In this post: A round-up of the best Spanish chapter books for kids aged 5-15. Discover authentic Spanish original titles and translations of classic tales.
Chapter books are a fantastic tool for young readers. They support Spanish language acquisition and biliteracy development.
Whether your child is already an independent reader, or you are looking for short stories to read aloud together, chapter books provide a fun level up from picture books.
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A couple notes before we dive in:
~ The age listed for each title refers to reading levels for independent readers. I started reading chapter books aloud when my son turned 5 years old.
~ Most titles are part of a larger series.
~ Check out my post on Spanish Books for Beginners for more level appropriate titles for beginners.
Teaching your kid to read? This post on Spanish Leveled Books is awesome!
Spanish Chapter Books for Elementary Age
Sofia Martinez Series
Reading Age: 6-8 years
This is a fantastic series by author Jacqueline Jules about the life of Sofia, a 7 year old girl and her very close Hispanic family.
It’s available in both English (with Spanish words woven into the text and a glossary included) and Spanish for a more immersive reading experience.
Beautifully illustrated, this is the perfect entry level to chapter books. We will definitely be adding to our collection soon.
La Puerta Secreta
Reading Age: 6-8 years
With beautiful illustrations throughout, this new release is a wonderful tale of adventure and will engage your child in a magical world of wonder!
Three siblings, Rico, Diego and Araceli, quickly find themselves bored during their summer vacation. That is until they are invited into a secret world where they experience life as animals!
We really enjoyed this story by author Minda Gomez. Inspired by her three bilingual children, it also has English words sprinkled throughout with a glossary, reflecting the family’s “Mexigringo” life as they blend their Papi’s Mexican culture with their Mami’s Minnesotan culture.
Escuela de Espanto
Reading Age: 6-8 years
An engaging Scholastic chapter book series for newly independent readers.
This is the first title of the ‘Eerie Elementary’ early chapter books series. Main character Samuel Cementerio discovers that his elementary school ‘Escuela de Espanto’ is ALIVE! As the assigned school hall monitor, he takes it upon himself to keep his fellow peers safe!
We really enjoyed this title and it’s not too spooky, don’t worry!
Los Monstruos van al cole
Reading Age: 6-8 years
NEW RELEASE! I am so happy to see Usborne Books & More release Spanish chapter books in the USA. This is one of two translated titles available in the ‘Billy and the Mini Monsters’ series which we have read in English.
Billy finds five monsters living in his sock drawer! His life will never be the same again! I just ordered both titles in Spanish and can’t wait to read them with my son!
Mi Abuela la Loca
Reading Age: 6-8 years
Written by the Chilean writer Jose Ignacio Valenzuela, this amusing title tells the story of the influence a grandma’s love for writing and poetry has on her grandson.
You can’t read this book without feeling totally inspired and motivated to explore the world of words ‘jugando con las palabras’. It’s a little more ‘clever’ and my son had a lot of questions!
Yasmin en español
Reading Age: 6-8 years
Featuring a Pakistani American protagonist, this is a really fun series about a bold and creative second-grader with a big imagination.
Translated from the original English series, this is a great option for younger readers.
El Barco de Vapor
Reading Age: 6-10 (leveled by colors)
This beautiful, Spanish editorial chapter book collection is color-coded for the different age and reading levels:
~Serie Blanca (6+), Azul (7+), Naranja (8+), Roja (10+)
Saraí y el significado de lo genial
Reading Age: 7-10 years
A wonderful Scholastic chapter book series starring 11 year old Sarai Gonzalez who became a star and Latina icon after featuring in a music video. Based on a true story written by award-winning author Monica Brown, this is a fun and authentic series for upper elementary readers.
Las Aventuras de Bear Grylls
Reading Age: 7-10 years
Another superb series available in my Usborne Books & More store!
Outdoor explorers will love this series written by the famous British adventurer Bear Grylls. With large font and plenty of illustrations, the series is an easy and engaging read for upper elementary aged children.
Me llamo María Isabel
Reading Age: 7-10 years
Written by Alma Flor Ada, an authority on bilingual and multicultural education, this Spanish original title is rooted in the importance and meaning of culture.
As she arrives at a new school in the USA, Maria’s teacher suggests she calls her ‘Mary’. Her name holds great meaning to her family and the book explores her bravery as she chooses to stand up for her identity.
Cuentos olvidados de chicas valientes e ingeniosas
Reading Age: 8-12
A translation of the gorgeous Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls, this collection shares 8 traditional but not as well known fairy tales.
These empowering fairy tales often have a different ending to the more widely known ‘Princess-meets-prince’. With heroic female leads, these stories all have happy but less traditional endings!
Codigo 7
Reading Age: 8-12 years
This award winning title by author Bryan Johnson, features 7 inspiring short stories that touch on important themes like character, kindness, integrity and self-esteem. It is the translation of the popular ‘Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life’.
De como tia Lola vino (de visita) a quedarse
Reading Age: 8-12 years
Written by Julia Alvarez, an author with Dominican descent, this chapter book shares about a Dominican family living in Vermont, who receive a visit from Aunt Lola.
Her presence and love for the Dominican culture is contagious and her beautiful spirit soon enamors the whole town. Vibrant and funny, this title is my favorite authentic pick.
Charlie y la fábrica de chocolate
Reading Age: 8-12
A translation of the classic and timeless story. A poor boy finds himself in possession of a rare Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! Our personal favorite title by Roald Dahl and now you can enjoy it in the target language too!
El ratoncito de la moto
Reading Age: 8-12
A Spanish translation of the best selling series by Beverly Clearly. Ralph the mouse resides in a knothole of a hotel room. One day he discovers a toy motorcycle that peaks his interest. However, soon his curiosity get the better of him. Keith, the boy who owns the toy bike decides to show him how it works!
Manolito Gafotas
Reading Age: 9-12 years
An children’s classic in Spain that inspired a movie and TV series! Written by Spanish author Elvira Lindo, this amusing title tells the story of 10 year old Manolito’s misadventures in Madrid.
Related Post: How to read in Spanish: 5 tips for beginners
Young Adult (YA) Spanish Chapter Books
This list will grow as I review more titles! I have only just started reading YA fiction in Spanish.
La Casa en Mango Street
Reading Age 13+
A popular title in middle school, this is the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in the Hispanic quarter of Chicago.
I will warn you this book is deeply heart-rendering. You will feel a roller coaster of emotions reading it, from joy to grief, through poems and stories to share her feelings in her oppressive environment. I learnt a lot from it and I highly recommend it.
Antes de ser libres
Reading Age: 13+
A heart wrenching by beautifully written title by Julia Alvarez. The same author of De como tia Lola vino (de visita) a quedarse, this is the story of 12 year old Anita de la Torre.
With relatives that have gone missing and others that have immigrated to the United States, Anita is left under the oppressive rule of Trujillo’s dictatorship in 1960s Dominican Republic. With the help of her remaining family, she has no choice but to find the courage to seek freedom.
This story reminded me a lot of Anne Frank ~ Julia’s writing is so gripping, you just have to keep turning the page.
Yo no soy tu perfecta hija mexicana
Reading Age: 13+
This YA (Young Adult) title is perfect for non-native adults too. I couldn’t put it down!
It follows the story of Julia, a Mexican girl living with her family in Chicago. After the tragic death of her ‘perfect’ sister Olga, Julia is left with a grieving mother who continues to compare and chastise her for being the total opposite of Olga in every way.
As the story progresses, Julia finds out that there was another side of Olga’s story. Perhaps she wasn’t the perfect Mexican daughter after all…
Well there you have it! Our top picks for Spanish chapter books for elementary and middle school ages!
Keep Reading: Related Posts:
Best Spanish Books for Beginners
Spanish Leveled Books and Readers
How to Raise a Bilingual Child
Founder of the Llamitas Spanish® Curriculum and former Spanish teacher. Corrie holds two Master Degrees in Spanish and Education. She lives in San Diego, California with her husband and two bilingual children.