These chapter books for second graders are perfect for kids beginning to read chapter books on their own. Many second graders are at this level, but a variety of elementary students can enjoy these books as well.
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Chapter Books for Second Graders
Bird and Squirrel on the Run by James Burks
A beginner graphic novel. (Yes, graphic novels count as “valid” reading material.)
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
It’s a little longer than most beginning chapter books, but it is a classic!
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
Big text and lots of pictures – plus fun characters – make this book and series a great place to start for readers transitioning into chapter books.
Owl Diaries: Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott
11 chapters and 72 pages, Eva’s Treetop Festival is a wonderful book for early chapter book readers. There are illustrations on every page and is written in a “Dear Diary” format.
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi
Meet Yasmin! has large print and tons of illustrations, making it a great transition book.
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Large text, colorful illustrations, and 15 chapters, this book has 89 pages of fun!
Perfectly Poppy: Outside Surprise by Michele Jakubowski
A three chapter book with large letters and illustrations on each page, Perfectly Poppy: The Summer Party is a fun book in a great series.
Katie Woo: The Big Lie by Fran Manushkin
The Katie Woo series is made up of books that are great for children making the switch to chapter books. The Big Lie has three chapters, large text, easy to follow stories, and 24 pages.
The Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
A chapter book great for readers transitioning into longer chapter books. It doesn’t have as many pictures and has a more in-depth plot.
Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish
Amelia Bedelia is a CLASSIC, but they’ve redone them in chapter book form, with super cute cover art. She’s not a maid in this series, instead she’s a daughter. Check out the 12 book series.
Olive and Beatrix: The Not-So-Itty-Bitty Spiders by Amy Marie Stadelmann
With 72 pages, this magical book is full of graphics with just the right amount of text for a reader reading at the second grade level.
Dragon Masters: Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West
Scholastic has a book line specifically for kids reading early chapter books called Branches, and Dragon Masters is a Branches series. Full of adventure, kids will love this book (and the whole series).
