17 Superb Chapter Books for Second Graders
Second grade is a magical reading time for many kids. They’re just starting to develop reading fluency and are moving from easy reader books into early chapter books. Of course, this means that picking books for them can be somewhat tricky — they need something that holds their interest but isn’t so difficult that it turns them off to reading altogether. These 17 books and series are surefire winners!
This list originally appeared on ReadBrightly.com.
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1
Add to BookshelfDory Fantasmagory Series
by Abby Hanlon
It’s hard being the youngest sibling, especially when your brother and sister won’t play with you. Good thing Dory has an unbelievably wild imagination to keep her entertained. With its sharp-toothed robbers, bearded fairy godmothers, and a best friend who just happens to be a monster, this book is a real hoot.
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2
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Jada Jones Series
by Kelly Starling Lyons
Science-loving Jada Jones is a role model of the best kind, and the lessons she learns throughout the series — about making and keeping friends, and being brave enough to try new things — are wonderfully applicable for this age group.
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3
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Magic Treehouse Series
by Mary Pope Osborne
I’ve yet to meet a reader who wasn’t totally entertained by the Magic Tree House series. Spanning eons of history, Jack and Annie’s action-packed adventures shine in this revamped collection. Best yet, kids can graduate to the more challenging Merlin Mission series when they’re ready for the next step.
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4
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Junie B. Jones Series
by Barbara Park
Funny, feisty, and prone to mishaps, Junie B. Jones tackles the challenges of growing up in her own mischievous (and hilarious) way.
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$4.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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The Magnificent Makers Series
by Theanne Griffith
Calling all young science lovers! Get ready for an awesome adventure with this STEM-tastic series. Join best friends Violet, Pablo, and their new classmate Deepak on thrilling scientific journeys and experiments. Watch them learn and test out cool scientific concepts while discovering the true value of friendship.
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6
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Mercy Watson Series
by Kate DiCamillo
My daughter and I love this hysterical series about a buttered-toast loving pig who lives with owners that treat her as something between a child and a pet.
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7
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Alvin Ho Series
by Lenore Look
Alvin Ho is scared of everything. He’s especially scared of school. Too bad he can’t tackle starting second grade as his superhero alter ego, Firecracker Man. Kids will love rooting for Alvin as he learns to conquer his many fears.
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8
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Miles Lewis Series
by Kelly Starling Lyons
STEM enthusiasts will enjoy the spinoff series illustrated by the award-winning author of Jada Jones. The relatable series traces Miles’s adventures as he experiments, navigates relationships with friends and family, while incorporating a touch of black history.
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9
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EllRay Jakes Series
by Sally Warner
EllRay, a third grader with a penchant for getting into trouble, deals with pressure from parents and peers alike in this comical and true-to-life series.
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10
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Julia on the Go! Series
by Angela Ahn
Julia wants to become the greatest swimmer ever! Follow along as she spends time at her beloved Mountainview Community Center, with the folks who make it wonderful, and tests her swimming limits to be the absolute best, all while navigating the challenges of growing up!
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11
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Stink Series
by Megan McDonald
First seen in the Judy Moody series, Stink finally gets his chance to shine in his own stories. His funny mishaps are accompanied by a series of comic strips, which make the stories that much more fun for young readers.
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12
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Absolutely Alfie Series
by Sally Warner
Get to know EllRay’s little sister Alfie in a series of her own! Filled with humor and warmth, Alfie deals with the many ups and downs of life as a second grade girl with a strong voice and independent spirit.
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13
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Woodward and McTwee
by Jonathan Fenske
Second graders will love the unlikely yet dynamic duo of Woodward and McTwee, a hippo and a bird who love to play pranks on each other. Perfect for fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie, this pair of stories is sure to entertain.
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14
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Gooney Bird Series
by Lois Lowry
Gooney Bird Greene is not like the other children in her class. Her clothing is flamboyant, she loves being the center of attention, and she tells the best stories, all of which are absolutely true.
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15
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Kuan Yin
by Maya van der Meer
In this beautiful ancient Chinese tale, we follow the journey of two sister princesses who learn the incredible strength and beauty of love and compassion.
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16
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José and El Perro
by Susan Rose and Silvia López
Join José as he teaches his intelligent dog some new Spanish words in this early reader, perfect for English-speaking children just beginning to learn Spanish.
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17
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Humphrey’s Tiny Tales Series
by Betty G. Birney
Humphrey spends his days as the class pet of Room 26 at Longfellow School. With a room full of friends, so much to learn, and a cage with a broken lock, Humphrey’s many adventures are perfect for fans of animal-centered stories.
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