Best Chapter Books on Epic (2026): 4 Picks Compared

The best chapter books on epic are the ones a young reader finishes and immediately asks for the next one. This list is for parents, teachers and librarians matching a book to an elementary or middle-grade reader. We compared chapter books, several with epic in the title, by listed reading age, grade level, page count and series position.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Epic Zero Collection by Ullman	9.7/10	Buy
2	3rd Grade Stories by Epic Readers	9.6/10	Buy
3	Roscoe Riley Rules 1 by Applegate	9.5/10	Buy
4	Roscoe Riley Rules 7 by Applegate	9.5/10	Buy

1

Epic Zero Collection by Ullman

R.L. Ullman·9.7/10 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 three-book superhero collection for readers who like humor, short chapters and illustrations.

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Pros

• Three books in one 536-page volume
• 48 illustrated character profiles and a glossary of superpowers stated
• Short chapters with humor aimed at reluctant readers

Cons

• Reading age 7 to 10 marked as from customers only
• 2016 publication date
• Part of a 12-book series; this volume collects books 1 to 3

2

3rd Grade Stories by Epic Readers

Epic Readers·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 ›

Twelve short stories with comprehension questions for third graders ages 8 to 9.

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Pros

• 12 stories with reading comprehension questions and activities
• 3 short chapters per story
• Reading level 3rd grade and age 8 to 9 stated

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers only
• Written for girls ages 8 to 9 specifically
• Single reading level with no harder follow-up stated

3

Roscoe Riley Rules 1 by Applegate

Katherine Applegate·9.5/10 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 ›

The first book in a seven-book school humor series for grades 2 to 5.

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Pros

• Book 1 of a 7-book series, a natural starting point
• Bonus Time-Out Activities included
• Grade level 2 to 5 and reading age 6 to 8 stated

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers only
• 2016 revised edition
• Shortest page count here at 128 pages

4

Roscoe Riley Rules 7 by Applegate

Katherine Applegate·9.5/10 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 ›

The seventh book in the Roscoe Riley school humor series, for grades 2 to 5.

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Pros

• Book 7 of 7 completes the series
• Bonus Time-Out Activities included
• Grade level 2 to 5 and reading age 7 to 10 stated

Cons

• Last book of the series; new readers should start at book 1
• 2017 revised edition
• Shortest page count here at 128 pages

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More picks to compare

• Epic Engineering Disasters by Connolly33 experiments tied to history's engineering disasters, ages 9 to 14.Check on Amazon
• 1st Grade Stories by Epic Readers12 short stories with questions for boys ages 6 to 7.Check on Amazon
• Epic Sea Battles by GiorelloNaval history battles for young readers, ages 8 to 15.Check on Amazon
• The Epic Battle by ThomasBook 3 of a time-travel Bible adventure series, ages 7 to 9.Check on Amazon
• Epic Story of the Vaisakhi ShaheedsTrue Sikh history chapter book, 93 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 18 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. All four picks list a reading age and three list a grade level; three of the reading ages are marked as from customers. 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 chapter books on epic

Start with the reading age, then the grade level

The two numbers on a listing come from different places. The Epic Zero listing gives a reading age of 7 to 10 years, marked as from customers, while the Roscoe Riley books give grade level 2 to 5. When both point the same way, as with Roscoe Riley Rules book 1, you can trust the range; when only one is given, read the description too. For more choices by level, browse all middle grade books.

Series or standalone

The Epic Zero collection holds books 1 to 3 in one volume, so a hooked reader has the next story ready. The Roscoe Riley books are books 1 and 7 of a 7-book series, so start at book 1. The Epic Readers stories stand alone, with questions after each one. For a wider shelf beyond epic titles, see our best chapter books for kids.

Check the page count against stamina

Epic Zero runs 536 pages across three books, while each Roscoe Riley book is 128 pages and the Epic Readers book is 163 pages. A reader who stalls in long books may do better starting with the shorter volumes and working up.

Before you buy

• Confirm the series number on the listing; buy book 1 before book 7.
• Check whether the reading age is marked as from customers or stated by the publisher.
• Compare the grade level with the reader’s current grade and skim the description for themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a reader start with Epic Zero?

Start with this collection: it holds books 1 to 3 in a single 536-page volume and is listed as book 1 of 4 in the collections series.

What ages are these books for?

The listings give reading ages from 6 to 8 years up to 7 to 10 years, and grade levels 2 to 5. Three of the reading ages are marked as from customers.

Do any of these books include extras?

The Epic Zero collection lists 48 illustrated character profiles and a glossary of superpowers. Both Roscoe Riley books include Time-Out Activities, and the Epic Readers book includes comprehension questions and activities.

Still deciding? Our top pickEpic Zero Collection by Ullman

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists. Also see our best chapter books for kids. Also see our best chapter books for boys.

More lists: chapter books for girls, chapter books for tweens, picture books.