Chapter-book Sentence Examples

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” it was one of the most famous first chapter lines in literature. A killer hook, a gripping backstory, an unforgettable character — no, we’re not talking about a horror movie plot. These are some of the elements that contribute to an enticing first chapter. We can’t give you a magic formula that will get your opening line quoted as much as Charles Dickens’, but we can give you some advice on how to write a first chapter that puts a spell on readers.

Choosing great read-aloud chapter books for first graders can bridge the gap between picture books and novels. Six through eight-year-olds have all the imagination and energy of younger kids, but are starting to read well on their own too. As parents and teachers encourage independent reading, it’s easy to forget how reading aloud with these kids is still beneficial.