-24 - I will order in January)
• Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly
• This easy graphic novel spin-off of the Wrenly series was an immediate hit at my library and kids are always eager for the next title. The original Wrenly series isn't necessary - although I've added some this past year, most kids stick with the graphics.
• The Dead of Light (vol. 11)
• Guardians of Horsa
• This was an immediate hit when it debuted in 2023 and kids continue to ask for it. The next volume isn't scheduled to be released until September 2025 though.
• The fire oath (vol. 4)
• Into the hidden world (vol. 5)
• Very Worst Ever by Andy Nonamus
• As I predicted, this series has been a hit and while not at Dogman or Bad Guys level, it is popular and each new book has flown off the shelf. New titles coming in 2025.
• First Day, Worst Day
• Pop goes the carnival
• Catch zoo later
• Happy gift day to you
• Pizza Party Pooper
• Go for the gold