Written by Joshua Van Laningham

Chapter Books 101

I get enough questions about chapter books, so I’ve put together a short list of information regarding the format. I might update this from time to time as I learn more, so check back every once and a while!

  • Chapter books are a kidlit format that fall between early readers and middle-grade. 
  • They are meant to be read by a kid, but it depends on their level of proficiency. Intended for beginning readers.
  • They’re broken up into three age groups: 5-8, 6-9, and 7-10.
    • The 5-8 group is sometimes called early or transitional chapter books. They bridge the gap between early readers and older chapter books.
    • Overall readability is early elementary.
  • Word count can be anywhere from 1000-13,000, depending on the age group. There are typically around
    10 chapters each book.
  • Art is normally black and white. Sometimes mono-colored. Rarely full color. For early chapter books, there is art on every page, with less art for older age groups.
  • Topics focus on age group. School, friends, etc. Generally no romance. These more “normal” topics are dramatic for a kid since they can relate.
  • They tend to be in series, though each book is standalone.
  • Writing for chapter books:
    • Chapter books are character focused, dialogue heavy, with lots of humor. 
    • Your main character’s age should be the age of your target audience. Sometimes a bit older.
    • Most sentences should have a number of words equal to the age of your main character.
    • Each book, your main character learns something, but their core personality does not change. Premise is repeated every book.
  • Examples of books in each age group:

Anything I missed? Anything you want to hear more about? Let me know in the comments!

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