Find the Right Accelerated Reader Books with Bakken Books
Are you looking for a one-stop guide to help kids find Accelerated Reader (AR)-approved books that match their reading levels and school goals? You’re in the right place! At Bakken Books, we know how valuable it is for young readers to find books that are both engaging and appropriate for their reading growth. That’s why we’ve put together this Accelerated Reader Book Chart, showcasing our most popular chapter book series with their AR levels (ATOS), point values, and Lexile measures. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, this chart makes it easier than ever to choose the right books for school reading goals and independent reading success.
The Campground Kids
In this action-packed chapter book series, Isaiah, Sadie, and their cousin Ethan travel to a different U.S. national park in every book. From the mountains of Grand Teton to the deserts of Joshua Tree, each story blends mystery, danger, and teamwork as the kids face challenges unique to each location. With fast-paced plots and real park settings, The Campground Kids makes learning about the outdoors an unforgettable adventure.
| Image Cover | Title | ATOS Level | AR Points | Lexile Level |
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4.9 | 4.0 Points | 720 | |
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Smoky Mountain Survival (Book #2) | 4.7 | 4.0 Points | 720 |
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4.5 | 4.0 Points | 630 | |
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4.6 | 4.0 Points | 690 | |
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Grand Canyon Rescue (Book #5) | 4.4 | 3.0 Points | 640 |
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4.4 | 4.0 Points | 640 | |
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Yosemite Fortune (Book #7) | 4.3 | 4.0 Points | 630 |
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Acadia Discovery (Book #8) | 4.4 | 4.0 Points | 650 |
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Glacier Vanishing (Book #9) | 4.3 | 4.0 Points | 630 |
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Arches Legend (Book #10) | 4.3 | 4.0 Points | 620 |
The Math Inspectors
In this fast-paced, mystery-filled chapter book series, Stanley, Gertie, Felix, Charlotte, and later Herman aren't your average middle schoolers, they're the Math Inspectors. Whether they're tracking down a stolen diamond, solving a Halloween heist, or facing off against a shadowy villain named Macbeth, these clever kids use logic, friendship, and a serious love of math to crack the case. Set in the quirky town of Ravensburg, New York, each adventure blends real-world math with laugh-out-loud moments, thrilling mysteries, and plenty of heart. Perfect for readers who love puzzles, teamwork, and unforgettable characters, The Math Inspectors makes math feel like an epic adventure.
| Image Covers | Titles | ATOS Level | AR Points | Lexile Level |
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The Case of the Claymore Diamond (Book #1) | 4.4 | 2.0 Points | 650 |
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The Case of the Mysterious Mr. Jekyll (Book #2) | 4.3 | 4.0 Points | 650 |
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The Case of the Christmas Caper (Book #3) | 4.2 | 3.0 Points | 630 |
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The Case of the Hamilton Roller Coaster (Book #4) | 4.3 | 4.0 Points | 620 |
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The Case of the Forgotten Mine (Book #5) | 4.4 | 5.0 Points | 650 |
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The Case of the Showdown with Macbeth (Book #6) | 5.0 | 5.0 Points | 740 |
The Hometown Hunters
In this fast-paced, heartfelt chapter book series, ordinary kids face extraordinary outdoor adventures—from chasing legendary bucks and elusive gobblers to uncovering small-town secrets and surviving wilderness challenges. Set across rugged landscapes in small-town America, each story blends thrilling hunts with lessons in courage, character, and growing up. Perfect for readers who love sportsmanship, survival, and the call of the wild, Hometown Hunters inspires kids to unplug, get outside, and discover who they were made to be.
| Image Covers | Titles | ATOS Level | AR Points | Lexile Level |
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Legend of the Ghost Buck (Book #1) | 4.8 | 3.0 Points | 730 |
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The Hunt for Scarface (Book #2) | 4.6 | 4.0 Points | 680 |
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Terror at Deadwood Lake (Book #3) | 4.9 | 3.0 Points | 740 |
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The Boss on Redemption Road (Book #4) | 4.6 | 4.0 Points | 670 |
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The Day It Rained Ducks (Book #5) | 5.1 | 4.0 Points | 740 |
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The Lost Deer Camp (Book #6) | 5.1 | 4.0 Points | 690 |
Local Legends
In this heartfelt chapter book series, young athletes navigate life, loss, and competition in small-town America, where sports are more than just games, they’re a way of life. From frozen ponds and dusty baseball diamonds to Friday night lights and winding golf greens, Local Legends tells the stories of kids learning what it means to lead, to fail, to stand up for others, and to grow. With themes of friendship, perseverance, and character, each book invites readers to step into the shoes of a small-town kid chasing something bigger than a trophy. Perfect for fans of sports, personal growth, and stories that stay with you long after the final whistle.
| Image Covers | Titles | ATOS Level | AR Points | Lexile Level |
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The High Cheese (Book #1) | 5.0 | 4.0 Points | 770 |
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The Buzzer Beater (Book #2) | 5.1 | 5.0 Points | 710 |
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5.4 | 4.0 Points | 770 | |
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The Last Green (Book #4) | 5.3 | 5.0 Points | 760 |
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The Game Changer (Book #5) | 5.3 | 4.0 Points | 770 |
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The Golden Puck (Book #6) | 5.3 | 4.0 Points | 760 |
The Fishing Chronicles
In this award-winning chapter book series, everyday kids find themselves on extraordinary fishing adventures where grit, friendship, and courage matter more than casting distance. From secret rivers and monster-infested lakes to legendary fish and fierce competitions, The Fishing Chronicles delivers heart-pounding stories on the water with real-world lessons off it. Each book takes young readers on a journey that blends thrilling outdoor action, regional lore, and personal growth. Whether it’s chasing a mythical catfish, facing a family crisis, or outsmarting rival anglers, these kids discover what it means to lead, believe in themselves, and never quit—no matter the odds. Perfect for readers who love sportsmanship, survival, and the thrill of the next big catch.
| Image Covers | Titles | ATOS Level | AR Points | Lexile Level |
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Monster of Farallon Islands (Book #1) | 6.0 | 4.0 Points | 860 |
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The River King (Book #2) | 5.1 | 3.0 | 750 |
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The Ice Queen (Book #3) | 5.3 | 3.0 | 770 |
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The Bass Factory (Book #4) | 4.6 | 3.0 | 760 |
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The Search for Big Lou (Book #5) | 5.2 | 3.0 | 750 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Accelerated Reader Approved Books
What is an Accelerated Reader (AR) book?
An Accelerated Reader (AR) book is a title that has a Renaissance AR quiz, so students can read it and take a short comprehension quiz at school to earn AR points. Every Bakken Books title in this chart has an AR quiz, making them easy picks for classroom reading goals and independent reading.
What AR level are Bakken Books chapter books?
Bakken Books chapter books in this chart range from ATOS book level 4.2 to 6.0, with most titles falling between 4.3 and 5.3. That makes them a strong fit for confident 3rd graders through 5th and 6th grade readers.
What does the ATOS book level mean?
The ATOS book level is the readability score Accelerated Reader uses to match books to grade levels. The number before the decimal is the grade and the number after it is the month of the school year, so a book at ATOS 4.5 reads at about the fifth month of fourth grade.
How many AR points are Bakken Books worth?
Most Bakken Books titles are worth 3 to 4 AR points. The highest-point books, at 5 points each, are The Case of the Forgotten Mine and The Case of the Showdown with Macbeth from The Math Inspectors, and The Last Green from Local Legends.
Which Bakken Books series is best for 3rd and 4th grade AR readers?
The Math Inspectors (ATOS 4.2 to 5.0) and The Campground Kids (ATOS 4.3 to 4.9) are the most accessible series on the chart. The lowest-level single title is The Case of the Christmas Caper at ATOS 4.2 and 630L, a great first AR chapter book for growing readers.
Which Bakken Books series is best for advanced readers?
Local Legends (ATOS 5.0 to 5.4) and The Fishing Chronicles (ATOS 4.6 to 6.0) are the most challenging series on the chart. Monster of Farallon Islands is the highest-level book listed, at ATOS 6.0 and 860L.
How do I choose the right AR book for my child?
Start with your child’s ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development), the AR book-level range their teacher sets from the STAR reading test. Pick books whose ATOS level falls inside that range, then narrow by interest, whether that is sports, fishing, hunting, camping, or math.
What age group are Bakken Books chapter books for?
Bakken Books chapter books are written for kids ages 8 to 12. The stories are clean, wholesome, and adventure-driven, so parents and teachers can hand them to young readers with confidence.
Are Bakken Books good AR books for reluctant readers?
Yes, all Bakken Books series are built around high-interest topics, with fast-paced plots and short chapters. Kids who don’t love reading often stay engaged because the story matches what they already enjoy, while still earning AR points.
Can schools and teachers buy Bakken Books for the classroom?
Yes, Bakken Books accepts school purchase orders and offers discounted series bundles, making it easy to stock a classroom library or school library with AR-quizzed chapter books. Visit our Purchase Orders page to get started.














































