Do you have a budding reader on your hand? Whether you’ve got a reluctant reader on your hands or a bookworm tearing them apart, these are the best chapter books for second grade girls.
My daughter is a great reader. And I’m not saying that to brag, she just is. they are facts.
You are reading: Chapter books for 2nd grade girls
however. She had a huge mental block when it came to reading chapter books. She just didn’t want to do it.
I’m not sure if it was intimidating or not so much fun, but it took a lot of work for him to start enjoying chapter books.
so I checked out almost every chapter book for girls in second grade in the library. some he loved and some he didn’t, but all those exciting new series got him interested in reading again.
In case you find yourself in a similar situation (or if you just want fresh, new reading material for your 2nd grader!) here are some great first chapter book ideas for 7th grade girls to 9 years.
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how to cheer up a second grader who doesn’t like to read
Before I get to the list of books, let me address the subject of the elephant in the room. Children are supposed to read, both for school purposes and because reading is inherently good for them.
So, what if your second grader hates reading?
Here are some tips to help encourage your child to read:
- make reading time special. read aloud to them, read along with them, let them stay up late reading. reading should be as much fun for them as you can make it.
- let them choose their own reading material. graphic novels, magazines, non-fiction, a wide variety of chapter books , whatever they should be allowed to read.
- Focus on reading for enjoyment. Don’t push them to read books that are “hard enough” for them. don’t focus on reading comprehension, or have them read just for points or time.
- surround them with books. it took dozens (dozens) of chapter books filtered through the house before my daughter decided she wanted to give it a try. but when she runs out of graphic novels to read (her favorite), she’ll almost always settle for a chapter book.
- Alternate between reading aloud to them and independent reading. My daughter doesn’t always want to read “real” chapter books, like the Ramona books or the Roald Dahl books. but if she reads a chapter to her before bed, she will often want to hear more of the story and will continue reading even after I leave the room.
best easy chapter books for second grade girls
If you have a second grader who is still struggling to read longer books, all of these books are in the late first grade or early second grade reading range.
owl diaries
These easy early readers have lots of pictures and very little pressure. are best for girls at an advanced reading level in first grade or early second grade.
tales of sasha
these books are of great interestt. about the adventures of a friendly horse, these books will capture the interest of even older girls, even if they have a lower reading level.
katie-woo series
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a lovely book on navigating friendships. the content will hit right at the second grade range, while the reading level is accessible to newer readers. >
princess in black
These are bright, fun, and full of silly adventures. Full-color illustrations make these books a great stepping stone into chapter books.
unicorn and yeti series
Personally, I haven’t had them on hand yet, but the internet loves short, funny stories, easy-to-read text, and colorful illustrations.
missy’s super duper royal deluxe
a lovely little story for girly girls, with short, funny plots, pictures on every page, and lots of second grade fun. perfect for helping second grade girls read chapter books.
katie fry, private detective
I was hesitant to add this one, just because it comes with the “2” on the cover. In my experience, this can be a bit stigmatizing for second graders. however, if your child doesn’t mind (or if he plans to read them at home), these books are great for early second grade readers.
mercy watson
The reading level is low, but these books are so fucking cute that kids in the middle grades will love them too. If you haven’t tried them yet, this is a must read.
best chapter books for second grade girls
Is your daughter a better reader? Try some of these chapter books. The following books are all in the mid-2nd grade range.
june b. jones series
okay we meet junie b. jones isn’t for everyone, she’s quite naughty, a bit of a crybaby and very sassy, but it turns out that’s exactly what my second grader liked about her the most. a great chapter book for girls at a second grade reading level.
naval & jelly
These books are not your classic second grade chapter book; there are three stories, a comic, and some random facts in each, but this format is exactly what makes these books feel “safe” as a first chapter book.
ivy and beans
be careful: the reviews of this second grade series are controversial! the kids featured in it are mischievous, often to the point of petty. some kids will find this funny and unrealistic. , inducing them to read when they otherwise would not. some kids (and their parents) would be horrified. read at your own risk.
jansen cam series
Thesestories are ideal for second grade readers. At 60 pages each, the stories are easy enough to read and hold kids’ attention for just the right amount of time.
unicorn school
Thesefantasy stories are sweet, easy to read and don’t focus on “drama” like other books aimed at children. helps avoid more adult topics, with a reading level appropriate for second grade.
zoey and sassafras
These positive stories centered on a little scientist and her cat are sure to be a hit with your second grader. each chapter is only a few pages long, making them accessible to newer readers.
amelia bedelia series
amelia is so silly that kids will be hooked right away. At a mid-second-grade reading level, these still feel child-friendly, but fun.
lulu series
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These stories are perfect for children with “younger” personalities and higher reading levels. the stories are sweet and simple, but still full of fun and mischief to keep them entertained.
rainbow magic series
These stories are super predictable. as an adult, that makes these a little hard to read, butas a newer chapter book reader, that makes them perfect for second graders.
chapter books for advanced second graders
If your second grader is an advanced reader, it can be difficult to find books that are at her reading level, but are still age appropriate. here are some books that have worked for my advanced reader second grader.
heidi hecklebeck series
heidi is a girl with a lot of magic. the books are engaging, with short, accessible illustrations and chapters. Perfect high interest books for second grade, with a slightly higher reading level.
luxurious underground
my second grade daughter, who was very reluctant to start chapter books, was willing to try fancy clancy because she already “knew” fancy nancy. There are some sketchy scenarios in this series: Reviewers note that Nancy gets into a car with a stranger when her bike breaks down, but with proper conversations, these are really engaging and approachable. .
my chaos
These books are fun and interesting. Mia is a positive role model, and these books are appropriate for younger readers at a higher reading level.
mallory series
these books are perfect for second graders at a higher reading level. the books are pretty tame (future books will include crushes and the like), and the words are more close to a third grade reading level.
dragon girl series
These books are fast-reading and action-packed, with themes of friendship and responsibility. While the publisher places them at a high reading level (3rd grade and above), the content will appeal to second grade girls perfectly.
clementine
clementine is quite naughty, a la junie b. jones, but without the whining. is a great transition to more challenging books, with concepts and characters second graders will love.
kylie jeans series
kylie jean’s books are short, sweet and snappy. she is “good at everything”, which means that she tries everything. if her daughter is into something in particular (soccer, fashion, baking), there is probably a kylie jean book to hook her.
mindy kim series
mindy kim’s books offer a positive role model, a glimpse into another family’s culture, and more challenging words. I love that they are still appropriate for second grade girls, but have a higher reading level.
We hope this list of chapter books for girls in second grade gives you lots of great ideas to try, whether your child is an early, intermediate, or advanced reader.
and we never stop looking for books to read! what are your favorite chapter books for second grade girls? tell us in the comments and we’ll add them to the list!
Looking for more books to try? head here below-
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