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The ReadDown

17 Superb Chapter Books for Second Graders

by Janssen Bradshaw

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.

  1. 1
    Dory Fantasmagory Book Cover Picture
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    Dory 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.
    Dory Fantasmagory Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $7.99

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  2. 2
    Rock Star #1 Book Cover Picture
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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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    Paperback
    $6.99

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  3. 3
    Dinosaurs Before Dark Book Cover Picture
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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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    Paperback
    $5.99

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  4. 4
    Junie B. Jones #1: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus Book Cover Picture
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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.
    Junie B. Jones #1: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $4.99

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  5. 5
    The Magnificent Makers #1: How to Test a Friendship Book Cover Picture
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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.
    The Magnificent Makers #1: How to Test a Friendship Book Cover Picture
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    $6.99

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  6. 6
    Mercy Watson to the Rescue Book Cover Picture
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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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    Paperback
    $6.99

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  7. 7
    Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things Book Cover Picture
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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.
    Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things Book Cover Picture
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    $7.99

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  8. 8
    King of the Ice #1 Book Cover Picture
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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.
    King of the Ice #1 Book Cover Picture
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    $6.99

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  9. 9
    EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken Book Cover Picture
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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.
    EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken Book Cover Picture
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    $7.99

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  10. 10
    Swimming into Trouble Book Cover Picture
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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!
    Swimming into Trouble Book Cover Picture
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    Hardcover
    $12.99

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  11. 11
    Stink Book Cover Picture
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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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    Paperback
    $5.99

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  12. 12
    Absolutely Alfie and the Furry, Purry Secret Book Cover Picture
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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.
    Absolutely Alfie and the Furry, Purry Secret Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $6.99

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  13. 13
    Woodward and McTwee Book Cover Picture
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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.
    Woodward and McTwee Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $5.99

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  14. 14
    Gooney Bird and the Room Mother Book Cover Picture
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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.
    Gooney Bird and the Room Mother Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $5.99

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  15. 15
    Kuan Yin Book Cover Picture
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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.
    Kuan Yin Book Cover Picture
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    Hardcover
    $17.95

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  16. 16
    José and El Perro Book Cover Picture
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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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    Hardcover
    $9.99

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  17. 17
    Humphrey's Really Wheely Racing Day Book Cover Picture
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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.
    Humphrey's Really Wheely Racing Day Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $6.99

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