Best Books for Second-Graders

Age 7 or 8 is a time when kids have a huge range of reading levels. Some are really ready for chapter books, while others are just getting the hang of storytime in general. The challenge at this age is finding good books they'll stick with. Humor and family stories, as well as mystery and fantasy tales, are great for second graders, and we've got plenty of each. Some are series, which are a great way to provide hours of reading and adventure and get early readers hooked on their favorite characters. So check these out, and when your kid is ready, try these books for third graders.

The Boxcar Children Series Poster Image
BOOK

The Boxcar Children Series

age 7+

Engaging classic mystery series great for beginning readers.

Charlotte's Web Poster Image
BOOK

Charlotte's Web

age 7+

Gentle, much-loved barnyard classic delights all ages.

By: E.B. White (1952)
Half Magic: Tales of Magic, Book 1 Poster Image
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Half Magic: Tales of Magic, Book 1

age 7+

Delightful, charming classic has adventure, humor, heart.

By: Edward Eager (1999)
The Magic School Bus Series Poster Image
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The Magic School Bus Series

age 7+

Smart science-based series mixes facts and fun.

By: Joanna Cole (1986)
Ramona the Pest Poster Image
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Ramona the Pest

age 7+

Ramona tale helps young kids build empathy.

By: Beverly Cleary (1968)
Secrets of Droon Series Poster Image
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Secrets of Droon Series

age 7+

Simple but inventive series great for first fantasy reading.

By: Tony Abbott (1999)
The Best of Iggy: Iggy, Book 1 Poster Image
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The Best of Iggy: Iggy, Book 1

age 8+

Funny look at boy whose impulsive ideas get the best of him.

By: Annie Barrows (2020)
Black Brother, Black Brother Poster Image
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Black Brother, Black Brother

age 8+

Boy challenges school bully in exciting sports story.

The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond Poster Image
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The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond

age 8+

Sweet tale of biracial girl in search of lost family.

By: Brenda Woods (2014)
The City of Ember Poster Image
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The City of Ember

age 8+

Part fantasy, part mystery, part treasure hunt.

By: Jeanne DuPrau (2004)
Coraline Poster Image
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Coraline

age 8+

Strange, surreal tale sure to creep kids out.

By: Neil Gaiman (2004)
Dragons in a Bag, Book 1 Poster Image
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Dragons in a Bag, Book 1

age 8+

Exciting tale of New York kid's journey to magical world.

By: Zetta Elliott (2018)
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess: The Enola Holmes Mysteries, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess: The Enola Holmes Mysteries, Book 1

age 8+

Teen girl detective is a fun twist on famous family name.

By: Nancy Springer (2007)
Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures Poster Image
BOOK

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

age 8+

Funny, poignant tale of cynical girl, superpowered squirrel.

By: Kate DiCamillo (2013)
From the Desk of Zoe Washington Poster Image
BOOK

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

age 8+

Girl works to clear her father of a crime in smart tale.

By: Janae Marks (2020)
Goblin Secrets Poster Image
BOOK

Goblin Secrets

age 8+

Orphan boy seeks lost brother in exciting, funny tale.

By: William Alexander (2012)
A Good Kind of Trouble Poster Image
BOOK

A Good Kind of Trouble

age 8+

Girl learns to be brave in triumphant coming-of-age tale.

By: Lisa Moore Ramée (2019)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Harry Potter, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Harry Potter, Book 1

age 8+

Magical start of the fantastic boy-wizard series.

By: J. K. Rowling (1998)
Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition Poster Image
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Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition

age 8+

Powerful true story of African American women at NASA.

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom Poster Image
BOOK

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom

age 8+

Engaging fairy tale spoof is clever and funny.

By: Christopher Healy (2012)