17 Superb Chapter Books for
Second Graders
by Janssen Bradshaw
Second grade is a magical reading time for many kids. They’re just starting to develop reading fluency and are moving from easy reader books into early chapter books. Of course, this means that picking books for them can be somewhat tricky — they need something that holds their interest but isn’t so difficult that it turns them off to reading altogether. These 17 books and series are surefire winners!
Please note: Unless otherwise indicated, retail buttons for a series will direct you to the first book in the series. Click on the title of the series to see more books.
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Dory Fantasmagory Series
Available from:It’s hard being the youngest sibling, especially when your brother and sister won’t play with you. Good thing Dory has an unbelievably wild imagination to keep her entertained. With its sharp-toothed robbers, bearded fairy godmothers, and a best friend who just happens to be a monster, this book is a real hoot.
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Jada Jones Series
Available from:Science-loving Jada Jones is a role model of the best kind, and the lessons she learns throughout the series — about making and keeping friends, and being brave enough to try new things — are wonderfully applicable for this age group.
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Magic Treehouse Series
Available from:I’ve yet to meet a reader who wasn't totally entertained by the Magic Tree House series. Spanning eons of history, Jack and Annie’s action-packed adventures shine in this revamped collection. Best yet, kids can graduate to the more challenging Merlin Mission series when they’re ready for the next step.
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Junie B. Jones Series
Available from:Funny, feisty, and prone to mishaps, Junie B. Jones tackles the challenges of growing up in her own mischievous (and hilarious) way.
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The Magnificent Makers Series
Available from:Calling all young science lovers! Get ready for an awesome adventure with this STEM-tastic series. Join best friends Violet, Pablo, and their new classmate Deepak on thrilling scientific journeys and experiments. Watch them learn and test out cool scientific concepts while discovering the true value of friendship.
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Mercy Watson Series
Available from:My daughter and I love this hysterical series about a buttered-toast loving pig who lives with owners that treat her as something between a child and a pet.
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Alvin Ho Series
Available from:Alvin Ho is scared of everything. He’s especially scared of school. Too bad he can’t tackle starting second grade as his superhero alter ego, Firecracker Man. Kids will love rooting for Alvin as he learns to conquer his many fears.
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Miles Lewis Series
Available from:STEM enthusiasts will enjoy the spinoff series illustrated by the award-winning author of Jada Jones. The relatable series traces Miles's adventures as he experiments, navigates relationships with friends and family, while incorporating a touch of black history.
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EllRay Jakes Series
Available from:EllRay, a third grader with a penchant for getting into trouble, deals with pressure from parents and peers alike in this comical and true-to-life series.
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Julia on the Go! Series
Available from:Julia wants to become the greatest swimmer ever! Follow along as she spends time at her beloved Mountainview Community Center, with the folks who make it wonderful, and tests her swimming limits to be the absolute best, all while navigating the challenges of growing up!
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Stink Series
Available from:First seen in the Judy Moody series, Stink finally gets his chance to shine in his own stories. His funny mishaps are accompanied by a series of comic strips, which make the stories that much more fun for young readers.
Note: Retailer buttons will direct you to the second book in the series.
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Absolutely Alfie Series
Available from:Get to know EllRay’s little sister Alfie in a series of her own! Filled with humor and warmth, Alfie deals with the many ups and downs of life as a second grade girl with a strong voice and independent spirit.
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Woodward and McTwee
Available from:Second graders will love the unlikely yet dynamic duo of Woodward and McTwee, a hippo and a bird who love to play pranks on each other. Perfect for fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie, this pair of stories is sure to entertain.
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Gooney Bird Series
Available from:Gooney Bird Greene is not like the other children in her class. Her clothing is flamboyant, she loves being the center of attention, and she tells the best stories, all of which are absolutely true.
Note: Retailer buttons will direct you to the second book in the series.
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José and El Perro
Available from:Join José as he teaches his intelligent dog some new Spanish words in this early reader, perfect for English-speaking children just beginning to learn Spanish.
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Humphrey's Tiny Tales Series
Available from:Humphrey spends his days as the class pet of Room 26 at Longfellow School. With a room full of friends, so much to learn, and a cage with a broken lock, Humphrey’s many adventures are perfect for fans of animal-centered stories.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024.