Second Grade Summer Reading List

Summer reading lists . . . summer reading programs . . . Yes, it’s that time of year again –summer vacation. If you’re looking good books for kids going into second grade (2nd grade), these books will keep your child reading.

As you know, the more a child reads, the more vocabulary she’ll learn and the better her comprehension skills. (Unless there is a learning disability.)

So whether or not you do a summer reading program, or just read on your own, you’ll find great summer reads from which to choose right here. From funny to fantasy, there’s a book (or five) for everyone.

PRINTABLE SECOND GRADE SUMMER READING LIST (updated for 2018)

Oh, and these books will work for children ages 7 or 8 who are entering second grade. For all my book recommendations with reviews, visit: Best Books for 7-Year Olds.

Do you know how to tell if a book is just right? Do the 5 Finger Test. **I’ve starred books that might be challenging.**

If you really need harder books, go to my 3rd grade summer reading list. If you  need easier books, go to my 1st grade summer reading list. Remember it’s good for kids to read books that are JUST RIGHT.

Download the FREE Summer Reading Packet so your kids can set goals and keep track of what they’ve read.

Finally, see all my book recommendations for 7-year-olds with reviews here.

Second Grade Summer Reading List (age 7 – 8)

If you like funny books, you’ll love:

• The Bad Guys #1 by Aaron Blabey
• Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
• Bird and Squirrel on Ice by James Burks
• They Didn’t Teach This in Worm School by Simone Lia
• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
• Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo

If you like mythical creatures, you’ll love:

• Dragons and Marshmallows: Zoey and Sassasfras by Asia Citro
• Rise of the Earth Dragons by Tracey. West
• The Last Firehawk: The Ember Stone by Katrina Charman
• Magical Animal Adoption Agency by Kallie George
• My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara**
• Dragon Slayer’s Academy by Kate McMullan
• Rainbow Magic Fairies by Daisy Meadows

If you like adventure stories, you’ll love: 

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
• Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
• Galaxy Zack by Ray O’Ryan
• The Notebook of Doom by Troy Cummings
• Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey
• Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate Messner

If you like mysteries, you’ll love:

• The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler
• The Whodunit Detective Agency by Martin Widmark
• A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy
• Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye by Colleen AF Venable**
• Dig to Disaster: A Miss Mallard Mystery by Robert Quackenbush
• The Big Bad Detective Agency by Bruce Hale

If you love realistic stories, you’ll like:

• Heartwood Hotel by Kallie George
• Pug Pals Two’s a Crowd by Flora Ahn
• Stink by Megan McDonald
• Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows
• Noodle: The Puppy Place by Ellen Miles
• Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay
• Daisy Dawson is On Her Way by Steve Voake
• Lola Levine Is Not Mean by Monica Brown**

DON’T MISS THESE: Free Summer Learning Printables for Kids, Activity Books for Kids, Summer Writing Ideas