31 Chapter Books for Second Graders, Really helpful by Lecturers


Second grade is a implausible time to be a reader. There are such a lot of interesting chapter books for second graders to get and maintain youngsters studying extra—which in flip helps their persevering with fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and data development! Discovering simply the suitable titles and collection to suit youngsters’ studying phases and pursuits in second grade means wading via a number of decisions. We’ve created this record of chapter books for second graders with various characters, heartwarming tales, magic, and journey that can assist you interact 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 guide newbies with too many decoding and comprehension calls for directly—particularly initially of the yr. These decisions are each manageable and motivating.

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

Practical Fiction

Meet Yasmin! book cover
Amazon

Yasmin is a great and imaginative Pakistani American woman who shares adventures together with her dad and mom and grandparents. In 4 quick, easy-to-read chapters, she comes up with inventive options to the issues in her life. These standard chapter books for second graders work properly for guide teams or particular person studying and response.

Purchase it: Yasmin collection

2. Pedro collection by Fran Manushkin

Practical 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 along with his youthful brother. These shorter and simpler starting chapter books for second graders are good decisions for teenagers who like reasonable 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 through which proprietor and pup work collectively to resolve mild instances. These transitional books are nice for supporting fluency whereas partaking 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 basic character who goes on adventures along with his animal associates however generally wants assist and steerage from Mom Bear. Imaginative tales supply 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

Practical Fiction

Amazon

Henry is lonely, with no sibling or associates 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 filled 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 into greatest friends? This three-book collection of graphic novel chapter books for second graders is hilarious. We wish to share them with youngsters who want a studying confidence enhance. They’re additionally splendid for explicitly educating youngsters methods 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 associates to one another. The lovable footage make youngsters snigger, whereas the straightforward 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 in addition they nonetheless actually love poring over nice footage. These collection carry one of the best 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 fashion 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 properly for a number of functions, from read-aloud to guide 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 adjustments when native monsters want managing. The recent tackle princesses and superheroes and the full of life full-color illustrations make these interesting decisions for readers who’re stretching their studying stamina to sort out longer books. We like studying aloud the primary guide to introduce the collection, then utilizing later installments, which have extra advanced tales and friendship themes, for unbiased studying and guide group discussions.

Purchase it: The Princess in Black collection

10. The Unhealthy 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 “Unhealthy 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 Unhealthy 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 Buddies collection by Christine Platt, illustrated by Alea Marley

Practical 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 rather a lot 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 guide group textual content to enrich social research studying about well-known activists. Or you may share it as inspiration for teenagers fascinated by journalism.

Purchase it: Frankie and Buddies collection

Journey and Fantasy Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

We’ve seen numerous youngsters 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, greatest associates Kirsty and Rachel enter a magical world to assist the fairy neighborhood. 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 record! Siblings Jack and Annie uncover a tree home filled with books that ship them again in time. We’ve seen this collection hook so many youngsters on studying that they’re a classroom must-have. They’re additionally implausible for constructing youngsters’ data about totally different locations, matters, 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 encourage new chapter guide 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 high school with “groundlings” and her greatest pal, Claudia. These tales filled with magic and journey additionally grapple with themes of identification and friendship. Cross these to youngsters who nonetheless really feel reassured by some illustrations and will use the boldness enhance of a fast, pleasing 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 other way up when she discovers she’s a superhero. She’s fairly certain she’s up for the duty, so long as she will be able to work out methods to stability her new identification with being a daily child. The 13 books on this collection are nice first chapter books for second graders who get pleasure from 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 sudden occasions unfolds at college, Lucy finds out she’s really a witch. Counsel this collection to youngsters who’re curious in regards to the Harry Potter books however positively not able to learn them solo. The writer does a pleasant job tapping into youngsters’ curiosity about magical powers whereas additionally tackling relatable elementary college feelings and themes.

Purchase it: Lucy Lancaster collection

Practical Fiction Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

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

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

Practical Fiction

Allergic To Girls book cover
Amazon

Alvin Ho is an Asian American second grader with an extended record of debilitating fears, the most important one being talking at college. With robust characters and emotional honesty, this collection tackles nervousness with humor and charm. Alvin’s trials along with his siblings and associates at college will hook unbiased readers in want of a brand new and interesting collection to maintain them studying.

Purchase it: Alvin Ho collection 

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

Practical 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 along with his associates, whereas coping with being not noted and feeling like he’s not ok. Add this collection to your classroom library to symbolize a various neighborhood. We admire that it portrays a boy as its essential character too!

Purchase it: Sadiq collection

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

Practical Fiction

Miles Lewis series by Kelly Starling Lyons
Amazon

Miles loves science and may be very aggressive, however his nervousness spikes when he has to go ice-skating for the primary time along with his fourth grade class. With a powerful give attention to pal and household relationships, this collection is each entertaining and discussion-worthy for unbiased readers who get pleasure from reasonable tales. Bonus: It’s by the identical writer because the Jada Jones collection, which we additionally suggest!

Purchase it: Miles Lewis collection

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

Practical 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 every thing he can to get taller. Full of humor and coronary heart, these standard chapter books for second graders will entertain youngsters throughout unbiased studying or guide teams targeted on characters.

Purchase it: Stink collection

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

Practical 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 associates 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 get pleasure from 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

Practical 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 associates and basic 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 woman characters.

Purchase it: Jo Jo Makoons collection

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

Practical 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 associates, deal with bullies, and, after all, 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. Counsel these to youngsters who get pleasure from humorous and mishap-prone boy protagonists. Youngsters much less accustomed to Muslim faith and tradition may have some assist constructing the data 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

Practical Fiction

Amazon

Alfie is a powerful and charismatic 7-year-old, sister to the primary character of the favored EllRay Jakes collection. In every story, she navigates methods to resolve reasonable conflicts together with her family and friends. Relatable, humorous, and trustworthy, this collection is a superb selection for extra superior readers on the lookout for longer chapter books.

Purchase it: Completely Alfie collection

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

Practical Fiction

Amazon

This basic collection of chapter books for second graders tells the story of three cousins who begin a cookie enterprise, write a newspaper, and become involved in all types of different inventive endeavors. “Previous soul” readers will get pleasure from these lighthearted tales which can be harking back to easier time.

Purchase it: The Cobble Avenue Cousins collection

Learn-Aloud Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

Studying chapter books for second graders aloud is a implausible probability to help youngsters in tackling extra superior language and content material. These titles all additionally work properly for extra superior second grade unbiased readers however are notably pleasing for group sharing.

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

Practical 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 means 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 marvel what it could be like if our toys and stuffed animals got here to life? This humorous, endearing trilogy about three particular toys explores that magical thought. These books have large attraction for group sharing and in addition work properly 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 woman 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 stunning, this story will carry teams of listeners collectively and encourage wealthy dialogue.

Purchase it: Charlotte’s Net

31. Ramona collection by Beverly Cleary

Practical Fiction

Beverly Cleary Books: Beezus and Ramona
Amazon

Ramona is an unbiased spirit with a number of opinions about her Fifties childhood world. Studying aloud is the perfect context for introducing these basic chapter books for second grade by timeless writer Beverly Cleary. We particularly like sharing the primary three books within the collection, through 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 record of 2nd grade books!

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