Ready to read some great chapter books to your 2nd graders this year? Would you like a month by month plan of which books to read throughout the year? I’ve got you covered. Below are some chapter books for second graders that will be a great fit.
These books were picked to help children fall in love with reading and get lost in a book. There are many other chapter books that we can and should use as conversation starters on important topics and books to use to support curriculum requirements.
And, chapter books are not meant to replace picture books. We should still read lots and lots of picture books to our students for many years to come.
These selections can be read to a whole group or recommend them to families who are looking for book suggestions.
Read-Alouds for 2nd Grade
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September
Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George is the story of a mouse who stumbles across an animal hotel in a tree during a storm. Turns out, she finds shelter and a job there. But, danger lurks and the hotel actually becomes not just shelter but a home. It’s a tale of friendship, community, and courage.
This book is part of a series.
October
In Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson, we meet Ryan. Her family has faced some recent hardships when her dad loses his job and the family has to move to a different house. But, Ryan is a pretty positive young lady and learns to make the best out of a tough situation. New experiences can turn out to be good.
November
Turkeys….Thanksgiving…. Read The Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Manus Pinkwater. Arthur Bobowicz is sent out to bring home the family’s Thanksgiving turkey, he returns instead with Henrietta — a 266 pound chicken with a mind of her own. Needless to say, chaos ensues.
December
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser is a perfect December read because it takes place just a week before Christmas. Set in a brownstone in New York City, the Vanderbeeker kids are on a mission to change their landlord’s mind about not renewing their lease. Will they be successful or will they have to move during the Christmas holiday?
This is the first in a series.
January
There is mystery and magic in Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. Overall, there is a big theme of friendship. Livy is returning to her grandmother’s house in Australia after 5 years and tries to piece together a memory. Turns out, Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, hasn’t forgotten her or her promise she made many years ago.
February
The power of words is front and center in Frindle by Andrew Clements. Nick creates a new word and gets all of his friends to start using it. Then, the town starts using the word. And, soon his school is an uproar. Nick’s teacher wants him to stop the wave of the frindle, but it is too late. It has spread on and on.
March
My kids loved Ben Franklin’s in My Bathroom! by Candace Fleming. I mean you know the students are going to love it just based on the title.
Siblings, Nolan and Olive, discover that in some type of time contraption, Benjamin Franklin, has appeared in their 21st-century house. Things are about to get interesting. How do they get Franklin back in history? How do they keep the nosy neighbor kid from finding out? Get ready for some chaotic fun.
Currently, there is one other book in the series that you could read too- Eleanor Roosevelt’s in My Garage!
April
April is National Poetry Month so share some poems from A Pizza the Size of the Sun by Jack Prelutsky. Read a few a day and see if your students can try writing their own poems.
May
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is the story of Roz who has washed up on an island. She doesn’t know how she got there or what her purpose is but, she is determined to survive. She learns to adapt to her environment and eventually makes it her home. But, her past comes back and things are looking a little peril.
This title is great as an audiobook too so you may alternate reading aloud and listening to the audiobook. Also, check out The Wild Robot Escapes.
June
What better way to send the students off for summer vacation than by reading a book that is a part of a series. I love this strategy because students will be eager to pick up other books in a series and read on their own during the summer.
So, try The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney. Humphrey is the hamster class pet of Room 26. Not only is there lots to observe in the classroom, but each weekend he gets to go home with a different student. Let the adventures begin!
July
The Becket List: A Blackberry Farm Story by Adele Griffin is the story of a girl whose family moves from the city to the country farm. Things are very different and even though Becket loves to announce, “Beautiful Alert,” life in the country is a bit hard to adapt to. Becket puts her own spin on things as she gets used to her new life.
August
Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes is the story of a third-grader who does her best thinking upside down. The first day of school arrives and the plan her best friend and she cooked up isn’t playing out the way it was supposed to. In fact, her friend doesn’t even seem to remember her. Will Beatrice be able to mend the friendship?
Alternates
If there is ever a month where you don’t like the suggested title or you have time to read another book, here are a few more to try.
Gooney Bird Greene
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
BFG
Wedgie & Gizmo
The Candymakers
To Get Kids Excited About Reading Early Chapter Books on Their Own
If you have some students who are ready to begin reading early chapter books on their own, I like to do a whole class read-aloud from a series I think they may be interested in reading. You will often find that new chapter book readers will want to read other books in the series after you have read one to them. And, if you find your kids love a particular series, you can then recommend the other books to families to enjoy at home too. Check out our recommended beginning chapter book series.
Printable Read-Aloud List for 2nd Grade
Would you like a list of these books that you can print and keep in your lesson plan binder? I have a FREE printable list for email subscribers.
Are you ready to meet the needs of all your growing readers? Become a part of the Growing Book by Book community and receive emails full of time-saving resources and offers. As a thank you, you’ll receive the printable book list.
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