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SECOND grade books
In second grade the shift from learning to read to reading for meaning often begins! The books found here will be enjoyed by ages 7-8 transitioning to chapter books.
Nonfiction is a great option for reluctant readers or those who need a subject of high interest to reel them in. The picture books below can be shared as classroom read-alouds or enjoyed independently.
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chapter books for SECOND graders
Humphrey's Really Wheely Racing Day by Betty G. Birney
Mandy brings a hamster wheel car to school and Room 26's hamster, Humphrey, has got to try it!
The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin
These ragtag barnyard detectives won’t be swayed from solving crimes, even if aliens are involved.
Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo
Lace up your roller skates for the fun filled adventures of two adorable friends.
Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo
Mercy loves convertible rides, but will she get the chance to drive?
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Elmer Elevator attempts to rescue a baby dragon on Wild Island.
The Big Fat Cow That Goes Kapow by Andy Griffiths
Ten short stories filled with rhyming fun and a big fat cow that goes 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…KAPOW!
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale
Princess Magnolia has a secret, she’s the monster fighting Princess in Black!
Dory Fantasmagory by Abbly Hanlon
Join Dory and her imaginary friend Mary on their many adventures, but beware the evil Mrs. Gobble Grackle.
Bunnicula by Deborah Howe
The Monroe’s have a new pet, but their current dog and cat aren’t sure if it’s a rabbit…or vampire!
Captain Awesome to the Rescue by Stan Kirby
Bad guys beware, Eugene McGillicudy is the most awesome superhero ever.
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
From finding lost buttons to going swimming, Frog and Toad are always there for each other.
Katie Woo Tries Something New by Fran Manushkin
From Super Scouts to making new friends, Katie Woo is always willing to try something new.
Judy Moody Was in a Mood by Megan McDonald
Judy is not looking forward to third grade and everyone knows it.
Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day by Kate McMullan
Wagner is tired of being fooled by pranks and decides to have the last laugh.
Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth by Jane O'Connor
When crime strikes in the classroom, will Nancy have what it takes to crack the case?
EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken! by Sally Warner
When EllRay tries to defend himself from the class bully HE gets in trouble!
Gone Fishing by Tamara Will Wissinger
Sam loves fishing with his dad, but when his little sister horns in on their fishing trip, he's not happy about it.
1st Grade Nonfiction
nonfiction for second graders
Tuesday Tucks Me In by Luis Carlos Montalvan (362.4)
Learn about a day in the life of Tuesday, the service dog, and his army veteran owner.
The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery (597.92)
Did you know there are turtles with glow in the dark shells? Learn surprising facts about turtles and everyday ways you can help conserve these amazing creatures.
Hippos Are Huge! by Jonathan London (599.635)
Move over lions and crocodiles, the deadliest animal in Africa is...the hippopotamus!
Moto and Me: My Year as a Wildcat's Foster Mom by Suzi Eszterhas (599.75)
After being separated from his mother during a Kenyan savanna fire, a two-week-old several cat named Moto is cared for by a wildlife photographer and taught skills necessary to survive on his own.
The House That Jane Built by Tanya Lee Stone (921)
A story about Jane Addams, the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
picture books for SECOND graders
1st Grade Picture Books
Journey by Aaron Becker
What would you draw if everything you drew became real?
Snip Snap! What's That? by Mara Bergman
Will the children overcome their fear to stop the advancing alligator?
Big by Vashti Harrison
A young girl labelled "too big" learns to dream and accept herself.
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers
Dictionary must put things back in order when words run amok!
The Fun Book of Scary Stuff by Emily Jenkins
From monsters to sharks, facing your fears may be easier than you think.
I Want to Eat Your Books by Karen Lefranc
There’s a zombie at the desk next to yours, but no worries, he’d rather eat books than brains.
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner
There's more to it than meets the eye.
I Don't Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty
Frog doesn't want to be a frog until he meets a wolf and decides it's not bad.
Chee-Kee: A Panda in Bearland by Sujean Rim
Chee-Kee Loo feels out of place when he moves to Bearland with his family. Adorable conversation starter about fitting in and the immigrant experience.
Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka
How do you make a cutesy book about a bunny awesome? Add rockets and bombs, of course!
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