If like us you’re parenting a reluctant reader in the 6–8 age range, Zoey and Sassafras just might be your secret weapon. I cannot recommend this series enough! When we were struggling to get our early reader excited about books, this magical little series was the turning point.
With its perfect blend of adventure, imagination, and heart, Zoey and Sassafras makes reading fun for even the most reluctant readers!
Whether your child is a budding scientist, an animal lover, or just needs a story that truly holds their attention, these books are gentle, engaging, and empowering.
They worked for our daughter and they might just be the spark your young reader needs too!
Zoey and Sassafras Books In Order
1. Dragons and Marshmallows
Zoey discovers that magical animals come to her barn for help—and she uses science to solve their problems! First up: a baby dragon with a marshmallow obsession.
2. Monsters and Mold
A sick monster shows up at Zoey’s barn, and she must figure out what’s making it ill… while also handling an unusual mold infestation!
3. Merhorses and Bubbles
When underwater creatures need help, Zoey and Sassafras take their scientific problem-solving skills below the surface.
4. Caterflies and Ice
A blizzard hits, and Zoey must protect a delicate magical caterfly chrysalis from freezing in this cozy adventure!
5. Bats and Balloons
A bat with a mysterious illness arrives, and Zoey must run tests to figure out how to help while planning a surprise party!
6. Unicorns and Germs
A group of unicorns gets sick, and Zoey must quickly figure out the cause to save them using her microscope and detective skills.
7. Grumplets and Pests
Something is making magical animals grumpy! Zoey suspects a sneaky pest and sets out to discover what's disrupting the peace.
8. Bips and Roses
A new creature has a mysterious problem that might be tied to magical crystals Zoey digs into both science and lore for answers.
9. Wishypoofs and Hiccups
Zoey finds herself in a fairy tale like challenge when a toad with royal ties needs help before a big event!
10. Gnomes and Sneezes
A hidden room, strange sounds, and a mysterious illness. Will Zoey and Sassafras be able to help their new friends in time?
These worked great for our daughter and I am planning to pull them back out for our son this fall!
Why Zoey and Sassafras Is such a Great Choice for Young Readers!
If you're looking for a chapter book series that blends science, magic, and a strong female lead, Zoey and Sassafras is a must-read for your kids' bookshelf. Here's why so many parents, teachers, and librarians love it—and why your young reader might, too:
1. A Smart, Curious Heroine
Zoey is a science-loving girl who models problem-solving, critical thinking, and compassion. She's resourceful, determined, and relatable—especially for kids who love asking "why?"
2. STEM
Each book weaves real scientific concepts into magical situations. Kids learn about hypotheses, observations, and experiments—but it never feels like a lesson. It’s learning disguised as adventure!
3. Magical Creatures + Real-World Thinking
By modeling thoughtful, science-based decision-making, the series helps young readers build real-world thinking skills in a fun imaginative setting!
4. Perfect for Emerging Readers
With large fonts, frequent illustrations, and short chapters, this series is accessible without feeling (to quote my daughter) "babyish". It's great for independent readers just transitioning to chapter books—or a snuggly read-aloud for younger kids.
5. Representation Matters
Zoey is a young Black girl who loves science—something we still don’t see enough of in children’s books. It’s empowering for kids to see diverse characters in roles of curiosity and leadership!
6. Gentle, Positive Messaging
The tone is kind, thoughtful, and empowering. It emphasizes perseverance, kindness, and teamwork—without ever feeling preachy.
Is This Book the Right Reading Level for my child? Try the Three-Finger Rule!
Choosing books that are just right—not too hard, not too easy—is key to helping kids build confidence and enjoy reading.
One quick and easy way to check is the three-finger rule. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Open the book to a random page (somewhere in the middle is great!).
Step 2: Have your child read the page aloud.
Step 3: Every time they come across a word they don’t know or struggle to read, they hold up one finger.
- 0–1 fingers: The book is probably too easy, but could be a great confidence booster or independent read.
- 2–3 fingers: Just right! There’s a little challenge, but your child can read and understand it with minimal help.
- 4–5 fingers: The book may be too difficult for now and could lead to frustration. Try it again later or save it for a read-aloud with support.
This method isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it’s a helpful guideline—especially for growing readers who are starting to choose books on their own.
Bonus tip: If your child really wants to read a harder book, don’t say no! Offer to read it together, take turns, or try the audiobook version for free using a 30-day free trial of Audible.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a parent building a home library, a teacher stocking your classroom shelves, or a caregiver looking for a series that sparks wonder, I cannot recommend Zoey and Sassafras enough!
Zoey’s adventures remind young readers that being smart, kind, and curious might just change the world!
