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You are reading: Realistic fiction books for 2nd graders
realistic fiction book for children
early chapter books
Aggie the Brave by Lori Ries, illustrated by Frank Dormer ages 6 – 9 Colorful illustrations match the basic sentences which tell the story of Aggie the dog who must go to the vet to get spayed, stay overnight, and heal at home. The story teaches about the process at the vet as well as what to expect – like the stitches and cone she must wear post-surgery. I love the way the little boy owner imagines that Aggie is not a cone-head but a LION.
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes I Can Read Book 1 ages 6 – 9 In this cautionary tale, Penny finds a beautiful blue marble on the sidewalk in front of her neighbor’s house. She takes it home but feels guilty about stealing it and not returning it to her neighbor. Finally, she returns the marble and her neighbor tells her she can keep it.
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Boris Gets a Lizard by Andrew Joyner ages 6 – 9 You can’t help but love Boris, a wildly imaginative boy who really wants a pet Komodo dragon. In fact, it’s his imagination that prompts him to tell his entire class that he’ll be not only getting a Komodo dragon, but that they can all see it. (Which isn’t exactly true. At all.) And, it’s that same imagination that saves the day when there is no Komodo Dragon but many excited visitors who Boris doesn’t want to disappoint.
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui, illustrated by Hatem Aly ages 6 – 9 Yasmin is an exuberant girl who is interested in everything from exploring to building to fashion. This book tells four short stories from Yasmin’s life, all in chapters with lively, full-color illustrations. Each story shows Yasmin as a creative problem solver even when things get hard. Her Pakistani American culture is embedded throughout the story such as the foods Yasmin’s family eats like naan or how she calls her father Baba. I LOVE the diversity, the gutsy main character, and the beautiful design of the entire book.
Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest Episode 1: The Quest for Screen Time by Marti Dumas, illustrated by Marie Muravski ages 6 – 9 Jaden has a plan for convincing his parents that he needs more screen time — and he’s going to use his big brain and his fellow kindergarteners to help. Not only is this a fantastic story, but I also love that we see a family with cultural diversity.
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse A New Friend by Poppy Green, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell ages 6 – 9 A new student arrives at Sophie’s school — a SNAKE named Owen! (Yikes!) All the mice students are scared. When Sophie tells her parents, they tell her they knew a really nice snake who moved away which helps Sophie give Owen a chance. Owen rescues Sophie from a dangerous situation and they become good friends. Kindness for the win!
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Daisy Dawson ages 6 – 9Daisy can talk to animals! You’ll love her free spirit personality and her kindness in all sorts of adventures. I love Daisy!
Owl Diaries Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott ages 5 – 8 This is a really cute book that’s just right for beginning readers, particularly girls. Eva writes in diary form all about getting the Bloomtastic Festival put together and how she eventually learns to ask friends for help.
Waggit’s Tale by Peter Howe (series) ages 6 – 9 Waggit is abandoned in the park but a group of dogs takes him in and helps him survive. He lives with them for many months, including a hard winter, but when a friendly woman feeds him and gives him a home, he finds his forever home. I love how this book hooks readers from page one and keeps you engaged. It’s interesting, emotional, and well-written.
Scribbles and Ink Out of the Box by Ethan Long ages 5 – 8 Scribbles and Ink (a cat and mouse) find that a box is a really cool thing to play with — it can become so many things (a race car, a mask, overalls). Unfortunately, the duo begins arguing about who gets the box and the box rips in half. After working out their differences, they think of a boxtastic solution.
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