Finding early elementary girl chapter book series’ can be a challenge, but I hope this list will give you some ideas! Between my two daughters and I, we have read every single series listed here, and we can vouch for the fact that all of these books are wonderful reads. I would recommend them primarily for early elementary girls (between ages 6-8, depending on reading level).
Lulu Series
Lulu is a young girl who loves animals and finds herself having everyday adventures that sometimes lead her into trouble. Our favorite: Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain.
Anna Hibiscus series
Anna Hibiscus is a young biracial girl who lives in amazing Africa with her African father, Canadian mother, twin brothers, and huge extended family. This is such a unique series that gives a wonderful peek into life in Africa. Our favorite: Love From Anna Hibiscus.
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series
In my opinion, this is THE best first chapter book series for newer girl readers. Yes, there are a lot to choose from, and yes, my daughter has read each installment with enthusiasm! Our favorite: A Surprise Visitor.
The Questioneers Series
Do you know any young girls who love science, math, or engineering? This spinoff chapter book series is wonderful for little science lovers or those who loved the original Rosie Revere, Engineer picture book. You can read a little more about this series in my post here. Our favorite: Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters.
The Sneaky Pony series
Keeker is a young girl who lives on a farm in Vermont with her family and her pony, Plum. This timeless series is perfect for a young horse lover! You can read a bit more about the series in my post here. Our favorite: Keeker and the Sugar Shack.
Violet Mackerel series
Violet Mackerel is the youngest of three siblings and has all sorts of unique, everyday adventures that usually lead to a deeper truth or lesson. Our favorite: Violet Mackerel’s Pocket Protest.
Hilde Cracks the Case series
This fun series has plenty of pictures and cliff hangers to keep young readers engaged. Hilde is an aspiring reporter who looks for interesting stories to include in the newspaper she writes and publishes. Our favorite: Bear on the Loose!
Ada Lace series
Here is another great series for science-loving girls. Ada Lace is an 8-year-old who loves all things STEM and solves mysteries using her math and science skills. Our favorite: Ada Lace, On the Case.
Ruby Lu series
Ruby Lu is a young girl who loves magic and has to navigate the ins and outs of growing up as a Chinese-American. Our favorite: Ruby Lu Brave and True.
American Girl series
We LOVE this entire series, and both of my daughters have read all of them. I don’t think there is a better series to gently teach history to young elementary girls, and I recommend going in chronological order. Our favorite: Addy. (For more details on this series, you can go to my American Girl Series 101 post.)
Zoey and Sassafras
Zoey and her faithful sidekick Sassafras encounter a new magical animal in each book and must use science in some way to solve a problem. Our favorite: Merhorses and Bubbles.
Heartwood Hotel
This little series tells the story of an animal hotel nestled deep in the forest and Mona the Mouse who serves as a maid there. Our favorite: The Greatest Gift.
While we highly recommend each of these series’, there are a few we tried and really didn’t love. Here are some we wouldn’t recommend:
Junie B. Jones series: Personally, I really don’t care for the intentionally poor grammar or punctuation or Junie’s attitude throughout these books. I know these are “classics” for some, but we didn’t love them.
Ivy and Bean series: Speaking of attitudes — none of the characters in this book exemplify behavior or attitudes I want my kids to emulate. Some may call it humorous; I just call it not worth reading.
Cam Jansen series: I read one of these with my daughter in 1st grade, and we felt like it was just poorly written. The plot was so circuitous and difficult to follow that even I had to keep doubling back to try and help answer her comprehension questions.
Wellie Wishers series: This series isn’t terrible, but if you’re going for an American Girl book collection, the historical originals have far deeper and more engaging content.
I hope this is helpful as you search for young elementary girl chapter book series’! If you have other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments!