Second Grade Summer Reading Lists Program

In second grade, many students are becoming proficient readers. They are ready to take on some easy chapter books, but still enjoy being read to. Picture books with more complex stories allow the child an opportunity to discuss the content as well as learning new vocabulary.

Because chapter books tend to be longer, it is reasonable to set a time goal for reading rather than a number of books. Reading twenty minutes per day is reasonable and manageable for most students. Have them keep a diary or calendar of how many minutes they have read each day and then tie in math skills by having them add up weekly totals.

Many Moons by James Thurber (Must Read)

The princess eats a surfeit of tarts and when she takes to her bed her father tries to figure out how to give her the moon. His team of advisors is flummoxed, but the court jester just may have the answer. This is a fantastic story!

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble

The fun in this story is that it is told in an unusual way. A girl comes home from a field trip and tells her mom about the events of the day. There's a lot of cause and effect to explore, plus plenty of material to talk about. Make sure to ask if your child would have liked to go on that trip!

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

Stanley Lambchop is flat. The bulletin board that was hanging over his bed fell on him while he was sleeping. He is unhurt... but flat. This chapter book has fun characters and has inspired many children to create their own Flat Stanleys to mail to family and friends for adventures!

The Elevator Family by Douglas Evans

The Wilson family is on vacation. Unfortunately, there are no rooms available in the hotel. Undeterred, the Wilsons discover a perfectly good vacant room - the elevator. They meet lots of new people and have a lovely time, despite their unpredictable "room".

Cam Jansen: The Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones by David Adler

The Cam Jansen series of mystery chapter books for younger readers is great because Cam is a regular kid who happens to be very observant and smart. In this case, she uses her skills to discover who stole some dinosaur bones from a museum exhibit. These books are part of a series. Second grade readers often enjoy series fiction because they are familiar with the characters.

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

Stellaluna is a baby fruit bat who, after getting separated from her mother, is taken in by mother bird and raised with her babies. Themes of acceptance are infused throughout the story that also teaches children scientific facts.

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

The Magic Tree House series features a time traveling tree house full of books and siblings Jack and Annie having amazing adventures. In this first outing, the kids travel to the Cretaceous period as they are learning how to use the tree house to travel and learn. These books are part of a series. Second grade readers often enjoy series fiction because they are familiar with the characters.

Dinosaurs: A Nonfiction Companion to Dinosaurs Before Dark by Will Osborne

This nonfiction companion book to the Magic Tree House novel discusses dinosaurs, other prehistoric creatures, and fossil hunters. The text is primarily nonfiction with sidebars from Jack and Annie from the novel.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Must Read)

A timely work, The Giving Tree is a simple story of a boy and his favorite tree. It shows how we can take nature's gifts for granted and it keeps giving. A great book for discussing because it can have many different meanings.

The Twits by Roald Dahl

Mr. and Mrs. Twit are disgusting and mean. They play horrible tricks on each other and are absolutely hilarious. Told with Dahl's dry humor, kids love finding out what the naughty Twits will do next.

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe

The Twilight series is popular for teens, but here is a vampire bunny suitable for kids! Do worries, he only sucks the juice from veggies!

Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Nate is a detective. He likes pancakes and solving mysteries. In this outing, Nate looks for a missing picture and a cat named Super Hex. These books are part of a series. Second grade readers often enjoy series fiction because they are familiar with the characters.

The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle

Gigglers punish adults who are mean to children with the ultimate treatment: "Poo on the shoe". Because bathroom humor is always funny to kids, give them this book - and let them see you laugh along with them!