20 Excellent Living Chapter Books for Homeschool Nature Study

These living chapter books for nature study capture the attention of readers with wonderful tales that beautifully weave a storyline and nature together!

From harrowing adventures to hidden gardens, many of these timeless stories have been well-loved for years. They also happen to subtly encourage a love for nature and make perfect read-alone or read-aloud selections for your homeschool.

The books listed below are loosely in order from easier to more difficult reads. Some are obviously “nature study-like” in essence, while others are more subtle and integrate plants, animals, and habitats into the stories. Enjoy finding some new treasures here!

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Living Chapter Books for Nature Study

Easier Reads for Early Elementary

The Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh

This easy-to-read chapter book is a sweet story about young Jonathan’s first trip over the mountain to his aunt’s home to fetch a pot for his mother. Much courage is required as he hikes there and back through the scary woods.

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

In another easy-to-read book, 8-year-old Sarah travels through the wilderness with her father to build a new home for their pioneer family. She encounters many new things along the way – nature and people alike.

Sarah Witcher’s Story by Elizabeth Yates

This faith-building story is based on a likely accurate folk tale from New Hampshire during the pioneer era. It shares the adventures of little Sarah and her search party after she gets lost in the thick forest near her home.

Middle and Upper Elementary Chapter Books

These can be read aloud to younger students, but are most appropriate as read-alone books in the middle and upper elementary, and even middle school years.

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner

This book ultimately has a sad ending. However, it’s a great story of perseverance set uniquely in the Rocky Mountains, as 10-year-old Willy works hard to win a dog race that he believes will help his grandfather.

Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey

Miss Hickory, made from a twig and a nut, finds a way to survive the harsh winter weather with the help of several animal friends in this sweet little story. It offers a unique perspective on how animals survive in the winter that won’t be forgotten.

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Another book set during pioneer times, Farmer Boy, circles through an entire year of old-fashioned farm life. It’s fascinating to see how imperative it was for these people to be in tune with nature for their survival. Because our own family lives on a cattle farm, this ranks up there as one of my son’s favorite books of all time.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Even if the story of Charlotte’s Web is familiar, reading it through the lens of nature study can be fun! There are so many things to be learned about animals, insects, and farm life in this bittersweet book.

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

Much of this book takes place away from nature. However, there are still wonderful gems that will help children appreciate birds, migration, and pond habitats. Children who appreciate humor will love this story.

Upper Elementary and Middle School Chapter Books

Again, these can be read aloud to younger students, but are most appropriate as read-alone books for children who are ten years and older.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

A sullen atmosphere inside a huge estate inspires Mary’s curiosity and helps cheer up her sick cousin. Together, they discover a garden tucked away behind a stone wall that was abandoned after a tragic accident. As she tends to the garden, the love that was once lost within a family begins to grow again.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Mole, Mr. Toad, Badger, and Ratty are all creatures who live near the Thames River and go on wild quests together. It’s a classic with numerous connections to nature study.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

Yet another book set during pioneer times, this one is told from the viewpoint of a girl who desperately prefers to be outdoors doing “men’s work” alongside her brothers. Her father obliges her spunky spirit, leading to many rollicking adventures.

Middle School Chapter Books

The content of these books is most appropriate for mature upper elementary kids and middle school students.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Buck, a dog, is forced to go to Alaska during the gold rush. He then has to decide whether to stay and live with a man or go out into the wilderness. The author’s description of the rugged landscape takes the reader right to Alaska itself.

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

12-year-old Matt is left alone in the Maine wilderness while his father sets off to bring the rest of the family to their new pioneer home. While he awaits their return, which takes longer than expected, he must learn wilderness survival, along with the help of some new friends.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Sam runs away from his life in the big city to start a new life in the Catskill Mountains. Through many adventurous experiences, he learns a great deal about the wilderness and the necessary survival skills.

Hatchet by Gary Paulson

After surviving a small plane crash, Brian is forced to learn how to live off the land with only a windbreaker and a hatchet. He learns how to fish, build a shelter, and start a fire. All of these survival techniques keep him alive for 54 days in the wilderness alone.

Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O’Dell

This book follows a young girl who lives alone on a Pacific Island after staying behind when her tribe emigrates. While waiting for someone to rescue her, she learns how to hunt for food, make her clothes, and protect herself from the elements of the island.

Clickable Book List

Fantastical Chapter Books for Nature Study

The following are set in fantastical worlds and do not entirely reflect the nature one would experience in the real world. However, they each have plenty to offer for those who love to observe the world around them or for those who need to be inspired to observe it closely.

The Minpins by Roald Dahl

Once Billy discovers that the forest is full of little people called Minpins, he befriends them only to find that they are living in fear of The Gruncher, who eats them. He decides to confront the mean monster and get rid of it for good.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Lucy discovers a secret passageway to a winter wonderland through the doors of a wardrobe. After some hesitation, she convinces her siblings that this hidden place is real, and they take off on a quest to save Narnia and its leader, Aslan.

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Follow the adventures of the Hobbits, Bilbo and Frodo, as they battle evil. Their quest takes them through a variety of harsh landscapes and even to Middle-earth. Their adventure takes them face to face with a dragon and an even scarier creature, Gollum.

A Series of Nature Study Chapter Books

One more recommendation for the younger crowd is this series of living chapter books written by Thornton Burgess. Any of them is a great resource! This is only a small sample of the extensive list of available titles. They don’t need to be read in any particular order.

Please add suggestions for living chapter books for nature study in the comments!

Living chapter books for nature study offer children the opportunity to learn about habitats different from those they may have experienced, while also examining the world around them more closely. They can inspire children to observe a little closer and have a passion for nature exploration that is contagious!

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