Series books have been the favorites of young readers since the early 1900s. Since this time, series books have dominated the publishing industry and have created worldwide fervor over their characters, plots, and settings. These books have been the center of a great deal of controversy; many are quick to dismiss the value of series books, while others find great value between their covers.
This study examined middle-grade students’ and teachers’ perceptions of series books. Students in fifth through eighth grades were surveyed, and select students (those who identified themselves as active readers of series books) were individually interviewed. Interviews with students focused on general reading habits as well as on student habits and beliefs regarding series books. The teachers of these students were also interviewed in an attempt to shed light on their perceptions of series reading and series readers. Data from student surveys, student interviews, and teacher interviews were collected and analyzed.