At Englist, we believe that reading regularly is one of the most powerful ways students can improve their English. But building strong reading habits takes time, and the right books.
Finding stories that engage students, especially in their second language, can be a challenge. That’s why Englist teachers carefully select books that are fun, accessible, and just right for our students’ levels and interests.
We look for stories that make kids want to keep reading, even after class is over. Books that are imaginative, fast-paced, and full of humor. The following five series are student favorites that do exactly that—books our elementary students love so much, they read them again and again.
Whether it’s the action, the comedy, or the characters they relate to, these stories help turn even reluctant readers into confident, excited book lovers.
Dog Man
Reading level: Grades 2–4
Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series is an absolute hit with elementary students. No matter the class level, gender, or age, everyone seems to love Dog Man.
This graphic novel series is all about Dog Man, a half-dog, half-policeman hero. He hilariously tries to stop crime and chaos (even though he often causes chaos in the process of stopping crime).
While these books are not a challenging read by any stretch of the imagination, they absorb our students and make them consistently return to this series, class after class.
The humor is silly, the action is wild, and the comic-style drawings keep readers turning the pages. Even students who claim they don’t like books get hooked on Dog Man. It’s the perfect gateway series for building reading confidence.
Dragon Masters
Reading level: Grades 2–4
With over 27 books, the Dragon Masters series offers students a big, magical world to explore—one short chapter book at a time.
The story follows Drake, a regular boy chosen to become a Dragon Master. Alongside his dragon, he learns to use magic and protect the kingdom from danger. With fast-paced plots, cliffhanger endings, and lots of illustrations, these books are ideal for students ready to read independently.
Dragon Masters is perfect for early readers who want more complex stories but still need support with vocabulary and structure. With plenty of illustrations and straightforward writing, students can read these books independently and feel proud of finishing an entire chapter book.
The Last Kids on Earth
Reading level: Grades 4–6
If your child likes monsters, zombies, and post-apocalyptic adventures, The Last Kids on Earth is a must-read.
In this series, Jack and his friends attempt to survive in a world overrun by giant creatures—with only makeshift weapons, quick thinking, and terrible jokes to keep them going. The mix of text and graphic-novel style art makes it easy to follow, even though the vocabulary is more advanced. For students who’ve outgrown Dog Man or Dragon Masters, this is an exciting next step.
It’s a great way to hook more advanced readers who are ready for longer books with more complex vocabulary.
The 13-Story Treehouse
Reading level: Grades 3–5
What’s better than living in a massive treehouse with a marshmallow machine and a shark tank? That’s the everyday life of Andy and Terry, the stars of The 13-Story Treehouse series.
These books are pure, creative chaos. Packed with funny illustrations, ridiculous inventions, and absurd adventures, they capture the imagination of students who enjoy quirky humor and unpredictable stories. With short chapters and a fast pace, it feels more like a fun rollercoaster than schoolwork—perfect for emerging readers who want a challenge that’s still accessible.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Reading level: Grades 5–7
For older students ready to dive into longer books, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a fantastic choice.
This five-book series follows Percy, a 12-year-old who learns he’s the son of Poseidon, as he gets swept into a world of Greek gods, monsters, and epic quests. With sharp humor, fast-paced action, and relatable characters, these novels quickly become favorites—even for students who normally shy away from longer books.
This is a perfect introduction to full-length fantasy novels for upper elementary students looking for a gateway into full-length fantasy novels.
Build a love of reading today
If any of these series pique your interest, you’re in luck. As Englist students, you can borrow them from our school library for free! We love providing our students with reading materials that will help them grow into lifelong readers.
We believe the best way for students to build vocabulary, fluency, and confidence is through consistent reading. These five book series are just the beginning. If your child loves to read (or needs help finding the right story), we’re here to help.
Together, let’s build a love for English that lasts a lifetime.