{"id":8285,"date":"2024-03-05T08:17:16","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T12:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/?p=8285"},"modified":"2024-11-22T06:59:07","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T10:59:07","slug":"chapter-books-for-second-graders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/chapter-books-for-second-graders\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Chapter Books for 2nd Graders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding chapter books for 2nd graders can be tough, because these kids are often new to reading and we don’t want to discourage them with bulky chapter books. Ideally, these kids would be seven-year-olds. The selections for this age (unless you have a faster reader) tend to be heavily illustrated, featuring text in much larger fonts and simple storylines, most of which are under 100 pages. If you’re an adult reader, you could get through these books in under an hour or much less. Series are also a hit for this age group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this list, I tried to include a diverse selection featuring boys and girls who are good role models (because I believe that’s important at this age), FUNNY and silly books, animal stories, a hint of fantasy, and a touch of adventure. I hope you can find some picks for your kiddos. If your 2nd grader is a strong reader, you can also check out my suggested chapter books for third graders here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Join our Patreon community<\/a> to get the printable version of this li<\/b>st<\/strong>! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources, like our seasonal guides and educator interviews, to inspire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Chapter Books for 2nd Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Worm<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends<\/h2><\/div>
By Kaz Windess
Published: January 31, 2023<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Worm and Caterpillar may look the same to the unskilled eye (and to Worm), but they’re different. Will they remain friends despite these differences? This early graphic novel is so sweet, surprising, and easy to read for 1st and 2nd graders alike. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Book<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Book Buddies: Roger Takes a Chance<\/h2><\/div>
By Cynthia Lord (Author), Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator)
Published: June 11, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Roger is a stuffed chick who went from being owned by a farmer to being a reading buddy at a library. Unfortunately, he’s velcroed to an overprotective hen even though he’s itching to be free. But when a library patron borrows him to welcome a relative at the airport, Roger’s dreams of being free come true! This charming story has classic black-and-white illustrations and is perfect for fans of books like Paddington<\/em>.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Peter<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Peter and Ernesto<\/h2><\/div>
By Graham Annable 
Published: April 10, 2018<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This very funny graphic novel is both hilarious and heartwarming. Readers will love the contrast between the anxious Peter and the spontaneous, impulsive Ernesto. All about friendship, trees, jaguars, and polar bears, this graphic novel will be on repeat at bedtime. Never fear \u2013 there are three tales in the series so far and counting! <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Duck<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Duck and Moose: Duck Moves In<\/h2><\/div>
By Kirk Reedstrom
Published: March 5, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This hilarious young graphic novel series follows a grumpy moose and an overly friendly Duck (a commonly seen trope but very well done). Just as Moose exhales into the quiet of having scared all his neighbors away with his crankiness, there comes Duck, who is convinced she wants to live between his antlers. Moose tries unsuccessfully to convince her to live in some other different places with hilarious outcomes. With funny dialogue and highly complimentary graphics that clearly portray moose\u2019s discomfort with humor, kids will love this new series.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Rabbit<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Rabbit and Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habits<\/h2><\/div>
By Julian Gough & Jim Field
Published: June 8, 2021<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When Bear wakes up early from her hibernation, she decides to build a snowman. Her grumpy neighbor, Rabbit, decides to build an even better one. Rabbit & Bear: Rabbit\u2019s Bad Habits<\/em> is full of laugh-out-loud moments and chronicles the forming of an unlikely friendship. With illustrations throughout, this book is perfect for (stronger) new readers and is sure to become a fun favorite on any kid\u2019s bookshelf.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Betty<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Betty the Yeti Hates Spaghetti<\/h2><\/div>
By Digital Editor Mandy R Marx (Author), Antonella Fant (Illustrator)
Published: July 31, 2023<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Betty and her family of yetis just moved to their new apartment. Betty\u2019s never lived around humans before now. When friendly neighbors bring the Yetis dinner, Betty eats spaghetti for the first time, and it\u2019s nothing like she expected! This is a cute, short chapter book about moving, meeting new people, and trying new things. It has adorable illustrations and is great for fans of books like Saadia Faruqi\u2019s Yasmin series.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Orris<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Orris and Timble: The Beginning<\/h2><\/div>
By Kate DiCamillo (Author), Carmen Mok (Illustrator)
Published: April 30, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this chapter book by Kate DiCamillo, Orris is a mouse who lives alone in an abandoned barn with his three favorite collectibles: a pair of red velvet slippers, one sardine can, and a bright yellow marble ball. Enter Timble. One night, Orris hears an owl\u2019s cry for help and rescues him. The two become hesitant friends in this first installment of the series (after all, owls eat mice). This book feels like a classic waiting to happen, and the illustrations are gorgeous, as is DiCamillo\u2019s spare prose and rich characterization.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Anna<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Anna Hibiscus<\/h2><\/div>
By  Atinuke
Published: April 12, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This series has been delighting young readers since it was first released. It’s all about Anna Hibiscus, who lives in West Africa with her mother, her father, her baby twin brothers, and lots and lots of her family. Join her as she splashes in the sea, prepares for a party, sells oranges, and hopes to see sweet, sweet snow!<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Chick<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot!<\/h2><\/div>
By Cece Bell
Published: September 3, 2019<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brain and Chick are two friends who are as different as can be. Chick is always giving brain etiquette lessons and feels like she\u2019s smarter than Brain, but an interaction with a dog named Spot proves otherwise. This hilarious short graphic novel is the epitome of a smart, hilarious chapter book, and kids will be tickled to no end.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Daisy<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Daisy Dreamer<\/h2><\/div>
By Holly Anna (Author), Genevieve Santos (Illustrator)
Published: April 4, 2017<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Daisy Dreamer loves to dream. Her grandmother gifted her a journal where she can write all the stories she dreams up. Some pages even have story prompts for her. But one day, when she and her friends draw a story character, it comes to life \u2014 her own imaginary friend! This is a whimsical series for kids who can\u2019t get enough of fairies, imaginary friends, and dreamland.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Juana<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Juana and Lucas: Big Problemas<\/h2><\/div>
By Juana Medina
Published: September 27, 2016<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fans of Judy Moody and Clarice Bean will love Juana, the spunky young Colombian girl who stars in this playful, abundantly illustrated series. Juana loves many things: drawing, living in Bogot\u00e1, Colombia, and especially her dog, Lucas, the best amigo<\/em> ever. She does not<\/em> love wearing her itchy school uniform, solving math problems, or learning the English. Why is it so important to learn a language that makes so little sense? Hilarious, energetic, and utterly relatable, Juana will win over los corazones <\/em>(the hearts)of readers everywhere.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"King<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats<\/h2><\/div>
By  Dori Hillestad Butler
Published: March 7, 2017<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A lovable dog helps his human girl solve a mystery. Kayla made peanut butter treats for Jillian\u2019s new puppy Thor. But now the treats are missing. What does Kayla know? \u2015There are three treats missing. King was in the kitchen. King’s breath doesn’t smell like peanut butter. What does King know? \u2015There’s an intruder in the house. How will they solve the mystery?<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"My<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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My Life in Pictures (Bea Garcia Book 1)<\/h2><\/div>
By Deborah Zemke
Published: March 8, 2016<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bea Garcia loves doodling and her best friend, Yvonne, but when Yvonne moves to Australia and a “monster” moves in next door, she’s in for plenty of adjustments. This is a prose graphic hybrid great for younger fans of doodle books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid<\/em> and Dork Diaries<\/em>.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pizza<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best?: (A Graphic Novel)<\/h2><\/div>
By Stephen Shaskan (Author)
Published: May 5, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Besties Pizza and Taco love each other, but when the question “Who’s the Best?” invokes differing responses from the friends, it’s time for a contest! This is a silly early graphic novel with funny characters. The text is sparse and easy to read. Hand to pizza and taco lovers.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Birthday<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Birthday Bling (Dollars to Doughnuts Book 1): Spending<\/h2><\/div>
By Catherine R. Daly (Author), Genevieve Kate (Illustrator)
Published: January 9, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This fun illustrated chapter book helps kids understand how money and spending work, including the differences between a gift card and a credit\/debit card, when to use cash instead of a card, and how to spend wisely. I like that it will keep readers interested in learning these facts using the fairly engaging background plot. It does feel a bit teach-y, but I think that\u2019s the intent, and it still is an enjoyable, compelling reading experience. It also has a graphic\/paneled comic section at the end, reinforcing the lessons learned since Julian, one of the characters, loves to draw comics. I would recommend this one if you\u2019re looking to teach your kids how money\/spending works or if you have a kid with tons of questions about it.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Emily's<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Emily’s Cupcake Magic (Cupcake Diaries: The New Batch)<\/h2><\/div>
By Coco Simon
Published: May 7, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Akin to the Babysitters Little Sister books, this new series is perfect for younger readers who really want to read the Cupcake Diaries books but aren’t quite ready. In this series opener, we follow Katie’s little sister, Emily, as she starts at a new school and finds friends with the help of some baked goods, all while figuring out how to get out of her loving stepsister’s shadow. I loved the warm blended family dynamics and the support between the older members of the Cupcake Club and Emily’s crew. Such a fun series starter that kids as young as the second grade can enjoy.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Poppy<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Poppy and Sam and the Leaf Thief (Poppy and Sam, 1)<\/h2><\/div>
By Cathon
Published: August 15, 2018<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Set in a whimsical garden world, this delightful early graphic novel follows Poppy and Sam as they try to solve the mystery of who\u2019s eating Basil\u2019s leaves. After several failed tactics, they finally figure it out, with charming results. This book is adorably illustrated with short, easy-to-read text and a gentle mystery for kids who love a sweet story.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"King<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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King of the Ice #1 (Miles Lewis) <\/h2><\/div>
By Kelly Starling Lyons
Published: July 19, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Miles Lewis loves science and sports. But when his teacher announces a class field trip to an ice skating rink to learn about physics, he isn’t so excited. He’s never ice skated before, and his friend RJ won’t let him forget it. RJ even challenges him to a bet: If Miles skates without falling, RJ will put a \u201cMiles is the man\u201d sign on his backpack. But if Miles falls, he has to put one on his that says the same about RJ. Miles can barely focus on the bet, though, because he suspects his beloved Nana has plans to move out of his family’s house\u2014and that’s just too much to bear. Can he keep his cool with all the pressure from RJ while finding a way to make his grandma stay?<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Bibsy<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple<\/h2><\/div>
By Liz Garton Scanlon (Author), Dung Ho (Illustrator)
Published: June 11, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Precocious Bibsy Cross is sure her teacher doesn’t like her. After all, she tells Bibsy all the time that she’s too much. And maybe Bibsy is. She does interject with statements (not questions), but should Mrs. Stumper really drop Bibsy’s cardboard apple to the floor with each mistake? I loved Bibsy’s earnestness, and this one will appeal to every kid who’s ever felt misunderstood by a teacher at school.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Dory<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Dory Fantasmagory<\/h2><\/div>
By Abby Hanlon
Published: October 9, 2014<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dory is a lastborn with an overactive imagination who exhausts her parents and siblings with her high energy and propensity for chaos. Join her in the first book of the series as she finds imaginary monsters around the house and puts them in their place. This series only gets better with each book!<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Join our Patreon community<\/a> to get the printable version of this li<\/b>st<\/strong>! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources, like our seasonal guides and educator interviews, to inspire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There they are: 20 of the best chapter books for 2nd graders! I hope you find one that floats your boat. If you’re still on the hunt for more chapter books, check out this list I made for Gr. 1-4.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which of these books have your kids read and enjoyed? And which other 2nd grade chapter books would you recommend?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More 2nd Grade Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n