Captivate your 2nd Graders with this enticing reading list. Our exciting collection will help you to encourage your young readers to discover the magic of storytelling, meet interesting characters, and travel to far-off places. These books promise to turn their summer into an exciting journey of discovery, imagination, and appreciation. Explore our collection to find something to suit every one of your learners’ unique tastes!
1. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
You kiddos will delight in the simple and enduring friendship between Frog and Toad as they embark on a myriad of adventures together; each tale warming the heart and teaching a valuable life lesson about friendship and camaraderie.
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2. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Encourage your youngsters to follow the footprints of a young city dweller on a snow day. This book vividly explores the day’s simplicity- capturing the raw enchantment that a child experiences when a blanket of white coats their urban playground.
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3. The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau
Get your kids ready to laugh and learn with Louie and Ralphie Ratso- two rat brothers. Though they try to be tough, their kind-hearted ways always guide them to do good deeds. It’s the perfect read for teaching young kiddos about kindness and intention!
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4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Take your learners on a magical, mouth-watering adventure with young Charlie Bucket. His luck changes when he wins a tour to the world’s most magnificent chocolate factory. This timeless classic is packed with wonder, lessons, and a few golden tickets to the imagination. A great story to read as a family.
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5. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
If you’re wanting to encourage imaginative thinking, this beautifully told story will delight your eager readers. They’ll need to strap in for an adventure as they navigate the untamed landscapes of Max’s imagination. This story emphasizes the importance of understanding and dealing with emotions. It’s a journey both wild and poignant that resonates deeply with young and old alike.
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6. Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park
Invite your kids to say hello to Junie B. Jones- a feisty, funny, and utterly relatable first-grader. Whether losing her top-front tooth or playing the hilarious game of Meanie Jim, Junie’s adventures will keep your readers hooked and giggling.
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7. Nate the Great series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
For your mystery lovers, why not suggest they meet young detective Nate who is on the case? With his dog Sludge, he uncovers mysteries that stump the grown-ups around him. It’s a thrilling series that encourages problem-solving and perseverance, perfect for any budding Sherlock Holmes.
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8. Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
Introduce Amelia Bedelia to your kids- a character that takes everything literally! Whether she’s “dressing” a chicken or “drawing” the drapes, Amelia’s mix-ups lead to riotous results. It’s an excellent choice for kids learning language nuances or anyone up for a good chuckle.
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9. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Let your 2nd graders venture into the land of Truffula Trees with Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. A Seussian journey of environmental responsibility, it’s a fun, rhythmic tale that gently encourages young readers to respect and care for the world around them.
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10. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Guide your kiddos to soar with Stellalun; a little bat who finds herself in a bird’s world. This tender tale explores themes of identity, acceptance, and friendship and presents a great reminder that it’s okay to be different.
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11. Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant
Let your littles explore the unbreakable bond between a boy named Henry and his drooling canine companion, Mudge. This series contains joyful adventures, light-hearted humor, and lessons about love, friendship, and growing up.
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12. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Guide your learners through the deeply touching tale of a selfless tree and the boy she loves. The Giving Tree is a poignant exploration of generosity, love, and the passage of time and is sure to resonate with children and adults alike.
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13. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
This fanciful tale sprinkles humor and creativity; whipping up a storm of fun and making young readers ponder – what if their dinner fell from the sky? Welcome your little readers to Chewandswallow; a place where the weather brings meals instead of rain or snow!
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14. Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler
Invite your little adventurers to join Cam Jansen, a young detective with a photographic memory, as she solves mysteries that leave adults scratching their heads. As a whole, the series offers suspense, fun, and the joy of unraveling puzzles.
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15. Fancy Nancy series by Jane O’Connor
Get your young readers to embrace the extraordinary with Nancy; a character who believes that more is always better when it comes to being fancy. From exploring ballet to navigating the complexities of friendships, Nancy’s tales sparkle with both humor and heart.
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16. A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
Here’s a whimsically-illustrated narrative that presents a powerful reminder of staying true to oneself. Your kiddos will be thrilled to meet Camilla Cream- a girl who becomes stripey because she’s afraid to admit her love for lima beans!
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17. Ivy and Bean series by Annie Barrows
Encourage your kids to jump into the delightful world of Ivy and Bean – two friends who prove that opposites attract. Each book brings an entertaining and insightful new escapade, making this series a splendid pick for young readers!
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18. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Invite keen readers to walk in the shoes of Alexander; a boy who’s having one of those days where nothing seems to go right! This tale presents a relatable and comforting story to remind littles that ‘off’ days happen – and that’s perfectly okay.
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19. The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
Allow your little reader to travel through time with Jack and Annie as they go on historical adventures from their magical treehouse. Each book in this series blends fact with fiction and is sure to make learning about history a whirlwind of fun and excitement!
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20. Flat Stanley series by Jeff Brown
Introduce Stanley Lambchop to your kiddos to remind them that it’s our differences that make us special. Stanley’s an ordinary boy with an extraordinary body—he’s flat! His unique shape allows him to go on incredible adventures, like sliding under doors and traveling by mail.
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21. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
If you’d like to encourage your learners to think a little more deeply, this book is just the right pick! They will embark on an interstellar journey with a young prince as he travels from planet to planet- meeting intriguing inhabitants and pondering life’s most significant questions.
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22. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
A great way to hook young readers is through humor, and this book delivers that in spades. Your students will experience a barnyard rebellion in this hilarious story where the farm animals demand better living conditions by using a typewriter to do so! With hilarity and subtlety, it introduces young readers to negotiation and peaceful protest.
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23. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Get your youngsters all aboard for a magical Christmas adventure. The Polar Express is an enchanting tale of belief and the spirit of Christmas. A young boy takes a mysterious train ride to the North Pole and is met with hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa himself!
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24. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
This captivating story is a real gem to suggest to your children. The Rainbow Fish possesses the most beautiful shimmering scales, making him unique among his friends. Throughout his adventure, he learns the value of sharing and the joy that this can bring; teaching little readers all about kindness and generosity in an easy-to-understand way.
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25. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
This classic story is bound to thrill your kiddos! Introduce them to Pippi, the girl who lives with no rules and embarks on endless adventures. With her superhuman strength and irrepressible spirit, Pippi turns every day into a wild escapade and reminds readers of the power of imagination and independence.
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26. No, David! by David Shannon
Here’s a tale that’s sure to captivate all mischievous littles! Allow your children to follow the rascally and energetic David as he navigates his way through a house by breaking the rules and creating chaos.
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27. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
This classic treasure is worth encouraging your kiddos to read. Get them to journey with James and his peculiar new friends on a magical adventure aboard a giant peach. Dahl’s vivid imagination and quirky characters make this a first-class tale of friendship and bravery.
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28. Pete the Cat series by James Dean
Motivate your 2nd-grade readers to take a stroll alongside Pete, the coolest cat, with his white shoes and groovy attitude. Through his catchy songs and positive outlook, Pete is just the character to teach kids about resilience, optimism, and the art of “going with the flow”.
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29. The Miniature World of Marvin & James by Elise Broach
With a little encouragement, your kiddos will be hooked on this adventurous tale about Marvin, a beetle, and his best friend, James. This story reveals the power of friendship and the world’s hidden wonders when seen from a different perspective.
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30. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
This is a timeless narrative about a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real through its owner’s love. The tale beautifully explores love, loss, and the transformative power of belief, and is sure to be a smash hit in terms of getting your kiddos acquainted with different morals. Encourage your children to explore the morals this story has to offer.
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31. Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
This book introduces your kiddos to a peddler and his funny problem: his caps are missing, and monkeys are involved! It’s a tale of problem-solving and monkey business that will leave your children laughing as they learn.
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32. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
The Paper Bag Princess is an inspirational tale about a Princess who saves herself and her prince. Defying traditional stereotypes, it’s a story of bravery, intelligence, and the understanding that there’s more to people than their outward appearance.
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33. Upside-Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins
Let your children explore a different type of school this summer. By reading the Upside-Down Magic tale, they can join a group of students with unconventional magical abilities at Dunwiddle Magic School. The story is filled with humor and heart and will remind your kiddos that their unique quirks make them special.
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34. Yasmin the Explorer by Saadia Faruqi
Reading about another Joint second-grader is sure to capture your children’s interest. Yasmin as she turns her everyday life into exciting adventures in a delightful read that highlights the power of imagination and determination. Better than that, this explorer-inspired book is an awesome pick if you’re keen on fostering greater cultural understanding and appreciation.
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35. The Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Your little readers will love meeting the Berenstain Bear family who live in a delightful treehouse. Through their everyday experiences, the bears learn valuable life lessons, making it a must-read for young children who are navigating the world in new ways each day!
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36. Pinkalicious series by Victoria Kann
If you’d like to impart some morals along with a big dollop of fun, this book is just what we’d recommend. Your little readers will meet Pinkalicious, a character who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes, in a collection that combines humor and fantasy. The series is perfect for teaching your kiddos about moderation and the consequences of overindulgence.
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37. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Here’s another heart-warming story for your learners to enjoy over the summer break. Wonder is a powerful story about kindness, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself. As they read, your littles will be introduced to a boy named Auggie, and come to understand more about the journey that someone with facial differences may experience.
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38. Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina
Juana & Lucas is the perfect adventure story to entice reluctant readers. As they page, your students will travel to Bogota, Colombia, with Juana and her furry friend, Lucas. Their day-to-day adventures are sure to provide your littles with insight into a different culture; helping them learn empathy and to appreciate diversity.
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39. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
These novels are fantastic for getting youngsters hooked on reading longer books. Invite your learners to meet Greg Heffley and join him as he navigates the perils of middle school life. With his unique perspective and humorous doodles, this series is an amusing and relatable read for anyone who’s ever been to school.
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40. Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole
By merging facts with fiction, the series makes learning science both fun and accessible. These books are perfect for the enquiring mind of a 2nd grader. Get your learners to hop aboard the Magic School Bus to enjoy exciting, science-filled escapades with Ms. Frizzle and her class.
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41. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
This joyful novel is one your children will be thankful you’ve steered them towards. They can explore the unusual 30-story high Wayside School, where every classroom holds a different surprise. The absurd humor and inventive ideas make this book a delightful summer read and present a reminder to expect the unexpected.
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42. Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald
This series is great for getting your kiddos to consider their emotions and learn more about self-control. Introduce your students to Judy Moody; a third-grader with mood swings and a big personality! Her daily adventures will not only teach your kiddos about navigating life’s highs and lows, but also get them to consider the importance of friendship.
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43. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
This one’s for the pet lovers in your class! Stir the emotions by introducing your students to the tale of a girl named Opal and her dog, Winn-Dixie. This novel presents a poignant exploration of loneliness, friendship, and the bond between a child and her pet.
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44. Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliot
If your learners are looking for an easy summer read, this is it! Your new readers can follow the everyday adventures of an owl named Eva whilst getting to grips with the basics of chapter books.
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45. A Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket
This series takes children on a suspense-filled journey; teaching them about resilience in the face of adversity. Encourage them to join the Baudelaire orphans as they uncover their family’s secrets while evading the nefarious Count Olaf.
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46. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Every child should be encouraged to read this classic about an unlikely friendship between a radiant pig named Wilbur and a selfless spider named Charlotte. It’s a sweet story that explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.
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47. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
If you want to offer your more advanced readers something different, this is just the book! They’ll enter the magical kingdom of Terabithia with Jess and Leslie and cover themes of friendship, loss, and the power of imagination.
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48. Matilda by Roald Dahl
This novel is packed with good humor and delightful characters. Your stronger readers will love meeting Matilda – a brilliant girl with neglectful parents and a terrifying headmistress. Her story, filled with magic, mischief, and heaps of reading, is perfect for teaching your learners about bravery and the transformative power of education.
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49. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Encourage your kiddos to spend a day with Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. Their stories about friendship, adventure, and the simple joys of life remain timeless classics for children of all ages!
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50. The Great Pet Escape by Victoria Jamieson
Let your 2nd graders experience a classroom from a pet’s perspective in this humorous graphic novel. With delightful illustrations and witty dialogue, it’s a tale of friendship and adventure that will capture your learners’ imaginations.
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51. Chicken in School by Adam Lehrhaupt
Here’s an easy-to-read story that emphasizes the importance of creativity and imagination in learning. Your students will enjoy following Zoey the chicken, as she leads her farm friends on a school day adventure. It’s an amusing story emphasizing the importance of creativity and imagination in learning.
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52. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
When you need to suggest an alternative to novels, this whimsical collection of poetry is a winner! Where the Sidewalk Ends is sure to stretch the boundaries of your students’ imaginations and introduce them to the joy of verse.
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53. Critter Club by Callie Barkley
Share this story with any learners who are keen on adopting a pet. They’ll meet four friends with a shared love for animals; discovering more about empathy, friendship, and the joys of caring for pets as they read.
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