Reading several books in a series helps 2nd graders develop their reading skills, as they get to know the characters, setting and plots that recur from book to book in a series. Each book is still new and exciting, but it's great to be able to revisit characters you've come to know.
Here are some series our 2nd graders recommend, with some of their comments.
Short and fun books to read:
Elephant and Piggie
, by Mo Willems- Today I Will Fly
: “It’s funny when the say that they are goingto fly but they don’t”- Are You Ready to Play Outside?
"I recommend this book because it’s funny.”Minnie and Moo
, by Denys Cazet-“I love Minne and Moo and the Haunted Sweater
because I like the chapter of the farmer’s present.”
Mercy Watson
, by Kate DiCamillo - Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride
: “I like Mercy because it’s funny.”- Mercy Watson: Something Wonky This Comes
: "I like Mercy becuase she's a very funny pig.”Froggy
books, by Jonathan London“I like Froggy Gets Dressed
because it’s really hilarious and fun. I love this book.”Beatrix Potter
's little books-The Tale of Samuel Whiskers
, by Beatrix Potter “My favorite part is when the mouse cries to trick the cat.” |
| Bella and Rosie - early chapter books from Pioneer Valley |
-"I like the way these two dogs are friends. They make me laugh."
Chapter books that make us laugh
Junie B. Jones
, by Barbara Park- Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
: “I like this book because it is funny and because it has my favorite holiday.”Geronimo Stilton
:- All Because of a Cup of Coffee: “I recommend this book because it has great pictures, it’s very funny, and Geronimo is crazy and impulsive!”
Ruby and the Booker Boys
, by Derrick Barnes - Slumber Party Payback
: “I love this Ruby Slumber Party because it takes you into the story.”The Diary of a Wimpy Kid
series, by Jeff Kinney“I like Diary of a Wimpy Kid because it is really hilarious!”
“I like this series because it has funny comics and so many jokes.”
“I like Diary of a Wimpy Kid because it is really funny and it is so exciting.”
“I like this series because it has lots of jokes and it’s a long book.”
My Weird School
, by Dan Gutman-“I like the My Weird School books because they are funny and you can get lost in them. I like Mr. Hynde is Out of His Mind
the best.”-“Miss Daisy is Crazy
is funnier than funny. I feel like I’m in the book.”
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot
, by Dav Pilkey-“I like this book because the robot fights crime. I like thinking what it’s like to be a robot.”
-“I like this series because it has the Flip-O-Rama. My favorite is Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. the Mecha-Monkeys from Mars
.”Bad Kitty
, by Nick Bruel“I recommend Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty
because it’s funny and there are jokes.”Judy Moody
, by Megan McDonald -Judy Moody Declares Independence
: “I liked this because it’s funny.”
Ivy and Bean
, by Annie Barrows-Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record
: “I recommend this book because these friends do a lot of science.”Chapter books with adventure and mystery
A to Z Mysteries
, by Ron Roy“I recommend A to Z Mysteries because you can solve lots of mysteries and I’d say The Lucky Lottery
is the best one.”“I like A to Z Mysteries because I like to read mystery books. The Absent Author
is my favorite.”
Magic Tree House
, by Mary Pope Osborne-Winter of the Ice Wizard
: "I like the series Magic Tree House because I love adventures. I recommend Winter of the Wizard if you like traveling places.”-“I like the series Magic Tree House because I love adventures. I recommend the book Dophins at Daybreak
if you like adventures too. I like this book because I like dolphins and the sea.”-“Tonight on the Titanic
has lots of adventure. I like this book because there’s fun stuff you could imagine about you doing in a house or a ship.”“Lions at Lunchtime
really takes you into the book. You learn about things.”
-“I love Night of the Ninjas
. I love ninjas because ninjas are so cool.”-“I like A Good Night for Ghosts
because it was creepy and it was so fun to read.”-“I like Pirates Past Noon
because it takes you on an adventure.”-“These books may be easy, but they are funny. I like Viking Ships at Sunrise
the best.”-“I like Eve of the Emperor Penguin
because it will make you freeze. It will blow your mind.”-“Dinosaurs Before Dark
will take you on an adventure.”
Beast Quest
: by Adam Blade-“I like Ferno the Fire Dragon
because you fight beasts and free the darkness. PS: You get lost in this book.”-“I like this book. It is so exciting. My favorite part was the fighting.”
Rainbow Fairies
, by Daisy Meadows-“I love Bella the Bunny Fairy
because it’s exciting. It makes me happy and jumpy and scream.”
Commander Toad
, by Jane Yolen -“Commander Toad and the Space Pirates
is the funniest book I’ve read.”Warriors
series, by Erin Hunter-“Warriors is a book for an advanced reader. Each book gets more interesting.”
-Into the Wild
, Warriors book 1: "I like this book because I like the rivalry of the clans.”-“The series Warriors is wonderful. It is action-packed, and all readers who like cats will be lost in their books.”
Harry Potter
, by J.K. Rowling -“Wait for the fun.... and the magic!”
-“I’ve been reading the Harry Potter series. My favorites are #2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
, and #4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
. This book really keeps you hooked. You’ll love reading it.”Graphic novels we love to read
Bone
series, by Jeff Smith-Bone #2: The Great Cow Race
: “I recommend Bone because it’s funny funny and scary. I really like it. Bone #2 is my favorite.”-“I like Bone because it’s funny! The funny part is when Bone dreams about he’s on a ship!”
-“I like Bone: The Great Cow Race because it is funny!”
Babymouse
, by Jennifer Holm-Babymouse, Skater Girl
: “I like this book. It is funny. The pink parts are her imagination.”
Lunch Lady
, by Jarrett Krosoczka-“I like Lunch Lady
because it had a lot of action.”
