When it comes to kids chapter books, the New York Times book list is a bit out of touch. The realities of the literary marketplace are such that the New York Times is lumping full-fledged novels for kids into the category of chapter books. For a mom or dad looking for a good chapter book to get their kid reading, this can all be a bit maddening.
For example the New York Times best selling chapter book list released July 17 contains books from the
- Wolves of Mercy Falls Series
- Kane Chronicles Series
- Hunger Games Series
- Dork Diaries
These, and the other books on the list are pegged for readers 8-12 years old. Where I think most people would agree that the chapter book series they know targets kids 5 to eight years old – maybe 9 years old on the high side.
Honestly, I can appreciate the challenge that the New York Times has. Because once you start to slice the pie up, kids chapter books have many relevant subsections. I’m just saying that the kinds of kids novels they have on the chapter books best seller list clearly deserve a list of their own, and leave the designation of chapter books to the category of books that people commonly recognize as chapter book series for kids (not early adolescents).
But thank you New York Times for looking at kids literature at all! One day I hope to see the DaVinchy Chapter Book Series on this list, and age-appropriately so!