Best Books for 7-Year-Olds: 2025 Picks

Poetry is a fantastic way to engage kids who might feel intimidated by walls of text. Shel Silverstein’s classic collection is timeless for a reason. The witty rhymes and iconic sketched illustrations have been making parents and kids chuckle for decades.

This book features a broad collection of funny, sweet, and sometimes nonsensical poems. You can read it cover-to-cover or just pick a few to read before bed. It is a low-pressure way to share the rhythm of language with your child.

If your child isn’t quite ready for dense chapter books, Katie Fry is the perfect bridge. This “level 2” phonics reader follows Katie on her adventures solving neighborhood mysteries. It introduces the concept of a series without overwhelming the reader.

I chose this title because it targets a typical 7-year-old’s reading level perfectly. The sentence structures challenge the reader slightly but remain accessible enough to build confidence as they help Katie find the lost kitten.

This modern classic deserves a spot on every shelf. The story follows an old woman who simply wants to be left alone to finish her knitting. It is a funny, beautifully illustrated tale that resonates deeply with introverted children (and exhausted parents).

The old lady travels to mountains, forests, and even the moon to find a quiet spot. It works wonderfully as a read-aloud book, but the language is simple enough for most seven-year-olds to read back to you.

Series are a great way to keep kids reading, and this collection is a winner for fantasy lovers. Set in Neverland, it features familiar faces like Tinkerbell but introduces a new cast of characters. It is ideal for children becoming more confident in their reading comprehension.

I love this set because it hooks readers with an ongoing, magical storyline. Since this collection includes the first four books, your child won’t run out of material right away.

Sometimes kids just want to laugh. This National Geographic joke book provides light-hearted fun and is compact enough for road trips. It proves that reading doesn’t always have to be a serious narrative.

The book packs 300 jokes, riddles, and tongue twisters. Your child will be entertaining the family for hours while practicing their reading fluency. Get ready to find out why polar bears wear earmuffs!

Azmina, Willa, and Naomi seem like normal girls, but they discover a magical secret: they are actually dragons. This book balances relatable real-world characters with a fantasy element that keeps pages turning.

At 144 pages, it serves as a gripping introduction to longer chapter books. The text is spaced well for young eyes, making it a great pick for solo reading time or a bedtime serial.

The Dog Man series is a juggernaut in second-grade classrooms for a reason. Written by Dav Pilkey (creator of Captain Underpants), it uses witty humor and comic-strip formatting to capture even the most reluctant readers.

Don’t let the comic format fool you; graphic novels are excellent for building reading comprehension. The visual context clues help children decipher the text, and the humor keeps them coming back for more.

Superhero fans will devour this collection featuring members of the Justice League. It is a smart way to leverage your child’s existing interests to encourage reading for pleasure.

This set includes five “level 2” readers. The vocabulary is tailored to a typical 7-year-old reading level, allowing them to independently follow the adventures of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

This “level 2” reader hits close to home with a story focused entirely on second-grade challenges. The fun watercolor illustrations support the text, helping readers stay engaged with the plot.

Sam is thrilled to sit next to the class pet, George Washington the hamster. But when Sam sneaks the hamster onto a field trip, chaos ensues. It’s a relatable, funny story that captures the high stakes of elementary school life.

Ollie is a relatable character for any kid who feels like they aren’t the “best” at traditional school subjects. He doesn’t think he has a special talent until he gets to showcase his love for cooking.

When a famous chef visits the class, Ollie works hard to impress him. This story is easy to read and delivers a wonderful message about finding your unique strengths and building confidence.

This beautifully illustrated story has a slightly darker edge than your typical fairy tale. Flory, a night fairy, loses her wings after an encounter with a bat. She must adapt to her new reality, practice sting spells, and negotiate with animals to survive.

Readers love the pacing and whimsical art, but it does have some mild peril. It is perfect for 7-year-olds who are ready for a story with a bit more grit and emotional depth.

If your child asks a million questions about space, this book is the answer. It details the journey of Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong’s historic walk on the moon in 1969.

Unlike dry textbooks, this story is exciting and visually detailed. It covers everything from where astronauts sleep to what they eat. It’s an engaging way to introduce non-fiction and history without boring your young reader.

Competition and school cliques start early, and Lulu deals with exactly that in this “level 2” reader. Lulu struggles to make friends because a classmate is constantly trying to one-up her.

It’s a great story for children worried about fitting in or dealing with “perfect” peers. Lulu’s journey teaches readers how to handle difficult personalities and deal with bullies.

This is the first book in the Dragon Masters series, a favorite among newly independent readers. Drake, an eight-year-old boy, is whisked away to train as a Dragon Master. He must discover his dragon’s secret powers alongside other trainees.

I love this book because it feels like a “big kid” chapter book but offers accessible text and plenty of drawings. It’s an excellent choice for 6 to 8-year-olds dipping their toes into fantasy series.

Amelia Bedelia has been making kids laugh for generations with her literal interpretations of idioms. In this chapter book, young Amelia tries her hand at various odd jobs to save money for a new bike.

It is a funny, engaging story that also teaches a solid lesson about determination. Reading about Amelia working hard for what she wants might just inspire your child to start their own little business!

Appearances can be deceiving. Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark look like bad guys, but they are on a mission to do good. Their first task? Freeing 200 dogs from a Maximum Security City Dog Pound.

This is part chapter book, part graphic novel, and fully hilarious. It is engaging, fast-paced, and appeals to kids who love slapstick humor. Plus, if they enjoy it, there is a whole series (and a movie) to explore.

The Owl Diaries series is a colorful, diary-style chapter book line perfect for this age group. In this installment, Eva volunteers to plan a spring festival but quickly gets overwhelmed. She has to decide between canceling the event or asking for help from someone she doesn’t like.

The text is easy to read, and the colorful illustrations on every page keep the momentum going. It’s a delightful read for children aged five to seven.

The Magic Tree House series is a staple for a reason. In this adventure, Jack and Annie are whisked away to the middle of the ocean. They encounter a giant octopus, a hungry shark, and hopefully, some friendly dolphins.

These books are fantastic for building knowledge about the world (and history) wrapped in a fun adventure. If your child likes this one, there are dozens more in the series to keep them reading for months.

This series is the perfect blend of magic, mystery, and STEM. Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns she can see magical creatures. When injured animals start showing up in her backyard, she uses science to diagnose and help them.

Parents love that this book depicts proper scientific methods in an accessible way. Zoey and her cat, Sassafras, are charming leads, and the series (eight books total) is great for budding scientists.

Junie B. Jones is a rite of passage. She is sassy, funny, and grammatically incorrect, which kids find hilarious. In this first book, Junie B. refuses to ride the “stupid smelly bus” home and accidentally hides in the school closet instead.

The series captures the voice of a kindergartner/first grader perfectly. While some parents worry about her attitude, most kids connect with her authentic (and often messy) emotions.

This groundbreaking book invites readers into the life of a non-verbal autistic boy who uses a tablet to communicate. Written by an autistic mother of two autistic sons, it offers a genuine perspective on their daily life and love.

It is a vital read for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. The illustrations are vibrant, and the message helps normalize different methods of communication and behavior.

Teaching consent and boundaries is crucial, and this book handles it well. It uses clear language and bright pictures to explain that every person controls their own “personal bubble.”

It empowers kids to say no to unwanted hugs or high-fives and explains what to do if someone acts inappropriately. It’s a great tool for starting these important safety conversations without scaring your child.

Positive affirmations can have a big impact on a child’s self-esteem. This rhyming book devotes each page to a different affirmation, such as “I am loved,” “I am thankful,” and “I am beautiful.”

It’s a lovely addition to a bedtime routine, helping to quiet anxious minds and build confidence. Whether your child is confident or struggles with self-doubt, these reminders are always valuable.

Some children feel things more intensely than others. This story follows a boy who experiences emotions in an “extra big” way compared to his peers.

Through rhymes and colorful illustrations, it validates that big feelings are normal. It’s particularly resonant for children with anxiety or those on the autism spectrum, helping them feel understood rather than isolated.

This illustrated book tells the powerful true story of the Mendez family. When Sylvia is rejected from a school because of her skin color, her family fights back. Their battle helped end school segregation in California in 1947, years before Brown v. Board of Education.

It is an accessible way to teach children about civil rights history and the importance of fighting for equality. The unique illustration style draws kids in while the text educates them on a vital topic.

Noa is disappointed in his teddy bear. The bear is always tired and won’t play. But the reader learns the truth: Teddy is exhausted because he spends all night fighting off ghosts and monsters to keep Noa safe.

This is a sweet, reassuring story for bedtime, especially for kids who are afraid of the dark. It reframes their toys as silent protectors, helping them sleep a little sounder.

In this modern classic, Duncan opens his crayon box to find letters of resignation. Blue is tired of coloring oceans, Red is exhausted from holidays, and Beige is tired of being second fiddle to Brown.

It is clever, hilarious, and visually engaging. Reading the letters in different voices is a blast for parents and kids alike. It also sparks creativity, encouraging kids to color outside the lines (and the norms).

Sandra Boynton is a legend in children’s books. This one features an overly enthusiastic chicken who cheers everyone on until he makes a mistake.

A wise mouse steps in to remind readers that it’s okay to mess up and that you should be your own cheerleader. It balances silliness with a genuinely good lesson about self-compassion and resilience.

This is a heartwarming pick for the start or end of the school year. It follows a bear who learns to appreciate his teacher as she becomes a central figure in his life.

The illustrations are adorable, and the message highlights the importance of mentorship and trying hard. It helps children understand that teachers are there to support them, not just give out homework.

The I Survived series is brilliant for hooking kids who think they don’t like reading. Each book fictionalizes a major historical event through the eyes of a child. In this edition, George is trapped on the Titanic.

It brings history to life with suspense and thrills. While the subject matter is heavy, it’s handled in an age-appropriate way that allows kids to safely explore scary historical moments.

If you grew up on The Baby-Sitter’s Club, you’ll love introducing this spin-off to your child. This graphic novel adaptation follows Karen, who is convinced her neighbor is a witch.

It captures the drama and imagination of childhood perfectly. The graphic novel format makes it accessible, and if your kid loves it, there are plenty more books in the series to collect.

This graphic novel mixes fiction with nature facts. Mole and Vole are best friends who explore their environment, but things get interesting when they accidentally migrate from the country to the city.

It’s a great stepping stone into non-fiction, combining a fun story with real information about nature. The end of the book even includes activities to try at home, making it perfect for summer breaks.

Charlotte’s Web is the quintessential American children’s novel. The friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider explores themes of loyalty, life, and death in a gentle, beautiful way.

It is a bit text-heavy for some 7-year-olds to read solo, but it serves as a perfect read-aloud chapter book. The emotional depth and classic illustrations create a memorable bonding experience.

Published in 1924, this series remains a hit because it fulfills a universal childhood fantasy: living independently without adults! Four orphaned siblings make a home in an abandoned boxcar and solve mysteries together.

While it feels a bit old-fashioned, the sense of adventure is timeless. It shows kids a different era and celebrates resourcefulness and sibling teamwork.

Judy Blume knows how to write for kids. In this short chapter book, Andrew wants freckles so badly that he buys a secret “Freckle Juice” recipe from a classmate for 50 cents.

Instead of freckles, he gets a stomachache and a funny life lesson. It is short, approachable, and funny, making it a great quick read for confident 7-year-olds or a fun afternoon read-aloud.

This book is a hybrid masterpiece: part graphic novel, part picture book, part chapter book. Bink and Gollie are two very different friends who go on three distinct adventures involving socks, mountains, and a fish.

The vocabulary is surprisingly rich, challenging kids to learn new words while the illustrations keep them grounded. It’s witty and charming, and parents will likely enjoy the humor just as much as the kids.

This early reader book features six short stories about identical twins Ling and Ting. They look the same, but they are definitely different people.

It uses controlled vocabulary and clear pictures, making it ideal for 7-year-olds who are still solidifying their reading basics. It validates that even if you look like someone else, you are still your own person.

Dory is the youngest sibling and has an imagination that works overtime. Her brother and sister think she’s a baby, but Dory is busy battling monsters and asking questions like, “What’s the opposite of a sandwich?”

This book captures the chaotic energy of childhood perfectly. It mixes text with fun drawings and is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. It’s a great pick for kids with big imaginations.

This simple, silly story follows birds exploring concepts of height and direction. It features flaps to lift and interactive elements that make reading physical and fun.

While many 7-year-olds are on to chapter books, some still need the comfort and fun of a picture book to decompress. This title is great for a mental break or for reluctant readers who need a quick win.

Dat moves to a new country and everything sounds like “gibberish” to him. The story visualizes his confusion and isolation until a new friend helps him bridge the gap.

The art transitions from black and white to color as Dat begins to understand his world, which is a beautiful visual metaphor. It’s a comforting read for any child who feels like an outsider or is navigating a new environment.

Four animal friends find three cookies. The math doesn’t work, and the panic sets in. This book is part of the “Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!” series and brings high drama to a simple problem.

It’s a clever way to integrate math concepts with social-emotional learning about sharing. The dialogue is snappy and perfect for reading aloud with funny voices.

Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this book celebrates children with various disabilities and conditions, from diabetes to stuttering. It encourages kids to “just ask” rather than make assumptions.

It is an essential tool for building empathy. The questions on each page prompt real conversations between you and your child, helping them understand that differences make the world interesting.

A young girl is jealous that visiting neighborhood kids get to sleep on the cot in the living room. When she finally tries it herself, she realizes it isn’t as fun as she thought and gains a new perspective on why those children are there.

This is a subtle, powerful story about empathy and community care. It teaches kids to look beyond their own jealousy and understand the struggles others might be facing.

Nature lovers will get lost in this book. It explores the ecosystem of a pond, showing what happens above the water and what lurks beneath.

The language is poetic and calming, making it a great wind-down book. It introduces biological concepts like ecosystems and habitats without feeling like a science lecture.

This biography of Dr. Temple Grandin is inspiring for any child who feels different. Diagnosed with autism and told she wouldn’t be “normal,” Temple used her unique visual thinking to revolutionize livestock handling.

It reminds children that their differences can be their superpowers. The rhyming text flows well, and the message about perseverance is relevant to every child.

If you need to break the tension of a stressful holiday season, this book is the answer. A boy decides his rear end needs to be as festive as the rest of the house, leading to some ridiculous decoration attempts.

It is pure, silly fun. While it won’t win literary awards, it will win big laughs from 7-year-olds who find “butt” to be the funniest word in the English language.

This witty book personifies punctuation marks to tell a story about belonging. An exclamation mark tries to fit in with periods but eventually learns that he was born to stand out and be loud.

It functions on two levels: a grammar lesson and a self-acceptance fable. It’s clever, minimalist, and deeply encouraging.

Lola loves soccer, but when she accidentally hurts a classmate during a game, she gets labeled “Mean Lola Levine.” She has to navigate peer pressure and find a way to clear her name while staying true to herself.

Lola is a fantastic, multicultural protagonist (Jewish and Peruvian). The story reflects the real social dynamics of second grade, making it highly relatable for kids navigating recess politics.

While independent reading is great, reading aloud allows kids to experience complex worlds they might not be ready to tackle alone. Narnia is one of those worlds.

The story of four siblings entering a magical land through a wardrobe is legendary. It has danger, magic, and deep themes of sacrifice and redemption. It’s the perfect novel to read chapter by chapter before bed.