With technology running rampant, it’s difficult to help young kids develop a love for reading. Unlike technology, reading is a slow and sometimes difficult process that does not have the same instant gratification as switching on a video game or tuning into social media. Fortunately, if you nurture the love for reading at a young age, kids will have a much better time learning and loving a good, old-fashioned book later in life. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 73 must-have books for your 7-year-olds to cherish. Take a look at our favorites and let the words and pictures work their magic in your classroom!
1. How to Catch an Elf, by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton
The holidays are right around the corner. Whether you use it as a read-aloud before bed or stuff it under the tree, any 7-year-old will love reading how crafty children worldwide have attempted (and failed) at catching this slick little elf.
2. My Weird School Series, by Dan Gutman
These short, but digestible chapter books are the perfect option for kids that love to be silly! Start with one or gift your kids with the whole series – either way they will soon become their favorite books!
3. The Night Before Halloween, by Natasha Wing
Add this adorable read to your collection of holiday reads for 7-year-olds. The Night Before Halloween offers gentle humor and includes high-interest content with ghosts and goblins as the main characters. Independent readers will love the rhythmic text and colorful illustrations.
4. Grumpy Monkey Oh No Christmas, by Suzanne Lang
In this story, poor Jim can’t shake the feeling that Christmas isn’t all that great until he starts focusing on the good that surrounds him. This story presents real experiences children often face when dealing with problems beyond their control and gives them a way to refocus.
5. The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure, by Doreen Cronin
Put The Chicken Squad on your child’s shelf and watch how this quickly becomes a beloved chapter book series. These chickens continuously go on epic adventures that have them solving mysteries and fighting crime. The series is perfect for independent readers.
6. My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish, by Mo O’Hara
When Tom zaps his goldfish back to life, he gets more than he bargained for and loves every minute of it. This series of high-interest content books give kids a little gentle humor to get them reading and not wanting to put the books down.
7. Keena Ford and the Second Grade Mix-Up, by Melissa Thomson
Characters in books can allow students to see a reflection of themselves, and Keena Ford is no different. Like many other kids, she makes a mistake that she wonders if she can fix, and be forgiven for on the first day of school. Will she be forgiven?
8. Ferocious Fluffity: A Mighty-Bitey Class Pet, by Erica S. Perl
1st-grade and 2nd-grade students will love this hysterical book as they hear how this adorable hamster becomes a nightmare class pet! Will they be able to get Fluffity back into his cage before he bites everything in his path?
9. Marshall Mellow, by J.J. Landis
Stories about friendship always capture young readers. Marshall is a marshmallow who somehow ends up falling off of his grocery store shelf. Discover how Marshall ends up making his way home through gentle humor and with the support of a host of friends.
10. Narwhal and Jelly Series, by Ben Clanton
Narwhal and Jelly star in this graphic series that will be a perfect addition to add high-interest content in your child’s library. The only thing these two silly critters have in common is a love for waffles and adventure.
11. Diary of a Pug Series, by Kyla May
Lower elementary-aged readers will enjoy this adorable series, all written from the perspective of a pug. Pug is great for independent reading and gets even the most reluctant readers interested in the idea of chapter books.
12. Cats Don’t Like That, by Andy Wortlock
If you are a cat owner, you know cats are finicky creatures. This hysterical book will have kids and adults rolling with laughter as it bluntly and poetically tells what cats don’t like.
13. Durkee the Burpy Turkey, Independently Published
Kids love a little bit of potty humor, and Durkee gives them just that. This is a festive tale just in time for Thanksgiving that will appeal to the younger elementary grades.
14. Turkey’s Escape Plan, by Julia Zheng
When it comes to stories about friendship, this is an adorable Thanksgiving read for elementary grades. Turkey’s escape plan outlines just how this sweet little gobbler is going to get out of becoming Thanksgiving dinner.
15. Pizza and Taco Series, by Stephen Shaskan
High-interest content like this hilarious series really helps kids develop a love of reading because they are able to focus on the magical experience of food that is alive and forget that they’re actually reading!
16. My Favorite Spooky Stories Box Set, by Various Authors
The I Can Read series presents a set of 5 Spooky, yet silly, stories for kids to practice their comprehension skills. There is always that group of kids who love a little something that makes them feel a little spooked.
17. The Funniest Jokes for 7-Year-Olds, by Macmillan Children’s Books
Every kid loves a good joke! Help get their funny bone tingling with this book chocked full of jokes to tell their friends. Help them take a break from chapter books with this short read that they can read in full or in part.
18. 7-Minute Stories for 7-Year-Olds, by Meridith Costain
7-year olds attention spans aren’t typically long. If you’re interested in getting them to sit still for a story, this compilation of stories is the perfect starting point. Kids will love this adorable collection!
19. The Sour Grape, by Jory John
Teach social skills with the help of this adorable grape- The Sour Grape. He learns about holding grudges and how they aren’t a positive thing. Kids will love the adorable illustrations and the lesson in this sweet story.
20. My Butt is SO CHRISTMASSY, by Dawn McMillan
Elementary-aged readers will find this book hilarious. They can read to find out how the little boy’s butt becomes so “Christmassy.” Every kid loves good potty humor and this tale is the perfect addition.
21. Stop That Pickle, by Peter Armour
An escaped pickle shows how characters in books can literally be anything. Race through the city with this pickle on the run to see exactly how this story ends.
22. The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
This classic story is one that every 7-year-old loves! With the opportunity for giggles, kids will enjoy following along with Duncan as he attempts to get his crayons back on track so he can color and be happy again!
23. The Mushroom Fan Club, by Elise Gravel
Cultivate a reader and a foodie in your 7-year-olds with this adorable book outlining the adventures of mushroom hunting. The author utilizes her own family experiences in mushroom hunting and shares it with young readers in this sweet tale.
24. The Big Umbrella, by Amy June Bates
The Big Umbrella helps teach kids about inclusion. With beautiful illustrations and plenty of opportunities for discussion, students will be absolutely enthralled by this story.
25. The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires
In this tale, a little girl learns patience, creativity, and perseverance as she learns that creating doesn’t necessarily happen immediately and will definitely take some hard work.
26. Aliens Love Underpants, by Claire Freedman
Galactic fun awaits your young readers as they dive into a world where mischievous aliens are on a quest for underpants! With lively illustrations and a rhyming text, it offers a lighthearted take on why underpants mysteriously go missing.
27. The Snail and the Whale, by Julia Donaldson
Take your students on a journey across oceans with a tiny snail hitching a ride on the tail of a great humpback whale. This tale of friendship, adventure, and the wonders of the world, delivers a message about finding one’s place no matter how small you might feel.
28. Ada Twist, Scientist, by Andrea Beaty
Ada, a curious girl, embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to answer her many questions. It’s a great introduction to the scientific method and provides encouragement for your students to be inquisitive.
29. The Bear Books Series, by Karma Wilson
Get your kiddos excited to follow Bear and his furry friends through their adventures in the forest. With rhythmic texts and adorable illustrations, this series is perfect for your kids t who enjoy tales of friendship and nature.
30. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School, by Mo Willems
As a pigeon protests against going to school, your readers will certainly relate to his anxieties and apprehensions about the unknown. This tale addresses the worries of starting school in a humorous way; helping your uneasy kids feel that much more comfortable.
31. The King Who Banned the Dark, by Emily Haworth-Booth
A young prince becomes king and bans the dark, but soon realizes that it might not be the best idea. This engaging story will offer your readers a fresh perspective on fear and the importance of balance in life.
32. Unicorn and Horse, by David W. Miles
While Unicorn seems to get all the attention with his shimmering tail and sparkling horn, Horse has feelings too. This story touches on jealousy, understanding, and the importance of valuing oneself; a must-read for your 7th-grade class!
33. The Invisible Leash, by Patrice Karst
Tackling the tough topic of loss, this story will guide your young readers through the notion that those we love are always connected to us; no matter how far apart they may be.
34. The Remember Balloons, by Jessie Oliveros
Using balloons as a metaphor for memories, this poignant tale touches on themes of aging, memory loss, and the deep bond between grandchildren and their grandparents. This book is sure to spark a chord in your 7-year-olds.
35. Ruby Finds a Worry, by Tom Percival
Ruby’s worry starts small, but it grows bigger with time. This heartfelt story will help your children understand and express their feelings- showing that sharing their worries can help them diminish over time.
36. The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do, by Ashley Spires
Here’s an excellent read about bravery and determination that your 7-year-olds will relate to! Facing challenges can be daunting, but Lou learns that it’s okay to be afraid; some things are worth the effort.
37. Don’t Worry, Little Crab, by Chris Haughton
Venturing out from a tiny rock pool to the vast ocean seems overwhelming for Little Crab. This story of courage and exploration will certainly reassure your readers that it’s okay to try new things!
38. Bikes for Sale, by Carter Higgins
Two bike-loving friends experience a twist of fate when their beloved bicycles aren’t a part of their day-to-day life. A tale of serendipity and new beginnings, this tale will illustrate how change can lead to delightful new adventures.
39. Eraser, by Anna Kang
Eraser feels overlooked compared to Pencil and the other school supplies. This story of self-worth portrays how everyone has a unique role to play and that every contribution matters- a must-read for any early elementary student!
40. Breathe Like a Bear, by Kira Willey
Here’s a beautiful collection of mindfulness exercises that will teach your children to calm themselves, focus, and better handle their emotions. With simple, engaging activities- they’ll learn valuable skills to navigate their feelings.
41. The Case of the Missing Chalk Drawings, by Richard Byrne
When chalk drawings disappear from the schoolyard, a group of school supplies turn into detectives to solve the mystery. Your budding sleuths will surely love this fun and suspenseful read!
42. Franklin’s Flying Bookshop, by Jen Campbell
Franklin loves reading and dreams of sharing stories with others. Together with his friend Luna, they create a flying bookshop. It’s a magical tale about the joy of stories and friendship that will certainly entice your little readers.
43. The Good Egg, by Jory John
Being good all the time can be exhausting! This story follows the journey of a well-meaning egg who will teach your kids that self-care will help them find balance in life.
44. The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson
Every child feels like an outsider at times, and this book will reassure them that they’re not alone in feeling different. This beautifully illustrated book is a great classroom read to celebrate the uniqueness of all of your students.
45. Niblet & Ralph, by Zachariah OHora
Two pet cats, Niblet and Ralph, switch places- leading to confusion and comedy. This tale of mistaken identity and friendship is a purr-fect read for your young ones!
46. Duck! Rabbit!, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Is it a duck or a rabbit? This cleverly illustrated book will spark the imagination of your 7-year-olds and encourage them to look at things from different perspectives.
47. The Rabbit Listened, by Cori Doerrfeld
When something goes wrong, Taylor is surrounded by animals offering advice, but sometimes, just listening is the best way to help. We love this touching tale on empathy and kindness and we know that your students will too!
48. Ocean Meets Sky, by Terry Fan and Eric Fan
A young boy sets sail on an imaginative journey to find the place where the ocean meets the sky- honoring his grandfather’s stories. It’s a beautifully -illustrated, fantastical tale that will definitely captivate your kiddo’s imagination!
49. Wolfie the Bunny, by Ame Dyckman
The Bunny family finds a wolf cub on their doorstep and decides to raise him. This hilarious story of sibling rivalry and love will have your kids giggling and nodding in agreement.
50. Bob, Not Bob!, by Liz Garton Scanlon
When a young boy gets a cold, his calls for “Mom” sound like “Bob”. This comically-relatable story touches on the comfort of a mother’s love and is a great pick for when one of your kids isn’t feeling well.
51. Windows, by Julia Denos
This tale highlights the beauty in everyday moments and the interconnectedness of community. Take your readers on a walk through a diverse neighborhood during the evening; inviting them to observe the lives of its residents through their windows.
52. Yoga Frog, by Nora Carpenter
Your class can join a frog as he practices yoga to start his day. This delightful introduction to yoga poses is a great way to offer your students a fun way to stretch, relax, and start their day positively.
53. Stuck, by Oliver Jeffers
When Floyd’s kite gets stuck in a tree, he throws everything he can think of to get it down; leading to an increasingly absurd pile-up. Your kids will undoubtedly learn from this hilarious story about problem-solving and unexpected outcomes.
54. I Am Yoga, by Susan Verde
Your class can experience the world of yoga with a young girl who uses its practices to connect with herself and her surroundings. A calming, empowering read that’s perfect for introducing them to mindfulness and self-reflection.
55. Sophie’s Squash, by Pat Zietlow Miller
Sophie forms a unique friendship with a squash that she names Bernice. As Bernice starts to change, Sophie learns about love, letting go, and the natural cycle of life; an important theme to introduce your 7-year-olds to.
56. The Very Last Castle, by Travis Jonker
This tale of bravery, friendship, and breaking barriers is an important read for your little ones. A curious girl named Ibb explores a mysterious castle in her town; discovering that things aren’t always what they seem.
57. What Do You Do With an Idea?, by Kobi Yamada
A child comes up with a brilliant idea, but faces doubt and fear. This motivational story will encourage your kids to believe in themselves and to be brave in the face of challenges.
58. Bunny’s Book Club, by Annie Silvestro
For your book lovers- here’s a story about Bunny who loves books and sneaks into the library to borrow them. Soon, other animals join in. Best described as a delightful story celebrating the joy of reading and the magic of libraries, we bet that your littles will love this pick.
59. Rosie Revere, Engineer, by Andrea Beaty
Rosie wants to be an engineer and design great inventions, but just like some of your students, she fears failure. This inspiring story will inspire your children to persevere and believe in themselves!
60. The Word Collector, by Peter H. Reynolds
Jerome loves collecting words — words that sound melodic, words that are intricate, words that convey powerful emotions. Through this heartfelt story, your readers will learn the magic of language and the power that words hold.
61. The Koala Who Could, by Rachel Bright
Here’s a story that’ll encourage your 7-year-olds to embrace new experiences! Kevin the koala loves his predictable tree-life; that is until a landslide forces him to face a major change. Talk about a perfect book for preparing them to face the unexpected.
62. The Empty Pot, by Demi
In this cultural story where a young boy fails to grow a flower from the seeds given by the Emperor, he learns a valuable lesson about honesty and integrity. We believe your readers will love this beautiful tale that emphasizes character over achievement.
63. Journey, by Aaron Becker
We chose this unique story because it’s a wordless picture book in which a lonely girl uses a red marker to draw a door leading to a world brimming with adventure. Stunning illustrations will inspire the imagination of your young readers’ minds and prompt the joys of solitary play.
64. Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Peña
Young CJ and his grandmother take a bus ride across town and, along the way, he learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. This award-winning book emphasizes gratitude and will teach your 7-year-olds the magic of different points of view.
65. I Walk with Vanessa, by Kerascoët
This wordless tale portrays the power of kindness as a girl stands up for a classmate being bullied. I Walk With Vanessa is a great book to pull out when your class needs a poignant reminder of the impact one act of compassion can have.
66. The Wonderful Things You Will Be, by Emily Winfield Martin
We want our students to be big believers in themselves. With heartfelt prose and enchanting illustrations, this book celebrates the potential and dreams that parents often see in their children- emphasizing love, acceptance, and the promise of the future from start to finish.
67. Du Iz Tak?, by Carson Ellis
We chose this tale to encourage your kids to decipher context clues. Intriguing bugs speak in a playful, invented language as they observe a plant’s growth in this creative tale that celebrates the joy of nature’s wonders.
68. The Name Jar, by Yangsook Choi
Here’s a heartwarming story about acceptance and self-confidence. When Unhei moves from Korea to the U.S., she considers adopting an English name, but with her classmates’ help, she discovers the beauty in embracing her cultural identity.
69. Stick and Stone, by Beth Ferry
Stick and Stone, though different- quickly become friends in this sweet read. Kindness and standing up for one another are the themes that you’ll explore with your students in this uplifting tale!
70. The Magic of Letters, by Tony Johnston
We love that this book celebrates the wondrous world of letters, words, and stories. This lyrical narrative will inspire your young readers to cherish the alphabet’s power and recognize the doors that it can open with regard to their imaginations.
71. The Digger and the Flower, by Joseph Kuefler
This book aims to teach your kids to honor the natural world. In a city of machines, Digger discovers a lone flower. As he nurtures it, he learns about nature’s resilience and the importance of tenderness in a mechanical world
72. We Found a Hat, by Jon Klassen
In this tale of temptation and morality- two turtles find a single hat and, though they both want it, their friendship comes first. With this read, you’ll be able to teach your kids how important the bonds are that tie us together.
73. Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett
In this whimsical tale that involves a seemingly endless box of yarn- Annabelle knits colorful creations for her town. With it in your reserve, you’ll be able to teach your kids about important themes like generosity, creativity, and the mystery of the unexpected.
45 Of The Best Bucket Filler Activities