As I've gotten older, I have realized how important it was to start reading at a young age. When you're a kid, everyone tells you that reading is fundamental and you need to read to be successful and all that other adult junk. But, you don't really realize how right these adults were until you actually become an adult. I'm glad that my mother started me off reading as soon as she could and that I was able to pick books that were interesting and made me enjoy reading. Since I started reading, I have always had an affinity for book series. The ability to develop characters and write multiple stories over a series of books has always intrigued me. Therefore, I felt the need to develop a list of four great book series every kid should read. Now all kids may not like these books (I don't know how) and that's O.K. But the important thing is to keep kids reading and help them find a book that will really interest them.
Chet Gecko Mysteries
The idea of a mystery-solving, fourth grade gecko sounds whacky, but these are some of the funniest, most interesting mystery books for kids ever sold. Chet has to deal with all of the normal stuff a kid in the fourth grade has to deal with, but he usually has the added pressure of having to solve a mystery before something really bad happens. Him being a gecko and all the other characters being animals creates some pretty interesting drama, and humor. Each book in the series also is a clever pun inspired by old mystery movies, so instead of "Kiss Me Deadly" there is "Hiss Me Deadly," which is just a taste of the kid friendly humor inside this series.
Magic Tree House
This series is not only fun and imaginative, but it's also educational. Each book gives the reader a nice little bit of information about whatever the subject matter is. For example, in "Vacation Under the Volcano," they talk about the ancient city of Pompeii and how the volcano buried the entire city. The only reason I still know that is because I read that book.
The Chronicles of Narnia
One of the best fantasy series ever created, "The Chronicles of Narnia" did a great job of making the reader feel like they were transported to Narnia. They even did a great job of capturing the fantastical essence of the books in the live action movies. As usual, the books are better than the movies, but they are still good movies nonetheless. I'm also not advocating, just watching the movies without reading the books. That's blasphemy.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
While the "Chronicles of Narnia" translated well over to the big screen, "Percy Jackson" unfortunately did not. However, you can't let the terrible movies dissuade you from reading this fantastic series. Each book touches on Ancient Greek mythology and builds a fantastic story around those ancient myths. The mix of action, comedy, and great storytelling leaves the reader heartbroken when they finish the last book in the series.
