50 Best 2nd Grade Books for Summer Reading

Want a list of the best 2nd grade books for summer reading? Yes, it’s time for summer reading lists & summer reading programs. And if you’re looking for good chapter books for kids going into the second grade or even leaving 2nd grade, these 2nd grade books will keep your young readers reading throughout the summer, developing and practicing their reading skills with excellent books.

As you know, the more a 2nd grade child reads, the more vocabulary they’ll learn and the more they will improve comprehension skills. This adds up to overall improved reading skills. (With the exception of a learning difference situation.)

So whether or not you do a summer reading program or just read on your own, you’ll find great 2nd grade books to read over summer on this list. From funny to fantasy, there’s a good 2nd grade book (or five) for every interest.

A quick note about me — I’m a former teacher and literacy trainer, a parent of two, a writer, and a book reviewer. Every year, I read over 1,000 books, including all the books on this list so that I can provide you with the best, curated book lists for your readers.

These books will generally work for children ages 7 or 8 who are entering second grade. For all my book recommendations and reviews for each 2nd grade book, visit Best Books for 2nd Graders, 7-Year Olds.

But how do you know how to tell if a book is just right for your young reader to read? Do the 5 Finger Test. If on one page, your child misses more than five words, save the book for later. If they miss zero words, it’s an easy book. Missing between one and five words usually means the book will be a good choice to read; a choice that the 2nd grader will be able to comprehend.

If you specifically need advanced 2nd grade books, visit to my 3rd grade summer reading list.

If you need easier 2nd grade books, visit my 1st grade summer reading list.

Remember, it’s good for kids to read books that are JUST RIGHT, but there are benefits in both reading easy books and reading challenging books, too.

Download the FREE Summer Reading Packet so your kids can set goals and keep track of what they’ve read. (Maybe even make an origami bookmark for the book you’re reading!)

SHOP THIS LIST

2nd Grade Books for Summer Reading

If your 2nd graders love GRAPHIC NOVELS, try these 2nd grade book choices:

If your second grade reader likes FUNNY books, they’ll love:

If your child in second grade likes MAGIC & MYTHICAL CREATURES, they’ll love:

2nd graders love reading chapter books with magic or with mythical creatures! Try one of these good 2nd grade books:

If your 2nd grader likes ADVENTURE stories, they’ll love: 

If your 2nd grade reader like MYSTERIES, they’ll love:

If your 2nd grader loves REALISTIC stories, try:

If your second grader likes NONFICTION, read:

More 2nd grade reading ideas:
Free Summer Learning Printables for Kids
Activity Books for Kids
Summer Writing Ideas

ALSO READ:

Summer Reading Bingo

Summer Reading Printable Activities for Kids

Good Book Series for Kids in 2nd Grade