Best Books for Second-Graders

Age 7 or 8 is when many kids are really ready for chapter books. The challenge is finding good books that they'll stick with. Humor and family stories, as well as mystery and fantasy tales, are great for this age group, and we've got plenty of each. Some are series, sure to hook beginning readers and provide hours of reading and adventure.

Browse Best Books for Second-Graders

The Boxcar Children Series Book Poster Image
Engaging classic mystery series great for beginning readers.
By Gertrude Chandler Warner
(2013)
(1942)
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Charlotte's Web Book Poster Image
Gentle, much-loved barnyard classic delights all ages.
By E.B. White
(2006)
(1952)
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Half Magic: Tales of Magic, Book 1 Book Poster Image
Delightful, charming classic has adventure, humor, heart.
By Edward Eager
(2015)
(1999)
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Little House in the Big Woods Book Poster Image
Beloved classic follows a frontier family for four seasons.
By Laura Ingalls Wilder
(2007)
(1932)
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The Magic School Bus Series Book Poster Image
Smart science-based series mixes facts and fun.
By Joanna Cole
(2012)
(1986)
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Ramona the Pest Book Poster Image
Ramona tale helps young kids build empathy.
By Beverly Cleary
(2003)
(1992)
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Secrets of Droon Series Book Poster Image
Simple but inventive series great for first fantasy reading.
By Tony Abbott
(2012)
(1999)
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The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond Book Poster Image
Sweet tale of biracial girl in search of lost family.
By Brenda Woods
(2014)
(2014)
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The City of Ember Book Poster Image
Part fantasy, part mystery, part treasure hunt.
By Jeanne DuPrau
(2004)
(2004)
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Coraline Book Poster Image
Strange, surreal tale sure to creep kids out.
By Neil Gaiman
(2004)
(2004)
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Goblin Secrets Book Poster Image
Orphan boy seeks lost brother in exciting, funny tale.
By William Alexander
(2012)
(2012)
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Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures Book Poster Image
Funny, poignant tale of cynical girl, superpowered squirrel.
By Kate DiCamillo
(2013)
(2013)
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Book Poster Image
Magical start of the fantastic boy-wizard series.
By J. K. Rowling
(2005)
(1998)
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The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom Book Poster Image
Engaging fairy tale spoof is clever and funny.
By Christopher Healy
(2012)
(2012)
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James and the Giant Peach Book Poster Image
Lonely boy's magical adventure still satisfies.
By Roald Dahl
(2011)
(1961)
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The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1 Book Poster Image
Classic Narnia tale has exciting battles, Christian themes.
By C.S. Lewis
(2005)
(1950)
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Mary Poppins Book Poster Image
Delightful tale of nanny who brings order, magic to family.
By P.L. Travers
(2012)
(1934)
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The One and Only Ivan Book Poster Image
Heartwarming story of a heroic, artistic, captive gorilla.
By Katherine Applegate
(2012)
(2012)
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The Phantom Tollbooth Book Poster Image
Trip to enchanted world excites learning in kids' classic.
By Norton Juster
(2011)
(1961)
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The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread Book Poster Image
Brave mouse adventure a modern classic; great read-aloud.
By Kate DiCamillo
(2003)
(2004)
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Roller Girl Book Poster Image
With girl power galore, graphic novel is great for tweens.
By Victoria Jamieson
(2015)
(2015)
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Secret Coders, Book 1 Book Poster Image
Fun, funny graphic novel promotes programming.
By Gene Luen Yang
(2015)
(2015)
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Upside-Down Magic Book Poster Image
Laughs, life lessons in magical-misfit series start.
By Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, Emily Jenkins
(2015)
(2015)
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The Wishing Spell: The Land of Stories, Book 1 Book Poster Image
Captivating, imaginative story of kids in fairy-tale world.
By Chris Colfer
(2012)
(2012)
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The Year of Billy Miller Book Poster Image
Warm, funny story of a year in the life of a second grader.
By Kevin Henkes
(2013)
(2013)
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https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-books-for-second-graders
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