26 Best Chapter Books to Read with Your Second Graders
These 2nd-grade reading books are favorites for kids and adults. Introduce your 6-8 year-olds to the best books for second graders!
Second grade is so much fun for reading! Kids are gaining confidence in their reading skills, and are ready to branch out to some new books. But they’re still at a great stage for read-alouds.
There are so many options for 2nd grade reading books that will introduce kids to new characters and concepts while broadening their vocabulary and improving their reading skills. Plus, you’ll get to spend so much more time together finding new favorites to love.
My son is in second grade this year and we love to snuggle on the couch with a good book. Sometimes he reads a few pages to me, and I read some to him. It’s amazing to see his confidence grow as we take on longer books.
Reading aloud is one of my favorite parts of homeschooling. We always begin our day with reading, and it sets the tone for a great day! We’re working our way through some popular series, as well as some popular books from our library. Our daily reading time is great for our whole family to sit together and enjoy good chapter books that we might not read otherwise.
Books are powerful tools for helping kids to develop character, as well as learn lessons for life. Second grade is the perfect time to share beloved stories as well as more contemporary books with young readers.
Introduce your second graders to a new world of learning and fun with these best books!
What Should My 2nd Graders Be Reading?
Over my years of homeschooling, I’ve learned that applying ages to books doesn’t work. Kids can enjoy books from all levels at different ages. My two boys are currently in second grade and fifth grade. They often enjoy the same books.
Kids are ready for early chapter books in second grade. But they also still enjoy reading a fun picture book. Mix it up with your kids so that they are reading some books on their own, while still reading aloud as they follow along.
Audiobooks are a great tool for kids to immerse themselves in stories. It introduces them to fun, new characters. Well-performed audiobooks are one of my favorite tools for my kids. We listen to them often while we’re working or playing around the house.
What Are Some Good Books for Second Graders to Read?
There are so many amazing books for young children, and it can be hard to know what’s good and what isn’t. As parents, we want to make sure that our kids are not only growing in knowledge but also developing their character.
Second graders are usually seven or eight years old, so there are certain things they’re probably not ready to read about yet. A great book for kids this age shouldn’t have scary stories, dark magic or monsters.
They may not have a Christian or religious theme, but they should have a positive message. I don’t like books where kids disobey, talk back to their parents or misbehave. These aren’t characteristics I want my 7-year-old to learn! I also don’t like books that pit parents against their kids.
Best chapter books for kids always include thought-provoking books that start positive conversations between parents and kids.
26 Best 2nd Grade Books
Whether you’re reading aloud, or encouraging kids to read on their own, these good books are the perfect choice for your second-grade reader.
Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary
We read a lot of books in our house, but Henry Huggins is by far our favorite! Poor Henry gets himself into and out of numerous messes in this 6-book set that includes, Henry Huggins, Henry and Beezus, Henry and the Club House, Henry and Ribs, Henry and the Paper Route, and Ribsy.
The books are great for kids of all ages, and even moms! Even after reading/listening to them several times, I still laugh out loud when Henry dyes his dog pink, hides some kittens in his jacket, and loses a football in a passing car. This is a classic series that all kids should read.
Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary
Following right behind Henry is Ramona. We met her in the Henry Huggins series, but now she has her own series where we can see the inner workings of her mind. And it’s a crazy ride! Ramona is a truly unique little girl with a huge imagination that gets her into all kinds of trouble–especially when her sister, Beezus, and her parents can’t understand her.
The series follows Ramona from preschool through third grade. It’s a family-friendly series that will have everyone rolling with laughter. Books include Beezus and Ramona, Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave, Ramona and Her Father, Ramona and Her Mother, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Ramona Forever, and Ramona’s World.
I also highly recommend the movie Beezus and Ramona, starring Selena Gomez and Joey King. It stays pretty true to the story, including funny bits from all eight books.
The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
In this series, brother and sister Jack and Annie travel back in time and around the world in their magic treehouse. Each book requires them to solve a puzzle through clues that they find along the way. Kids learn all kinds of facts about history and nature in this series.
They’re joined along the way by the magic librarian, Morgan ***, the wizard, Merlin and two young magicians named Teddy and Kathleen. There are over 30 books in the series, and our favorites include Civil War on Sunday, Revolutionary War on Wednesday, and Night of the New Magicians.
We also love World at War: 1944, which is a special super edition of from the series.
Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This series is based on the true story of Laura Ingalls and her family who left their home in Wisconsin to settle in the west. Their family is often met with hardship, but they learn to overcome together through their courage and faith.
At first glance, this seems like a series for girls, but my boys have loved it, too. These books are full of adventure and show kids the struggles our forefathers went through to settle our great country.
Books in this series include Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy, (my personal favorite!), On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years, and The First Four Years.
The Dead Sea Squirrels Series by Mike Nawrocki
If your kids like adventure stories and funny animals, this series is the perfect choice! Ten-year-old Michael is visiting an archaeological dig with his dad at the Dead Sea. When he finds some petrified squirrels, he decides to sneak them back into the US in his backpack. As it turns out, the squirrels aren’t as dead as Michael thought, and hilarious hijinks ensue!
This series is written by the co-creator of Veggie Tales, so you know it’s packed with wisdom and Bible lessons along with funny characters and adventures. The illustrations are great, too, and sure to keep kids engaged. I also love the short chapters that help kids feel accomplished while they’re reading.
Amelia Bedelia Series by Peggy Parish and Herman Parish
Amelia Bedelia has been a beloved character in children’s fiction for years, and she’s not stopping any time soon. She is a literal-minded housekeeper to the Rogers family who’s always getting herself into scrapes. These books are laugh-out-loud funny for kids, and should be a part of everyone’s reading journey!
The character was first created in 1963 by Peggy Parish, and her nephew Herman continued the series after her death. They are a great choice for early readers who are just being introduced to fun chapter books.
Books include Amelia Bedelia Helps Out, Amelia Bedelia and the Baby, Amelia Bedelia and the Cat, and more!
The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls Series by M.J. Thomas
If you’re looking for a Christina alternative to The Magic Tree House series, check out The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls. In this series, Peter and Mary travel back to Biblical times where they need to find clues to solve the mysteries of the hidden scrolls.
The books give kids a new look at their favorite Bible stories including Creation, Noah’s Ark, the ten Plagues of Egypt, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and more!
The Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo
Mercy Watson is a pig, but you’d never guess it from all the adventures she has! This series is hilariously funny with bright, colorful illustrations. Mercy lives with her family on Deckawoo Drive where she rules the roost, makes friends, and solves mysteries.
These books are a mixture of chapters and pictures with easy-to-read text. Books in the series include Mercy Watson to the Rescue, Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, Mercy Watson Fights Crime, Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise, Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig, Mercy Watson: Something Wonky This Way Comes.
Encyclopedia Brown Series by Donald J. Sobol
This series might be a little advanced for young readers to read on their own, but it’s a great choice for reading aloud! Encyclopedia Brown is a 10-year-old super-sleuth who is always busy solving crimes!
These books are great for encouraging reading comprehension as you work alongside Encyclopedia to solve the mystery.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner
I loved reading The Boxcar Children when I was a young girl. It’s exciting to me that these books are still going strong and garnering fans years after their original publication.
The Boxcar children are four siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. They’re orphans who are determined to stay together, even if that means living alone in an abandoned boxcar!
In the first book, the children find their long-lost grandfather, so the rest of the series (over 160 books!) involves them going on adventures and teaching awesome lessons.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
The One and Only Ivan has quickly become a classic favorite for kids and teachers alike. Ivan has spent 27 years behind a glass wall in a cage. When he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he starts to see his life through new eyes.
At first, I thought this story was a little bit strange because it’s told by the gorilla. But it grew on me! It’s an amazing story about the power of unexpected friendship–a message that’s sure to resonate with families. Other books in the series include The One and Only Bob and The One and Only Ruby.
Grandma’s Attic Treasury by Arleta Richardson
Kids are never too young to explore historical fiction, and this series is one of my favorites! The books follow Mabel and her best friend, Sarah Jane, as they grow up on farms in a far-off, simpler time. These stories are timeless, and packed with love, faith and lots of laughs the whole family will love.
Books in the series include In Grandma’s Attic, More Stories from Grandma’s Attic, Still More Stories from Grandma’s Attic, and Treasures from Grandma. I loved these books so much as a child. I read them all several times, including the further books that follow Mabel and Sarah Jane into high school, college, marriage and children.
The Wild Robot Series by Peter Brown
It can be hard to find good books that boys will love to read. But who doesn’t love a good robot story? This series begins when robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time on a remote, wild island.
She’s all alone and has to figure out how to survive on her own. The island starts to feel like home until one day her past comes back to haunt her. This book has rave reviews from mamas, teachers and kids–in fact, it’s going to be made into a movie late in 2024!
I thought this story was a little bit dark, but it had a positive message and my boys loved it! We’re excited to read the next book.
The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick
If you’re kids like fantasy stories or animals, The Secret Zoo is a great read. This fast-paced adventure is full of imagination as Noah, his sister Megan, and their friends Richie and Ella explore the Clarksville City Zoo at night. What happens at night in the zoo when all the people have gone home?
It turns out there are a lot of secrets in the zoo. When Megan goes missing the kids must sneak into the zoo and follow the clues to find her!
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This classic book was first published in 1952, but it’s still popular and a great read for kids of all ages. This tender story of friendship follows Wilbur the pig, and his best friend, Charlotte the spider. Charlotte is determined to save Wilbur from being served at Christmas dinner. She’ll need to get creative to do it, and that will require the help of all the barnyard animals to make it happen.
The end of the book is bittersweet but shows us the importance of friends who are like family.
The Mouse the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
We’re big fans of Beverly Cleary in our house, and The Mouse and the Motorcycle is one of our faves! Ralph S. Mouse lives with his large mouse family in a motel. His life is pretty boring until a boy named Keith comes to stay. Keith brings along a toy motorcycle that’s the perfect size for a mouse to ride. Then, Ralph finds out that if he makes motorcycle noises, the motorcycle moves!
There’s plenty of adventure and excitement for Ralph as he explores the hotel on his motorcycle. But there’s also an important lesson to learn about friendship and unselfishness when Ralph betrays the trust of his new friend.
The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith
I kept seeing this series everywhere, and I finally bit the bullet and got the first book. The reviews weren’t wrong! My boys loved the book, and so did I. Heather and Pickett are ordinary rabbits living a safe life with their parents and baby brother. But secrets abound, and a tragedy changes everything.
Heather and Pickett must survive against all odds in a world they never knew existed. Can the Mended Wood become a reality?
This is a great read-aloud, and I highly recommend the audio version! Joel Clarkson does an amazing job with all the voices and makes the story really come to life.
Tumtum and Nutmeg by Emily Bearn
Tumtum and Nutmeg are mice who live in a dollhouse in a little cottage. They secretly take care of the two disheveled children of the house, Arthur and Lucy. But when evil Aunt Ivy comes to stay, Tumtum and Nutmeg set out on brand new adventures in the big world outside.
This series proves that a small body can hold a big heart! It’s a sweet read to enjoy with your kids on a winter evening.
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle lives in an upside-down house and always smells like cookies. And she knows everything about children. If your child hates baths, won’t put away toys or eats too slowly, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle has the cure!
We laughed a lot while reading the book, and my kids were scandalized by Mrs, Piggle Wiggle’s solutions. It’s a funny book for kids and moms to read together with a main character we can all relate to.
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
This Newbery-honor-winning book is a heartwarming story about family, friendship and taking care of others. Armand is an old man living on the streets of Paris. He’s happy with his simple existence.
When he finds three children living under a bridge, he determines to take care of them. Soon he realizes he’ll do anything to help them find a home.
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy and Tacy live across the road from one another, and they’re best friends. Betsy is outgoing and loves to tell stories. Tacy is quiet and shy and loves to listen to Betsy’s stories. The two girls are inseparable.
In fact, no one can remember what they’re like when they’re apart. They earn the name Betsy-Tacy and have all sorts of fun and funny adventures together.
Books in this series include Betsy-Tacy, Betsy-Tacy and Tib, Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, Heavens to Betsy, Betsy in Spite of Herself, Betsy Was a Junior, Betsy and Joe, Betsy and the Great World, and Betsy’s Wedding.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
The Penderwick sisters are excited to spend the summer on the sprawling Arundel estate in Massachusetts. While having adventures exploring the estate, eating gingerbread and playing with tame rabbits, they find Jeffrey. He’s a young boy who is the perfect companion for all of their fun. Jeffrey’s mother isn’t too happy about his new friends, but they’re determined to stay out of trouble. That shouldn’t be too hard, right?
The Cul-de-sac Kids Collection by Beverly Lewis
These chapter books are great reading books for early readers. They’re light-hearted books about the adventures of four kids who solve mysteries and have adventures all around their neighborhood. The books are endearing and often funny as the kids get themselves into scrapes while learning about faith and family.
The Sugar Creek Gang Series by Paul Hutchens
If you’re looking for a great story that boys will love, the Sugar Creek Gang books are the answer! While they call themselves a gang, they’re just a group of friends who learn lessons about faith that are still relevant fifty years after they were published! Every kid can find themselves represented in the group, whether they’re a Bill, Poetry, Dragonfly, Big Jim, or Little Jim!
I grew up reading these books and truly loved them. The series has over 30 books including The Swamp Robber, The Killer Bear, The Great Watermelon Mystery (my personal favorite!), The Chicago Adventure and more.
The Last Chance Detectives by multiple authors
Looking for a fast-paced detective series that will help your kids grow their faith? Check out The Last Chance Detectives. This series from Focus on the Family follows four friends, Mike, Winnie, Ben and Spence, as they set out to solve strange mysteries. Their faith and friendship are tested along the way, but they won’t give up until they solve every mystery!
Glimmer Girls Series by Natalie Grant
This sweet series from Natalie Grant is perfect to read with your daughters! It follows the adventures of three sisters, twins Mia and Maddie, and their sister Lulu as they travel around the country with their mother, singer Gloria Glimmer. They have adventures and solve mysteries while learning important lessons about faith and friendship along the way.
These books are loosely based on Natalie and her three daughters, and they are so great to share your faith with your girls. Books in the series include A Dolphin Wish, London Art Chase, and Music City Miracle.
The 2nd Grade Book List
What do you think of this list? It’s a great mix of 2nd grade reading books for kids to read themselves, or to read together as a family. Second grade is an important time for kids in their development. Giving them plenty of good books to read is a great way to encourage good habits while they’re young.
If you have a favorite book to read with your second grader, I’d love to hear about it! Share it in the comments below!
More Books for Kids
If your kids love to read (or you want them to love to read!) check out these other great books!
