TL;DR: If your kid is currently obsessed with Minecraft or Roblox and treats a standard chapter book like a chore, you need the Scholastic Branches series. These are "transitional" books designed to bridge the gap between picture books and chunky novels. They use fast-paced plots, heavy illustrations, and cliffhangers to build "literacy stamina" without the "wall of text" fatigue.
Top Recommendations:
- For the gamer: Press Start!
- For the fantasy lover: Dragon Masters
- For the kid who likes "spooky" (but not too spooky): Eerie Elementary
- For the animal obsessed: The Last Firehawk or Diary of a Pug
We’ve all been there. You’re trying to do the "intentional parent" thing, so you announce it’s time to turn off the iPad and read. Your kid looks at you like you’ve just asked them to do taxes. They’ve been getting hit with high-speed dopamine from YouTube or Skibidi Toilet shorts, and suddenly, a black-and-white page of text feels incredibly "Ohio" (that’s kid-speak for weird/bad, for those of us still catching up).
The jump from picture books to something like Magic Tree House or Harry Potter is actually a massive cognitive leap. It’s like asking someone who just finished Couch-to-5K to run a marathon. This is where the Scholastic Branches line comes in. It’s the secret weapon for parents who want to fight "brain rot" without the nightly bedtime battle.
Branches isn't just one series; it’s a dedicated imprint from Scholastic designed specifically for newly independent readers (typically ages 5–8). If your child is graduating from Elephant & Piggie but isn't quite ready for the density of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this is the sweet spot.
Every book in the Branches line follows a specific formula:
- 70/30 Image-to-Text Ratio: There is art on every single page. This provides visual context clues that help kids decode harder words.
- Fast Pacing: The plots move at the speed of a Bluey episode.
- Short Chapters: These provide frequent "save points," much like a video game, giving kids a sense of accomplishment every 5-8 pages.
- Series-Based: Once they finish one, there are 15 more waiting. This builds that "binge-watching" habit but for reading.
Check out our guide on building literacy stamina in the digital age
We talk a lot at Screenwise about "digital wellness," and a big part of that is providing high-quality offline alternatives that actually compete with screens. Let’s be real: most 7-year-olds aren't going to choose a dry 1950s classic over Toca Life World.
Branches books work because they mimic the visual language of digital media. They use speech bubbles, dynamic layouts, and "leveling up" plot structures. They don't feel like "school work." They feel like entertainment.
If your kid is constantly asking for "five more minutes" on Super Mario Odyssey, this is the mandatory starting point. The story literally takes place inside a video game. The main character, Super Rabbit Boy, has to navigate levels, fight bosses, and deal with "Game Over" screens. It’s the ultimate bridge for the gaming-obsessed child.
- Ages: 5-7
- Digital Hook: Direct video game themes and pixel-art style illustrations.
This is the "heavy hitter" of the Branches line. It’s a fantasy epic scaled down for second graders. There are different dragons with different powers (think Pokémon vibes), a mysterious wizard, and a "Dragon Stone" that chooses the kids. It’s surprisingly lore-heavy for a transitional reader, which keeps kids coming back for the next book.
- Ages: 6-9
- Digital Hook: Collectibility and "power sets" similar to RPG games.
For the kids who want to watch "scary" stuff on YouTube but end up with nightmares, Eerie Elementary is the perfect middle ground. The school is alive and trying to eat the students. It’s spooky and suspenseful but stays firmly within the "safe" zone for younger kids.
- Ages: 6-8
- Digital Hook: Fast-paced, mystery-solving tension.
If your child likes the world-building of Minecraft or the adventure of The Legend of Zelda, they’ll dig this. It’s a quest-based story featuring an owl, a squirrel, and a firehawk. It feels like a high-fantasy novel (think Wings of Fire) but with way fewer words per page.
- Ages: 6-8
- Digital Hook: Quest-based narrative structure.
Not every kid wants dragons and monsters. For the kid who just wants something "cute" and relatable, this series is gold. It’s written in a diary format (similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid but for a younger audience) and focuses on the life of a pug named Baron.
- Ages: 5-7
- Digital Hook: Short, punchy "status update" style entries.
Ask our chatbot for more book recommendations based on your kid's favorite games
The Branches series is generally rated for ages 5 to 9. However, the "sweet spot" is usually 1st through 3rd grade.
- Kindergarten/1st Grade: These are great "read-aloud" books. You read the text, they look at the pictures. It helps them understand how a longer story arcs over several chapters.
- 2nd Grade: This is the "independent" zone. This is where they should be reading these to you (or themselves) to build fluency.
- 3rd Grade and Up: If your child is a struggling reader or has ADHD/dyslexia, Branches books are a godsend. They don't look "babyish" like picture books, but they aren't as intimidating as a 300-page novel.
The "Graphic Novel" Debate
Some parents worry that books with "too many pictures" aren't "real reading." Let’s put that to bed right now. In 2026, literacy isn't just about decoding text; it’s about visual literacy and stamina. If a kid finishes a 90-page Dragon Masters book in one sitting, they are training their brain to focus on one narrative for an hour. That is a massive win in an era of 15-second TikTok clips.
Is it "Brain Rot"?
Unlike some of the questionable content on YouTube Kids, the Branches series is vetted by educators. While the plots are fast, they often deal with themes of friendship, bravery, problem-solving, and empathy. It’s "fast food" reading in terms of engagement, but it’s "organic" in terms of quality.
The Cost Factor
Scholastic knows what they’re doing. These are series. Once your kid is hooked, they’ll want all 20 books.
- Pro-tip: These are staples at every Scholastic Book Fair.
- Pro-tip 2: Check the Epic! digital library; many Branches titles are available there if you want to save some shelf space (and cash).
If you’re trying to pivot your kid from the iPad to a book, don't frame it as "no more screens." Frame it as an expansion of what they already love.
- "Hey, I found this book Press Start! that looks exactly like Minecraft. Want to see if the main character can beat the boss?"
- "You know how you like the dragons in How to Train Your Dragon? This Dragon Masters book is basically the same thing but with new powers."
The Scholastic Branches series is the ultimate "gateway drug" to literacy. It meets kids where they are—in a fast-paced, visually-driven, high-interest world—and gently guides them toward the stamina required for more complex reading.
If you’re tired of the screen-time power struggles, go to the library and grab the first three books of Dragon Masters or The Notebook of Doom. Worst case scenario? You’re out five bucks. Best case? You’ve just unlocked the "Next Level" of your child’s education.
Learn more about how to balance reading and gaming in your home