Great Books with Kay Chance
Bakken Books Bonanza
We love great books. That’s why we’ve dedicated a column to them, but you may wonder, “What makes a book ‘great’ for kids?”
I asked Ashley what she considered a great book. She replied, “I think a great book is one that draws you in and makes you forget about where you actually are for a few minutes… Where you feel your emotions being pulled in either excitement or feeling nervous for the characters or in some way invested in the outcomes.”

I’ll add this: Great books for children are well-written, age-appropriate, and relevant to kids’ experiences. They are not “heavy-handed” in their messages, but inspire their readers.

That’s why we love Bakken Books’ mission:
“In today’s fast-paced digital world, Bakken Books is on a mission dedicated to creating a generation of lifelong readers. By creating wholesome, engaging chapter books that parents can TRUST and kids will LOVE—our stories inspire character growth, teach core virtues, spark creativity, and most of all get kids excited about reading.”
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t’s becoming increasingly difficult to find books that are both wholesome and engaging, ones that inspire and teach. Books that get kids excited about reading. We find plenty of great books written decades ago, and they remain relevant because that’s another characteristic of a great book—they have a lasting impact. But kids also need modern books to relate to as well. Their world looks very different than ours did as children.

Bakken sent me some chapter books to enjoy. Even though neither of my sons has children at this point, I’m blessed to be “Mama Kay” to some of the most precious children ever. I opened the box of books while they were visiting, and one of the girls excitedly exclaimed, “They have MATH CHAPTER BOOKS!” Her eyes lit up, and I would never have guessed someone would be that excited about a book that incorporates math.

Featured Series
The Math Inspectors
This series mixes math and mystery in a fun, unique way. How often do your kids who love math find books about a topic they enjoy so much? (And how often do math “dislikers” read a story that might just get them more interested in math?) This series is designed for ages 9 to 12, but if you have an advanced reader, the content is still appropriate for younger readers as well. With charming illustrations, interesting plots, and lasting friendships, these books may well become some of your kids’ favorites!
The Math Inspectors books
The Math Inspectors books
The Math Inspectors
This series mixes math and mystery in a fun, unique way. How often do your kids who love math find books about a topic they enjoy so much? (And how often do math “dislikers” read a story that might just get them more interested in math?) This series is designed for ages 9 to 12, but if you have an advanced reader, the content is still appropriate for younger readers as well. With charming illustrations, interesting plots, and lasting friendships, these books may well become some of your kids’ favorites!
Local Legends books
Local Legends
Local Legends, for ages 7 to 14, features stories centered on popular sports, teaching timeless lessons that go beyond the field or court. Each book highlights a different sport, including baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, and hockey—so there’s something for every sports enthusiast. This series does not include illustrations, but how much fun would it be to go to sporting events and take some pictures!
The Fishing Chronicles
How many chapter books have you found that center around fishing? Bakken Books publishes several series on topics many kids love but are often neglected in children’s books. Once again, my “granddaughter” grabbed one of these to show her sister and was so excited. These adventurous tales are perfect for ages 8 to 14, and younger students will enjoy the stories as well. Unlike The Math Inspectors, this series does not have illustrations, which appeals to many children as they get older. And it gives your kids the perfect opportunity to draw their own!
The Campground Kids
Written for ages 8 to 12, The Campground Kids make great chapter books for reading individually or as a family. Experience some mystery and a lot of adventure… all while exploring America’s national parks. This is my favorite series because, as the “natural learning” lady, I see so many possibilities with these books! But that just may need to be a future article. 😉
Discover more books for your children at Bakken Books!
The Fishing Chronicles books
The Fishing Chronicles books
The Fishing Chronicles
How many chapter books have you found that center around fishing? Bakken Books publishes several series on topics many kids love but are often neglected in children’s books. Once again, my “granddaughter” grabbed one of these to show her sister and was so excited. These adventurous tales are perfect for ages 8 to 14, and younger students will enjoy the stories as well. Unlike The Math Inspectors, this series does not have illustrations, which appeals to many children as they get older. And it gives your kids the perfect opportunity to draw their own!
The Campground Kids
Written for ages 8 to 12, The Campground Kids make great chapter books for reading individually or as a family. Experience some mystery and a lot of adventure… all while exploring America’s national parks. This is my favorite series because, as the “natural learning” lady, I see so many possibilities with these books! But that just may need to be a future article. 😉
Discover more books for your children at Bakken Books!