1) A Series of Unfortunate Events written by Lemony Snicket
Plot Summary: This series of 13 novels follows Violet, Claude, and Sunny Baudelaire as they navigate the world as orphans and attempt to outrun their evil guardian Count Olaf. Each book is set in a different harrowing location, and provides thrilling obstacles for the siblings to overcome. Each book is exciting, peculiar, and memorable.
Appeal: These starter chapter books are aimed at ages 10 and up, due to the frightening nature of the plot and content such as death, injury, and kidnapping. I have very clear memories of reading these books as a child, and felt a shining sense of pride that I had read an entire series of chapter books like a big kid. As an adult I recognize that the design (thick, ribbed pages) helps the books feel more robust than perhaps they are, and increases the sense of accomplishment in the young reader. Additionally, there are now several film and TV show adaptations of this series to enjoy either in tandem with reading, or after completion.
Limitations and Weaknesses: This series has the potential to frighten children and should be tackled with available support.
Snicket, L. (1999–2006). A series of unfortunate events (Books 1–13). HarperCollins.