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Best Books for 2nd Graders

Explore books that 2nd graders will love! This list features age-appropriate and highly recommended reads, ranked based on their prominence in educational and book-loving circles.

Recommendations from 16 articles, Gretchen Rubin, Amy Cuddy, Shannon Miller and 5 others.
45 books on the list
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Charlotte's Web book cover
Charlotte's Web
E. B White - 2001-10-01 (first published in 1952)
Goodreads Rating
A heartwarming tale of friendship, love, life, and death, this classic children's book is beloved by generations. Written by E.B. White, the author of Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, the story follows the unlikely friendship between a little pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte. With newly colorized illustrations by acclaimed artist Rosemary Wells, this paperback edition is guaranteed to capture the hearts of readers young and old.
Gooney Bird Greene book cover
Gooney Bird Greene
Lois Lowry - 2004-03-09 (first published in 2002)
Goodreads Rating
"Gooney Bird Greene" follows the arrival of a unique and intriguing character at Watertower Elementary School, whose style and lunches captivate her fellow second-graders. They eagerly request story time, and Gooney Bird happily obliges, sharing a multitude of "absolutely true" stories. Acclaimed author Lois Lowry introduces young readers to the art of storytelling through Gooney Bird and her tales, inspiring the storyteller in us all.
Dragons and Marshmallows book cover
Dragons and Marshmallows
Asia Citro - 2017-03-14
Goodreads Rating
This enchanting book series, Zoey and Sassafras, combines magic, science, mystery, and adventure for readers of all ages. Follow Zoey and her best friend Sassafras as they discover a secret that brings injured magical animals to their backyard barn for help. In the first book, Zoey and Sassafras must use their skills to figure out what's ailing a sick baby dragon named Marshmallow. Will they be able to save the day? Find out in Dragons and Marshmallows.
Ivy and Bean's Treasure Box book cover
Ivy and Bean's Treasure Box
(Beginning Chapter Books, Funny Books for Kids, Kids Book Series) (Ivy + Bean)
Annie Barrows
Goodreads Rating
This charming box set includes the first three books in the bestselling Ivy & Bean series about two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean. Bean is wild and loud, while Ivy is quiet and spends her time learning to be a witch. Despite their differences, they become the best of friends, engaging in hilarious adventures that will keep kids laughing and reading. Perfect for grades 1-4, this series is a classroom favorite and has been delighting young readers for over a decade.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus book cover
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Barbara Park - 1992-01-01
Goodreads Rating
This beloved children's series has been entertaining and educating young readers for over 25 years. Meet Junie B. Jones, the world's funniest kindergartner, as she faces the fears and challenges of her first day at school. With over 65 million copies sold, this hilarious and heartwarming story is perfect for beginning readers and makes reading fun. Junie's spunky personality and hilarious take on the world will have kids laughing and learning at the same time. Don't miss out on this first-rate read-aloud.
Magic Tree House book cover
Magic Tree House
Dinosaurs Before Dark, The Knight at Dawn, Mummies in the Morning, and Pirates Past Noon
Mary Pope Osborne - 2001-05-29 (first published in 1996)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the world of time travel and adventure with the Magic Tree House series! Join siblings Jack and Annie as they discover a mysterious tree house filled with books, taking them on journeys to different times and places. From hatching baby dinosaurs to finding pirate treasure, these beloved stories are perfect for young readers. Don't miss the first four titles, Dinosaurs Before Dark, The Knight at Dawn, Mummies in the Morning, and Pirates Past Noon.
Recommended by
Melinda Wenner Moyer
Nate the Great book cover
Nate the Great
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat - 1977-04-15 (first published in 1972)
Goodreads Rating
In this charming children's book, follow detective Nate the Great as he takes on a new case to help his friend Annie find a lost picture. With his sharp investigative skills, Nate must gather all the facts, ask the right questions, and eliminate suspects to crack the case. Join Nate on this fun and exciting mystery-solving adventure!
Frog and Toad are Friends book cover
Frog and Toad are Friends
Arnold Lobel - 2003-02-18 (first published in 1970)
Goodreads Rating
Experience the heartwarming adventures of Frog and Toad, two best friends who stand by each other through thick and thin. This Caldecott Honor Book features five charming stories, from writing letters to finding lost buttons. Perfect for kids who read on their own but still need a little help, this Level Two I Can Read book is sure to inspire the power of friendship in readers of all ages. Don't miss out on these classic tales, from award-winning author Arnold Lobel.
The Best Seat in Second Grade book cover
The Best Seat in Second Grade
Katharine Kenah - 2011-06-28 (first published in 2005)
Goodreads Rating
This children's book is all about Sam, who has the best seat in second grade next to the class pet, George Washington. During a field trip to the science museum, disaster strikes when George jumps from Sam's pocket into the Hamster Habitat. With expressive watercolor illustrations, this Level Two I Can Read book is great for children who need a little help reading on their own.
Flat Stanley book cover
Flat Stanley
His Original Adventure!
Jeff Brown - 2013-12-23 (first published in 1964)
Goodreads Rating
Join Stanley Lambchop on an incredible adventure after an accident leaves him only half an inch thick! Stanley is rolled up, mailed, and flown like a kite, even catching art thieves along the way. This classic tale has been updated with fresh new art and supports Common Core State Standards. Discover the first adventure of the famous Flat Stanley!
Alvin Ho by Lenore Look
Hello, Nebulon! by Ray O'Ryan
Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West
Rise of the Balloon Goons by Troy Cummings
Junie B. Jones's First Boxed Set Ever! by Barbara Park
Stink by Megan McDonald
Freddie Ramos Takes Off by Jacqueline Jules
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Mercy Watson Boxed Set by Kate Dicamillo
Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday by Barbara Park
Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song
Too Small Tola by Atinuke
The Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones by David Adler, Barbara Caruso, Recorded Books
The Rat by Elise Gravel
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
The Ramona Collection by Beverly Cleary
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Julian, Secret Agent by Ann Cameron, Diane Worfolk Allison
Horrible Harry in Room 2B by Suzy Kline
The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths
All About Plants! (Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Theanne Griffith, David Roberts
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler
Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
Keena Ford and the Second Grade Mix Up by Melissa Thomson
Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book 4-Book Box Set by Herman Parish
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
Second Grade, Here I Come! by D. J. Steinberg, Laura Wood
Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper
American Revolution by Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce
Norman by Kelly Bennett, Noah Z. Jones
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate Dicamillo