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10 Book Report Ideas That Kids Will Love

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Fun book report ideas for fourth, fifth and sixth graders.

Book reports don’t need to be painfully boring. In fact, they can be a ton of fun, and with the right project, students will love the entire process of creating and sharing meaningful book projects. There are loads of great book report ideas out there just waiting to happen in your classroom!

Here are 10 book report ideas that kids will love:

1. cereal box book report.

These oh-so-cool reports were always the top-ranked project by my fifth graders. Students loved creating an original book report display using a covered cereal box and ready-made templates. The finished projects made a great classroom display, and students loved looking at their classmates’ creative reports. Read more about Cereal Box Book Reports HERE .

2. Paper Bag Book Report

This is a super simple idea that is quite fun for students. Provide each student with a lunch-sized paper bag. Tell them to think about 5 objects that relate to the main character of their book . The objects have to be small enough to fit into the bag . Send the bags home and have students place the 5 objects in the bag and bring them back to school. On the day they are due, have students take turns sharing the objects in their bags and explaining how they relate to the main character of the book. You can even make a great display with the bags, objects, and books to pique the interest of other students.

3. Character Day

Have students dress up as the main character of their book. Then, have each student take a turn standing in front of the class and telling their character’s story in first person point of view.

4. Book Report Lap Book

you need are two file folders, some cardstock or construction paper, scissors, glue, and the FREE book report template found here . The finished products are quite amazing, and your students will probably keep theirs forever! Check out my photo tutorial for making a lap book .

5. Book Scene Diorama

Have students construct a diorama of one of the main events of their book. They will make a 3-dimensional scene, including models of characters, the setting, and objects. A shoebox makes a great place to build a diorama. Require students to write a description of the scene.

6. Book Report Posters

This might be the easiest option of the book report ideas. Have students first sketch their posters on a sheet of notebook paper. Then, provide students with a large piece of poster paper or chart paper. Posters must identify main characters, setting, title, problem, and solution. Display finished posters in the classroom or on hallway walls.

7. Book Report Mobiles

Mobiles are easy to make, and it’s fun to watch students use their creativity in designing their own projects. A paper plate folded in half makes a great base/topper for mobiles. Have students write the title of the book on this paper plate semi circle and hang the mobile pieces from it. Provide students with construction paper, yarn, markers, paper hole punches, and any other materials they might need.

8. Book Report Mini Books

With just one piece of paper, your students can make a complete, creative book report!

In these clever book projects , students identify:

• Title/Author
• Main Character

No tape, glue, or staples required! Photo directions are included in this download.

9. Design a Book Jacket

Show your students several examples of some outstanding book jackets. Point out the front with the title and illustration, the spine and its information, and the back with the book summary. Also show the two inside flaps with information about the author and a smaller summary. Provide them each with a larger piece of paper and have them design a jacket for the book they have just read.

10. Ready-to-Print Templates

Use NO PREP book report templates to save your sanity AND to keep things fun for your students. You could print out all 12 templates in this Book Report Templates Packet and let students choose the one they want to do each month! There is even a really nice digital option for Google classroom included!

Regardless of which of these book report ideas you choose, be sure to clearly outline the expectations before your students begin. It’s best if you can model a project to demonstrate the quality of work your students should strive for.

Keep it fun and engaging, and your students will be excited to invest their time in their projects!

Check out these ready to go, easy to use book report projects in my store:

SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

Pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board  so you can come back for these book report ideas!

To recap, the 10 Book Report Project Ideas are:

• Cereal Box Book Report
• Paper Bag Book Report
• Character Day
• Book Report Lapbook
• Book Scene Diorama
• Book Report Posters
• Book Report Mobiles
• Design a Book Jacket
• Ready-to-Print Templates

Shelly Rees

Hi, I’m Shelly! Thank you for being here. I love helping third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers with fun and engaging activities that require no to little prep! Let me help you by taking some of the stress and work off your plate.

Hi, I'm Shelly

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Book Report Templates

Book reports often ask students to summarize, reflect, and share their ideas. We’ve created a series of book report templates that you can use or adapt based on a variety of learning needs. While this task may reflect individual preferences and insights, it can be collaborative. Students can share in gallery walks, small groups, or large groups. Displaying book reports near your classroom library can allow you to curate a more meaningful classroom book collection and allow peers to interact in an unexpected way. Some of the earliest work with longer writing tasks is cultivated through the experience of crafting a book report. No matter how young your learners may be, fostering a love of reading and providing opportunities for children to write about what they read is critical.

Book Report Templates (Printable PDFs)

One of the most important steps of helping students understand how to craft a book report lies in their ability to choose the books they read and how they want to report on what they’ve learned. It is always useful to review book report options together in class in order to create a firm foundation that students can return to again and again. Since book reports can be a staple task in many elementary school classrooms, offering choice in how students craft and create reports will make the experience more engaging.

We’ve created a variety of printable book report templates below for different learners. For instance, we have an English language and Spanish language book report template that students can use to document character names, setting, and reflect on their favorite parts of a text! Additionally, we’ve crafted book report organizers for fiction and nonfiction texts, so you can appeal to learners who love different genres and make your curriculum more inclusive. Finally, we’ve also created a few options for those students who need more challenge. In these book reports, students extract quotes of significance, analyze them, and offer their insights on what the text teaches readers.

All of our book report templates encourage students to reflect on their interest in the text. This is critical for their reflection and ability to connect with their reading experiences.

Students complete the book report by writing the title, author, Character names, setting and their favorite part of the story.

This is the same book report template but in Spanish.

With this template, 4th - 5th grade students enter the title, author, character names but also enter the plot structure and what the story can teach people. Students also rate the book.

A template for nonfiction books. The student enters basic book information plus three interesting facts and what they are most curious about after reading the book.

With this 6-8th grade template, students write a two-sentence summary, important quotes and whether they recommend the book and why.

Students explain, in two sentences, what the text is about, identify three important events in the text, and choose one quote they think is most important and then analyze its importance.

How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

• The type of book report you are writing
• The book's title
• The author of the book
• The time when the story takes place
• The location where the story takes place
• The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
• Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
• A thesis statement
• The point of view of the narrator
• Summary of the book
• The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
• The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
• The writing styles of the author
• A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

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Related Resources

FREE Printable Book Report Template pdf 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Grade

• FREE Printables

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Make sure kids are understanding what they read with this free book report template . This  1st grade book report is a handy, NO PREP way to ensure early readers are understanding what they are reading. The  book report template 3rd grade has a spot for first grade, second grade, third grade, and fourth grade students to write down book title, author, rate the book, tell their favorite part, give a summary of the book, and more. This is such a handy, free printable,  book report template 2nd grade .  Simply grab the free book reports   and you are ready to go!

Book report template

Book reports don’t have to be difficult! Young children need practice writing, summarizing the major parts of the book, and ensuring they understand what they are reading, but staring at a blank page isn’t going to help your early reader succeed! These  free book report tempaltes allow grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, and grade 4 students to write a book report EASILY! Use the  2nd grade book report with guided prompts and ruled lines to make writing a book report easy for kids. Use as many of the pages in the free printable book report template  as you think is appropriate for your child.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler – you will love this NO PREP,  1st grade book report template ! Use it at home, in the classroom, as summer learning, or any other use you need. Just print the  4th grade book report template and you are ready to write a book report!

Plus don’t miss our recommendations for children’s book lists , free english worksheets , and 3rd grade worksheets .

Free printable book report template

Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> ___<<. The printable book report template pdf file will open in a new window for you to save the freebie and print the template. Now you are ready to start writing  book report for kids !

Book report template 3rd grade

It is important to ensure that they are understanding what they are reading. Reading comprehension is a key homeschool skill that will serve them their entire life. Having kids complete  1st grade book report template is just one of the ways we can check if they are understanding what they are reading. I created this free 1st grade book report to make it fun and easy to see how my child is doing.

Free book report template

Print the pages of the  free 2nd grade book report template pdf and you are ready for your child to complete the book report form. This  book report template 2nd grade is handy for a wide variety of ages. The basic parts of a book report are the same. What will vary the most by grades is the complexity of sentences, vocabulary, spelling, correct punctuation, and reading level of the books.

Book report template pdf

My book report.

• students name
• students grade
• date book report written
• author of the book
• book illustrator
• rate the book out of 5 stars
• favorite part
• WHO were the main character
• WHAT were two obsticles faced
• WHEN did the story take place
• WHERE did the story take place
• WHY did you like or not like the story
• HOWdid you feel about the main characters

Book report template 4th grade

While older students are becoming proficient writing, it can still be helpful to have a simple template to allow children to just fill in the pages. This 4th grade book report template  allows students to focus on writing good sentences with correct spelling instead of trying to figure out what to include in their book report.

Worksheets for Grade 1

If you have a 1st grader and you are looking for more fun, hands on 1st grade Worksheets , games and activities to make learning fun – you will love these resources!

• 100 Books 1st Graders can Read Themselves with free 1st grade reading books pdf free
• Fun-to-Read Chapter Books for 1st Graders
• Free Printable 1st Grade Book Report template
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Free printable worksheets for 1st grade

Looking for even more grade 1 worksheets to review skills while having fun? Check out these resources:

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• Phases of the Moon for Kids – worksheets, activities, Oreo moon phases, and more
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Grade 1 Science

Plus don’t miss these worksheets for grade 1

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• HUGE Ocean Animals for Kids Unit
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• Learn about LOTS of life cycles for kids (panda, spider, watermelon, bee, sunflower, spider, and more!)
• TONS of fun Human Body for Kids activities, expeirments, and free printables too!
• Free Scientific Method Worksheet s

Free first grade worksheets

Help children learn about the great country of the United States with these free printables. Plus don’t miss all our fun, free, and immersive history lessons for kids and our other worksheet for grade 1

• Printable USA Presidents Coloring Pages
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• Free Printable States and Capitals Matching Game
• Free Presidents Worksheets – Learn about all the American presidents
• US States I Spy Worksheets
• Help kids understand where do I live with this clever printable activity
• Learn about American symbols with these Patriotic American Symbols for Kids
• How much do you know about USA for Kids ? Color the flag, look at a map, discover famous landmarks like the statue of liberty,and more!
• American Symbols Worksheets
• Explore American History for kids including lots of fun, hands on activities and free printables
• 4 week lesson about Early Explorers for Kids
• The Colonial America for Kids lesson takes kids on a journey back to the first permanent settlement in America – Jamestown. Students will learn about colonial life with lots of hands on projects like eating Gruel, making a Wattle & Daub house, and creating a tin lantern will make the settlement come alive.
• We will make westward expansion for kids come alive for kids as they learn facts about the time period from about 1783-1898. In addition to learning about the Oregon trail, pony express, gold rush, transcontinental railroad, students will also learn to match animal trails, map the united states, and learn about North American animals too.
• Pennant History Posters to see US History At-a-Glance
• Learn about the Roaring 1920s for Kids – Printable Book to Read, Color, and Learn
• Rosa Parks for Kids Printable Reader to Color and Learn
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• Free Printable Maps including world map, continents, and country maps with and without labeling
• Ready to dive more in depth? Check out Country Study for Kids – look at 16 countries around the world up close
• Use Lego to explore famous landmarks in countries for kids
• Research and learn with these free Children around the World Worksheets
• Roll into Geography – Printable Geography Games
• You can find all our FREE printable country coloring pages covering over 36 different nations – or jump right to Spain Coloring Pages ,  China Coloring Pages ,  Italy Coloring Pages , Chile Coloring Pages , Germany Coloring Pages , and Costa Rica Coloring Pages
• Over 1+ million pages of Free Printable Worksheets

Book recommendations for Kids

• Tons of books for preschoolers and fun world book day activities
• Must Read Kindergarten Reading Books pdf free , free Kindergarten Reading Level Book List, Favorite Read Aloud Books for Kindergarten
• 100 Books for 1st Graders to Read by Themselves – Level 1 Reading Books pdf free , Fun-to-Read First Grade Picture Books , First Grade Read Aloud Chapter Books
• Chapter Books for 1st Graders , 2nd Graders, and 3rd Graders – favorite series to keep kids reading!
• Best Read Aloud Chapter Books for 2nd Grade , Check out these 2nd Grade Reading Books pdf free
• Handy Grade 3 Reading Books pdf FREE
• Free 4th Grade Reading List pdf
• Printable Grade 5 Reading books pdf
• Exciting Historical Fiction Books for Kids and 25 Exciting Historical Fiction Books for 4th Graders
• Alphabet Books for Children, Transportation Books for Kids , Space Books for Kids that are out-of-this-world
• Funny Picture Books for kids of all ages, Sweet Picture Books about Family , Fun Zoo Books for Kids
• Books about community helpers , Beautiful Animal Books for Preschoolers , Preschool Color Books
• Creepy, Crawly Bug Books for Preschool kids, Rhyming Books for Kindergarten , fun-to read fall books for kids , and Preschool emotion books for learning to understand feelings
• See all of our popular kids books to read

Reading Comprehension

• Handy, Reading Comprehension bookmarks (any book: fiction or non fiction)
• Free Book Report Template for elementary age students or Book Report Worksheets for elementary age kids
• Simple, one page Book Report Template s to ensure kids are understanding the main charaters, setting, and idea of what they are reading
• Super cute Pizza Book Report Idea with Free printable template or sandwich book report freebie
• Free 3rd Grade Book Report template choices
• 26 more clever Book Report Ideas , Ralph Waldo Poetry Worksheets
• See if kids remember the moral of the story with these FREE Aesop Fables Worksheets pdf
• This Library Scavenger Hunt helps kids learn to navigate a library or this Reading Scavenger Hunt
• Bookshelf Reading Log printable – to help encourage kids to read!
• How to teach elementary age students to write a Ralph Waldo Poetry Worksheets
• Free Parts of a Book Worksheet or these parts of a book for kids coloring pages that use playdough, and book reading goals printables
• Plus, grab these super cute, free printable Star Wars bookmarks for kids !

Printable book report template

Before you grab your free pack you agree to the following:

• This set is for personal and classroom use only.
• This printable set may not be sold, hosted, reproduced, or stored on any other website or electronic retrieval system.
• Graphics Purchased and used with permission from
• All material provided on this blog is copyright protected.

Beth Gorden

Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables – www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com. Beth studied at the University of Northwestern where she got a double major to make her effective at teaching children while making education FUN!

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Thank you for the book report template. Looks great

So glad you can make use of them!

my son is entering second grade and his cousins are entering 3rd and 1st. this will help us with the summer break and keep them at top of their game.

Thank you so much for the great ideas on how to write a book report.

Thanks so much for making this available. We are using this while schools are closed. Our kids really get a little extra push from the fun graphics and great prompts.

This is beautiful! Thank you for making this. We are a homeschool family and my daughter is in 3rd grade and this template will make our book reports so much more fun. We just finished reading The Girl Who Survived together and I really wanted something to help her write down everything that she learned. All the questions you as in the template are perfect. Thanks again

So glad we can help!

Thanks so much!! Going to the library today to find some of these books 🙂

Thank you so much for the resources as a single mom of two boys in different grades it makes it easier to make my lessons.

How to Teach Second-Graders to Write Book Reports

How to Write Play Titles in a Paper

In second grade, children should be able to write opinion, informative and narrative pieces, according to the Common Core Standards. Book reports offer students an opportunity to practice their informative writing through a synopsis of a book. Some teachers may assign a book for the report, but others may allow students to pick their own books for the project. Book reports give students the opportunity to practice writing skills and deepen their understanding of a book.

Note Taking

Before students can write a book report, they have to read the book. Active note taking can help them to process the information as they read it and to remember key points or actions in the story. Encourage students to write notes as they read, including short sentences about the major events and significant characters. Notes can be as simple as "Harry found out his dog ran away" or "Jane has blond hair and is a writer." Students can review their notes when they start their book report, making it easier for them to recall important information.

Parts of the Story

When students write their book reports, they will have to talk about important parts of the story, such as setting, plot and character. However, they first need to understand what the important parts of the story are and how to identify them. Explain that setting is where and when the story takes place, the main characters are those who are doing most of the action, and the plot is the series of events that take place in the story. When discussing plot, explain that conflict is a problem the characters have to solve, and conflict is what moves the story forward.

Outlines help writers organize their thoughts, and they can be useful for any type of writing in any grade level. Explain to students that an outline for a book report should include an introduction, a description of the setting, a description of the main characters, a summary of the plot and a conclusion. The outline should include headings for each of these sections, and under each heading, instruct students to write one or two sentences about the information they will include.

Writing the Report

The outline is a blueprint for writing, so once that's finished, students should only need to fill in the information and make the ideas flow together. Explain to students that the introduction should include the title of the book, a one-sentence summary of what it's about, and a sentence about why the student chose it. Each of the remaining paragraphs will fill in details about the book, according to the outline. Instruct students to end with a conclusion that shares their opinions about the book or the characters.

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Maria Magher has been working as a professional writer since 2001. She has worked as an ESL teacher, a freshman composition teacher and an education reporter, writing for regional newspapers and online publications. She has written about parenting for Pampers and other websites. She has a Master's degree in English and creative writing.

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Pumpkin book reports.

My students were assigned their pumpkin book reports two weeks ago. I must say, I am AMAZED at how they turned out. Every single student did theirs, and they worked SO hard!

We used Hope King’s product for  Trick or Treating book reports!

Here is a huge photo collection of all the pumpkins, and some from the other classrooms!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

View from the Hallway

And here are a couple of glances down our first grade hallway!! 110 pumpkins on display! Can you imagine how exciting this entire project was for the whole school? Everyone enjoying each other’s craftsmanship and so much many familiar favorites to talk about with each other.

That’s it, 110 Pumpkin Book Reports!

I hope you enjoyed seeing the results of this project as much as I did and appreciate all the hard work these students put in on their reading and creativity! For more Halloween-themed content like this, check out this  post  featuring my 10 Favorite Halloween Read Alouds!

• Read more about: Classroom Organization , Fall Season , Halloween , Seasonal Holiday Blog Posts , Uncategorized

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Introduction to Fractions: Partitioning, Shares, and Fractions in 1st and 2nd Grade

Hello teachers! Welcome to today’s blog post, where we will dive into the fascinating world of fractions, tailored specifically for 1st and 2nd-grade classrooms. Fractions

Teaching Text Features in the Spring

This isn’t the first time we’ve discussed using the current season as a way to make your ELA content more engaging. Adding the element of

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Book report: isn't it too difficult for a child in the second grade? This is a very reasonable question that can arise for any of us. However, we can reply with confidence that it's not too difficult and no, it's not too early.

Moreover, we children can learn to do this kind of work as early as possible. What is it for? A book report helps children develop critical thinking and study skills , reading comprehension, and train their memory. Also, it’s a perfect way to help the child understand the work better, conclude from reading. And this, in turn, develops creativity, reading culture, and, most importantly, teaches independence.

Besides, the ability to write reports on books will help children in the future. Many colleges require students to write SAT essays. Winning SAT Essay in the future will play a vital role in a student's career.

This article will help everyone interested in these products to understand all the intricacies of creating a 2nd-grade book report.

How to Write a Second Grade Book Report

To begin, let's understand what a book report is. It is a brief overview of a particular book's contents with your reply to what you read.

Analysis of the text and its reader's interpretation and mastering its meaning is severe and thoughtful work. It strains not only the thought but also the feeling, imagination, and fantasy of the reader.

We can't talk about in-depth book analysis in a 2nd-grade book report and wizard language art skills. However, children can successfully describe the story, choose their favorite characters in the book, and shape their attitude to their actions. It promotes reading comprehension.

To create useful book reports, it is better to follow a particular scheme. Next, we will talk about how you can do it.

2nd Grade Vocabulary to use

The student's educational activity's success directly depends on the speech and language knowledge, skills, and abilities.

To write an ideal 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade book report , a student must study and continuously improve the English language arts and reading comprehension.

The student's speech development is a critical condition for his successful learning. The more a child reads, retells, listens, the better his memory develops.

To ensure the language art development of primary school students ─ this means to teach them to express themselves competently in oral and written forms of speech. This will allow the future to conduct various lesson plans, for example, speech and debate classes .

There are many dictionaries recommended for study in the second grade for better mastery of English language arts.

We have developed recommendations and offer you the following list of vocabulary for second-grade students.

Which sections should you include in a book report?

In this paragraph, we will take a closer look at the structure of the fiction book report.

Book Setting

An essential part of your review is a book setting. The setting is the place and time of action. It is the physical environment - country, city, village, buildings, weather, year, month, and day. The setting is a kind of ship with a plot and heroes on board.

But it is also something more. This is how the author sets the mood and tone of the whole narrative. The setting sets the mood and tone of the entire story. So, for a comprehensive report, you need to indicate the place of action and describe it in detail.

Compelling characters are what attract attention in any story and keep it throughout the book. In each work, there are protagonists and antagonists. The protagonist is the main character, a man who plays a leading role in history. The antagonist is the enemy of the main character, a negative figure.

For your report, describe the appearance and apparent traits of the main characters. Also, try to go deeper and understand the reasons for the specific actions of the heroes.

• It is not superfluous to express your attitude to the characters of the work.
• It is not necessary to name every hero. Just choose the most important ones.

The plot is a sequence of actions in the text. In a book report, you need to summarize the plot without retelling the whole story.

Historical periods

If you are writing a review on a fiction book, specify the historical period of the book.

How did this historical event or period affect the character's life? Would you like to have lived during this period? Why or why not? Could this story take place during another time or in another place? The answers to these questions will help you create a great report.

Your impressions

You should share your impressions of language arts reading in the last section of your report.

What should you include there? For starters, the general impression is whether you liked the book or not.

It would be good to compare the book with similar ones. Also, the report should indicate the personal attitude to the main characters of the fiction book.

Creative Ideas for 2nd-grade book report writing

Writing a book review may not seem like a lot of fun to many children. Therefore, teachers often have to develop different ways to interest students and encourage them to write a unique creative paper.

Here we have gathered some creative book report ideas. They will assist grade students in writing reports and teachers in developing a lesson plan.

Sandwich book report

Imagine a book report in the form of a sandwich. Each layer of this sandwich is responsible for a separate element of the story in the book. When the student completes all the sheets, he will receive a sandwich in a "delicious" book report. This is a charming and fun way to talk about what you read.

File Folder Book Report

This way of writing a report has another name - a lap book. The writing scheme is as follows:

• Use a file folder to create the book report.
• Write your name in the file folder tab.
• Decorate the folder's front cover with the creative book title, author, genre, and a colorful picture of the book.
• Write a summary of the book on lined notebook paper. Glue the written review on the inside left of the folder.
• On the top right, list the main characters of the story. Describe the main character.
• On a half-sheet of lined paper, write your opinion of the narrative. Be sure to tell why you did or didn’t like about the book. Glue it on the inside of the folder at the bottom of the right side.

Be a Character Therapist

Fear is the cause of specific actions of people. And if you know what a person is afraid of, you can understand his actions. In books, the characters often try to overcome their fears.

The student only needs to reply: what the hero of the book is afraid of? And then find out if he managed to overcome his fears. Let the student try himself as a therapist. Teachers can interestingly organize a lesson plan in this way.

Book Report Charm Bracelet

This is one of the most exciting book report ideas for girls. Many girls like to wear bracelets with charms that have some meaning in their lives. Have the student illustrate a character, storyline, or other detail on a separate beauty. It's a fun and exciting way to write a creative book review.

Reading Lists for Characters

This method will help students better understand the characters in the book. Ask students to think and write on a worksheet in which books might interest their character. Let them explain their choice. Students can share lists of books and better understand each role in the book.

A well-designed lesson plan will help teachers develop children's ability to express their thoughts.

Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

This method is perfect when working with biographies. Students cut out an illustration of their character or author of the book and paste it in the center of a worksheet. Then students draw lines from the picture, resembling the rays of the sun. Each sector has its color and information about the main character of the study.

If the student's task is a book review, in the center of a worksheet may be the book's cover, and in the sectors - information about the main characters, the plot, and other details.

How to develop your book report template

Each student can develop their book report templates. Here are some tips for writing a 2nd-grade book report.

You need to keep in mind the element of fun and absolute ease of work. The process of work should not cause the child a feeling of discomfort.

If writing becomes a daily routine for the child, then writing a report will not be difficult. However, it is essential to read a creative book and use creative ways of writing .

Before writing a report, let the child have fun. This will help students create book report ideas.

For example, if a student needs to write report products on a topic on sports , allow them to do what they love - football, basketball, or dance. Emotions will play a role in the child's desire for productive work.

It is not necessary to start at the beginning. Students can try to write on the worksheet their thoughts about the book chaotically, and only group them and form a holistic report.

Mind maps, drawings, diagrams, pictures - you can use anything that can unlock the mind.

Remember that there are not correct or incorrect report templates. Students can apply creativity, and their report templates will be unique and just right.

Favorite books for 2nd graders

In the second grade, children already have enough skills to work independently. However, children are full of curiosity and wonder. We suggest you read top-20 books that may be most interesting to read for the second-grade students. You may have some interesting book report ideas for reports on these stories.

Giraffe Problems by Jory John

The giraffe has a problem - too long neck. That's why it hates himself. However, a new friend comes into the giraffe's life to help him change his mind.

It's a very instructive story that teaches courage and self-acceptance.

Could You? Would You? by Trudy White

And what would you do if you had other opportunities? This book allows adults and children to fantasize, regardless of their background.

Fruit Bowl by Mark Hoffman

A tomato appeared in a bowl. Other fruits dislike it and believe that the tomato does not belong to them. Fruits vs. vegetables as an instructive wizard story about acceptance, not like you and openness.

Mom and Dad Are Palindromes by Mark Shulman

One day, Bob learns that he is a weird palindrome. And then he becomes different from everyone else. Will Bob come to terms with his essence?

Life by Cynthia Rylant

It is a book that reminds us all that life is full of miracles and goodness.

My Dad’s a Birdman by David Almond

A perfect illustrated narrative about Lizzie and her father bonding over the Great Human Bird Competition: a children's story with "adult" issues will captivate readers from the first pages.

Sarabella’s Thinking Cap by Judy Schachner

It’s the tale of Sarabella - a girl with her head in the clouds. If a child is an avid dreamer who loves non-standard stories, this wizard book is what he or she needs.

Once Upon a Time by Niki Daly

This is a unique story about a South African girl Sarie who loves to study. However, she has a problem - she reads slowly, for which her classmates harass her. With the help of her aunt and friends, the girl gradually gains confidence.

I Am a Bear by Jean-Francois Dumont

It's a story on a very delicate topic of homelessness. It teaches kindness and compassion.

Get Ready for Second Grade , Amber Brown by Paula Danziger

The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting event. And the main character of the book - Amber - has the enemy who is harassing her - Hannah. Will the girl cope with all the difficulties at school?

King of the Sky Nicola Davies

A perfect book about an incredible friendship that a boy found in a new place.

Fox and His Friends by Edward Marshall

Do you have an annoying sister who follows you everywhere? This is a story about a fox who is looking for entertainment. Young readers will appreciate this book.

Atomic Ace (He’s Just My Dad) by Jeff Weigel

Kids love stories about superheroes. This book is just like that. It tells the story of a boy whose father turned out to be a hero.

We Are Best Friends by Aliki

The best friends - Robert and Peter - have a hard time, because Peter will live in a new city. Will the boys be able to keep the friendship?

The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

One day William notices a strange bush on his window. After that, unusual changes take place throughout the city.

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling

This book is about John Meadis, who can turn everything into chocolate. However, he soon realizes that sometimes even chocolate is too much

• Dinosaurs Before Dark, Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne

The book is for fans of fantasy stories. Jack and Annie travel back in time to their treehouse. Their house is charming and contains many books about dinosaurs, knights, volcanoes, and different countries. Jack and Annie's journey began 65 million years ago. This is a book about the unforgettable adventures of friends.

Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) by Audrey Vernick

Are five minutes a lot or a little? It depends on the circumstances. With this book, you can have fun learning math with children.

My Dog Mouse by Eva Lindstrom

It's a story of a girl walking with a neighbor's dog. The book will be useful to use in narrative writing mini-lessons.

Hansel and Gretel by Rika Lesser

This is a book for readers of classics. This story is a brief retelling of Grimm. The story will resonate in the hearts of many children.

Reading from a tablet or books

To efficiently and with interest, write a quality report on the book, which will be best for the child - to read the book in electronic or printed form? Next, we will talk about the pros and cons of both options.

Reading from tablets and books has some advantages and disadvantages.

The benefits of reading from a tablet

One of the advantages of working with a tablet is fast work. Modern technology saves a lot of time and helps achieve the educational goal - learning the language arts reading.

A tablet is a perfect way to store a large number of books in one place. It also reduces the amount of printing and saves the environment. And the student does not need to look for a place for the physical storage of books.

Tablets have certain technologies that are not available in the regular textbook. For example, students can highlight a specific part of the text, write notes, etc. Also, you can create report templates and use it later, just by adding the necessary information. Tablets have a search function and a built-in dictionary.

Printed textbooks are heavy, while tablets weigh up to 1 kilogram and sometimes less. This is convenient for school children.

We live in an age of continually improving technology. The most influential companies in the world enjoy the technological advantages of today. And using tablets from an early age will allow children to better prepare for modern realities.

Why many people still choose regular books?

The first, and most important, is the risk of a health problem with tablets readers. According to the American Association of Opticians, reading from tablets leads to vision problems, dry eyes, and headaches. Frequent use of gadgets causes many people to have issues with the musculoskeletal system, muscle tension, and, as a result, neck pain.

Opponents of tablets emphasize that they are expensive to use. After all, they need constant software updates, Wi-Fi operations, and themselves are not cheap pleasure.

• The tablet can quickly fail. Its repair is a costly and time-consuming thing. But you will not break the book.
• Tablets require constant recharging and power consumption.
• And there is a high probability that a thief can steal a tablet, or the child will lose it.

What do therapists say?

People who read digital text remember much less information than readers of printed versions.

Scientists have found that the human brain interprets printed and digital text differently. As a rule, people read digital version 20-30% slower. In turn, this can reduce the ability to process and store information and impairs mastery of English language arts.

You have learned the main advantages and disadvantages of reading from books and tablets. However, only you can choose. Only you know what is best for you and your children. The main, however, remains the need to teach children the language arts reading. It doesn't matter if the book has a printed or electronic form - it enriches the human intellect and triggers thought processes.

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The 20 Best Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

Finding great chapter books for 2nd graders can be a challenge. You want to make sure your students have books at their reading level, but you also want to make sure they’ve got a good selection of books that will hold their interest. That’s why I created this book list for 2nd graders.

20 Awesome 2nd Grade Chapter Books

Whether you are trying to find the perfect book for your own reader or working to fill your classroom library, these chapter books are sure to engage and excite your second-grade readers.

To help you determine which books are the best fit for your kiddos, I shared a short summary of the book and the reading level. When possible, I also shared links to a literature circle companion pack to help save you prep time. Read more about what these book studies look like here.

I know your second graders will love these great stories! 

1. Magic Tree House #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

This chapter book series is perfect for 2nd grade readers, and they’re really engaging.

In this book, readers are introduced to Jack and Annie, two kids who have discovered a magic tree house in the woods behind their home.

The treehouse transports them back to the time of dinosaurs, and they’ve got to figure out how to solve a mystery and get back before their parents notice they are gone.

This story offers so many opportunities to make connections between reading comprehension and science topics, as the book blends factual information about dinosaurs throughout the plotline. The entire chapter book series follows suit offering great ways to make cross-curricular connections to science and social studies topics.

Reading Level:

• Guided Reading: M

Get the No Prep Novel Study:   Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark  Novel Study

2. Katie Woo & Friends by Fran Manushkin

If you’re looking for some books for your 2nd-grade girls, check out the Katie Woo series. These short, easy-to-read chapter books are approachable for your lower-level second-grade readers. This story follows the main character, Katie. She’s a friendly first grader who faces many of the same challenges your students experience in their everyday lives. In this book, Katie and her best friends do everything together and find ways to work through their differences to keep their friendship going strong.

As a teacher, I love that this realistic fiction book has lots of illustrations and is just a few chapters. It really gives readers a great introduction to chapter books.

• Below-level
• Guided Reading: H

3. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Styles Gannett

My Father’s Dragon  is a chapter book about Elmer, who runs away to rescue a baby dragon. With vibrant details and some crazy adventures, this book captures the imagination of young readers and takes them along on Elmer’s journey.

Facing danger and braving challenges are consistent components of this story, which is presented as a story told to the narrator by his father many years ago. Using only everyday objects he has in his backpack, Elmer disarms the many dangerous animals of Wild Island on his journey.

The book has beautiful illustrations, which are great for visualizing and supporting early readers. Perfect for teaching character traits and sequencing, this story is truly a gem that will stick with your readers for years to come.

• Guided Reading: N

Get the No Prep Book Study:   My Father’s Dragon  Book Study

4. Keena Ford & the Second Grade Mix-up by Melissa Thomson

Exposing your students to diverse characters is important, but it can be hard to find chapter books for 2nd graders that offer that opportunity. This book is one of my favorites.

The story revolves around a girl named Keena Ford, who is a second-grader. When she finds herself accidentally thrust into adventures, a great story ensues.

This book has great black & white illustrations and a relatable main character that is sure to capture your reader’s attention and leave them wanting more.

The good news? There’s a whole chapter book series about Keena Ford and her adventures.

• Guided Reading: K

5. The Littles by John Peterson

Imagine there were tiny people living in your house without you even knowing it. They used your things, borrowed your scraps, and made themselves right at home despite the numerous dangers the typical house presents when you’re tiny. That is the plot of  The Littles .

This fantasy novel is awesome because it has a clear, well-developed plot. There are many opportunities to discuss critical reading comprehension skills as the Littles work to navigate the world at their size.

Considered by many to be a must-read classic, I’ve included it on my list because it is the first of a whole series of books about this miniature family. As you can probably tell, I love it when there’s a whole chapter book series because it means I’ve opened a whole new book list for second-grade students just by introducing them to this one novel.

Get the No Prep Novel Study: The Littles Novel Study

6. Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

I’ve already shared some great chapter books for girls, but this one is a perfect 2nd grade chapter book for the boys in your class.

Hi! Fly Guy  is a hilarious fiction novel that uses a lot of great sight words and easily decoded vocabulary. The story follows Buzz as he enters a fly into a pet talent show. His parents and the judges aren’t quite sure about a fly as a pet, but Fly Guy steals the show.

Fly Guy is just gross enough that kids love him, and you’ll love watching your readers devour this chapter book. This is another great book series to add to your 2nd grade collection.

• Guided Reading: I

7. Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

This somewhat silly mystery was a favorite of mine back in the day, and now I love sharing it with students.

The story revolves around Nate the Great and his hunt for Annie’s missing picture. Nate’s detective skills have helped him find lost balloons, books, slippers, and more so he’s sure he can find Annie’s picture. Students follow Nate’s quest for clues, as he works to unravel the mystery.

The book has a fun ending and is a great introduction to mystery books for 2nd grade students. It is truly a must-have for your book collection.

Get the No Prep Book Study:   Nate the Great Book Study

8. Henry & Mudge – The First Book of Their Adventure by Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant i is an amazing author, and this book is perfect for your second-grade students.

Your kiddos will love to watch Henry and Mudge’s relationship develop and see how Henry’s loneliness vanishes when he finds the companionship of his new 180 pound best friend.

A great way to build in literature circles for your barely on-level readers, this story is great for animal lovers and offers a whole series of engaging stories.

• Guided Reading: J

9. Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo is an amazing author! I am a huge fan of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Because of Winn-Dixie and was so excited to see that she wrote books for younger readers.

Mercy Watson is a pig, but to his owners, he’s not just any pig. He’s AMAZING! Everything is great until Mercy decides to get some snuggles by hopping into bed with them. When the bed breaks, his owners find themselves in trouble. Mercy heads to get the fire department, but they worry he’ll get sidetracked and they might be stuck forever.

Mercy is such a great character, and your kiddos will love this book.

10. Ivy & Bean by Annie Barrows & Sophie Blackall

Another great chapter book for your classroom, Ivy & Bean is the story of an unlikely friendship. On the outside, the girls couldn’t be more different, but once they get to know each other, they become the best of friends.

With a fun and engaging storyline and characters who could be classroom peers, Ivy & Bean is perfect for getting readers hooked on a new series.

There are lots of great opportunities to discuss cause and effect in the story, and the storyline lends itself to introducing problem and solution.

Get the No Prep Book Unit:   Ivy & Bean Book Study

11. Cam Jansen: The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David Adler

Another great mystery book for 2nd grade, Cam Jansen is sure to be a winner in your classroom. Relatable characters and great adventures follow Cam as she works to solve crimes and unravel mysteries.

The gist of the story is: Cam Jansen and her friend, Eric, team up to help free an innocent man who’s been accused of robbing Parker’s Jewelry Store. The pair takes matters into their own hands as they search for clues to discover who REALLY took the missing diamonds.

• Guided Reading: L

12. Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel

We haven’t talked much about classic books for 2nd grade students, but that ends now! Frog & Toad are Friends is a classic story that is an easy independent read for your barely on-level readers.

The story takes place in April, as Frog tries to wake his best friend Toad from his long winter nap. Once he finally awakens him, the pair have a year full of amazing adventures and continue to build their wonderful friendship. When Frog is feeling sick, Toad is there to help. When Toad is sad because he never gets mail, Frog’s there to lend a hand.

While the illustrations are pretty bland, this award-winning book is great for your beginning readers.

13. Super Narwhal & Jelly Jolt by Ben Clanton

My list wouldn’t be complete without a graphic novel, and Super Narwhal & Jelly Jolt is the perfect superhero book for your second graders.

The story contains three mini-plotlines. In the first story, Narwhal reveals his alter-ego and asks his buddy Jelly to help him discover his superpower. Then the pair then head off to help a lost friend. The final story is all about Narwhal cheering up Jelly.

With fun plotlines that center on the theme of friendship, even your reluctant readers will feel confident tackling this superhero graphic novel.

14. Junie B. Jones & the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

This realistic fiction series of chapter books for 2nd graders has relatable characters and situations your students might have experienced themselves, making it perfect for independent reading.

The main character, Junie B. Jones, is preparing to start kindergarten when she discovers she’ll have to ride the bus. This news makes her mad, and the situation only gets worse when she actually experiences the bus for the first time.

Things get better once she arrives at school. That is until Junie finds herself in a predicament that ends with a call to 9-1-1. This text is another great one for conversations about problem and solution. You might also consider using it to discuss appropriate school behavior!

15. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

After being flattened by a bulletin board, Stanley wakes up to discover he is FLAT! While this predicament has its downsides, the positive is he can be rolled up, easily mailed anywhere, and even used as a kite on a windy day. His situation also makes him a hero when he thwarts some art thieves.

This original Flat Stanley book is a quick, easy read that you can connect with so many cross-curricular projects. This is a great chapter book for 2nd graders to use when working on friendly letters!

Perfect for literature circles at the end of your school year, this story offers opportunities to teach many important reading comprehension skills in an engaging format that lends itself to an engaging discussion.

Get the No Prep Book Study:   Flat Stanley Book Study

16. Horrible Harry in Room 2B by Suzy Klein

My introduction to the Horrible Harry series came when my team decided to use Horrible Harry & the Holidaze to teach about different winter holidays. These realistic fiction books are simple to read and have relatable storylines.

Horrible Harry in Room 2B is the first in this series, which will appeal to both the boys and girls in your classroom. The main character, Harry, is a bit of a troublemaker which leads to some interesting conversations with students.

The plotline revolves around Harry and his best friend, Doug. Despite his troublemaking ways, Doug sees the best in Harry and recognizes him as a true friend. This book is great for character traits discussions, as well as making comparisons between characters. The whole series is a great choice if you’re looking for chapter books for 2nd graders.

17. A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author by Ron Roy

Ron Roy writes mysteries that draw young readers in making this a great series of chapter books for 2nd graders. In this book, Dink Duncan and his best friends discover that their favorite author, Wallis Wallace, has gone missing, and they’re on the hunt to find him…even if the police don’t believe their story.

As they hunt down clues and get closer to the kidnapper, they discover the unexpected.

This is a great mystery that your students can follow along with and track the clues right along with Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. The whole series is really interesting and the book titles progress from A to Z – hence the series title, A to Z Mysteries .

Buy the book: A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author

Get the No Prep Book Unit:   A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author Book Unit

18. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

As the second superhero book on the list, this story by celebrated author, Dav Pilkey, is a great story for your advanced readers. If your readers are itching to read Captain Underpants , they’ll love this graphic novel.

The main characters George and Harold create a new kind of superhero, and this one is half-man and half-dog. With a human body and canine head, this unlikely hero fights to defeat his archnemesis, Petey the Cat.

A great chapter book for reluctant readers, this book is perfect for boys in your classroom.

• Guided Reading: P

19. The Real Slam Dunk by Charisse K. Richardson

A lot of books for this level focus on topics of interest to girls. Between female main characters and storylines that revolve around girls, it can be hard to find some great chapter books for 2nd graders who are boys. The Real Slam Dunk is a great chapter book for the high-reading boys in your class

This book revolves around Marcus, a boy who wants to be a pro basketball player when he grows up. When his class is about to meet a real-life professional basketball player, Marcus can barely contain his excitement. However, when the day comes, he learns some unexpected lessons about both school and sports.

Another great story with diverse characters, you’ll love the lessons this book can provide to your reluctant or disengaged learners.

20. Gooney Bird Green e by Lois Lowry

Want a funny book for second graders that will keep your students talking? This is it!

Written by the award-winning author of The Giver , Gooney Bird Greene is the story of a girl who loves to be the center of attention. A natural storyteller with a unique fashion sense, Gooney Bird wants to be in the middle of everything.

Problems arise when Gooney Bird’s desire for attention keeps her from realizing her peers deserve to share, too.

This funny series of chapter books for 2nd graders has so many great lessons, and it is such an engaging story.

Ready to Plan Your 2nd Grade Novel Study?

Now that you’re here, grab your favorite chapter books for 2nd graders and my free novel study planning roadmap to get step-by-step support to plan a high-quality literature unit for your second-grade students whether you’re in the classroom or homeschooling.

Whether you’re a planning your first novel study or just looking for new ideas for using chapter books to teach reading, you’ll love this great tool.

Looking for more great chapter books to add to your library?

If you’ve got a broad range of reading levels or are trying to diversify your classroom library without spending a ton of money , here are some of my favorite books for other reading levels.

If you’ve already filled your book list for 2nd grade, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Check out the links below to access more great novels and chapter books for other grade levels.

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50 Must-Read Books for Second Graders

by AuthorAmy

Welcome to Amy’s Bookshelf! Here, teachers will find carefully curated book lists for each grade level from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Moving forward, new lists filled with book recommendations will be published weekly. Sometimes, these lists will be organized around a specific theme, like a holiday or seasonal event. Other times, they will feature rockstar books – books practically guaranteed to get your students reading. 

Before jumping into reading recommendations, a few words about how books are selected.

First, it is so important that teachers prioritize reading interest over reading level. Students will often choose to read well above or below their reading level if they are particularly interested in a book or topic. Teachers only hurt students by limiting them to a specific selection of titles grouped according to an arbitrary number or level. Think of the books on these lists as starting places for you and your students, but if a student wants to read up (or down), that is a-ok.

Also, please note that these lists lean heavily toward modern selections as opposed to the classics many teachers are familiar with. A true renaissance is happening in children’s literature today, and the books coming out are truly exciting. One of the factors that makes this such an exciting time for kid lit is how diverse the selections are in terms of genre, characters and subject matter. These lists will feature fiction and nonfiction selection as well as graphic novels, novels written in verse, and more.

Any book list or classroom library worth its salt includes books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, racially diverse characters, characters with disabilities, characters in the foster care system, characters from a wide variety of socioeconomic and religious backgrounds, and so on. Importantly, the diversity of the characters doesn’t always need to be the focus of the literature – in other words, a book featuring a black character or gay character doesn’t need to be about those individuals exploring their blackness or their gayness; those characters can have kid problems that apply to all children regardless of their race or sexual orientation. Similarly, students should be encouraged to read stories featuring people of diversity all year long – not just during a month set aside to celebrate a specific heritage.

One final note: today’s children’s literature does not shy away from frank discussions of gender, race, sex, sexuality, abuse, mental illness, and more – nor should it. I will not censor books from these lists based on these controversial areas. What books you recommend will depend on the specific district you work in and your clientele. I encourage you and your students to read widely without fear.

Second grade

This second-grade list contains a healthy mix of picture books and chapter books as elementary-aged students are stretching their reading wings and growing into reading independently. While second-graders may be more capable of reading on their own, they still love to hear stories out loud from the adults in their lives – and hearing stories outloud reinforces their growth as independent readers.

Just so you know, Bored Teachers may get a small share of the sales made through the links on this page.

1. Hello Lighthouse

by Sophie Blackall

Get it HERE .

Hello Lighthouse won the 2019 Caldecott Medal for exemplary illustrations in a picture book. This surprisingly emotional story tells the tale of a lighthouse keeper and his family. It’s outstanding.

2. Most Magnificent Thing

by Ashley Spires

A young girl has an idea for a new invention – a magnificent thing! She works hard to build her invention but can’t get it quite right. She gets mad and quits. She takes her dog for a walk and comes back to the project with renewed vigor and gets it just right! It’s a great story that teaches about the power of perseverance.

3. What Do You Do With an Idea?

by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom

This book explores the creative process and the ephemeral, uncertain way in which we are struck with new ideas. A young boy has an idea, but he doesn’t know exactly what to do with it. Soon he feels comfortable sharing his idea, and while some people laugh, others understand. Readers learn to trust their ideas and see them through to fruition.

4. The Princess in Black

by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Princess Magnolia is a dainty lady by day but the Princess in Black in secret. In her alter ego, she fights monsters and saves the day. This is the first book in a series of chapter books perfect for showing readers you don’t have to fit into a traditional role but can make it your own.

5. Firefly July

by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Thirty-six short poems explore the seasons in Firefly July. This is a great book that can act as a mentor text for students beginning to write their own short poems, too.              

6. The Hundred Dresses

by Eleanor Estes, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin

This is the story of a young girl named Wanda who is bullied by her classmates for wearing the same dress every day. Eventually, Wanda leaves the school and her classmates feel terrible. This was originally published in 1945 and was named a Newbery Honor Book.

7. The Paper Bag Princess

by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

The traditional fairy tale trope is turned on its head in this story as princess Elizabeth sets out to rescue Prince Ronald from a fierce dragon. It’s empowering and fun.

8. Feel the beat

by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Kristi Valiant

This is a fantastic poetry collection in which the poems are written to mimic the style of various forms of dance, everything from hip-hop to samba. It makes the music of other cultures highly accessible and is just a ton of fun, too.

9. All the Colors of the Earth

by Sheila Hamanaka

This book celebrates both nature’s beauty and human diversity by comparing human skin and hair colors to the nature’s scenery and landscapes. It’s written in rhyming, poetic text that makes it a lovely read-aloud.

10. Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem

by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex

Billy isn’t following the rules at home, so his parents get him a pet whale as a punishment. Now Billy has to care for his blue whale, which includes taking it for walks through the hilly streets of San Francisco. It’s a ridiculous premise that delivers lots of laughs.

11. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

by Simms Taback

This is an interactive book which is great to read with a child. Joseph has an old coat full of holes (these are actual holes in the book). Rather than just throwing the coat away, he turns it into something else.

12. A Bear Called Paddington

by Michael Bond, illustrated by Peggy Fortnum

A Bear Called Paddington has been a staple of children’s literature since 1958. It’s about a bear, originally from Peru, who winds up in London with the Brown family. This is the first in a series of novels starring Paddington and his adventures.

13. Bunnicula

by Deborah and James Howe

Howard, a pet dog, and his friend Chester, a pet cat, are a bit concerned when a baby bunny is added to the family. The bunny turns out to be a vampire bunny, and Chester and Howard set out to save their family from Bunnicula. It’s hilarious so a great choice for emerging readers.

14. Heckedy Peg

by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood

The authors of Heckedy Peg have created a modern fairy tale reminiscient of the Brothers Grimm. A mother leaves her seven children at home, each named for a day of the week, while she goes to the local village. A witch turns the children into food, and when the mother gets home, she has once chance to guess which child is which food item to get her children back.

15. The Lion and the Mouse

by Jerry Pinkney

This wordless picture book is a retelling of one of Aesop’s fables. A lion spares a small mouse, who returns one day to help the lion out of a hunter’s net. The moral is that no act of kindness is ever wasted. The illustrations are simply beautiful.

16. Not All Princesses Dress in Pink

by Jane Yolen, E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin                                                                                   

This empowering story shows girls playing baseball, climbing trees, and stomping in mud puddles – all while wearing tiaras! It’s a great way to encourage young readers to get outside and be active.

17. The Boy and the Whale

by Mordicai Gerstein

A boy finds a whale entangled in a net. Remembering the time when he almost drown ed as a child, he determines he will save the whale. The author based this story on a new report of a whale rescue.

18. The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

by Duncan Tonatiuh

Princess Izta rejects all her suitors until the warrior Popoca pledges his love to her. She gives him her hand, though her father isn’t sure. Popoca is told he may marry the princess if he can defeat the neighboring ruler. Popoca battles Jaguar Claw and ultimately wins, but the defeated ruler tricks Izta into falling into a poisoned sleep. Popoca, devestated, lays down beside her. Legend has it that both became sleeping volcanoes.

19. Drum Dream Girl

by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López

Drum Dream Girl was inspired by Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who became a drummer in Cuba, defying the taboo against girl drummers. In this story, a girl grows up hearing that girls can’t be drummers, so she practices in secret. When the village hears her music, the taboo is broken.

20. Infinity and Me

by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

A young girl named Uma ponders the concept of infinity, an abstract concept made much easier to grasp by the examples in the book.

21. On a Beam of Light

by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

This is one of many, many picture book biographies that have been released in the last decade. On a Beam of Light tells the story of a young Einstein as he becomes the genuis we know him as.

22. The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos

by Deborah Heiligman, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

This picture book biography is about mathematician Paul Erdos, a genius who traveled the world collaborating on math projects. Young readers see the world numerically, through Paul’s eyes as the book also explores various mathematical concepts.

23. Wild About Books

by Judi Sierra, illustrated by Marc Brown

Molly McGrew drives the bookmobile – and one day, she drives it straight to the zoo! The animals are eager to check out the books, and the whole story is written in fantastic rhyming text with lots of allusions to popular texts.

24. Diary of a Wombat

by Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Whatley

The book is quite literally what the title suggests – it’s the diary of a wombat who records his daily activities, especially his efforts to get nearby humans to feed him. The text is funny and contains a message about the importance of not feeding wildlife.

25. We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball

by Kadir Nelson

We Are the Ship could be just another nonfiction picture, but having an unnamed narrator tell the story of the Negro Leagues makes the reader feel incredibly close to the narrative, as if they are sitting on the back porch listening to someone tell the story. This book beautifully tells the story of players and owners who fought against segregation to make the Negro League baseball a reality.

26. Alligator Pie written

by Dennis Lee, illustrated by Frank Newfeld

Poet Dennis Lee is known as “Canada’s Father Goose,” and the classic book Alligator Pie is why. This is a quirky poetry collection featuring Lee’s well-known verses such as the popular “Willoughby Wallaby Woo.”

27. Library Lion

by Michelle Knudson, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Library Lion was published in 2009, but it has a much more timeless feel, like it belongs to the era of The Velveteen Rabbit. In this story, the strict librarian doesn’t quite know what to do when a lion wanders into her library – after all, he doesn’t actually break any of her rules. In the end, the lion saves the day and wins over the librarian.

28. Stellaluna

by Janell Cannon

A fruit bat named Stellaluna is separated from her mother in an owl attack and lands in a bird’s nest. This educational story teaches the differences between bats and birds, as Stellaluna learns the same.

29. Magic School Bus In the Time of the Dinosaurs

by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen

Ms. Frizzle is the science teacher everyone wants to have. Instead of just teaching science, she loads up her class in the trusty old magic school bus and takes her students on an array of adventures. The entire Magic School Bus series is incredibly fun and educational. In this particular title, the bus transforms into a time machine and the Frizzle’s students travel back in time to meet dinosaurs face-to-face.

30. Magic Treehouse #1 Dinosaurs Before Dark

by Mary Pope Osborne

The Magic Treehouse series is a bestselling chapter book series about two children named Jack and Annie who discover a tree house filled with books. As it turns out, the tree house is magic and transports the siblings back in time. Throughout the series, Jack and Annie visit pirates, ninjas, Vikings, dinosaurs, and much more.

31. Winnie the Pooh

by A.A. Milne and illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard

Winnie-the-Pooh debuted in 1926 and since then has been a perennial favorite for generations. This is the first in a series of Pooh books. It’s a simple chapter book perfect for children ready to start reading longer books on their own.

32. Amelia Bedelia

by Peggy Parish, illustrated by Fritz Siebel

Amelia Bedelia is hired by the Rogers family as their new housekeeper. She’s eager to please – so eager, in fact, that she interprets all of Mrs. Rogers’ instructions quite literally. When instructed to dress the chicken, Amelia Bedelia quite literally puts the chicken in clothes. This, and all subsequent Amelia Bedelia books is a fun introduction to figures of speech and the idiosyncracies of the English language.

33. Amazing Grace

by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch

Young Grace loves stories, and she loves to act out her favorite parts. When the school announces a production of Peter Pan, Grace decides she wants to be Pan himself. Her classmates tell her she can’t play Peter, because she’s a girl, and she’s black. Grace is determined, and her audition for Peter leaves no one doubting she’s meant for the role.

34. The Scar

by Charlotte Moundlic and illustrated by Olivier Tallec

The Scar is a portrait of grief, a story in which a young boy learns his mother has died and becomes terrified he will forget her. It’s excruciating to read, but powerful and unflinching for children who need it.

35. Balloons over Broadway

by Melissa Sweet

Balloons Over Broadway is a delightful history lesson about Tony Sarg, the man who turned puppets upside down and invented the famous balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

36. Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum

by Meghan McCarthy

This book chronicles the invention of a new kind of gum – gum that can be used to blow bubbles. The text is also filled with fun facts about the history of chewing gum.

37. The Boo-Boos That Changed the World

by Barry Wittenstein and illustrated by Chris Hsu

Quite similar to Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum , The Boo-Boos That Changed the World  tells the story of an iconic American invention – the Band-Aid! It’s a narrative with a nice mix of accessible, humorous text and historical information.

38. Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman

by Marc Tyler Nobleman, illustrated by Ross MacDonald

Writer Jerry Siegel and illustrator Joe Shuster worked together to create the character of Superman. It’s a great biography filled with facts to introduce readers to one of America’s most enduring superheros.

39. Clementine

by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee

This is the first book in a series featuring Clementine, a character reminiscent of Ramona Quimbly or Junie B. Jones. The first Clementine book chronicles the title character’s disastrous week.

40. Great Joy

by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

Great Joy is a story for a cozy winter night when a reader wants to feel the Christmas spirit. It’s a quiet tale of young Frances. Frances sees a homeless organ grinder and his monkey appear outside her window, witnesses them sleeping outside in the cold. On the day of Frances’ Christmas pageant, she is inspired to perform a simple act of kindness that brings the organ grinder great joy.

41. The Miniature World of Marvin and James

by Elise Broach, illustrated by Kelly Murphy

James has a best friend named Marvin – and Marvin is a beetle. James goes on vacation and has to leave Marvin at home, which means poor Marvin spends the vacation worrying about whether their friendship will be the same when James returns. This is the first book in a series.

42. Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

by Barbara Park

Kindergartner Junie B. Jones is not happy at all about having to ride the bus to school. She hates everything about the bus, from the kids to the smell of the exhaust. So, once at school, Junie B. Jones finds a way to get out of riding the bus back home. This is also the first book in a series featuring the same character.

43. Dory Fantasmagory

by Abby Hanlon

Dory’s older siblings ignore her, so she turns to her imagination to have fun. She invents wacky adventures that are sure to make readers laugh.

44. Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

by Lenore Look and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Alvin Ho features an Asian-American protagonist who is afraid of absolutely everything. While he never says a word at school, at home he plays the superhero known as Firecracker Man. Alvin Ho is the main character in a series of books featuring his adventures.

45. After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)

by Dan Santat

This book is all about overcoming fears, dusting yourself off, and trying again. Humpty Dumpty is a birdwatcher, which is why he was sitting on the wall in the first place. After his great fall, he’s too scared to do the things he loved and must find a way to conquer his fears.

46. Hey Wall

by Susan Verde and illustrated by John Parra

A young boy rallies his community to create a mural on an ugly, graffiti-covered wall in his neighborhood. It’s a story told in verse and will inspire young readers to understand the power they have to make a difference in the world.

47. A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars

by Seth Fishman and illustrated by Isabel Greenberg

This book tackles big numbers – really, really big numbers, such as the hundred billion trillion stars in the universe that inspire the title. It helps readers get a handle on numbers when they move beyond the concrete to the abstract realm of almost too many to count.

by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead and illustrated by Nicholas Gannon

Last time Livy visited her grandmother in Australia, she told a creature known as Bob to hide in the closet and that, upon her return, she would help him find his family and his home. Now that Livy is back, it’s time she keeps her promise. This is a really nice chapter book with a touch of magical realism.

49. A Different Pond

by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui

A Different Pond was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 2018. It tells the story of a father and son who fish for their food in a Minnesota pond. While they fish, the father tells the son the story of his fishing in his homeland in Vietnam.

by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

A variety of animals discuss what they love about life in a picture book that is simple and hopeful in tone. At its heart, it’s about overcoming adversity and finding beauty in the every day.

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60 Best Second Grade Books To Update Your Classroom Library

Discover new favorite titles.

An awesome second grade classroom library needs so many types of books. You’ve got your favorite series, read-alouds, and teaching titles, but updating your shelves can help make sure your library represents diverse experiences and feels energizing and exciting for kids. Check out 60 of our favorite recent second grade picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, series, and more.

1. The Wilderness by Steve McCarthy

Oktober Vasylenko is part of an adventurous family, but he prefers to stay closer to home … and definitely indoors. He’s heard people speak of “the Wilderness” and he’s sure it’s a terrible monster lurking outside. This story about fear, bravery, imagination, differing perspectives, and, of course, nature, is sure to start some lively classroom discussions.

Buy it: The Wilderness on Amazon

2. This Book Is Banned by Raj Haldar

This clever book puts a hilarious spin on an important topic. Introduce kids to the dangers of censorship in a developmentally appropriate way, while simultaneously making them laugh out loud.

Buy it: This Book Is Banned on Amazon

3. Dear Unicorn by Josh Funk

Not just for unicorn lovers, though you probably have plenty of them in second grade! Pen pals Connie and Nic send letters and art back and forth all year. They learn a lot about each other—but when they finally meet, they are shocked to find out Connie is a human and Nic is a unicorn! Perfect for discussing characters and relationships, along with themes of friendship, positivity, and acceptance.

Buy it: Dear Unicorn on Amazon

4. Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story by Dave Eggers

When Annie had to raise pigs to earn a living but her neighborhood did not allow livestock, what did she do? She figured out how to move her house 4 miles down the road! Second graders who love quirky true stories will adore this account of how a 19th-century widow in Idaho tackled a problem in an innovative way. Add this fun read-aloud to your second grade books for talking about story elements.

Buy it: Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion on Amazon

5. Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein

Four chefs contributed memories about being teased for bringing school lunches from their home cultures to create this school lunch story. The targeted kids try out bringing sandwiches like everyone else, but soon that feels … boring. Ultimately everyone agrees that a lunch from home that you love is always delicious. This title is good for discussions about author’s message. (Plus, the lunch descriptions will make your mouth water!)

Buy it: Lunch From Home on Amazon

6. The World’s Best Class Plant by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

Students in Room 109 envy all the other classrooms that have animal pets. All they have is a plant. It’s so boring … or is it? Over time students come to appreciate their faithful spider plant and learn lots about plants in the process. We’re adding this to our second grade books to to share during a science unit on plants.

Buy it: The World’s Best Class Plant on Amazon

7. 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle

This counting “down” book is perfect for introducing subtraction story problems. Through zany, random events, a crew of 100 dragons (all named Broccoli) gradually part ways. Perfect for adding a little laughter to math class.

Buy it: 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli on Amazon

8. My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero

A young girl tells the tale of a motorcycle ride around her neighborhood with her Papi. Lean on this title for studying character traits and emotions and as a fresh, diverse mentor text for personal narrative writing.

Buy it: My Papi Has a Motorcycle on Amazon

9. If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall

The illustrations in this new title from two-time Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall are gorgeous, as are the book’s themes of connectedness and inclusivity. Share it to open community-building conversations, or to support your social studies curriculum. Having students write their own “If you come to …” letters would be an awesome writing prompt too!

Buy it: If You Come to Earth on Amazon

10. Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

When Kora-Jalimuso’s teacher and classmates can’t pronounce her name, her mother gives her the most empowering, uplifting advice of all: Tell them her name is a song. Share this affirming story at the start of the school year or to lead off conversations about celebrating identity. Every classroom needs this book!

Buy it: Your Name Is a Song on Amazon

11. Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! by Kelly Bennett

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story is a longtime read-aloud favorite. Now there’s a sequel that makes us love that glug-glugging goldfish and his endearing owner even more! Norman and his human are excited to perform a routine of tricks at Pet-O-Rama—until an unexpected case of goldfish stage fright. The details are perfect for supporting kids’ narrative writing.

Buy it: Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! on Amazon

12. Ten Ways To Hear Snow by Cathy Camper

Lina wakes up on the morning she’s meant to visit her grandmother to help cook grape leaves, only to discover a fresh blanket of snow. Her walk to her grandmother’s house inspires a poetic list of ways to “hear” snowcapped observations for her grandmother, who is blind. Use this text to support both narrative and poetry writing, or simply enjoy it on the first snowy morning of the school year.

Buy it: Ten Ways To Hear Snow on Amazon

13. Cat Problems by Jory John

The Animal Problems books are awesome second grade books for their perfect balance of humor, vocabulary, and curriculum connections. In this one, a cat complains about its life indoors. Meanwhile, a squirrel outside the window reminds the cat how cushy a life it has. Great for lessons about reading with expression or to discuss point of view.

Buy it: Cat Problems on Amazon

14. Skywatcher by Jamie Hogan

Tamen wishes he could see the stars, but that’s basically impossible in his bright urban neighborhood. His mom surprises him with a camping trip to make his dream come true. If you need more second grade books that portray single parents, this is a good one. The back matter teaches readers about astronomy and light pollution.

Buy it: Skywatcher on Amazon

15. Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse

A grandmother and small child take a beach walk on a gray day. The story tells how they “crouched to greet dogs,” “skirted a fence,” “leapt over logs,” and more. The language is gorgeous but concise. Use this book as a mentor text for reading-comprehension strategies or narrative-writing craft techniques.

Buy it: Granny and Bean on Amazon

16. What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke

This is an invaluable resource for talking to kids about pronouns and how pronoun choice is just one piece of someone’s identity. Uncle Lior, who prefers they/them pronouns, comes to visit and helps Ari explore the words that feel right to use.

Buy it: What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns on Amazon

17. and 18. I’m New Here and Someone New by Anne Sibley O’Brien

This pair of titles tells the story of three newly arrived immigrant children and the peers who welcome newcomers to their school community. Presenting the two books together offers a unique chance to examine an experience from multiple perspectives.

Buy it: I’m New Here and Someone New on Amazon

19. Hey, Wall by Susan Verde

Ángel notices an ugly, neglected wall that spans an entire city block near his home and organizes a neighborhood effort to create a mural that celebrates their community. Inspire students with this kid-powered story of art and activism.

Buy it: Hey, Wall on Amazon

20. How To Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi

This autobiography shares how Ashima Shiraishi became one of the world’s top rock climbers—as a teenager! It’s an inspirational story that will wow kids (and teachers) and is a unique addition to a biography genre study.

Buy it: How To Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion on Amazon

21. How To Write a Story by Kate Messner

Follow a young writer’s illustrated thought bubbles and tips as she works through the narrative-writing process from the seed of an idea to drafting, revising, and editing, and then to showcasing her work. Share this to inspire a budding author, or use it during a fiction-writing unit.

Buy it: How To Write a Story on Amazon

22. Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten

Thanksgiving stories from a Native perspective are essential to share in the classroom. Introduce students to how the Wampanoag people helped the Pilgrims survive by teaching them skills like how to grow “The Three Sisters”: corn, beans, and squash. Beyond the important social studies content, we love all the connections to second grade science standards about plants.

Buy it: Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story on Amazon

23. The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey

A gorgeous Own Voices story about a present-day Wabanaki girl who joins her grandmother in harvesting sweetgrass to make baskets. Add this to your growing collection of second grade books that celebrate indigenous characters.

Buy it: The First Blade of Sweetgrass on Amazon

24. Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

A new favorite! If you’re looking for second grade books to inspire students as writers, you absolutely need this one. Abdul has many stories to tell, but handwriting and spelling are so hard for him. A visiting author, Mr. Muhammad, gives him the reassuring nudge he needs to shine.

Buy it: Abdul’s Story on Amazon

25. Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes

On this street, “the houses and dreams inside are as different as thumbprints.” This celebration of a diverse neighborhood is based on the author’s and illustrator’s own childhoods in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It would make a strong mentor text for descriptive writing. And a class display about students’ hopes and goals would be a perfect follow-up project.

Buy it: Dream Street on Amazon

26. The Cool Bean by Jory John and Pete Oswald

If you loved The Bad Seed and The Good Egg , you need to meet the Cool Bean! Who knew legumes could be such good models for how it’s “cool to be kind”?

Buy it: The Cool Bean on Amazon

27. The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan

Every Fan Brothers book is gorgeous, but this is one of our favorite second grade books to mull over with students. One morning, William notices a mysterious topiary out his window. Soon, there are changes all over town.

Buy it: The Night Gardener on Amazon

28. Rodney Was a Tortoise by Nan Forler

Rodney was Bernadette’s treasured pet and companion. When he dies, no one seems to notice how Bernadette’s sadness lingers—until new friend Amar reaches out. This is a tender story to help second graders talk about important themes of grief, friendship, and empathy.

Buy it: Rodney Was a Tortoise on Amazon

29. The Flamingo by Guojing

This almost-wordless graphic novel shares the story of a girl who visits her grandmother, her Lao Lao, at the beach. When she finds a flamingo feather in Lao Lao’s house, the magical story-within-a-story explains where it came from. Definitely add this one to your second grade books for teaching about making inferences—there is so much to wonder and talk about!

Buy it: The Flamingo on Amazon

30. Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

We reference it all the time, but how long is five minutes, really? Well, that depends on whether you’re waiting in line or playing your favorite game! Add some fun to your math lessons about telling time by sharing this little gem.

Buy it: Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) on Amazon

31. Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Storyteller and author Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. Treat yourself and your class to this gorgeous and inspirational biography that offers just the right amount of detail for a classroom read-aloud and discussion. (Plus, motivate your students to explore other Pura Belpré Award titles!)

Buy it: Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré on Amazon

32. Now You Know How It Works by Valorie Fisher

How often do we stop and think about how things we use every day, like soap or screws, work? This title explains it all, with labeled diagrams perfect for teaching students about using nonfiction text features for reading and their own writing.

Buy it: Now You Know How It Works on Amazon

33. How To Make a Mountain in Just 9 Simple Steps and Only 100 Million Years! by Amy Huntington

Introduce second grade standards about processes that shape the earth with this funny and informative guide. The different text sizes and sections give you choices about how much detail to share if reading aloud.

Buy it: How To Make a Mountain in Just 9 Simple Steps and Only 100 Million Years! on Amazon

34. Seeds Move! by Robin Page

Did you ever think of seed dispersal as involving “hitchhiking,” “catapulting,” or “parachuting”? Robin Page’s fresh, informative text and collage illustrations will get students thinking about grade-level science concepts.

Buy it: Seeds Move! on Amazon

35. We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire

Everyone deserves to be able to move through their world with ease. This is one of our favorite all-ages books to open discussions about social justice and disability. It’s especially suited to second graders who are eager to connect to others and make the world a more fair place.

Buy it: We Move Together on Amazon

36. Money Math by David Adler

Content-area book guru David Adler addresses money identification and beginning addition and subtraction. Break out the piles of change!

Buy it: Money Math on Amazon

37. The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel

This series combines science, silly humor, and just enough gross facts to delight any young reader.

Buy it: The Disgusting Critters Series on Amazon

38. The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz

Share this biography of an Indian environmental activist with students when you talk about the role of plants in an ecosystem. After reading, go outside and plant some native plants in your own habitat!

Buy it: The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng on Amazon

39. Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares

Three whimsical chapters make poetic observations about the world based on size. This book invites readers to notice things like how big the quiet feels when it’s your turn to perform, the “in between” of a wiggling tooth, and how small you feel when you stare at the ocean. Add this title to your second grade books for Poetry Month or launching a poetry unit of study.

Buy it: Big and Small and In-Between on Amazon

40. On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen

We still read Owl Moon every single year, but we also love Jane Yolen’s more recent nature offerings. Here, her signature poetic and precise language chronicles the brief moment when a child walks a dog past a pond.

Buy it: On Duck Pond on Amazon

41. A Place To Start a Family: Poems About Creatures That Build by David L. Harrison

As anyone who has studied a bird’s nest up close knows, animal structures are amazing. Each poem describes how an animal creates a home for its young.

Buy it: A Place To Start a Family: Poems About Creatures That Build on Amazon

42. Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger

Read about a family’s camping experience, as described by different family members. This fun title also includes a handy guide for teaching kids about different forms of poetry. Also check out Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse , starring the same characters.

Buy it: Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse on Amazon

43. Two-Headed Chicken series by Tom Angleberger

Share these hilarious graphic novels with your second graders who love funny books or need something to read after Dog Man .  A two-headed chicken has bizarre adventures as it hops around the multiverse and back and forth through time.

Buy it: Two-Headed Chicken series on Amazon

44. Frankie and Friends: Breaking News by Christine Platt

Add this illustrated chapter book series opener to your second grade books for building kids’ background knowledge about different careers. Frankie’s mom is a busy journalist. It’s tough on Frankie when her mother has to rush out of town to cover a breaking news story, but she decides to pass the time by honing her own reporting skills at home. The back matter includes information about journalism terms.

Buy it: Frankie and Friends: Breaking News on Amazon

45. Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi

Yasmin has plenty of spirit and a talent for looking on the bright side. This early chapter book series has lots of titles to keep kids reading. It’s a must-own on the growing list of kid-lit titles starring contemporary Muslim Americans.

Buy it: Yasmin series on Amazon

46. Diary of an Ice Princess series by Christina Soontornvat

Second graders love this fantasy series about a princess who lives in the clouds and wields a ton of cool weather-related powers. And teachers shouldn’t be discouraged by all the pink! The series has diverse characters and relatable themes to discuss with kids.

Buy it: Diary of an Ice Princess series on Amazon

47. Every Day With April & Mae series by Megan Dowd Lambert

April and Mae are best friends who navigate relatable kid situations and feelings. It’s so important to have second grade books available for readers who are still learning to decode. This series is easier but still engaging. Plus, we love the cheerful illustrations.

Buy it: April & Mae and the Tea Party on Amazon

48. Pets Rule! series by Susan Tan

The Branches illustrated chapter book collection offers tons of great choices, but kids especially love this funny series about a pet chihuahua who has big dreams of world—or at least neighborhood—domination.

Buy it: Pets Rule! series on Amazon

49. Word Travelers series by Raj Haldar

Best friends Eddie and MJ use an enchanted word book to go on fantastic treasure-hunting adventures. They’ve got to stretch their vocabulary knowledge to figure out clues. This is a fun series for advanced second grade readers who still need age-appropriate content.

Buy it: Word Travelers series on Amazon

50. Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series by Jordan Quinn

A crew of young dragons goes head-to-head with one danger after another. These imaginative graphic novel spinoffs of a popular chapter book series have wide appeal, and there are plenty of titles to keep kids reading.

Buy it: The Coldfire Curse (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly) on Amazon

51. The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour

This feel-good series opener stars Ella, who lives with her two moms in an apartment building in San Francisco. She delights in knowing her neighbors, their habits, and their comings and goings. Add this title to your collection of endearing, character-driven second grade early chapter books.

Buy it: The Apartment House on Poppy Hill on Amazon

52. Too Small Tola series by Atinuke

Stories by this author—we also love the Anna Hibiscus series—are great for adding representation of life in contemporary Africa to your classroom libraries. Tola lives with her siblings and grandmother in an apartment in Lagos, Nigeria, where things are never dull. These collections of stories have endearing characters and rich descriptions for kids working on noticing details about setting.

Buy it: Too Small Tola on Amazon

53. Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files by Andrea Beaty and Theanne Griffith

We love the Questioneers , and these nonfiction partner titles based on the Netflix show are awesome additions to your second grade science books. A fun journal format keeps readers interested.

Buy it: All About Plants (Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files) on Amazon

54. Geraldine Pu series by Maggie Chang

Geraldine Pu has lots of relatable school experiences and is proud of her family’s Taiwanese culture. These are the perfect second grade books for introducing kids to reading graphic novels. Each one has a “How To Read This Book” tutorial to teach kids about speech and thought bubbles and how to read panels left to right and top to bottom.

Buy it: Geraldine Pu series on Amazon

55. Class Critters series by Kathryn Holmes

Mrs. Norrell’s second grade class seems normal, but kids learn in unusual ways. Each student gets the chance to turn into an animal for a day, giving them an interesting perspective! Relatable themes with an appealing fantasy twist make these excellent second grade chapter books.

Buy it: Class Critters series on Amazon

56. Classroom 13 series by Honest Lee and Matthew J. Gilbert

Spark those 7- and 8-year-old imaginations! These second grade books work well as fun class read-alouds, book club picks, or independent reads. Each short chapter stars one student in Classroom 13, where plenty of wacky things take place.

Buy it: Classroom 13 series on Amazon

57. Mac B., Kid Spy series by Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett tells his childhood story—as a spy for the queen of England. It’s a spoof, of course, but there are real themes here too. This series would be a great fit for advanced but reluctant readers or as fun read-alouds (especially if you’re a kid of the ’80s and treasured your Game Boy as much as the author did).

Buy it: Mac B., Kid Spy series on Amazon

58. Planet Omar series by Zanib Mian

Omar is a fun-loving and imaginative kid navigating relatable kid challenges like starting at a new school and trying to earn money. These fast-paced illustrated chapter books work well as read-alouds or as independent reading. We especially love how they highlight Muslim characters.

Buy it: Planet Omar series on Amazon

59. Legends of Lotus Island series by Christina Soontornvat

Plum learns about her own strength as a Novice student on magical and mysterious Lotus Island. Read the series opener aloud to introduce students to the fantasy genre. Or offer these chapter books as independent reading material for confident second grade readers. The stories weave in themes related to animals, protecting the environment, and friendship, making them appealing to a wide range of readers.

Buy it: Legends of Lotus Island series on Amazon

60. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan

This is one of our new favorite second grade chapter books to read aloud. Kids and clever farm animals (inspired by the real animals who rode in the first hot-air balloon!) work together to take down a villainous plot in 18th-century France. There’s some historical context, great vocabulary, humor, fun illustrations, and plenty of adventure.

Buy it: The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck on Amazon

Which second grade books are your recent favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Want more articles like this be sure to subscribe to our newsletters . plus, check out our book lists for the other elementary grade levels here:.

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