Popular Book Series for Kids
Last updated: August 24, 2024
The only thing better than getting absorbed in a good book is the feeling you get when you find out that it's the first in a long-running series of books—and that there will be plenty more adventures to follow featuring the same beloved characters. But it can be tricky to keep up with the latest publications. Five Books is here to help you keep up to date with new titles recently published in some of the most popular book series for kids and teenagers.
This reading list should also serve as a handy resource when the children in your life are ready to move up a reading level. Find below a selection of popular book series for kids of various ages, which hopefully includes the next series they will fall in love with.
Series for Babies and Toddlers
For more reading suggestions, check out our lovingly curated reading lists for children: best kids' books of 2023 and best books for teens of 2023.
Museum Mystery Squad and the Case from Outer Space
by Mike Nicholson & Mike Phillips (illustrator)
Museum Mystery Squad (book 6). Best friends have joined forces to become a highly effective gang of detectives. Each book has some information pages and puzzles in addition to the mystery being investigated. Age 6+
A Shell Is Cozy
by Dianna Aston & Sylvia Long (illustrator)
Want to start at the beginning? The first book in this series is An Egg Is Quiet.
Nature Books (book 7). Gorgeous scientific picture books about the natural world. Age 4+
This series features in our Children's Editor's picks of beautiful science books for 4-8 year olds.
A Starless Clan: Shadow
by Erin Hunter
This series is recommended by Izzy in our interview Best Series for 10 Year Olds, in our By Kids for Kids section.
Warriors: A Starless Clan (book 3). Fantasy series about clans of fierce warrior cats for age 8+. A Starless Clan is the eighth arc of the Warriors series, following on from The Broken Code.
School Trip
by Jerry Craft
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book is New Kid.
It features in our interview with Krishna Grady on The 2020 Newbery Medal and Honor Winners.
New Kid (book 3). Graphic novels about Jordan and Drew and their school life, with issues of race, class, friendships and bullying for readers age 9+.
Hell Breaks Loose
by Derek Landy
Skulduggery Pleasant (prequel to the 15-book series). Dark fantasy novels about a detective, her mentor and other friends and allies. Age 11+
The Sad Ghost Club 3
by Lize Meddings
The Sad Ghost Club (book 3). Graphic novel in black and white about feeling nervous about social interaction, loneliness and friendship. Age 11+
Rider of the Storm
by Annelise Gray
Want to start at the beginning? The first book in this series, Race to the Death, made our best books for kids 2021 list.
In our interview with the author, Annelise Gray recommends The Best Classics Books for Children.
Circus Maximus (book 3). Historical novels set in 1st century Rome and Roman North Africa, centred on the dangerous world of chariot racing. Age 9+
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man (book 11). Graphic novel series in colour for age 6+ about crime-fighting dog man.
Skandar and the Phantom Rider
by A. F. Steadman
Want to start at the beginning? The first book in this series is Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.
Skandar (book 2). Fantasy adventure for readers age 9+.
Chain of Thorns
by Cassandra Clare
The Last Hours series (book 3). Fantasy, danger and romance set in London and Paris at the start of the 20th century. The Last Hours is the sequel series to The Infernal Devices series in the Shadowhunters Chronicles, which is among the top ten bestselling Young Adult series of all time. Age 14+
The Circle Breakers
by Patience Agbabi
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, The Infinite, features in our interview The Best Science Fiction of 2021: The Arthur C Clarke Award Shortlist, one of the few times a children’s book has been shortlisted for this prestigious science fiction book prize.
The Leap Cycle (book 3). Science fiction series with a protagonist who has time travelling powers. Age 9+
There's a Beast in the Basement
by Pamela Butchart & Thomas Flintham (Illustrator)
Baby Aliens series (book 14). Silly humour for newly confident readers age 7+
Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery
by Ann M. Martin & Cynthia Yuan Cheng
The graphic novel version of The Baby-Sitters Club (book 13). This series, which started in the 1980s, is in the top five bestselling series of all time for the 9-12 age range.
There is also The Baby-Sitters Little Sister series, for slightly younger children.
Diper Överlöde
by Jeff Kinney
This series is recommended by Izzy in our interview Best Series for 10 Year Olds, in our By Kids for Kids section.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (book 17). One of the top three bestselling series of all time for 8-12 year olds about the misadventures of Greg, a lazy and manipulative schoolboy. This series, which has very little text, is credited with getting a lot of reluctant readers into reading.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay (illustrator)
Illustrated Harry Potter (book 5). This is the fifth of the seven Harry Potter books to be published so far in this large format children's edition. With plenty of colour illustrations it is perfect for the youngest generation of readers, who are just old enough to enjoy the story but still have a preference for illustrated books. Age 8+
Soul of the Deep
by Natasha Bowen
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, Skin of the Sea, was recommended by Dr Helen Scales in our interview on The Best Ocean Novels for 10-14 Year Olds.
Skin of the Sea (book 2). Fantasy series and love story inspired by West African mythology featuring a mermaid protagonist. Age 13+.
Amari and the Great Game
by B. B. Alston & Godwin Akpan (illustrator)
Supernatural Investigations (book 2). Adventure series with a world of magic just under the surface of the normal world. Age 8+
The Merciless Ones
by Namina Forna
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, The Gilded Ones, made our best books for teens 2021 list.
It was picked by Efua Traoré in our interview on the Best West African Fantasy Books for Teenagers.
The Gilded Ones (book 2). West African-inspired fantasy in which a young woman becomes a powerful warrior and fights against oppression. Age 13+
Defend the Dawn
by Brigid Kemmerer
Defy the Night (book 2). Fantasy adventure and romance set in a plague-ridden and corrupt kingdom, featuring a heroine who will do anything for justice. Age 13+
Fantastically Great Women Artists and their Stories
by Kate Pankhurst
Want to start at the beginning of the series? Fantastically Great Women Scientists and Their Stories made it onto the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2022 shortlist and is featured in our interview with Alan Wilson, Chair of the judging panel.
Fantastically Great Women (book 2) series for readers age 7+. This book features the stories of some of the most influential women in the art world, and young readers will learn a lot about different types of art.
Pankhurst has also written and illustrated a separate Fantastically Great Women series for children age 5+.
City of Magic
by Avi
Midnight Magic (book 3). Set in Renaissance Venice, City of Magic is a prequel or companion volume to the first two titles in this medieval mystery adventure series. Age 8+
Dragon Destiny
by Katie & Kevin Tsang
Dragon Realm series (book 5). Fantasy adventure series featuring friendship and dragons for age 9+.
The Arctic Railway Assassin
M G Leonard, Sam Sedgman & Elisa Paganelli (illustrator)
In our interview with the author, M. G. Leonard recommends The Best Nature Books for Kids.
Adventures on Trains (book 6). Train-based detective series for readers age 8+.
Elmer and the Gift
by David McKee
The first book about Elmer the Patchwork Elephant came out in 1968. This is the final book, published posthumously, in this classic series that celebrates difference. Cheerful books for children age 3-6.
Narwhalicorn and Jelly
by Ben Clanton
Narwhal and Jelly (book 7). Graphic novel series for readers age 5+ about a happy go lucky narwhal and a no nonsense jellyfish.
The Last Kids on Earth and the Forbidden Fortress
Max Brallier, Douglas Holgate (illustrator)
The Last Kids on Earth series (book 8). Illustrated zombie and monster apocalypse action adventure series for for kids, especially reluctant readers, age 8+.
Pippa and Pelle in the Winter Snow
by Daniela Drescher
Pippa and Pelle (book 6). Series for toddlers about two elves, with much love of nature. Board book, translated from German.
Planet Omar: Ultimate Rocket Blast
Zanib Mian, Kyan Cheng (illustrator)
Planet Omar series (Book 5). Laugh-out-loud series about an imaginative boy, for age 7+
Starfell: Willow Moss and the Magic Thief
by Dominique Valente & Sarah Warburton (Illustrator)
Starfell series (book 4). Richly illustrated fantasy series full of magic for readers age 8+
Ali Cross: The Secret Detective
by James Patterson
Ali Cross (book 3). The son of Alex Cross, of James Patterson’s detective series for adults, now has a series of his own. The young Ali Cross is following in his father’s footsteps as a detective. Age 9+
Wolf Bane
by Michelle Paver
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness (book 9). Concluding volume in meticulously researched adventure series full of nature, animals and magic set in the Stone Age for readers age 9+.
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Secrets of the Stormforest
by L. D. Lapinski
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency (book 3). Each suitcase transports you to a different world if you step inside. Age 9+
Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality
by Roshani Chokshi
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book is Aru Shah and the End of Time.
Pandava Novels (book 5). This series follows Aru Shah, an Indian American school girl who happens to be the reincarnation of Arjuna. She must unite the avatars of the five Pandavas (demigod warrior princes) of the Mahābhārata. For readers age 8-14 (Aru is 12 in the first novel and grows older through each book), and perfect for fans of Rick Riordan.
Eternity Engine
Struan Murray & Manuel Sumberac (illustrator)
Orphans of the Tide (book 3). Adventure series for age 8+
Nighttime
by Rotraut Susanne Berner
All Around Bustletown (book 5). Large format board books by a well known German illustrator. These are not storybooks. Instead there are seven detailed double page pictures for children to look at and make up their own stories around the pictures. Age 2-6.
A Storm of Sisters
by Michelle Harrison
Want to start at the beginning? The first book in the series is A Pinch of Magic.
The second book, A Sprinkle of Sorcery, was picked by author Jack Meggit-Phillips in our interview on The Scariest Books for Kids.
A Pinch of Magic Adventure (book 4). Atmospheric series about sisters and magic for readers age 8 and up.
The Fascinating Bug Book for Kids: 500 Startling Facts!
by Krystal Monique Toney
Want to start at the beginning? The first book in this series is The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids: 500 Wild Facts! which was recommended by wildlife ranger Margaret Darawanda in our interview The Best Books on Wild Animals for Kids.
Fascinating Facts (book 7). Science and engineering oriented non-fiction books on various topics for readers age 7+.
The Flames of Hope
by Tui T. Sutherland
Wings of Fire (book 15). Fantasy adventure series with dragon protagonists for age 9+.
Akata Woman
by Nnedi Okorafor
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book is Akata Witch (published in Nigeria as What Sunny Saw in the Flames).
It has been picked by Efua Traoré in our interview on the Best West African Fantasy Books for Teenagers and by Anbara Salam in our interview on The Best Boarding School Novels.
The audio version has been selected by the American Library Association as an Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults.
The Nsibidi Scripts (book 3). West-African inspired fantasy by award-winning Nigerian American author. Age 12+
A Case of Misfortune
by Sophie Cleverly
The Violet Veil Mysteries (book 2). Mystery series set in late Victorian England for readers age 9+.
Tiger Honor
by Yoon Ha Lee
A Thousand Worlds (book 2). Tiger Honor is a sequel to Dragon Pearl (one of the first books published by Rick Riordan Presents), but told from a different protagonist's point of view. Science fiction infused with Korean mythology for readers age 8+.
The Burning Swift
by Joseph Elliott
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, The Good Hawk has an award-winning audio edition.
Concluding volume in the Shadow Skye trilogy. A third character, Sigrid, is on the scene (the first book was alternately narrated by Jaime and Agatha, who probably has Down's syndrome). Fast paced fantasy adventure set in a mythical Scotland. Age 12+
Asterix and the Griffin
Jean-Yves Ferri & Didier Conrad (illustrator)
The first volume of Asterix, published in 1960, is Asterix the Gaul.
Asterix (album 39). New titles are still coming out in this bestselling comic series of all time. The current writer-illustrator team was mentored by Albert Uderzo, one of the original co-creators.
Readers will enjoy this comic book series more and more as they grow up and increasingly understand the references, but Asterix is popular with children as young as seven.
The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks
by Mackenzi Lee
Montague Siblings (book 3). The third book in this series of historical novels is about Adrian, the youngest of three aristocratic English siblings. This volume features family secrets and voyages to the pirate courts of Rabat, Portuguese islands, the canals of Amsterdam, and Arctic waters. Age 14+
Terciel & Elinor
by Garth Nix
This prequel (book 6) to The Old Kingdom series tells the love story of Sabriel’s parents. Fantasy for readers age 14+.
Believe Me
by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me (novella 5). Dystopian romance fantasy thriller series structured with novels interspersed with novellas. This novella is told from Warner’s point of view, following the events of Imagine Me (book 6). Age 14+
Two for Joy
by Amy McCulloch & Zoe Sugg
The Magpie Society (book 2). Modern gothic thriller series set at a boarding school with disturbing secrets. Age 13+
The King of Koraha
by Maria V. Snyder
Archives of the Invisible Sword trilogy (book 3). Fantasy series for readers age 13+, should suit fans of Tomb Raider.
City of the Dead
James Patterson & Mindy McGinnis
Hawk (book 2), linked with James Patterson's Maximum Ride series. Post-apocalyptic fantasy for readers age 13+.
Cytonic
by Brandon Sanderson
Want to start at the beginning? The first book in this series is Skyward.
Skyward (book 3). Science fiction series with galaxy-wide war and a resourceful teenage protagonist. Age 12+
Sapiens: A Graphic History Volume Two
Yuval Noah Harari, David Vandermeulen & Daniel Casanave (illustrator)
The Pillars of Civilization is the second volume in this graphic history adaptation of the bestselling Sapiens book, primarily aimed at teenagers and young adults. The first volume was The Birth of Humankind. Volume 2 deals with the implications of the agricultural revolution.
The Fowl Twins Get What They Deserve
by Eoin Colfer
Fowl Twins (book 3). Like their older brother Artemis, the Fowl twins are criminal masterminds despite their young age. For readers age 10+
Rise of the World Eater
by Jamie Littler
Concluding volume in the Frostheart trilogy. Fantasy adventure series in snow and ice for readers age 8+
Luna Loves Dance
Joseph Coelho & Fiona Lumbers (illustrator)
In an interview with the author, Joseph Coelho recommends The Best Books on Grandparents and Grandchildren.
Luna Loves series (book 3). Picture book series for children age 3+ about Luna who loves the good things in life, such as art and going to the library.
Endgame
by Malorie Blackman
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, Noughts & Crosses, was picked by Robert Muchamore in our interview on Books for the Reluctant 12-Year-Old Reader.
Noughts + Crosses series (book 6), the final book in this series set in an alternative 21st century Britain, featuring love, racial and social inequality, and high stakes intrigue. Age 12+
Toto the Ninja Cat and the Legend of the Wildcat
by Dermot O’Leary & Nick East (Illustrator)
Toto the Ninja Cat (book 5). The adventures of Toto and her brother Silver are an engaging introduction to chapter books for children age 6+, with plenty of illustrations.
As Good as Dead
by Holly Jackson
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. It has been picked by YA thriller writer Kathryn Foxfield in our interview on The Best Thrillers for Teens, and by awards panellist and retired teacher-librarian Breege O’Brien in our interview on Great Teen Reads. The audio version has been selected as an Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults by the American Library Association.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (book 3). Concluding volume in crime thriller trilogy with young protagonist Pip, who investigates some properly scary crime. Age 14+
Once Upon a Crime
by Robin Stevens
Want to start at the beginning? The first book in this series is A Murder Most Unladylike.
In an interview with the author, Robin Stevens recommends The Best Books on Kid Detectives.
A Murder Most Unladylike Collection. This is not a new novel in the detective series for readers age 8+, but a collection of six short mysteries.
The Battle for Roar
Jenny McLachlan & Ben Mantle (illustrator)
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book in this trilogy is The Land of Roar. It was picked by author Jack Meggit-Phillips in our interview on The Scariest Books for Kids.
The final book in The Land of Roar trilogy. Fantasy adventure about twin brother and sister for readers age 8+.
Rule of Wolves
by Leigh Bardugo
King of Scars (book 2), featuring magic and warring kingdoms, is the seventh book in the Grishaverse fantasy series for readers age 13+, which starts with Shadow and Bone.
Pip and Posy: The Birthday Party
Camilla Reid & Axel Scheffler (illustrator)
Pip and Posy (book 11). Simple stories to engage toddlers, about the ups and downs of two best friends.
You Choose: Fairy Tales
Pippa Goodhart & Nick Sharratt (illustrator)
The third book in this series, You Choose Your Dreams, was picked by Marion Gillooly in the interview Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Reading.
You Choose (book 4). Children can be in charge in this picture book series, which allows readers to create their own stories, with endless possibilities on every page. Age 3+
The Bolds Go Green
Julian Clary & David Roberts (illustrator)
The Bolds (book 6). Funny series about a family of hyenas who disguise themselves and try to blend in as humans, for children age 7+. Richly illustrated.
Nightfall in New York
Katherine Woodfine & Karl James Mountford (Illustrator)
Taylor & Rose Secret Agents (book 4). Two young girl detectives turn their talents to espionage in this historical novel series for age 9+
This series follows on from The Sinclair Mysteries.
The Crackledawn Dragon
by Abi Elphinstone
The Unmapped Chronicles series (book 4). Environmental issues in a magical adventure series for age 8+
The Storm Keepers’ Battle
by Catherine Doyle
Storm Keeper Trilogy (book 3). Fantasy set on a remote island off Ireland for readers age 9+
The Desolations of Devil's Acre
by Ransom Riggs
Want to start at the beginning of the series? A boy follows clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times. As he gets to know the residents of the magical place known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, as well as the children’s special powers and their enemies, the mystery and danger deepen.
Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children (book 6, concluding volume). Age 12+
A companion volume called Miss Peregrine's Museum of Wonders: An Indispensable Guide to the Dangers and Delights of the Peculiar World for the Instruction of New Arrivals was published in September 2022. There is also a graphic novel version of this series.
“A good novel for kids about the eruption of Mt Vesuvius, part of the Roman Mysteries series.” Read more...
Harry Potter: the Complete Series
by J.K. Rowling
It’s quite fun to acquire the books in the Harry Potter series one by one, but if you want to get them all in one go, there’s a variety of boxsets to choose from, including fancy gift sets and versions that are specifically for adults. If you’d like to listen to the Harry Potter books as a set of audiobooks, they are all read by British actor Stephen Fry, but there does not seem to be an option to buy them as a complete set.
“Kids who like comedy would probably enjoy this series, because it’s really funny and he does really dumb things which make me laugh.” Read more...
Izzy, Children
” I think it’s really sweet the way she lives. When they get a shop-bought thing, they all get excited because most of the time they have to make everything themselves—the dresses, the food, the drink, the entertainment. In one of the books Mary, Laura’s older sister goes blind and from then on Laura has to be the one who has the full weight of making money.” Read more...
Izzy, Children
“It’s all the Greek gods and goddesses as if they’re in high school. They’re all kids. Their school is MOA, which stands for Mount Olympus Academy. There are these four main girls, Persephone, Athena, Aphrodite and Artemis, who are basically all friends.” Read more...
Izzy, Children
“Warrior Cats. It’s just really different from all the other books I’ve read. It really gets you into the place you’re reading about. There are so many different cats, and you end up knowing all the names, as if you actually know them in real life. The way the author makes you believe in the book is really amazing. She can put so much description and so many different feelings into the book, so that you feel you’re there.” Read more...
Izzy, Children
Best Series for 10 Year Olds, recommended by Izzy
Everyone wants to get their kids reading, and a really gripping series is a great way of developing their inner bookworm. Izzy, a 10-year-old girl living in the UK, talks us through her favourite series for kids.
