Your 2nd graders will love these fantastic chapter book series to keep them hooked on reading.
(If you want to see all my book reviews for 2nd graders, visit this page.)
Fantastic Chapter Book Series for 2nd Graders
Diary of an Ice Princess: Snow Place Like Home by Christina Soontornvat
FANTASY
This charming new series for early readers features magic, friendship, myths, and diversity in a story about a girl whose family are windtamers who live in the clouds, magical beings who control the wind and weather. Unfortunately, Princess Lina’s powers are going wonky, especially when she gets upset. Luckily, her wise (and loud) grandfather helps Lina discover her true talents. Cheerful pink chapter titles, as well as pink and gray illustrations give this book a very princessy feel. (Book 2 is Frost Friends Forever.)
Bird and Squirrel on Ice by James Burks
HUMOR / GRAPHIC NOVEL
In this hysterical graphic novel book series, Bird’s over-confident, laissez-faire character pairs perfectly with Squirrel’s logical, fearful one. In this first book, the duo crash land in the Penguin world where Bird is thought to be the “Chosen One” meant to save the penguins from the Great Whale.
Eerie Elementary: The School is Alive! by Jack Chabert, illustrated by Sam Ricks
CREEPY
Sam isn’t thrilled about becoming hall monitor. Especially when he discovers that the school is ALIVE and trying to harm he and the other students. Sam has quite a wild adventure trying to save the students from the school. If your child loves spooky and scary, this is a great series for them.
Zoey and Sassafras Dragons and Marshmallows #1 by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
SCIENCE / FANTASY
Kids love these entertaining and well-written stories that have the coolest mix of science and magic, a diverse main character, and fantastic illustrations. Zoey, like her mom, can see magical creatures and is tasked to care for any injured creatures that might need help. In this story, she uses her science skills (including research and the scientific method) to figure out how to care for a sick baby dragon.
Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble (Judy Moody and Friends) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Erwin Madrid
REALISTIC
Jessica Finch is a delightful early chapter book with exceptionally pleasing and colorful illustrations. Jessica wants nothing more than a pig for a pet. For her birthday. When a misunderstanding happens with her best friend, Judy Moody, she learns a valuable lesson about not making assumptions and calling people names. This is one of my top picks for an early chapter book series for 2nd graders!
Stink: The Super-Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
REALISTIC
Stink is the brother of Judy Moody. He’s got a big imagination which he uses to imagine he has superpowers, helping him to deal with his daily life. The writing is funny and relatable peppered with incredible Peter H. Reynolds’ illustrations. Kids love this humorous series. Boxed Set HERE.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
HUMOR
Mercy is a pig who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. They feed her buttered toast and take her for drives in their convertible. One night, Mercy gets scared and decides to sleep with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. Can you imagine what happens next? Hilarious and quirky, this is a fun series filled with many amazing adventures. Boxed Set HERE.
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
REALISTIC/HUMOR
Dory is one of my favorite book characters because her imagination is THE BEST! She has three imaginary friends: one monster friend, one fairy godmother, and one bad lady nemesis. This book is totally hilarious and you’ll love the child-like illustrations –– it’s a favorite chapter book series for second graders. See all the Dory books here.
The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
HISTORICAL MYSTERY
These are MUST-READ chapter book series for 2nd graders! The books combine mystery, history, magic, and adventure as siblings Jack and Annie adventure through time to solve mysteries. I highly recommend this series and if you get a chance, they’re GREAT on audiobook, narrated by Mary Pope Osborne herself. Boxed Set 1.
Meet Yasmin!by Saadia Faruqui, illustrated by Hatem Aly
Yasmin is an exuberant girl who is interested in everything from exploring to building to fashion. This book tells four short stories from Yasmin’s life, all in chapters with lively, full-color illustrations. Each story shows Yasmin as a creative problem solver even when things get hard. Her Pakistani American culture is embedded throughout the story such as the foods Yasmin’s family eats like naan or how she calls her father Baba. I LOVE the diversity, the gutsy main-character, and the beautiful design of the entire book. (See a page sample on my Instagram account here.)
REALISTIC
The Toad: The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel
Visually captivating with interesting, just-right text that is informative and sometimes hilarious. I’m a fan of this kid-friendly nonfiction book series! (also read: The Worm, The Fly, and The Rat)
The Bad Guys #1 by Aaron Blabey
HUMOR
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Dan Santat
SCI-FI
Get ready for an addictive, action-packed, engaging sci-fi series for young readers. With awesome illustrations. It’s not often you see a book in full color – love that! After reading this book, kids will wish they had their own giant robot friend to help them conquer evil in the universe.
The Last Firehawk: The Ember Stone by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Jeremy Norton
FANTASY
Tag, an owl, is in training to become an Owl of Valor. One day while playing tag with his squirrel friend, Skyla, Tag finds a golden egg who hatches into a Firehawk, the last one alive. Tag and friends must keep the Firehawk, Blaze, safe. Then they’ll quest to find the magical stone that may save their land from the Vulture and his army of tiger bats. This easy chapter book series introduces kids to epic fantasy stories with the theme of good vs. evil.
Notebook of Doom by Troy Cummings
FANTASY
I think your 2nd graders will love this engaging, slightly creepy chapter book series. Alexander discovers his new town is FILLED WITH MONSTERS! And, he’s right in the middle of everything– especially after he finds an old notebook of drawings and facts about monsters. Box set here.
by Ben HatkeSCI-FI/GRAPHIC NOVEL
One of our favorite graphic novels, Zita the Spacegirl, is a true friend who not only saves her best friend from kidnappers but also saves the entire galaxy! Boxed Set HERE.
A to Z Mysteries by Rob Roy
MYSTERY
This addictive chapter book mystery series will keep your kids reading for hours and days and months. My kids read them all more than once so we highly recommend this series, especially for second grade. Box set here.
The Critter Club by Callie Barkley
MYSTERY
The girls in the Critter Club love animals and want to help them any way they can. You’ll find plenty of sweet stories in this series for animal lovers.
Rainbow Magic Fairies by Daisy Meadows
FANTASY
These are very predictable but so many kids ADORE these chapter books – they are some of the most checked out books at our library. They’re about two human girls who are trusted to help the magical fairies search for something Jack Frost’s goblins stole.
Amelia Bedelia Means Business
by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne AvrilADVENTURE
I’ve been enjoying these updated Amelia chapter books by the original author’s son. In this story, Amelia tries to make money for a new bike. Great for 2nd graders (second graders) who love goofy humor and wordplay.
From an Idea to Disney How Imagination Built a World of Magic by Lowey Bundy Sichol, illustrated by C.S. Jennings (FROM AN IDEA TO DISNEY SERIES)
Who Would Win? Whale vs. Giant Squid by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Rob Bolster
Teachers tell me that their students can’t get enough of the Who Would Win? books, even if they’re a bit more challenging. This particular book pits two ocean carnivores against each other. First, you’ll learn facts about a sperm whale, then you’ll learn about the giant squid. Finally, read what happens when these two creatures face-off. Can you predict who will win? See all the addicting informational books in the Who Would Win series.
BUGS! Animal Planet Amazing Animal Facts Chapter Books by James Buckley, Jr.
Nonfiction Books for 7-Year-Olds
Joseph Dinmore says
Terrific list!
Joe Mantle says
Great List!! Thank you very much. Exactly what I was looking for.
Ruth Aldrich says
Thanks for a great list for second graders! My students also love the Henry and Mudge series. I love Frog and Toad stories too.
Melissa Taylor says
That’s great to know, thanks!
Kristy Gray says
Roscoe Riley Rules is a wonderful series of books for 2nd graders! My son loved reading them:)
Melissa Taylor says
thanks!