Second grade is an important year for independent reading as kids start to explore different genres and more challenging books. Developing and achieving literacy goals is critical because it can help ensure that your child is growing as a lifelong reader, while also developing their reading comprehension skills.
Early chapter books like many of those on this list are a great way to introduce kids to more advanced topics while strengthening their reading skills. It’s important to support your child’s reading skills at home with books that foster critical thinking skills, and also help them develop greater word recognition and an improved pace of reading.
Some of the reading skills that you should focus on with your second grader include:
Word decoding: Becoming less reliant on word recognition through sight and more focused on word recognition through sound
Reading fluency: Your child should be reading 50 to 60 words per minute at the beginning of the school year, and 90 words per minute by the end of the year
Reading comprehension: Understanding the purpose of the story and key takeaway lessons
Reading a diverse range of books can help kids get familiar with these reading skills, all while they learn about other subjects and social-emotional lessons. Historical fiction like American Girl: Pearl Harbor, which focuses on important historical events, is great for sparking empathy and critical thinking. Meanwhile, the Fly Guy series uses simple text and entertaining stories to keep kids flying through these books about friendship, adventure, and buzz-worthy fun.
Shop all best-sellers for second graders below now! You can find more books and activities at The Scholastic Store.
