30 Amazing Books For 2nd Grade Girls!

Are you looking for the best books for second grade girls?

It can be a real trick to find something that interests them, will hold their attention, is age-appropriate, AND is at their reading level.

But you’re in luck!

This list of the best chapter books is bursting with mystery, amazing adventures, fantasy, funny stories, and graphic novels for your little girl!

She is sure to find her perfect book and a main character that speaks to her.

I was meticulously careful to ensure that each of the book recommendations would excite a 2nd grader, be parent-approved, and be reasonable for a 2nd grader’s reading abilities.

Um, Do Second Graders Have The Reading Skills For Chapter Books?

You might be surprised.

If you are here on a quest for the reluctant readers in your life, you should know that there are no picture books or easy readers in the following list.

The slow, boring plot of these books could be what is holding back your 2nd graders. 

They don’t want to read because they have no motivation, desire, or passion to find what comes next.

I believe that a great way for kids to fall in love with reading is to turn them on to addicting early chapter books.

****The term “early chapter books” or “easy chapter books” means that the text is larger, there are fewer words on a page, and there are black and white or colorful illustrations. It’s a nice bridge from the simple readers they had as 1st graders to what will be expected in 3rd grade. 

There is just magic that comes when young readers pick up their first great book and can’t put it down!

I encourage you to provide your girl with an ample amount of good books (like in the list below) and follow my steps for transforming a reluctant reader.

Your early readers are going to take off like a rocket, so let’s dive in and start picking out some fun books that they will love!

The Perfect Book List For 2nd Grade Girls!

1. In A Blink (Never Girls Series Book #1)

Title: In A Blink

Author: Jana Christy

****This is one of my kid’s favorite books. Such a whimsical adventure for girls! 

Kate craves adventure and excitement.
Mia loves dresses, roses, and anything beautiful.
Lainey dreams of talking to animals.
Gabby believes in fairies more than anyone.

In a blink of an eye, these four best friends all get their biggest wish—they’re whisked off to Never Land, home to Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. The adventure of a lifetime is just beginning! But how will the Never Girls ever get home again?

2. Penny and Pepper (Pony Mysteries Series Book #1)

Title: Penny and Pepper

Author: Jeanne Betancourt

An early reader series debut for every horse lover!

Penny is visiting her grandparents out in the country for the summer. They have a surprise for her–a pony named Pepper! Along with their new friends, Tom and Tina, Penny and Pepper solve mysteries in the neighborhood, and rescue a frightened kitten!

3. Freckle Juice (Classic Chapter Book)

Title: Freckle Juice

Author: Judy Blume

More than anything in the world, Andrew Marcus wants freckles. His classmate Nicky has freckles—they cover his face, his ears, and the whole back of his neck. But when Andrew asks Nicky where he got them, Nicky just says he was born with them. Some help he is!

That’s when Sharon offers Andrew her secret freckle juice recipe—for fifty cents, she promises, Andrew can look just like Nicky. His freckleless days are over! He rushes home to whip up the concoction. Grape juice, vinegar, mustard…

But what starts out as a simple freckle juice recipe quickly turns into something disastrous. Andrew is still determined to get his freckles, and to show that pesky Sharon that she doesn’t know everything—and he has the perfect solution! Or does he?

4. Keena Ford And The Second Grade Mix Up

Title: Keena Ford And The Second Grade Mix Up

Author: Melissa Thomson

Keena Ford doesn’t mean to be a troublemaker, but sometimes things get out of hand. Lucky for her, it’s the beginning of the second grade and Keena’s got a clean slate. So when her new second-grade teacher, Ms. Campbell, mistakenly thinks it’s her birthday and brings in a huge chocolate cake, Keena realizes that she’s gotten herself into a sticky situation. She knows she has to tell the truth, but it’s not easy to turn down her very own birthday cake and a chance to wear a sparkly crown. How will Keena get out of this mess?

5. Cinderella Takes The Stage (Disney Princess Beginnings Series Book #1)

 

Title: Cinderella Takes The Stage

Author: Tessa Roehl

A chapter-book series introducing each Disney Princess as a young girl!

Before Cinderella met her fairy godmother or dropped her glass slipper, she was a young girl, and this is her story. Ella, or Cinderella, as her parents fondly call her, is getting ready for a puppet-show contest when she meets an unexpected friend, Val. Val doesn’t have much, but she teaches Ella how to sew. In return, Ella shares her sewing materials with Val. On the big day, the girls both put on great shows. But who will win the grand prize? 

6.  A New Friend (The Adventures of Sophie Mouse Series)

Title: A New Friend

Author: Poppy Green

In this first of a charming series about a little mouse and her forest friends, Sophie Mouse must convince her classmates—and herself—that a new student is nothing to fear. Even if he is a snake!

7. Chews Your Destiny (The Gumazing Gum Girl! Series Book #1)

*Graphic Novel*

Title: Chews Your Destiny

Author: Rhode Montijo

Gabby Gomez loves to chew gum everywhere, even though Mami has warned her against it: There was the time at the art gallery. And don’t forget what happened with her tía Carmen’s parrot! But when Gabby gets gum stuck in her hair, that’s the last straw. Chewing gum is now BANNED.

But one last teeny-tiny gumball couldn’t hurt, right? It’s not like Gabby will turn into gum…except, that’s exactly what happens! With her new, stretch-tastic powers Gabby can help save the day, but she will have to keep her gummy alter-ego a secret from Mami or else she’ll find herself in a really sticky situation.

8. The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure

Title: The Chicken Squad

Author: Doreen Cronin

Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie. These chicks are not your typical barnyard puffs of fluff, and they are not about to spend their days pecking chicken feed and chasing bugs. No sir, they’re too busy solving mysteries and fighting crime.

So when Squirrel comes barreling into the chicken coop, the chicks know they’re about to get a case. But with his poor knowledge of shapes (“Big” is not a shape, Squirrel!) and utter fear of whatever it is that’s out there, the panicky Squirrel is NO HELP. Good thing these chicks are professionals.

9. The Newest Princess (Itty Bitty Princess Kitty Series Book #1)

Title: The Newest Princess

Author: Melody Mews

Something exciting is happening in Lollyland. Itty Bitty Kitty’s eighth shooting star is about to arrive and that means she’s going to become a princess! Itty’s excited, but when she learns about all the things that are going to change, she’s also nervous. Between trying out new hairstyles and hearing that she can’t attend her regular school anymore, Itty begins to feel like she might not be cut out for this princess gig. Will Itty Bitty Kitty become Itty Bitty Princess Kitty after all?

10. The Princess in Black

 

Title: The Princess in Black

Author: Shannon and Dean Hale

Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret —she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret? 

11. Amy and the Missing Puppy (Critter Club Series Book #1)

Title: Amy and the Missing Puppy

Author: Callie Barkley

It’s Spring Break in Santa Vista, and everyone has big plans…everyone except for Amy, that is! As her best friends head out of town on exciting adventures, Amy resigns herself to helping out at her mom’s vet clinic. At least she’ll be around cute animals! But when Santa Vista’s cold and elusive millionaire, Marge Sullivan, brings her puppy Rufus for a check-up, Amy encounters an unexpected mystery. After her friends return home, the girls get to the bottom of what happened to Rufus—and discover a way to help other lost and lonely animals in their town.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Critter Club chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

12. Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist

 

Title: Franny K Stein

Author: Jim Benton

Franny K. Stein is not your average girl — she’s a mad scientist. She prefers poison ivy to daisies, and when Franny jumps rope, she uses her pet snake. The kids in Franny’s class think she’s weird, wacky, and just plain creepy.
Tired of being stared at, Franny decides to attempt her most dangerous experiment yet — she’s going to fit in. but when a giant Monstrous Fiend attacks the class, everyone knows it’s up to a mad scientist to save the day. But has Franny lost her creepy, crawly ways?

13. Andi’s Pony Trouble (Circle C Stepping Stones Series Book #1)

 

Title: Andie’s Pony Trouble

Author: Susan K. Marlow

No more ponies! Andi wants a horse of her own more than anything. But Mother says Andi has to ride pokey old Coco. Andi is sureshe’s big enough for a horse–even if she’s not so good at remembering to care for Coco. Can Andi show her family she’s ready for her own horse? Or will she always be stuck riding a worn-out, hand-me-down pony?

14. Just Grace

 

Title: Just Grace

Author: Charise Mericle Harper

Grace loves cats. She also loves taking pictures of cats and drawing comics. When her neighbor’s cat goes missing, Grace does her best to make Mrs. Luther feel less lonely. But as the mystery of the missing cat continues, Grace finds herself in a bit of trouble.

15. Sunbeam’s Shine (Unicorn Princesses Book Series Book #1)

Title: Sunbeam’s Shine

Author: Emily Bliss

In this first story, a blundering wizard-lizard casts a spell that accidentally robs Princess Sunbeam of her magic yellow sapphire. Without it, she loses her powers–the ability to create light and heat. The only way to reverse the spell is for a human girl who believes in unicorns to find the yellow sapphire and reunite Sunbeam with her gemstone. Sunbeam ventures into the human world and enlists Cressida’s help, who is thrilled to visit the Rainbow Realm. But finding Sunbeam’s sapphire isn’t quite as easy as she thought it would be . . .

16. Homes Is Where The Heart Is (Good Dog Series Book #1)

Title: Home Is Where the Heart Is

Author: Cam Higgins

Spring showers lead to muddy hijinks for a young pup named Bo. But when Bo loses his dog tag, he gets serious and enlists all of his barnyard pals to help him find it. From horse stalls to chicken coops to grazing fields and beyond, Bo’s adventure takes him all over the farm, introducing a cast of friends and frenemies.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Good Dog chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

17. Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon (Dragon Girls Series Book #1)

Title: Azmina The Gold Glitter Gragon

Author:  Maddy Mara

We are Dragon Girls, hear us roar! Azmina, Willa, and Naomi are thrilled to learn they’re Glitter Dragon Girls. Summoned to the Magic Forest by its magnificent ruler, the Tree Queen, the girls quickly find out their dragon-selves have unbelievable abilities. They can soar above the treetops, breathe glitter-y bursts of fire, and roar loud enough to shake the ground. With this newfound magic comes a big responsibility, however. As Dragon Girls, they are sworn protectors of the forest and must help keep it safe from the troublesome Shadow Sprites, who are determined to take the forest’s magic for their own.

18. Pool Party Puzzler (Nancy Drew Clue Books Series Book #1)

Title: Pool Party Puzzler

Author: Carolyn Keene

Help Nancy and her friends find out who’s causing a major pool party problem in this first book in an all-new, interactive Nancy Drew chapter book series. Includes space for readers to jot down their own ideas and solutions to the case!

19. Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House Series Book #1)

Title: Dinosaurs Before Dark

Author: Mary Pope Osbourne

Read the #1 bestselling chapter book that started it all! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked back in time in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie!

20. The Secret of Shadow Lake (Creature Campers Series Book #1)

Title: The Secret of Shadow Lake

Author: Joe McGee and Bea Tormo

Norm is worried about fitting in at camp. Literally. He’s not just tall for a kid. He’s tall even for a bigfoot. Oliver, the only human at camp, has the opposite problem: he’s small enough that a strong wind might knock him over. With the help of their new friends, Hazel (a hyperactive jackalope) and Wisp (a boy fairy who has trouble flying), they’ll have to work together to earn their canoeing certification without disturbing the resident lake monster—or Barnaby Snoop, who will stop at nothing to capture Norm for his personal rare creature collection.

21. Trouble At Trident Academy (Mermaid Tales Series Book #1)

 

Title: Trouble At Trident Academy

Author: Debbie Dadey

In this start to a new series starring Shelly the mermaid, a classroom conflict is no fun—even when school is 20,000 leagues under the sea.

22. The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls 

*Faith-Based Series*

Title: The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: The Beginning

Author: M.J. Thomas

A mysterious scroll transports a brother and sister back in time to God’s creation of the world in the first installment of this action-packed chapter book series for emerging readers.

23. Esther The Kindness Fairy (Friendship Fairies Series Book #1)

 

Title: Esther the Kindness Fairy

Author: Daisy Meadows

Best friends forever!

Rachel and Kirsty know a thing or two about how to be a good friend. So do the Friendship Fairies. But there’s one resident of Fairyland who definitely doesn’t: Jack Frost! The icy villain has stolen Esther’s magic heart brooch, and now friends everywhere are fighting. Rachel and Kirsty have to find it–fast!

Find the special fairy object in each book and help save the friendship magic!

24 . Emmet And Jez (Adventures In Fosterland Series Book #1)

Title: Emmett and Jez

Author: Hannah Shaw

When a tiny piglet named Emmett bounces off the truck carrying his mother and siblings, he’s lost, hungry, and stuck on the side of the road. He has no idea where he’s supposed to go, or where he belongs.

Then a giant scoops Emmett up and takes him to a wonderful, magical place called Fosterland, where he meets a kitten named Jez. Emmett has a lot of questions, and once he hears all about life as a kitten, he decides it’s much better than being a piglet. So, Emmett decides to just become a kitten instead! Problem solved.

But as both Jez and Emmett grow older and realize they might be headed off to different forever homes, Emmett will have to confront his fears and face the scariest question of all: Is there a Foreverland out there for him?

25. Sparkle Magic (Mermicorns Series Book #1)

 

Title: Sparkle Magic

Author: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

When a mermicorn’s horn starts to sparkle, that means she’s ready for Magic School! Sirena can’t wait to learn how to do ALL kinds of magic around the ocean! But magic isn’t as easy to learn as she’d hoped. And to make matters worse, her school partner, Lily is way better at magic than she is! It’s not fair! Turns out, it’s hard to do magic when you’re jealous or angry. Can Sirena learn to be a good friend and master her first magic lesson?

26. The Case Of The Stolen Sixpence (The Mysteries Of Maise Hitchens Book 1)

Title: The Case of the Stolen Sixpence

Author: Holly Webb 

In the tradition of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries comes The Mysteries of Maisie Hitchins!

Twelve-year-old Maisie is a noticing sort of person. Thats why she is convinced she would make an excellent detective if she ever got the chance! But instead of detecting, she spends her days polishing the banisters at her grandmother’s boarding house or fetching fish for the lodgers’ dinner. In The Case of the Stolen Sixpence, Maisie’s big chance to prove herself finally arrives when crime strikes her Victorian London neighborhood. While the grown-ups turn a blind eye to the whodunit and justice goes un-served, Maisie and her canine sidekick, Eddie, search the streets for clues to crack the case.

27. Mindy Kim And The Yummy Seaweed Business

 

Title: Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

Author: Lyla Lee

Mindy Kim just wants three things:
1. A puppy!
2. To fit in at her new school
3. For her dad to be happy again

But, getting all three of the things on her list is a lot trickier than she thought it would be. On her first day of school, Mindy’s school snack of dried seaweed isn’t exactly popular at the lunch table. Luckily, her new friend, Sally, makes the snacks seem totally delicious to Mindy’s new classmates, so they decide to start the Yummy Seaweed Business to try and raise money for that puppy!

28. The Scaredy Cat (Purrmaids Series Book #1)

 

Title: The Scardey Cat

Author: Sudipta Bardhan-Qualle

Coral, Shelly, and Angel are best friends. They love exploring their home in Kittentail Cove. On the first day of sea school, their teacher asks everyone to bring in something special to share with the class. Shelly and Angel can’t wait to visit Tortoiseshell Reef to find an extra-special treasure. But the reef is all the way on the edge of the cove and Coral is scared to swim that far away from home. Can this scaredy-cat learn to be brave? 

29. Lily To The Rescue

Title: Lily To The Rescue

Author: W. Bruce Cameron

A 2020 National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA) Winner!

An irresistible chapter book series from the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tales featuring Lily, a rescue dog who rescues other animals!

30. Meet Yasmin

 

Title: Meet Yasmin

Author: Saadia Faruqi

Meet Yasmin! Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who’s always on the lookout for those “aha” moments to help her solve life’s little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn’t get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.

Recap Best Second Grade Books For Girls

I hope you swooned through this list of great chapter books for your second grade readers.

You are bound to have found some new favorites!

Of course, it’s not exhaustive. There is so much out there for your girl to read, but I can’t fit it all into this blog post. 

Depending on her interest, reading level, and what you approve of, look into other 2nd grade chapter books, such as Junie B. Jones, Cam Jansen, Flat Stanley, Judy Moody, Boxcar Children, and Amelia Bedelia.

What are your favorite books for 2nd graders?

Drop them in the comments below!

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