Five Books Every Second Grader Should Read

As your second grader embarks on their reading journey, it’s the perfect time to introduce them to stories that ignite their imagination, teach valuable lessons, and nurture a lifelong love of reading. From whimsical adventures to heartwarming tales, these five books are sure to captivate young readers and help them grow in their literacy skills. Whether they’re reading independently or you're enjoying a story together, these five books are a wonderful mix of rich stories for your second grader!

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1. The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

   
   

   

   If you're looking for a chapter book for your second grader that's packed with bravery, let me introduce you to The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh—a story that will make your child rethink what it really means to be courageous!
   

   Set in 1707, this historical gem follows 8-year-old Sarah as she travels through the wilderness of Connecticut with her father to start a new life. Imagine—leaving your mother and siblings behind to journey through the wilderness to help dad!
   

   Sarah faces many challenges from missing home to feeling afraid, but she learns what it truly means to be brave. It’s a wonderful short chapter book for your young reader to read with you or on their own. The Courage of Sarah Noble is filled with heart, history, resilience, and a whole lot of courage.
   

2. Verdi by Janell Cannon

   
   

   

   Here's a beautiful book about embracing who you are: Let me introduce you to Verdi—the snake who doesn’t want to grow up! Verdi is an excellent family read aloud book!
   

   Deep in the jungle, all the big pythons are green—but not Verdi, who’s bright yellow! Verdi’s not so sure about growing up and turning green. He thinks the older, green pythons he meets are lazy and rude. He doesn’t want to turn out like them. Verdi tries to stop his skin from turning green, but he can’t stop it. In the end, he learns that being green doesn’t mean he has to stop being himself.

   
   

   Verdi is a beautifully illustrated book, which makes it even more fun to read as a whole family!
   

3. The Gardener by Sarah Stewart

   
   

   

   Looking for a story that is truly heartwarming? Let me introduce you to The Gardener by Sarah Stewart—set during the great Depression, the Gardener is a tale about a young girl who plants flowers (and hope) in the big city!

   
   

   When Lydia Grace’s father loses his job, she has to go stay with her Uncle Jim in the city until things get better. Despite the challenges of being far from her family plus a traditional garden setting, Lydia Grace starts planting. (She even creates a secret rooftop garden!) She is determined to make her Uncle Jim smile, and she begins brightening up his bakery with flowers and happy customers.
   

   The story is told through a series of letters that Lydia Grace writes to her family, and the illustrations perfectly capture the hope and resilience of this Depression-era setting.

   
   

   The Gardener is a touching expression of perseverance and small acts of kindness.
   

4. The Tales of Beatrix Potter

   

   Here's a timeless collection of charming stories that will capture your child’s heart and imagination. Let me tell you about The Tales of Beatrix Potter—classic adventures that have been loved for over 100 years! Okay, okay. So this isn't just one book, but many, many wonderful stories. For now, I'll stick with writing about my two favorites: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Tale of Johnny Town Mouse.

   
   

   First up, The Tale of Peter Rabbit—the mischievous little bunny who causes chaos in Mr. McGregor’s garden. It’s the ultimate tale of curiosity, trouble, and consequences, and it’s still Beatrix Potter’s most popular story!

   
   

   

   
   

   Next, The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse—a story about two mice who get a taste into each other's lives and quickly realize that some places suit some people and other places suit other people! It’s a beautiful reminder of the joys of home and contentment.

   
   

   

   Each of these stories is full of adventure and charm. You get an extra treat if you choose the books with Beatrix Potter’s signature watercolor illustrations. These are perfect for young readers and an easy way to introduce them to classic literature!
   

5. One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey

   
   
   
   

   

   Imagine waking up and discovering you’re a big kid now! In One Morning in Maine, Sal finds a loose tooth right when she wakes up! It’s a big deal... and the start of a wonderful day!
   

   After losing her tooth, Sal, along with her dad and little sister Jane, head out to Buck’s Harbor for a day full of sweet moments – from fixing boats to getting ice cream cones. A perfect, simple day with family, sunshine, and a wish come true.
   

   If you’re looking for a cozy read with your children, One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey is the book you need! A story full of love, family, and a touch of Maine magic! (Maybe I'm biased. I live in Maine!)

There you have it– Five must-reads that I think every second grader will love. I hope you enjoy these moments reading out loud with your children!