Reading anything is GREAT but it is also important to make sure we are not just reading graphic novels! A good mix is what will help us!
Adventure & Fantasy
1. The Magic Tree House (Mary Pope Osborne)
2. The Kingdom of Wrenly (Jordan Quinn)
3. The Secrets of Droon (Tony Abbott)
4. The Unicorn Rescue Society (Adam Gidwitz)
Mystery & Problem-Solving
5. A to Z Mysteries (Ron Roy)
6. The Boxcar Children (Gertrude Chandler Warner)
7. Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew (Carolyn Keene)
Animal & Nature Lovers
8. Zoey and Sassafras (Asia Citro)
9. The Wild Robot (Peter Brown)
10. Warriors (Erin Hunter)
Funny & Relatable Realistic Fiction
11. Judy Moody (Megan McDonald)
12. Ivy + Bean (Annie Barrows)
13. Clementine (Sara Pennypacker)
Challenging but Engaging “Stretch” Series
14. Ramona Quimby Series (Beverly Cleary)
15. The Penderwicks (Jeanne Birdsall)
16. Not a series but all the Roald Dahl Books
Best Starting Points for Advanced 2nd Graders with Roald Dahl
These have simpler language and shorter chapters:
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” – Clever fox outsmarts farmers; short and fast-paced.
“The Magic Finger” – Funny, quick read about a girl with mysterious powers.
“George’s Marvellous Medicine” – Silly and exciting, with great vocabulary practice.
“Esio Trot” – Sweet story about kindness and wordplay; perfect length for young readers.
Great Next Step (3rd–4th Grade Level)
These are slightly longer with more complex plots:
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” – Classic adventure; fun to read aloud.
“The Twits” – Gross, hilarious, and perfect for kids who love humor.
“James and the Giant Peach” – Whimsical fantasy with imaginative creatures.
“Matilda” – Excellent for strong readers who like smart, independent characters.
For Very Advanced Readers (4th–5th Grade Level)
Longer and deeper themes, but still kid-friendly:
“The BFG” – Rich vocabulary and longer chapters, but magical and funny.
“Danny the Champion of the World” – Gentle father-son story with heart.
“The Witches” – Funny and spooky (check sensitivity; some find it scary).