We feel we've created the perfect 2nd Grade Reading List for Princess to enjoy throughout the year.

Princess, age 7, in second grade, reads at a fifth grade level, once again creating a struggle of balance between age appropriate content, interests and abilities.  

Books were hand picked by us, to reflect where Princess is at right now.

She will read one book each month, or ten books throughout the year. 

Here are our 2nd Grade Book Recommendations for Kids.

2nd Grade Book Recommendations for Kids

1. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

This is the first book that Princess chose from her reading list.  She chose it because it had the word "dolphin" in the title.  Dolphins are one of Princess' favorite things.  Needless to say she was quite surprised by the story of adventure within the book's pages.

2. The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson

We chose this book for Princess for several reasons.  Some include that it's about family and friendship.  The story takes place in Paris, which is number one on Princess' list of places to visit.  This will be such a fun book to read.

3. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

In this day in age, it's so important to teach children about bullying.  This book is a fabulous way to do that.  We hope Princess can understand the book's message and apply it to her own life for years to come.

4. The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

Princess struggles coping with strong emotions, especially fear.  Our goal with this book is to give her a role model.  We also hope that she'll start to understand that it's okay to be afraid, and that one can be afraid and brave at the same time.

5. Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan

Princess is a huge fan of the Little House on the Prairie Series, so we're pretty sure she'll enjoy this book.  We also like that it teaches about  abandonment, loss, and love.  Those are three issues that Princess struggles with. It's our hope that by introducing characters who have felt these things too, she will not feel as alone, and instead have the desire to conquer her emotions.

6. Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

We read the first book in the Ramona series last year and Princess loved it.  It only seemed fitting to add the next book in the series to her reading list.  I can already hear her giggling now.

7. Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Princess has never been introduced to mysteries before. We thought this book would be the perfect one to start with.  I'm intrigued to see how she responds to it.

8. The Clue of the Left Handed Envelope by George E. Stanley

This book is another mystery book.  Princess' brothers are very much into spies and detective work.  The thrill seems to have rubbed off on Princess.  We're hoping she enjoys this fun classroom mystery.

9. Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

Princess has often wondered what it would be like to go to school.  The idea petrifies her actually.  We're hoping this hilarious story will give her some perspective, and she'll realize things aren't as scary as they seem.

10. Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows

We have heard nothing but fabulous things about this book.  Once again the theme is friendship, something that Princess is trying to understand better.  It always helps to add lots of humor and laughter.

11. A Toad for Tuesday by Russell Erickson

We're excited to introduce animal characters in this book.  Princess loves using her imagination.  Another aspect of this book that we're excited about is the concept of using kindness to work through situations.

12. Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

Princess was too young when we read this book to remember it.  We're excited to introduce her to the amazing friendships between the beloved characters.  It's a classic we hope she'll thoroughly enjoy.

13. The Littles by John Peterson

This book is a fabulous book about problem solving, yet another area that Princess struggles with.  The characters are so lovable.  We're pretty sure she'll enjoy the story.

14. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Renae absolutely loved this story as a little girl, and can't wait to share it with Princess.  This book was also recommended by Princess' therapists as a tool to use to help her learn to identify and cope with strong feelings.

15. Superfudge by Judy Blume

Last year we read Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing as a family.  Everyone enjoyed it.  I knew the next book in the series had to be included in our reading lists this year.  This is the second book Princess has chosen.  She can't get enough of it!

I am so excited for Princess to read all of these books. I know she will love them!

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