Book series for 2nd graders are important because kids at this age are new to chapter books and there’s no better way to keep them hooked than to hand them multi-book series.
Every 2nd grader is different. Some are precocious and can read young middle grade books, while others may only be getting a grasp of reading independently. Whether your child is on either extreme or smack in the middle, there’s a book for them on this list.
I’ve also rounded up picks from many genres including fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, adventure, and animal fiction, so you can have a wide range to choose from. Nearly all the books on this list are well under 150 pages long.
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25+ Best Book Series for 2nd Graders
Here are 25+ of the best book series for 2nd graders:
Owl Diaries
Published: January 6, 2015
(19 books in the series)
In this adorable chapter book series, kids meet a cute owl named Eva! One day when she’s bored, she comes up with a grand idea to organize a spring festival. But she quickly realizes that she’s in over her head and has to learn for help. I liked the diary format, bright illustrations, and handwriting font and I think it’s a great way to introduce younger readers to the format.
Dory Fantasmagory
Published: October 9, 2014
(6 books in the series)
This one is a huge favorite of many young readers! 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. I thought this one was funny and cute — although not my preferred brand of story.
Amelia Bedelia
Published: February 1, 2013
(12 books in the series)
This is a delightful chapter book series. In the first book, Amelia starts multiple businesses to earn enough money so she can buy herself a new bicycle. Funny, charming, and inspiring — especially for kids who are young serial entrepreneurs.
Ramona Quimby
Published: March 17, 2020
(8 books in the series)
Who doesn’t love Ramona? I fell in love with this spunky, hilarious, but totally well-meaning protagonist when I read this book years ago. It’s the sixth book in the series but I feel like it should be the first! Kids will laugh with Ramona as she goes through her daily activities and empathize with her struggles. A true classic.
The Masterpiece Adventures
Published: February 4, 2014
(5 books in the series)
James is going on vacation for a week. His best friend, Marvin the beetle, has to stay at home. Without James to keep him company, Marvin has to play with his annoying cousin, Elaine. Marvin and Elaine quickly find themselves getting into all sorts of trouble―even getting trapped inside a pencil sharpener! Marvin misses James and starts to worry about their friendship. Will James still be Marvin’s friend when he gets home or will James have found a new best friend?
Planet Omar
Published: February 4, 2020
(5 books in the series)
This is a longer book at 224 pages, but mostly because it has plenty of interspersed illustrations. It’s also set in the UK. Omar and his family have moved for his scientist’s mother’s new dream job, but his next door neighbor seems to detest them and he has a school bully making his life miserable.
I liked this charming chapter book about Muslim life during Ramadan, adjusting to a new school, befriending a bully, and navigating family/sibling relationships. It’s told in prose with some illustrations, illustrated text, and speech bubbles (almost doodly like Wimpy Kid).
Go Camping (WOMBATS!)
Published: April 4, 2023
(1 book in the series — more to come)
When unlikely besties Albert and Pickles head out on a camping trip together, Albert is prepared for the great outdoors while Pickles is expecting a glamping situation. Of course, this leads to some serious hysterics when the latter discovers that they are, in fact, camping. Add to the mix an unexpected encounter with an old friend and a koala rescue, and the duo is set for an exciting camping (mis)adventure. This one is a funny start to a new series.
Mindy Kim
Published: January 14, 2020
This is one of those chapter book series I actually really love. It’s an exciting new addition to the world of chapter books, providing much needed Asian-American representation, much like the Jasmine Toguchi books. If you’re looking for a chapter book with a sweet protagonist dealing with grief, moving, and fitting in with a new school crowd, this is your pick. Plus, there are puppies!
Wayside School
Published: May 26, 1998
(4 books in the series)
Accidentally built sideways and standing thirty stories high (the builder said he was very sorry for the mistake), Wayside School has some of the wackiest classes in town, especially on the thirtieth floor. That’s where you’ll meet Bebe, the fastest draw in art class; John, who only reads upside down; Myron, the best class president ever; and Sammy, the new kid—he’s a real rat.
Mia Mayhem
Published: December 18, 2018
(13 books in the series)
Mia Macarooney is a regular eight-year-old girl who finds out that she’s A SUPERHERO! Her life literally goes from totally ordinary to totally super when she’s invited to attend the afterschool Program for In-Training Superheroes a.k.a. THE PITS! This book is so much fun and readers will have a blast watching Mia learn some serious superhero skills!
Bug Scouts
Published: April 19, 2022
(1 book in the series with more to come)
Doug, Abby, and Josh are the BUG SCOUTS! Doug and Abby love everything about being Bug Scouts while Josh is a grump and doesn’t like anything (except the snacks). The Bug Scouts begin to work on earning the “foraging” bug badge, which they can only get if they successfully find an edible plant. Together, they head into the woods in search for adventure and something to eat. But will they be able to avoid the poisonous plants and manage to not get eaten by a clever frog?! This graphic novel is a riot!
Jasmine Toguchi
Published: July 11, 2017
(7 books in the series)
When Jasmine Toguchi finds out that she’s too young to roll mochi like her sister, she’s determined to join the men in pounding rice for mochi. But will she succeed? I loved this wonderful chapter book with a dynamic, persevering protagonist. Kids will love reading about Jasmine’s escapades.
Mercy Watson
Published: August 23, 2005
(6 books in the series)
To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig – she’s a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons’ bed. BOOM! CRACK! As the bed and its occupants slowly sink through the floor, Mercy escapes in a flash – “to alert the fire department,” her owners assure themselves. But could Mercy possibly have another emergency in mind – like a sudden craving for their neighbors’ sugar cookies?
Simon Says
Published: December 28, 2021
(7 books in the series)
Meet Simon, a tiny seahorse with a not-so-tiny personality! Simon has lived near Coral Grove, a small village near the ocean, his whole life, but from the stories he tells, you’d think he’s traveled the seas! It’s not that Simon lies. He prefers the term “embellishes,” and his way of seeing the world makes the everyday extraordinary. So when his lucky pearl goes missing after he brings it to school one day, Simon’s journey to find it is sure to be an epic tale!
The Critter Club
Published: January 1, 2013
(26 books in the series)
This spring break, everyone has plans except Amy. She’ll be reading Nancy Drew and helping her mom out at her vet clinic. But when an adorable pup goes missing, it’s up to Amy and her friends to solve the mystery. This is a sweet chapter book with a mystery that actually had me invested. Perfect for younger kiddos who love animals, friendship chapter books, and cozy mysteries.
Sadiq
Published: August 1, 2019
(10 books in the series)
When Sadiq’s father leaves on a business trip, he worries he’ll miss his baba too much. But Baba has a story for Sadiq: the story of the Desert Star. Learning about Baba’s passion for the stars sparks Sadiq’s interest in outer space. But can Sadiq find others who are willing to help him start the space club of his dreams?
Frankie Sparks
Published: June 18, 2019
(4 books in the series)
When Frankie’s teacher announces that they get to vote on a class pet, Frankie thinks that a rat—just like the rats in her beloved Aunt Gina’s lab—would be the perfect fit. But her best friend, Maya, doesn’t think a rat would be great at all. They are kind of gross and not as cool as a hermit crab, which is Maya’s top choice. Using her special workshop, can Frankie find a way to convince her teacher and her best friend that Team Rat is the way to go?
Ruby Lu
Published: March 1, 2004
(At least 3 books in the series)
It feels pretty good to be Ruby most days, like when she runs her own backyard magic show. But it’s not so fun when she has to go to Chinese school on Saturdays. I loved following Ruby through the ups and downs of her day and watching her embrace herself and navigate familial relationships.
Alvin Ho
Published: July 8, 2008
(6 books in the series)
Alvin, an Asian American second grader, is afraid of everything—elevators, tunnels, girls, and, most of all, school. He’s so afraid of school that, while he’ s there, he never, ever, says a word. But at home he’s a very loud superhero named Firecracker Man, a brother to Calvin and Anibelly, and a gentleman-in-training, so he can be just like his dad.
Daisy Dreamer
Published: April 4, 2017
(12 books in the series)
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 — her own imaginary friend! This is a whimsical series for kids who can’t get enough of fairies, imaginary friends, and dream land.
Anna Hibiscus
Published: April 12, 2022
(10 books in the series)
Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa, with her mother and father, her twin baby brothers (Double and Trouble), and lots of extended family in a big white house with a beautiful garden in a compound in a city. Anna is never lonely—there are always cousins to play and fight with, aunties and uncles laughing and shouting, and parents and grandparents close by. I love this author’s stories and the way she portrays Africa.
Dyamonde Daniel
Published: May 14, 2009
(4 books in the series)
Dyamonde Daniel may be new in town, but that doesn’t stop her from making a place for herself in a jiffy. With her can-do attitude and awesome brain power she takes the whole neighborhood by storm. The only thing puzzling her is the other new kid in her class. He’s awfully grouchy – but Dyamonde’s determined to get to the bottom of his frowning attitude and make a friend. Dyamonde is a touch sassy (not rude, just very forward), so if you don’t like sassy characters, you might not love this one.
Lola Levine
Published: November 3, 2015
(4 books in the series)
When Lola accidentally hurts a classmate on the soccer field, everyone starts teasing her, calling her Mean Lola, but she isn’t! Lola is absolutely delightful! A female soccer star who’s not ashamed of her love for sports or writing or anything. This is one of those chapter books where I felt the MC’s parents were well developed! Loved and would recommend especially for any soccer-loving kids!
Juana and Lucas
Published: September 27, 2016
(3 books in the series)
I’ve read the second book in this series and really loved it. Juana is a spirited voice in the world of chapter books. I also loved that this series is set in Colombia! This first book is a great introduction to Juana’s character. It has sparse text and stunning full color illustrations with Spanish words thrown in throughout the story.
A-Z Mysteries
Published: July 1, 2009
(26 books in the series)
A is for Author . . . A famous writer is coming to Green Lawn! Dink rushes to the bookstore to meet his favorite author, Wallis Wallace, and get all his books signed. But the author never shows up! Where is Wallis Wallace? It’s up to Dink and his friends Josh and Ruth Rose to track him down.
A-Z Animal Mysteries
Published: July 4, 2023
(2 books in the series with more to come)
A is for ALPACAS . . .
It’s time for the alpaca costume contest, and Abigail “Abbi” Wallace is excited to see it at the Maine State Fair. But there’s only one alpaca left—the rest are missing! What sent the alpacas packing? Abbi; her dog, Barkley; and her friends Lydia and Daniel are ready to sniff out this mystery!
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There they are: 25+ of the best book series for 2nd graders! Which of these books have you read and loved? Which ones did I miss?
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