Best Book Club Books for Kids (2026): 5 Picks by Reading Level

Finding the best book club books for kids starts with picking stories that get everyone talking, whether members are confident middle grade readers or kids who need illustrations to stay engaged. We compared five titles by listed reading age, grade level, page count, series position and format to help you choose the right title for your reading group.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Losers Club by Clements	9.8/10	Buy
2	The Eyes and the Impossible by Eggers	9.8/10	Buy
3	The Cartoonists Club by Telgemeier	9.8/10	Buy
4	Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery by Cheng	9.6/10	Buy
5	Bunny's Book Club by Silvestro	9.3/10	Buy

1

The Losers Club by Clements

Andrew Clements·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A sixth grader who wants to read without interruption starts an after-school club that unexpectedly attracts classmates, making it a great pick for middle grade discussion groups.

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Pros

• Listed grade level 3 - 7 fits middle grade reading clubs right where discussions thrive
• The premise directly explores reading and school dynamics, offering relatable topics for group conversation
• The listing states it won the Rhode Island Children's Book Award and Garden State Children's Book Award

Cons

• Reading age of 9 - 11 years is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• The description mentions an ex-friend turned bully, which some readers may find tense
• Print length of 256 pages may feel lengthy for kids who prefer quick graphic novel formats

2

The Eyes and the Impossible by Eggers

Dave Eggers·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An energetic dog serving as the look-out for elders in an urban park observes unexpected changes, suiting young readers who enjoy animal adventures and philosophical questions.

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Pros

• The listing states it won the Newbery Medal
• Includes artwork by Shawn Harris alongside historical paintings throughout the 256 pages
• Listed grade level 3 - 7 provides a flexible reading band for elementary and middle schoolers

Cons

• Reading age of 8+ years is marked as from customers rather than publisher guidance
• The open-ended philosophical narrative style may not appeal to kids wanting a conventional mystery
• The description notes unexpected changes and revelations that disrupt the park community

3

The Cartoonists Club by Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Four distinct students team up to form a comics group where they explore visual storytelling, making it an ideal choice for clubs that welcome graphic novels.

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Pros

• Full graphic novel format of 288 pages engages visual learners and reluctant readers alike
• The listing states the creative team includes a Will Eisner Comic Industry Award winner
• Reading age of 9 - 12 years and grade level 3 - 7 match upper elementary and middle school readers

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers on the listing
• The description mentions that one character struggles because his father considers comics a waste of time
• Graphic novel layout might not satisfy clubs seeking dense text-only chapter books

4

Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery by Cheng

Cynthia Yuan Cheng (Adapter, Illustrator), Ann M. Martin·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A middle schooler receives a threatening chain letter before Halloween and works with her babysitting friends to solve the spooky puzzle, suiting clubs that enjoy fast mysteries.

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Pros

• Accessible 176-page graphic novel adaptation keeps mystery pacing quick for young readers
• Listed grade level 3 - 7 and reading age 9 - 12 years align well with upper elementary students
• Focuses on collaborative friendship and problem-solving among club members

Cons

• Listed as Book 13 in the graphic novel series, so members may want familiarity with earlier volumes
• Reading age is marked as from customers on the listing
• The description features an anonymous warning note reading 'OR ELSE', which may feel spooky to sensitive kids

5

Bunny's Book Club by Silvestro

Annie Silvestro·9.3/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A book-loving rabbit devises a nocturnal plan to visit the town library through the book return drop, suiting early reader clubs and family read-aloud circles.

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Pros

• The 40-page illustrated picture book format is brief enough for a single sitting with younger children
• Celebrates public libraries and story hour, offering a sweet theme for early childhood book clubs
• The listing states it is an illustrated edition published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Cons

• Listed grade level Preschool - 2 and reading age 2 - 6 years fall well below older middle grade readers
• At 40 pages, it lacks the multi-chapter depth required by typical elementary school book clubs
• Reading age is marked as from customers rather than publisher guidance

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 16 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for young book club readers, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. All five listings give a grade level and a reading age, which Amazon marks as from customers. Four of the picks target grade level 3 to 7, while Bunny’s Book Club lists Preschool to 2 for younger children. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best book club books for kids

Match the reading level to the group

Book club members often read at different speeds, so checking the listed grade level and customer reading age helps avoid frustration. Books like The Losers Club and The Eyes and the Impossible list grade level 3 to 7, which fits most upper elementary discussions. For more choices by level, browse all middle grade books.

Choose between graphic novels and prose

Visual storytelling can draw in reluctant participants who feel overwhelmed by dense text. Graphic novels like The Cartoonists Club at 288 pages and Mary Anne’s Bad Luck Mystery at 176 pages offer strong dialogue and expressive artwork that spark lively debate. For clubs exploring visual narrative formats, see our roundup of graphic novels for kids for additional inspiration.

Check series order before buying

Standalone stories like The Eyes and the Impossible allow everyone to begin on equal footing without prior background knowledge. In contrast, series installments like Mary Anne’s Bad Luck Mystery (Book 13) work best when members already know the characters or do not mind jumping into an ongoing storyline. For younger siblings or early reader groups, picture book titles such as Bunny’s Book Club provide a gentle 40-page introduction to group reading.

Before you buy

• Check whether the title is a standalone novel like The Losers Club or part of a series like Mary Anne’s Bad Luck Mystery, which is listed as Book 13.
• Compare the listed grade level and reading age against your readers: Bunny’s Book Club lists grade Preschool to 2, while the novels list grades 3 to 7.
• Confirm format and length on the listing: print length ranges from 40 pages for picture books up to 288 pages for graphic novels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is appropriate for The Losers Club?

The listing gives grade level 3 to 7 and a customer-listed reading age of 9 to 11 years. Its school setting and relatable reading themes suit upper elementary and middle school book clubs.

Is The Eyes and the Impossible a standalone book?

The listing states it is a complete 256-page novel by Dave Eggers with illustrations by Shawn Harris. It does not list any sequel or series position, so clubs can read it without committing to a multi-book series.

Can graphic novels work well for kids book clubs?

Graphic novels like The Cartoonists Club provide 288 pages of visual storytelling that engage reluctant readers and prompt lively discussions about art and character choices. Its listed grade level 3 to 7 and reading age 9 to 12 years match middle grade reading groups.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Losers Club by Clements

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: browse book club books for girls, fiction books for kids, classic book series for kids and picture books.