35+ Best 2nd Grade Books for All Types of Readers
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The best 2nd-grade books help teach children about self-confidence as they increase their reading skills. They also follow the story of characters kids their age can relate to and learn from.
Each child has a different story to tell when they are headed to second grade or are ending their 2nd-grade year of school. At that age, children are going through a variety of different challenges and feelings as they go through the school year.
These 2nd-grade books each have something special about them. From encouraging them to telling funny stories they may relate to, these are some of the best second grade books that are worth reading.
Read on to find which books made the cut. You’ll find short stories, chapter books, graphic novels, and even poetry books – something for all your 2nd grade readers.
2nd Grade Book List Favorites
These books are short, easy reads, and wonderful choices for your second-grade kiddos.
This is the perfect book to encourage any young boy. Inspiring short stories of unique and wonderful boys, Never Stop Dreaming will help inspire kids to have courage and self-confidence.
This book is a great way to kick off 2nd grade! It’s the night before 2nd grade and the little boy in the story is excited. He has spent all summer reading and preparing for the year and can’t wait to learn more about what second grade has to offer.
This is a great 2nd grade reading level book that is sure to improve the confidence of your young readers! Ollie isn’t the best at everything in 2nd grade, but he does love to cook. When a famous chef comes to town to visit, he knows it’s his time to shine.
Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up
Following the inspiring true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry, this picture book and biography follows the story of a boy who overcomes his challenges and becomes a star in the sport he loves most.
Main character Sam has the best seat in second grade and that is right next to the class pet. But when Sam takes the class pet on the field trip with him, it’s a disaster. This is a great book for early readers who need a little extra help.
A book that teaches kids about emotions and how to control them. The Emotions Book will help them learn how to act when they are faced with overwhelming feelings or challenging circumstances.
Have a little girl that loves horses? Meg discovers that there is a lot she doesn’t know about camping as she sets out on a trip on the first day of summer vacation. The book also has a vocabulary page at the end of the book to help children learn as they go through the story.
Best Chapter Books for 2nd Graders
If your independent readers are ready for early chapter books, I have some recommendations they’ll love.
This list of chapter books includes some of my own kids’ favorite chapter books, plus recommendations from friends.
You’ll definitely want to share this well-loved American classic about unlikely best friends with your kids! Recommended at a 3rd grade reading level, enjoy this one together as a family or introduce it to your older second-graders.
In this fantasy book, your kids will follow the great story of a boy who is searching for his missing brother. He joins a group of goblins to help him, who have their own purpose for finding the brother.
A tollbooth mysteriously appears in Milo’s room and life suddenly becomes less boring. This is a perfect 2nd grade chapter book that will keep your kids engaged, entertained, and teach some great lessons along the way.
An inspirational book about elementary school aged kids changing the world, Making a Difference will show kids that doing extraordinary things can make a huge difference. The short chapters and beautiful illustrations make this an engaging read.
For more advanced 2nd grade readers, they will love following along with the story as Rosco the Rascal attends camp. Animal lovers will enjoy reading about Rosco the hero dog!
Favorite Series Books
Here are some highly recommended chapter book series your kids are sure to get lost in!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
This was by far my kids’ new favorite book series we enjoyed as a family. We actually enjoyed it as a read-aloud when my girls were in 2nd grade; it might be a little tough for some second graders to read on their own, but we definitely got swept up together in the great stories throughout the entire series.
They’ll meet Harry and his friends in the first book of their adventures, as he discovers he is a wizard, and begins his life-changing adventure at Hogwarts. There is also an illustrated version of the book which might be a great option!
Your older 2nd graders will love diving into the world of a young girl named Ramona Quimby. Perfect read-aloud option if your kids aren’t quite ready for chapter books on their own, and will surely inspire great discussions as your kids relate to the characters.
The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
The Princess in Black series contains easy-to-read chapter books that tell tales of Princess Magnolia and magical creatures she encounters. My girls have read them all and can’t get enough!
Our only complaint about this series is that there aren’t more books – 10 didn’t feel like enough! These are such good books that captivated my 2nd grade girls. Kaz the ghost is separated from his family and meets Claire, a little girl that lives in a library. They join forces to solve mysteries around their little town, and they’ll quickly become your kids’ favorite characters.
Jaxon is sent to spend the day with someone who he thinks is his grandmother – but he is in for a surprise!
This was one of my son’s favorite series when he was in 2nd grade – it became our nightly read-aloud. Freddie Ramos receives shoes with ZAPATO POWER that change his life. What will he do with them?
Second graders will love following the story of Junie B. Jones as she starts kindergarten. As 2nd graders, they’ll know exactly what she is going through!
Keena Ford and the Second Grade Mix Up
Starting second grade, Keena Ford has a clean slate and while she can be quite the troublemaker, when something happens at school, she knows she must tell the truth. But will she? There are 3 books in the series to enjoy!
If your child liked the Dog Man or Captain Underpants stories, they will love following along with The Bad Guys series. It’s full of laughs and follows along with the baddest bunch of do-gooders. illustrated series, hilarious book
Young orphans have discovered an abandoned boxcar that they move into. Embarking on a journey of self-reliance and hard work, it’s a classic set most elementary students read.
This is a set that’s full of interesting stories for kids. The Magic Tree House books are starter chapter series books that follow Jack and Annie on their adventures.
Best Graphic Novels for 2nd Graders
You can’t go wrong with graphic novels for early readers. Graphic novels are some of the best books for kids who need a step-up from picture books – with their colorful illustrations, they’re great for many grade levels!
Magic Tree House Graphic Novels
If your kids love the Magic Tree House series, most likely they’ll love the graphic novel version as well. These are a hit in our house!
This series is a favorite of my son’s, along with Cat Kid – pretty much anything from Dav Pilkey is a hit!
Aqualand is a theme park created by character Sophia’s dad, who is lost at sea. When an “aquanaut” breaks into the park’s research lab, her world is changed and Aqualand will never be the same.
Brings me back to my childhood – although I’ll admit, I preferred the plain old books! Still a fun read and great for your 2nd graders and beyond.
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza
Rats are eating the moon, and a cat that blasted off into space is the only one for the job!
Given one wish after injuring a unicorn, Phoebe makes the unicorn her best friend. Your kids will love reading about the magical adventures they go on!
Your Minecraft-loving kids will enjoy this 3-book series as they jump into the Overworld with Cahira, Orion and Atria.
Best Poetry Books for Second Graders
A book of fun and silly poems that highlights what second grade is all about. It’s perfect for those who are just going into second grade and maybe a bit nervous.
Each page is a haiku in this poetry book of a stray dog who finds a home.
A beautiful book that teaches kids poetry is all around them.
Includes 100 poems to be enjoyed by all kids!
Follow the Recipe: Poems About Imagination, Celebration, and Cake
A delicious collection of poetry with eye-catching illustrations, appealing to younger and older kids alike.
Soccerverse: Poems about Soccer
Wonderful book that celebrates all things soccer through poetry.
Storyteller Roald Dahl adds his twist to common fairytales…complete with surprise endings.
I hope this list gives you some ideas for which are the best 2nd grade books to grab for your kids! Which are your favorites that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments!
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