Children's "chapter books" are written for independent readers. Early grade chapter books are targeted to readers aged seven to ten. These books may still contain illustrations, but they are generally simple line drawings, and not usually the full-color type found in picture books or the vignette-style found in "early readers." Illustrations in chapter books are intended to interpret a character, action, setting or mood - a snapshot, if you will, of a moment in the story, designed to enhance the overall reading experience.

Here are some noteworthy chapter books for ages seven to ten:

Sarah Plain and Tall - Patricia MacLachlan: A farmer in the 19^th century advertises for a wife. He is answered by Sarah, a New Englander who has never been away from Maine. She arrives to the farm and becomes mother and friend to children Anna and Caleb, who fear she may leave them one day. As Sarah grows more homesick for Maine, the children try hard to make her stay. This emotional story of loss, loneliness, and ultimately of joy is a good choice for a child who is ready to read a more complex and developed story.

Junie B. Jones series - Barbara Park: Some parents (and even children) find Junie B. Jones to be a bit of a brat, but most young children enjoy reading about this central character and her predicaments. The reading level of the Junie B. Jones series is on the lower end - age 4-8 - which makes it a good choice for beginning readers.

Captain Underpants series - Dav Pilkey : This humorous series follows the adventures of best friends George and Harold , and the ever-strange Captain Underpants. Boys and girls with a penchant for poop jokes will find Captain Underpants to be hysterical. This series is highly illustrated and, at times, even interactive.

Frindle - Andrew Clements : At first glance, Frindle would appear to be another book about another trouble-causing boy and his battles with a staunch and unfunny teacher. But Frindle is about the power of a good teacher, and the life lessons children learn. The title comes from a word invented by main character, Nick, who calls a pen a "frindle" and gets his whole school to follow suit. The word catches on until the entire country has frindle fever. The ending of the story catches one by surprise, and is one of the most satisfying story endings you could imagine.

Charlotte's Web - E.B. White : The classic tale of the spider, Charlotte, and the doomed pig, Wilbur. This is a story about the power of friendship, of life and death. Older readers, age 8 and up, will enjoy Charolotte's Web. Younger readers may find it too intense to read independently, although they enjoy having it read to them, and having the intense parts explained.

Dear Mr. Henshaw - Beverly Cleary : Two of the main reasons I like Dear Mr. Henshaw is its authenticity of voice, and the honesty of the story-telling. Through letters written by main character Leigh to his favorite author, and then through journal entries, Leigh's story is revealed: his parents are divorced, his mom struggles to get by, and his father really isn't involved in his life at all. Leigh gains an understanding of himself and of his world through his writing, which spans the course of several years.

Humphrey Series - Betty G. Birney : A good choice for the child who has outgrown the Junie B series but isn't quite ready for Charlotte's Web. The Humphrey series is about a classroom hamster and his adventures with his classmates. The stories, told from the point of view of the hamster, have surprising depth. Each book delves into the lives of one or more of the kids in the classroom, as each gets to take Humphrey home for the weekend. Plenty of good hamster humor, fun, and just the right amount of pathos. Check out the back of the books for additional activities, such as crosswords, hamster care tips, and classroom activities.