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Get ready for a list of wholesome chapter books for girls! After I wrote a wholesome chapter book list for boys with NO potty humor or sassiness, many of you asked me for a similar list for girls. Because often, girls and boys are interested in different topics and types of stories.
So. if you’re looking for wholesome easy chapter books for girls with kind, polite kids who aren’t sassy or rude, you’re going to want to know about these exceptional books.
Please comment with any other title suggestions! I always learn so much from you, too.
You might also like this wholesome easy chapter book list written specifically for boys.
If you’re looking for wholesome middle-grade chapter books for ages 9 – 12, that list is here.
Wholesome Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6 – 9
Barkus by Patricia Maclachlan, illustrated by Marc Boutavant EASIEST CHAPTER BOOK
Nicky’s uncle gives Barkus, a very smart, big brown dog, when he leaves on a trip. Barkus joins her at school, has a (dog) birthday party, and finds a new kitty friend named Baby. These are stories that will make everyone want a dog like Barkus.
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Wallace and Grace and the Lost Puppy by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Laura Zarrin
Owl friends, Wallace and Grace, are on a scavenger hunt when they find a lost puppy named Jasper in the woods. The friends who also run a detective agency ask Jasper to tell them anything he can remember. The detectives put together the clues, ask for help from other forest friends, and return Jasper safely home. Easy to read and charming, this story looks just right for 6- and 7-year-old readers who are just starting chapter books.
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Owl Diaries Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott
Eva writes in diary form all about getting the Bloomtastic Festival put together and how she eventually learns to ask friends for help.
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Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree by Ellen Potter, illustrations by Sara Cristofori
FAMILY / FRIENDSHIP
When a squirrel named Shakespeare finds baby Cordelia, he raises her in his Central Park tree. Now, at age 8, Cordelia leaves the safety of their park home to chase a nut-thieving squirrel…and gets lost! Sweet Cordelia’s attempts to make friends go drastically wrong when she behaves like a squirrel–chasing and chittering. Soon, Cordelia knows it’s time to go home. But can the city squirrels show her how to get there? And could she ever make a friend with another human?
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Love Puppies: Best Friends Furever by JaNay Brown Wood
FRIENDSHIP
The magical Crystal Bone calls the pups to help a lonely girl named Meiko. The Love Puppies plan turns to disaster. How will the puppies accomplish their mission? Warmhearted and sweet, you’ll love these caring puppies and the kids they help. I am positive this book series will be a hit with 2nd and 3rd graders!
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Our Principal is a Frog by Stephanie Calmenson, illustration Aaron Blecha
The beloved school principal is accidentally turned into a frog by a bumbling magician. But since he’s a dedicated principal, he finds a way to keep running the school — even as an amphibian.
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Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay
This is one of my favorite easy chapter books! Lulu and her cousin help their neighbor Arthur learn to love and care for his (neglected) rabbit. She doesn’t want her neighbor to feel bad so she writes the rabbit little notes with helpful gifts signed from her own pet rabbit named Thumper. It’s a kind way to show Arthur how to take care of his new pet.
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Mouse Scouts: Make a Difference by Sarah Dillard
Six new Mouse Scouts and friends share adventures as they seek new merit badges. In this story, the girls must work together to rescue a . . . CAT! Yikes. What a sweet new illustrated series for beginning chapter book readers. See also Mouse Scouts #1.
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Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui, illustrated by Hatem Aly
Yasmin is an exuberant girl who is interested in everything from exploring to building to fashion. This book tells four short stories from Yasmin’s life, all in chapters with lively, full-color illustrations showing Yasmin as a creative problem solver even when things get hard. Her Pakistani American culture is embedded throughout the story. I LOVE the diversity, the gutsy main character, and the beautiful design of the entire book.
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Good Dog by Cam Higgins, illustrated by Ariel Landy
What a sweet beginning illustrated chapter book written from Bo the dog’s point of view! Enthusiastic and full of personality, Bo adores his loving family and his life on the farm. But he worries when his dog tag goes missing. He searches the farm with the help of all the farm animals and his spider friends help him find it. Your readers will love this new series with a darling doggie narrator! Get the first 4 books in 1!
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Daisy Dawson Is on Her Way by Steve Voake, illustrated by Jessica Messerve
Daisy can talk to animals. You’ll love this spunky girl’s free spirit personality and her kindness toward others as she has nostalgic sorts of childhood adventures. This is a great wholesome chapter book series for girls.
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Dig to Disaster: A Miss Mallard Mystery by Robert Quackenbush
Another QUIX book, this one is an exciting mystery adventure. Miss Mallard is on an archaeological expedition in jungles of South American but someone is trying to scare the group off. Not to worry. Miss Mallard is the duck for the job. She follows the clues in order to capture the sneaky treasure hunter.
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Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell
Poppy and Cornbread are mice friends who like different things and have different personalities but love each other and love doing things together. (Yes, this sweet book of friendship stories feels reminiscent of Frog and Toad.) So even when Poppy doesn’t prepare for winter like Cornbread does (and reminds her), Cornbread joins her to search for food. In desperation, they bravely venture up the dangerous Hollar Mountain where they find a warm welcome and a new friend.
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The Year of the Book by Andrea Chang
Growing up is challenging and in the first novel, The Year of the Book, Anna turns to books for company while she learns how to make friendships in real life. The subsequent books in the series are just as realistic and well-written.
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Zoey and Sassafras Dragons and Marshmallows #1 by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
This is an entertaining and well-written story with the coolest mix of science and magic, a diverse main character, and fantastic illustrations that will get kids reading and learning. Zoey, like her mom, can see magical creatures and is tasked to care for any injured creatures that might need help. In this story, she uses her science skills (including research and the scientific method) to figure out how to care for a sick baby dragon. Highly recommended!
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The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
A MUST-READ series for all kids! These combine mystery, history, magic, and adventure as siblings Jack and Annie adventure through time, solving mysteries and learning history. GREAT on audiobook, too!
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Ivy Lost and Found by Cynthia Lord, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
A heartwarming story about the life of an old doll who gets a new life as a book buddy! Ivy’s been in the attic for years until her girl, now an adult, donates Ivy to the Book Buddy’s shelf at the library. That’s when a lonely girl named Fern borrows Ivy. Fern is visiting her dad and his new family and she needs a listening friend like Ivy. Then, when Ivy gets left outside in the rain, she has a surprise adventure of her own and makes friends with two other Book Buddies.
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Rainbow Street Shelter: A Dog Called Bear by Wendy Orr
Rainbow Street Shelter books are fantastic stories of mystery and compassion toward animals, great for any animal lover. In this story, Logan’s beloved dog named Bear runs away. Logan will eventually find Bear after Bear finds Hannah first then ends up at the Rainbow Street Shelter.
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Bark Park by Brandi Dougherty, illustrated by Paige Pooler
Scout’s life is filled with mystery and adventure as she helps her dog friends. Charming characters and gentle story lines.
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Rainbow Magic Fairies by Daisy Meadows
These are very predictable but so many girls (mine included) ADORE these books — they are some of the most checked out books at our library. They’re about two caring human girls who help the magical fairies to get back something Jack Frost’s goblins stole.
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Heartwood Hotel: a True Home by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
Lost in a storm, with no home or destination, Mona the Mouse discovers a beautiful hotel for forest animals. There she works as a maid to earn her room and board. But more than that, she helps solve problems and learns about her family connection to the lovely hotel where she’s invited to stay as long as she wants. This is a sweet, warm-hearted (and wholesome) adventure of resiliency and friendship.
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The Adventures of Sophie Mouse A New Friend by Poppy Green, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
A new student arrives at Sophie’s school and it’s a SNAKE named Owen! (Yikes!) All the mice students are scared. When Sophie tells her parents, they explain that they knew a really nice snake that moved away, which makes Sophie think about giving Owen a chance. Owen rescues Sophie from a dangerous situation and they become good friends. This is an enjoyable story with a lovely message of not judging others based on outward appearances.
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White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan
Zoe’s family rescues dogs in need. A new family has moved in across the street and Phillip, the boy, has stopped speaking. He doesn’t even want to try. But Zoe’s new rescue dog might just help the boy heal and speak. (Also on: Best Chapter Books About Dogs)
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Mango and Bambang The Not-a-Pig by Clara Vulliamy
Mango rescues Bambang, an Asian tapir, from a busy street and the two become best friends. Together they find adventures, learn more about each other, and teach people that Bambang Is. Not. A. Pig. Four sweet stories of friendship and fun.
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The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler
My daughter and I loved this entertaining new easy chapter book series about a boy ghost, Kaz, who is blown away from his family and into a new haunt — a library. But who is the library ghost? Kaz knows that it’s not him. He and his new friend, Claire, decide to be detectives and discover the secret of the mysterious library ghost.
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The Storm (The Lighthouse Family) by Cynthia Rylant
Pandora is a kindhearted cat who lives in a lighthouse all alone. Seabold lives on a boat all alone. Until one day a storm shipwrecks him at the lighthouse. Soon, a friendship develops and the lighthouse isn’t lonely anymore, especially after the friends rescue a family of orphaned mice. Kind characters and a cozy family theme with a gentle adventure make this a wholesome reading choice.
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Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril
I’ve been enjoying these updated Amelia chapter books by the original author’s son. In this story, Amelia tries to make money for a new bike. Great for 2nd graders (second graders) who love goofy humor and wordplay.
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Amy and the Missing Puppy (Critter Club) by Callie Barkley
This series about animal-loving friends gives growing readers an entertaining chapter book they can read by themselves. My daughter loved this series so much!
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A to Z Mysteries Detective Camp by Rob Roy
This addictive mystery series will keep your kids reading for hours and days and months. My kids read them all more than once – we highly recommend this series, especially for around age 7 and 8.
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Dragon Kindom of Wrenly: The Coldfire Curse by Jordan Quinn
When Cinder’s father crashes, it’s clear he’s sick from the dreaded “cold curse,” so Cinder must ask the king for help. Cinder flies to the castle of the human king and meets a red dragon named Ruskin, the pet of the human king. Cinder, Ruskin, and Groth travel to the fairies in order to get the ingredients to cure the curse. But the witch-dragon is NOT pleased with their success. A fast-paced and excellent story with a hook that will keep you reading the series!
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