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HomeEducation31 Chapter Books for Second Graders, Really useful by Academics

31 Chapter Books for Second Graders, Really useful by Academics

Second grade is a unbelievable time to be a reader. There are such a lot of interesting chapter books for second graders to get and maintain children studying extra—which in flip helps their persevering with fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and information development! Discovering simply the precise titles and collection to suit children’ studying levels and pursuits in second grade means wading via plenty of decisions. We’ve created this checklist of chapter books for second graders with numerous characters, heartwarming tales, magic, and journey that can assist you have interaction your rising readers and maintain them coming again for extra.

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Starting Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

It’s vital to not overwhelm second grade chapter e-book newbies with too many decoding and comprehension calls for without delay—particularly firstly of the 12 months. These decisions are each manageable and motivating.

1. Yasmin collection by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Hatem Aly

Life like Fiction

Amazon

Yasmin is a brilliant and imaginative Pakistani American lady who shares adventures along with her dad and mom and grandparents. In 4 brief, easy-to-read chapters, she comes up with inventive options to the issues in her life. These standard chapter books for second graders work nicely for e-book teams or particular person studying and response.

Purchase it: Yasmin collection

2. Pedro collection by Fran Manushkin

Life like Fiction

Book cover of Pedro series by Fran Manushkin, as an example of chapter books for second graders
Amazon

On this spin-off of the favored Katie Woo collection, Katie’s pal Pedro performs sports activities and goes on adventures, whereas additionally placing up together with his youthful brother. These shorter and simpler starting chapter books for second graders are good decisions for teenagers who like life like fiction.

Purchase it: Pedro collection

3. King & Kayla collection by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers

Thriller

Book cover of King and Kayla series by Dori Hillestad Butler
Amazon

Kayla’s canine King narrates this charming and entertaining collection by which proprietor and pup work collectively to unravel mild circumstances. These transitional books are nice for supporting fluency whereas participating readers, and so they’re good decisions for first thriller chapter books for second graders.

Purchase it: King & Kayla collection

4. Little Bear collection by Else Holmelund Minarik, illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Fiction

Book cover of Little Bear series by Elsa Holmelund Minarik
Amazon

Little Bear is a beloved traditional character who goes on adventures together with his animal mates however typically wants assist and steering from Mom Bear. Imaginative tales provide loads of content material for second grade discussions about key particulars in textual content. Share these with second graders new to or hesitant about chapter books; easy phrase decisions and bigger textual content assist with readability.

Purchase it: Little Bear collection

5. Henry and Mudge collection by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Suçie Stevenson

Life like Fiction

Amazon

Henry is lonely, and not using a sibling or mates on his block, so he asks his dad and mom for a canine. From the second Henry meets his new canine Mudge, the 2 of them are inseparable. This candy collection is completely reassuring for second grade readers who’re simply able to discover chapter books. The sentences are easy however the characters are stuffed with coronary heart.

Purchase it: Henry and Mudge collection

6. Duck and Moose collection by Kirk Reedstrom

Graphic Novel

Book cover of Duck and Moose by Kirk Reedstrom
Amazon

New neighbors Duck and Moose occur to be polar opposites, however can they reconcile their variations and turn out to be finest friends? This three-book collection of graphic novel chapter books for second graders is hilarious. We wish to share them with children who want a studying confidence increase. They’re additionally splendid for explicitly educating children tips on how to navigate the construction of a graphic novel.

Purchase it: Duck and Moose collection

7. Peter & Ernesto collection by Graham Annable

Graphic Novel

Peter and Ernesto series by Graham Annable, as an example of chapter books for second graders
Amazon

Peter is a homebody and Ernesto is an adventurer, however they’re loyal mates to one another. The lovable footage make children chuckle, whereas the easy language feels manageable. These make one other nice introduction to graphic novels for keen starting readers.

Purchase it: Peter & Ernesto collection

Illustrated Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

Seven- and eight-year-olds do desperately wish to learn chapter books—however additionally they nonetheless actually love poring over nice footage. These collection deliver the perfect of each.

8. Mercy Watson collection by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Fiction

Amazon

Mercy is an endearing pet pig who loves scorching buttered toast and tends to trigger chaos in her neighborhood on Deckawoo Drive. The recognizable type of Chris Van Dusen makes these illustrated chapter books for second graders an ideal bridge from image books, whereas the lighthearted textual content is a stunning introduction to rock star writer Kate DiCamillo. These books work nicely for a number of functions, from read-aloud to e-book teams to unbiased studying.

Purchase it: Mercy Watson collection

9. The Princess in Black collection by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Fantasy

The Princess in Black series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale 
Amazon

The courageous Princess in Black is a superhero in secret, making fast wardrobe modifications when native monsters want managing. The contemporary tackle princesses and superheroes and the energetic full-color illustrations make these interesting decisions for readers who’re stretching their studying stamina to deal with longer books. We like studying aloud the primary e-book to introduce the collection, then utilizing later installments, which have extra advanced tales and friendship themes, for unbiased studying and e-book group discussions.

Purchase it: The Princess in Black collection

10. The Dangerous Guys collection by Aaron Blabey

Graphic Novel

Book cover for The Bad Guys Book 1
Amazon

An eclectic group of rejected animals band collectively to attempt to restore their “Dangerous Man” status by doing good. Hilarious and attention-grabbing, these quick-to-read illustrated chapter books for second graders are a well-liked selection for unbiased readers not fairly prepared for longer and extra text-heavy books.

Purchase it: The Dangerous Guys collection

11. Orris and Timble triology by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Carmen Mok

Fiction

Book cover of Orris and Timble: The Beginning by Kate DiCamillo
Amazon

Orris the rat and Timble the owl strike up an uncommon and galvanizing friendship. Whereas the quantity of textual content is manageable, among the vocabulary and plot construction particulars are trickier. These mild tales are perfect for sharing and discussing as read-alouds or for suggesting to considerate readers prepared for a brand new problem.

Purchase it: Orris and Timble trilogy

12. Frankie and Mates collection by Christine Platt, illustrated by Alea Marley

Life like Fiction

Book cover for Frankie and Friends: Breaking news as an example of second grade books
Amazon

Frankie’s mother is a busy TV information journalist, so Frankie learns lots about how present occasions unfold and get shared with the general public. She usually will get impressed to do her personal reporting too! This collection is good to share as a category learn or e-book group textual content to enhance social research studying about well-known activists. Or you possibly can share it as inspiration for teenagers inquisitive about journalism.

Purchase it: Frankie and Mates collection

Journey and Fantasy Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

We’ve seen numerous children discover their private studying tastes after being launched to fascinating collection of fantasy and journey chapter books for second graders.

13. Rainbow Magic collection by Daisy Meadows

Fantasy

Amazon

Fairies, rainbows, and unicorns—what’s to not love? In every title, finest mates Kirsty and Rachel enter a magical world to assist the fairy group. This fantastical collection has over 200 titles, organized into smaller units of adventures, making it good for unbiased readers who wish to get misplaced within the magical world of books.

Purchase it: Rainbow Magic collection

14. Magic Tree Home collection by Mary Pope Osborne

Fantasy

Amazon

These wildly standard chapter books for second graders needed to make our checklist! Siblings Jack and Annie uncover a tree home stuffed with books that ship them again in time. We’ve seen this collection hook so many children on studying that they’re a classroom must-have. They’re additionally unbelievable for constructing children’ information about totally different locations, subjects, and historic eras.

Purchase it: Magic Tree Home collection

15. Press Begin! collection by Thomas Flintham

Graphic Novel

Amazon

Telling the story of characters embarking on online game adventures, this graphic novel collection makes the reader really feel like they’re transported into the sport. Eye-catching illustrations and easy but compelling textual content inspire new chapter e-book readers—particularly those that additionally love video video games!

Purchase it: Press Begin! collection

16. Diary of an Ice Princess collection by Christina Soontornvat

Fantasy

Book cover of Diary of an Ice Princess series by Christina Soontornvat 
Amazon

Princess and Windtamer Lina has particular powers however nonetheless needs to go to highschool with “groundlings” and her finest pal, Claudia. These tales stuffed with magic and journey additionally grapple with themes of id and friendship. Go these to children who nonetheless really feel reassured by some illustrations and will use the boldness increase of a fast, pleasant learn.

Purchase it: Diary of an Ice Princess collection

17. Mia Mayhem collection by Kara West, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez

Fantasy

Book cover of Mia Mayhem series by Kara West
Amazon

Mia’s life will get turned the wrong way up when she discovers she’s a superhero. She’s fairly positive she’s up for the duty, so long as she will work out tips on how to steadiness her new id with being an everyday child. The 13 books on this collection are nice first chapter books for second graders who take pleasure in a little bit of motion and journey.

Purchase it: Mia Mayhem collection

18. Lucy Lancaster collection by Willow Coven, illustrated by Priscilla Burris

Fantasy

Book cover for Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret as an example of chapte books for 2nd graders
Amazon

This interesting collection spinoff of the Heidi Heckelbeck collection (additionally standard chapter books for second graders) stars Heidi’s classmate Lucy. After a collection of surprising occasions unfolds at college, Lucy finds out she’s really a witch. Recommend this collection to children who’re curious concerning the Harry Potter books however positively not able to learn them solo. The writer does a pleasant job tapping into children’ curiosity about magical powers whereas additionally tackling relatable elementary college feelings and themes.

Purchase it: Lucy Lancaster collection

Life like Fiction Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

As second graders flip the nook from 7 to eight years previous, many children begin to be more and more drawn to life like fiction. We discover these decisions to be each interesting and age-appropriate.

19. Alvin Ho collection by Lenore Look, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Life like Fiction

Allergic To Girls book cover
Amazon

Alvin Ho is an Asian American second grader with a protracted checklist of debilitating fears, the largest one being talking at college. With sturdy characters and emotional honesty, this collection tackles anxiousness with humor and style. Alvin’s trials together with his siblings and mates at college will hook unbiased readers in want of a brand new and fascinating collection to maintain them studying.

Purchase it: Alvin Ho collection 

20. Sadiq collection by Siman Nuurali, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar

Life like Fiction

Amazon

Sadiq is a Somali American third grader who navigates real-life challenges of friendship, household, and college. On this collection, he participates in lots of new actions together with his mates, whereas coping with being ignored and feeling like he’s not adequate. Add this collection to your classroom library to signify a various group. We respect that it portrays a boy as its most important character too!

Purchase it: Sadiq collection

21. Miles Lewis collection by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Wayne Spencer

Life like Fiction

Miles Lewis series by Kelly Starling Lyons
Amazon

Miles loves science and could be very aggressive, however his anxiousness spikes when he has to go ice-skating for the primary time together with his fourth grade class. With a powerful deal with pal and household relationships, this collection is each entertaining and discussion-worthy for unbiased readers who take pleasure in life like tales. Bonus: It’s by the identical writer because the Jada Jones collection, which we additionally advocate!

Purchase it: Miles Lewis collection

22. Stink collection by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Life like Fiction

Amazon

On this spin-off of the favored Judy Moody collection, Judy’s brother Stink can not stand being the shortest child and does all the things he can to get taller. Full of humor and coronary heart, these standard chapter books for second graders will entertain children throughout unbiased studying or e-book teams centered on characters.

Purchase it: Stink collection

23. Bibsy Cross collection by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho

Life like Fiction

Book cover for Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple as an example of chapter books for 2nd graders
Amazon

Bibsy Cross is an endearing protagonist who loves her mates and college—although she tends to butt heads with authority figures who need her to tone it down a bit. Hand this collection to your spirited second graders who take pleasure in character-driven tales. Bibsy offers off particular Ramona Quimby vibes, however the extra modern language and particulars make these titles a bit simpler to navigate.

Purchase it: Bibsy Cross collection

24. Jo Jo Makoons collection by Daybreak Quigley, illustrated by Tara Audibert

Life like Fiction

Book cover for Jojo Makoons book 1 as an example of chapter books for 2nd graders
Amazon

Jo Jo Makoons is 7 years previous and lives on a fictional Ojibwe reservation. The books on this collection share Jo Jo’s age-appropriate challenges with mates and normal life as a 7-year-old, with examples of Ojibwe tradition and language woven into her experiences. These are nice chapter books for second graders who like humorous books and memorable lady characters.

Purchase it: Jo Jo Makoons collection

25. Planet Omar collection by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik

Life like Fiction

Book cover for Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble-Magnet as an example second grade books
Amazon

Energetic and constructive Omar strikes to a brand new college within the collection opener, the place he should make mates, deal with bullies, and, in fact, discover loads of methods to have enjoyable. The illustrations and formatting make this collection really feel like a youthful model of Diary of a Wimpy Child. Recommend these to children who take pleasure in humorous and mishap-prone boy protagonists. Children much less aware of Muslim faith and tradition may have some assist constructing the information wanted to learn and perceive some particulars of the textual content.

Purchase it: Planet Omar collection

26. Completely Alfie collection by Sally Warner, illustrated by Shearry Malone

Life like Fiction

Amazon

Alfie is a powerful and charismatic 7-year-old, sister to the principle character of the favored EllRay Jakes collection. In every story, she navigates tips on how to resolve life like conflicts along with her family and friends. Relatable, humorous, and trustworthy, this collection is a superb selection for extra superior readers in search of longer chapter books.

Purchase it: Completely Alfie collection

27. The Cobble Avenue Cousins collection by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Life like Fiction

Amazon

This traditional collection of chapter books for second graders tells the story of three cousins who begin a cookie enterprise, write a newspaper, and get entangled in all types of different inventive endeavors. “Outdated soul” readers will take pleasure in these lighthearted tales which can be paying homage to less complicated time.

Purchase it: The Cobble Avenue Cousins collection

Learn-Aloud Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

Studying chapter books for second graders aloud is a unbelievable likelihood to help children in tackling extra superior language and content material. These titles all additionally work nicely for extra superior second grade unbiased readers however are notably pleasant for group sharing.

28. Gooney Chicken Greene collection by Lois Lowry, illustrated by Middy Thomas

Life like Fiction

Amazon

As the brand new pupil in her class, Gooney Chicken Greene causes fairly a stir when she exhibits up sporting pajamas and cowboy boots. By way of her wild creativeness, Gooney teaches us the artwork of storytelling. Share this title to spark group discussions about character traits.

Purchase it: Gooney Chicken Greene collection

29. Toys Go Out collection by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Fantasy

Toys Go Out series by Emily Jenkins
Amazon

Doesn’t each child surprise what it might be like if our toys and stuffed animals got here to life? This humorous, endearing trilogy about three particular toys explores that magical concept. These books have vast attraction for group sharing and in addition work nicely for second graders who’re able to check out longer chapter books independently.

Purchase it: Toys Go Out collection

30. Charlotte’s Net by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams

Fiction

Amazon

A younger lady named Fern befriends a particular pig named Wilbur whose destiny is unsure on her uncle’s farm. That is one in every of our all-time favourite award-winning chapter books for second graders to learn aloud. Coronary heart-wrenching and profoundly lovely, this story will deliver teams of listeners collectively and encourage wealthy dialogue.

Purchase it: Charlotte’s Net

31. Ramona collection by Beverly Cleary

Life like Fiction

Beverly Cleary Books: Beezus and Ramona
Amazon

Ramona is an unbiased spirit with plenty of opinions about her Nineteen Fifties childhood world. Studying aloud is the best context for introducing these traditional chapter books for second grade by timeless writer Beverly Cleary. We particularly like sharing the primary three books within the collection, by which Ramona is youthful than second grade, as college students discover her “little child” antics hilarious.

Purchase it: Ramona collection

Don’t neglect to seize your free printable checklist of 2nd grade books!

Don’t forget to grab your free printable list of these preschool books for kids and teachers!
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Plus, take a look at these second grade classroom concepts for extra inspiration.

Check out this list to get your classroom hooked on our favorite chapter books for second graders, no matter their interests. Free printable!

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