Do you have a second grader who is eager to read? Whether your student is a book worm or not, practicing reading is a major part of their second grade. They will start reading independently and will be ready for simple chapter books by the end of the year. However, in order for them to continue advancing in their reading skills, they will need lots of practice. Not only should they read quietly to themselves, but also aloud so that you can help them with pronunciation and the reading flow. Following are our tips for a few second grade titles that are worth sharing:
[Note: Some of the book descriptions below are copied directly from the publisher.]
Are you wondering how to encourage your not-so-keen-on-reading child to spend time in the world of books? We have you covered! Check out our
8 Ways to Encourage Your Children to Read.
Busy Times (1 of 3) – Pathway Reading Series by Pathway Publishers
This book is the first volume of a 2nd grade reader in the Pathway Reading Series by Pathway Publishers. If you do not use this series for your reading program, I highly recommend it as an additional independent reading. It continues to build upon the stories and characters from the first grade about Peter, Rachel, their family, their farm, and their friends.
More Busy Times (2 of 3) – Pathway Reading Series by Pathway Publishers
This book is the second volume of a 2nd grade reader in the Pathway Reading Series by Pathway Publishers. If you do not use this series for your reading program, I highly recommend it as an additional independent reading. Peter and Rachel spend some interesting family times, listen to grandfather’s stories and encounter various adventures at school.
Climbing Higher (3 of 3) – Pathway Reading Series by Pathway Publishers
This book is the third volume of a 2nd grade reader in the Pathway Reading Series by Pathway Publishers. If you do not use this series for your reading program, I highly recommend it as an additional independent reading. It includes many fascinating stories about a pet pigeon, red airplane, Verna’s vacation, honeybees, and how Melinda learns to be thankful.
Fun with Friends by Abeka
Join in the fun with Hazel the Hippo and Jimmy the Jackrabbit who learn the value of friendship in Fun with Friends!
Amelia Bedelia Series by Peggy Parrish & Fritz Seibel
This series features a housekeeper who takes her instructions literally. Her adventures make an early reader not only laugh but also introduce them to the nuances of the English language.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. But his problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes! Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown’s farm upside-down!
Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin
Farmer Brown is going on vacation. He asks his brother, Bob, to take care of the animals. “But keep an eye on Duck. He’s trouble.”
A Question of Yams by Gloria Repp
This missionary story based on true events features people of Kuri’s village who always pray to the spirits when they plant their yams. Now Kuri’s father prays to the God of the Bible, and the crops begin to grow. But the sun is too hot, and without water, the yams will die. The Head Men blame Kuri’s father. They say that he is being punished because he trusts in God. Kuri is afraid. If the yams die, everyone will starve…
Stories About God’s People (Units 1, 2 & 3) – Rod & Staff Publishers Bible Nurture and Reader Series
This book contains first three units of a 2nd grade reader in the Bible Nurture and Reader Series by Rod & Staff publishers. If you do not use this series for your reading program, I highly recommend it as an additional independent reading. It reviews stories about God’s people from Genesis and adds many stories of Moses and the children of Israel as they are departing Egypt.
More Stories About God’s People (Units 4 & 5) – Rod & Staff Publishers Bible Nurture and Reader Series
This book contains fourth and fifth units of a 2nd grade reader in the Bible Nurture and Reader Series by Rod & Staff publishers. If you do not use this series for your reading program, I highly recommend it as an additional independent reading. It includes stories from Ruth, I. Samuel and the book of Mark.
Johnny Appleseed by Gini Holland
Johnny Appleseed devoted his life to making others happy, sharing his Bible, and lending a helping hand. He also devised a way to help settlers help themselves by planting apple trees as they made their journey west.
Stan, the Hot Dog Man by Ethel and Leonard Kessler
When Stan leaves his job at the bakery, he starts off in a brand new job as a hot dog man. He likes the fresh air, the friends he makes, and the time to go fishing. Plus he makes the best hot dogs around! Suddenly, in a terrible blizzard, a school bus becomes stranded in the snow. And who comes to the rescue? Stan the Hot Dog Man!
Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
It only takes a little to be BIG. Meet Clifford and Emily Elizabeth in the original Clifford book. Clifford is big. Clifford is red. But most of all, Clifford knows how to be a good friend.
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other—just as best friends should be. Frog and Toad Are Friends is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.
Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad enjoy spending their days together. They fly kites, celebrate Toad’s birthday, and share the shivers when Frog tells a scary story. Most of all, they have fun together—every day of the year. Days with Frog and Toad is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.
Nate the Great (28 book series) by Marjorie Weinman
This long-running chapter book series encourages children to problem-solve with Nate, using logical thinking to solve mysteries!
Daniel’s Duck by Clyde Robert Bulla
This book is set in rural Tennessee during pioneer days. A little boy, Daniel, is hurt when others laugh at his wood carving. But then he learns that giving people pleasure takes a very special gift.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Connie Roop
Abbie was afraid. She had never had to keep the lights burning by herself. But many lives depended on the lighthouse, and Papa was depending on Abbie. This is the exciting true story of Abbie Burgess, who in 1856 single-handedly kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a tremendous storm off the coast of Maine.
Brave Norman: A True Story by Andrew Clements
Norman is a dog who cannot see. One day, he is at the beach when he hears a girl in the water calling for help. Can Norman lead the girl to safety?
Daniel’s Mystery Egg by Alma Flor Ada
Daniel finds an egg. What kind of animal will this mystery egg hatch? Imaginations run wild as the kids in Daniel’s class guess what sort of surprise the egg has in store.
Hill of Fire by Thomas P. Lewis
Every day is the same for Pablo’s father. Then one afternoon the ground growls, hisses smoke, and swallows up his plow. A volcano is erupting in the middle of his cornfield!
