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.
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.
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Best Chapter Books for 2nd Graders
Join our Patreon community to get the printable version of this list! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources, like our seasonal guides and educator interviews, to inspire you.
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.
Which of these books have your kids read and enjoyed? And which other 2nd grade chapter books would you recommend?
Erin says
Just heard you on What Should I Read Next and came to check out your site…and THANK YOU for this list! I’ve got a first grader reading like a 3rd grader and have been trying to find books for her. This list is PERFECT!
Afoma Umesi says
Aww, Erin — this makes me so happy! Thank you for letting me know 🙂