50 Best Books for 7-Year-Olds: 2024 Picks

I believe children should be introduced to poetry as early as possible, and this title is a great choice. Shel Silverstein’s books have been popular for decades. The sketched illustrations will surely ring a bell for most parents!

In this book, you’ll find a broad collection of funny and sweet poems. Whether you read them all in one sitting or read one each night, this is a fantastic way to share poetry with your child and encourage their language skills.

I recommend this book for introducing your child to a book series, even if they’re not quite ready for chapter books. Katie Fry is a “level 2” phonics reader series that takes your child on Katie’s adventure as she solves neighborhood crimes.

The first in the series, I chose this title specifically because it’s meant for a typical 7-year-old’s reading level. It’s designed to challenge the reader without being too complex.

Why this book isn’t a modern classic yet is beyond me! It’s one of my favorite children’s books — it follows an old woman who wants to be left alone to finish her knitting. This funny and beautifully-illustrated book will strike a chord with introverted children and parents alike as the old lady goes on a quest to find a quiet spot.

This story is excellent for reading aloud to your child, but the language is easy enough for most seven-year-olds to read right back to you.

This is an optimal series to add to your child’s bookshelf if they’re becoming more confident in their reading comprehension. Taking place in Neverland, there’s fantasy waiting, along with the much-loved Tinkerbell.

I adore this book series because it takes readers on a magical adventure and keeps them hooked with an interesting storyline. And if they love the first story, you’re in luck because this collection includes four books!

If you’re looking for some light-hearted fun to add to your child’s collection, this joke book by National Geographic is one to check out. I also love that this book is compact enough to pack on a road trip easily.

It includes 300 jokes, tongue twisters, and riddles, keeping your child entertained for a while. Find out why polar bears wear earmuffs or why the robot ate the lightbulb in this knee-slapping collection!

This book would have been right up my street as a seven-year-old girl! Azmina, Willa, and Naomi are three normal girls who discover that their life has a more magical purpose: they’re actually dragons. I love that the characters are normal but detailed enough that most girls can see themselves in the story.

At 144 pages, this is a fantastic and gripping introduction to chapter books, whether you’re reading aloud to your child or they’re taking this one to a quiet spot for some solo time.

The Dog Man series is a popular choice among many second graders. This series is written by the same author of Captain Underpants, who uses his witty humor to capture the reader.

This story is formatted as a comic strip, potentially introducing your child to a new writing style. Comics have come a long way since the old-school lowbrow style, so hold your judgment before thinking it’s not worth it.

If your little one loves superheroes, I think they’ll love this reading collection featuring members of the Justice League. It’s a great way to encourage your child to read for pleasure.

This collection includes five “level 2” readers, featuring your child’s favorite Justice League characters. It caters to a typical 7-year-old reading level and includes characters they’ll recognize and admire.

Here is a “level 2” reader with fun watercolor illustrations and a great storyline to keep your reader interested, clearly focused on second-grade challenges and tribulations.

The story follows Sam, who is excited to have the best seat in the class next to the class pet. He decides to sneak the class pet on the field trip, and chaos ensues when the hamster jumps into the museum’s hamster habitat. Can your child find out what happens next by reading the story themselves?

This second-grade tale features an edge-of-your-seat storyline to engage readers, alongside relatable characters to help your child understand what’s going on. It follows Ollie, a boy who doesn’t think he’s good at anything, but… he does love to cook. He’s excited because a famous chef is coming to town, so Ollie works hard to impress.

This story is easy to read, and the inspiring story encourages kids to work at something, even if they’re still building up their confidence.

In this thrilling story, a bat accidentally chews off Flory’s — a night fairy — beautiful wings. Set against the backdrop of gorgeous illustrations, readers can follow Flory as she practices her sting spell, rides a hummingbird, and negotiates with animals in the hopes of transforming into a day fairy instead.

Readers praise this one as being beautifully illustrated, whimsical, and well-paced. But there is a collective warning that it might be a little spooky for younger readers, but I think it’s well-suited to ages seven and up.

Is your little one interested in all things space? This detailed and educational story takes readers along on the journey of Apollo 11. In 1969, Apollo 11 took a group of men into space, where Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon.

I love this story because it is an exciting true story but leaves no detail behind. It maps out what it’s like to be on a space mission, where the astronauts sleep, what they eat, and what the moon looks like up close.

This “level two” reader is an excellent story for children worried about others being “better” than them. In the story, Lulu struggles to make friends because another classmate always one-ups her.

Follow along as Lulu learns to make friends, despite meeting some mean people. Lulu’s story is excellent for encouraging readers to be themselves and not let bullies bring them down.

First in the series, this easy-to-read chapter book follows an eight-year-old boy named Drake, who is taken away to be trained as a Dragon Master. Alongside other masters-in-training, can they train their dragons and discover their secret powers?

What I love about this is that it’s made for six to eight-year-olds dipping into the world of chapter books. Alongside accessible text is a range of drawings that help readers keep track of the storyline.

If your little one loves Amelia Bedelia and chapter books, then this is the perfect choice for them. In this story, Amelia Bedelia meets chapter books in this illustrated story where she tries out a variety of odd jobs in the hopes of buying herself a bike.

This funny and engaging story about a determined young girl will inspire children to work hard for what they want, both now and years down the line!

Just beacuse someone looks “bad” doesn’t mean they are. In this book, the bad guys do good. Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are on a mission to free 200 dogs from a Maximum Security City Dog Pound.

Part chapter book, part graphic novel, this is the book you’ll wish you had as a child! It’s super engaging, easy to read, and perhaps best of all — hilarious.

If your child loves this story, there are plenty more in the series and even a film!

Eva the owl offers to plan a spring festival at her school. Struggling to get everything done in time, she faces two options: cancel the event OR ask mean Sue for help!

The Owl Diaries series is a chapter book line aimed at newly independent readers. With accessible text, illustrations, and fast pacing, this book is a delight for children between the ages of five and seven.

As a child this was one of my favorites in the Magic Tree House series. Jack and Annie find themselves in the middle of the ocean, where they face a giant octopus and a starving shark. Can the dolphins save the day before Jack and Annie become dinner to the sea creatures?

No matter what kind of adventures your child craves, there’s something for everyone in the Magic Tree House series!

If your little one loves magic, adventure, mystery, and/or science, this is the series for them! In the first book, Zoey finds a glowing photo and learns an incredible secret. When injured magical animals start arriving in her backyard, Zoey and Sassafras, her cat, must figure out what’s wrong and help the animals.

Readers appreciate this one for its depiction of proper science projects, the adorable illustrations, and the great moral messages. If your child likes this book, there are a total of eight in the series!

Reading Junie B. Jones is a rite of passage for any child. As part of a series of chapter books written for newly independent readers, this first book is all about little Junie B. who doesn’t want to ride the bus to school because it’s stupid and smelly!

However, she gets on the bus to school with some encouragement from her mother. Unfortunately, on the way home from school, she refuses to get back on, meaning she’s stuck at school — alone. How will Junie B. get home?

This is a groundbreaking and gorgeous book about a boy with autism who uses a tablet to communicate with his friends and family. Written by an autistic mother to two autistic sons, this book follows a young boy who goes about his daily life guided by his parent’s love.

This is a fantastic book for autistic and neurotypical children, whether it makes one feel seen or educates your child on people that are a bit different from them. No matter who reads it, one thing for sure is that they will love the illustrations and the inspiring message about kindness.

As a parent, books like this are vital in teaching about personal boundaries and what to do if someone invades your personal space. The book uses accessible language and bright pictures to relay the message that every person is in charge of their own personal bubble.

It reminds kids that it’s okay to say no to physical touches, including high-fives and hugs. I appreciate that it also instructs kids on what to do if someone is inappropriate. While books like this can be a little frightening for some kids to read, I think it’s super important to read them together now and again.

Each page of this adorable rhyming book showcases a different positive affirmation that children can speak over themselves. “I am loved”, “I am thankful” and “I am beautiful” are just a few examples. Whether your child is already at peace with who they are or struggling with self-confidence, this is a must-have book for the shelf.

Does your little one deal with big and overwhelming feelings? They might relate to the little boy in this book who feels everything in an “extra big” way, especially when compared to others around him.

Told with lovely rhymes and gorgeous colorful illustrations, this story reminds kids that everybody feels big emotions. Whether you’re little one is feeling anxious or is perhaps on the autism spectrum, this is an inspiring tale to read time and time again.

Sylvia is very excited to start at a new school, but she is soon outcast by her peers because of her skin color. Being Hispanic, the other white children at school ridicule her, even though Sylvia’s family fought hard to be enrolled in the same school as them.

This educational illustrated book conveys the inspiring story of the Mendez family, who fought for eqaulity, ultimately ending segregated schools across the United States in 1947. Illustrated children’s books are a fantastic and accessible way to teach your children about past historical events.

In this sweet and simple story, Noa is disappointed in his teddy because he’s always tired and won’t play with him. But the twist is that Teddy is busy all night long fending off ghosts and monsters who are trying to bother Noa.

I love this sweet story for bedtime, especially if your child is scared of nighttime creatures. They’ll be filled with confidence that their teddy won’t let anything bad happen to them.

In this hilarious book (which I recommend reading with a different voice for each color), a box of crayons quit their job. They feel unappreciated or underused by Duncan, so they each write a letter, giving him their notice of resignation!

This is a fantastic book for toddlers and older kids, making it a classic for your home bookshelf. It’s absolutely hilarious and will surely have the whole family laughing.

This hilarious book features a very encouraging and enthusiastic chicken who loves to remind everyone that they’re doing a great job. Until one day, he makes a grave mistake.

The rest of the story shares an inspiring message from a mouse, reminding readers that it’s okay to make mistakes, but no matter what, you should always be your own cheerleader.

Whether your child is skeptical about a new teacher or they love reading stories about school, this is a fantastic story. It’s a lovely tale about a bear who learns to appreciate his teacher as she becomes one of its favorite people.

This book has adorable illustrations and a poignant message about trying hard and joining in with peers. It’s an excellent book for reading at the end or beginning of a new school year.

The popular I Survived series dedicates each book to a terrifying historical moment. While this one is about the Titanic, you’ll also find one about 9/11, the American Revolution, and more.

In this chapter book (with some pictures), Geroge finds himself trapped on the sinking Titanic, wondering how he will survive. This thrilling series brings past tragedies to life in an approachable and educational way for children to delve into!

Moms, if you loved The Baby-Sitter’s Club as a child as much as I did, then you’ll love this spin-off series for your child. Told in a graphic novel style, this first book in the series follows Karen, who begins spying on her neighbor to prove she is a witch!

Will Karen prove her theory? Will the “witch” cast a spell on her? Find out in this bright and adorable adaptation! Plus, if your little one enjoys this book, there are six in the series to devour.

In another graphic novel format, you can follow along with Mole and Vole, two best friends who love to explore what nature has to offer. They start by adventuring in their own backyard, but after an accidental migration from country to city, they start to explore new surroundings.

If you want to introduce your child to non-fiction, this is a great stepping stone as it combines educational aspects with a thrilling adventure. At the end, you’ll find fun activities for you to try at home with your little one.

I especially love this one for summers off school when you’re trying to fill in the long days!

It’s time to introduce your child to the great American classic novel: Charlotte’s Web. This popular book is about Wilbur the pig and Charlotte, the spider. In an unlikely turn of events, they become friends in this heartwarming tale about love and death. Filled with gorgeous colored illustrations, this is a sweet and insightful tale about the realities of farm life.

In this popular series, with over 150 books, you’ll find a close group of siblings who embark on epic adventures and solve mysteries together. In the first book of the series, you’ll meet orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. In an attempt to stay together, they make a home in a boxcar found in the woods and hence, become the Boxcar Children!

Published in 1924, it will feel a little old-fashioned, but it’s a great opportunity to show kids what life was like back then, as well as ignite your child’s imagination today.

When Andrew decides he wants freckles, just like Andrew, another classmate — Sharon — offers him her secret Freckle Juice recipe. In exchange for 50 cents, Sharon gives Andrew the disgusting recipe. He doesn’t get freckles when he drinks it, but he has a bad stomachache.

Find out what happens next in this funny chapter book with adorable illustrations. It’s a great one for reading together or independetly.

This exciting book is sure to grip any seven-year-old, thanks to its creative combination of being a graphic novel, chapter book, and picture book all in one. Through enthusiastic language and colorful illustrations, this book follows Bink and Gollie, two girls going on three hilarious adventures.

First, they hunt for a new pair of socks, followed by a trip to the Andes Mountains, and finally, they adopt a fish! I think your child will love this book, but parents — it’s great for you to enjoy during reading sessions, too.

If your child becomes a fan of Bink and Gollie, there are two more books in the series!

This is a fantastic book for early readers. It has controlled vocabulary and pictures to help readers follow the storyline. In this book, six short stories follow the adventures of identical twin sisters.

Follow them as they get haircuts, make dumplings and visit the library. At seven years old, many children can handle more complex storylines. But if your little one is still grasping the basics of reading, this is a great stepping stone.

Enjoy this illustrated chapter book about Dory, who is getting on her siblings’ last nerve! They want her to leave them alone, so instead, she annoys them with a million questions. “What’s the opposite of a sandwich?” “Why do we have armpits?”

But when her siblings end up needing Dory’s help, she finally gets a chance to prove herself to them! This hilarious book is a perfect addition or introduction to your child’s chapter book collection.

Enjoy this silly story about birds climbing up, going down, and being small versus tall. I love this simple story, which many seven-year-olds will appreciate, especially as a break from chapter books.

It includes interactive pages you need to turn, lift flaps, and flip around. Plus, it uses straightforward language in a large text which is great for developing readers.

Whether your child is settling into a new school, has just moved countries, or generally just feels like an outsider, this book will bring lots of comfort. In the story, Dat moves to a new country and doesn’t yet speak the language.

He struggles to make friends until he meets somebody special who helps him communicate. I love the inspiring message and the wonderful illustrations that blend from black and white to color as Dat settles into his new school.

In this book, you’ll meet four animal friends who find three cookies. They argue about who will have to sacrifice their cookie with hilarious dialogue and bold illustrations.

I adore this funny book that focuses on sharing, math, and friendship. What would you do if you were in this situation? Can your child solve the perplexing mathematical equation?

Just Ask is a beautiful and inclusive book that celebrates children in all their differences. On each page, you’ll meet a different child with a unique disability, such as diabetes, deafness, stuttering, and more.

At this age, your child will come across as people with various differences, and this book will teach them to empathize. If they are feeling curious, this book encourages children to just ask! I love the questions on each page that open up insightful conversations between the reader and parent.

This is a heartwarming tale about a family who cares for their neighbor’s children overnight when the parents are working. The daughter is jealous that all the other kids get to sleep on the cot in the living room, but when she tries it herself one night, she realizes that it’s not the most comfortable experience.

I wasn’t sure where this story was going, but I was loving the illustrations and characters. When I reached the end, I realized this is a powerful story about being a good friend, empathizing with others, and fairness.

If your child loves gorgeous illustartions, this book is right up their street. The softness and depth of these drawings are absolutely stunning as they follow a mother and son duo rowing their boat through a pond. Simultaneously, readers can see what’s over the pond and underneath.

To accompany the beautiful illustrations, lovely words explain what you see on each page, such as beavers diving beneath the surface and a goldfinch teetering. It’s an amazing depiction of what life is like for nature’s finest living at the pond.

Meet Dr. Temple Grandin, a girl who was unique from the beginning. If your child feels slightly different from their peers, they might see themselves in this story. Despite a doctor’s ominous diagnosis that Temple would never be “normal”, she finds her place in the world in a very unlikely location!

Temple’s inspiring tale reminds children that no matter how they think about the world, there is always a method that will help them achieve their dreams. Besides the motivating message, the illustrations and poetic verses are also delightful for young readers.

Laugh your way through the Christmas season with this hilarious festive story! A little boy feels a bit low because his butt isn’t in a Christmas mood! He dresses it up in tinsel, holly, and Christmas tinsel as he hunts for the best decorations.

Most Christmas books are cozy and soft, but if you want to switch up the tone a little, this is a funny story that will have all the relatives laughing.

As a grammar nerd, I adore this story about an exclamation mark and how he stands out from the crowd. I love how the author personifies the exclamation mark in an attempt to teach grammar and make a statement about what it means to be true to yourself.

An outspoken and rambunctious second grader, Lola earns herself the nickname “Mean Lola Levine” when she accidently injures her peer during a recess soccer game. How can she ever shake off the horrible — and untrue — nicknames?

Readers love this title for its diverse main character, themes about maturity, and a true reflection of what it is like as a second grader. I recommend this as a chapter book for kids interested in reading longer stories, as it’s engaging and fun.

While the reading level for this one is ages nine and up, I think it’s fantastic to read aloud to your child. Children can comprehend more via listening than they can through reading. So it’s worth choosing a few challenging books, such as this, to read to them.

This is great for settling to sleep at night or spending a rainy afternoon indoors. If you don’t know, this book is about a magical land called Narnia which is hidden behind a wardrobe door. The place is stuck in an eternal winter — can a group of siblings free Narnia from the witch’s spell?