2nd Grade Reading Material: Book List for Second Graders

How to Choose Supplemental Reading for 2nd Graders

Your 2nd grader may have mastered the basics of reading, but he or she still needs to practice reading for increased fluency and comprehension. At this stage, your child may be able to identify main ideas and supporting text. Second grade reading materials feature more advanced vocabulary and complex sentences. By the end of 2nd grade, your child may be reading chapter books and longer picture books.

Books for 2nd Graders

1. Tuff Fluff: The Case of Duckie's Missing Brain by Scott Nash

This book appeals to 2nd graders who love mysteries. Tuff Fluff, an old, stuffed bunny who lives in the attic, recruits his fellow toys to help him solve the case of Duckie's strange affliction. The stuffed duck - once a storyteller - is now only capable of quacking, and it's up to Tuff Fluff to find out why.

2. Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban

This is the first book in a series about the adventures of a little badger. It's bedtime and Frances tries to avoid it by asking for milk and trying to convince her parents that her room is occupied by scary creatures like giants and tigers. If your child resists bedtime, you may find this story humorous to read aloud to him or her.

3. Dogku by Andrew Clements

In 2nd grade, your child may be introduced to poetry in school. This story is written as a series of haikus. Dogku is about a stray dog that's adopted by a loving family. However, his antics might be more than they can handle.

4. Lady Lollipop by Dick King-Smith

If your child is familiar with Babe, he or she may enjoy this story about a smart pig named Lollipop who was chosen as a pet by a spoiled and bad-mannered princess named Penelope. Lollipop and her trainer, Johnny Skinner, teach Penelope some lessons about politeness and friendship.

5. The Frog and Toad Series by Arnold Lobel

Each book in this series is comprised of five short stories. Titles include Frog and Toad are Friends, Frog and Toad Together, Frog and Toad All Year and Days with Frog and Toad. The stories follow Frog and Toad as they share several experiences, including eating cookies, swimming, flying kites and cleaning house.

6. Gone With the Wand by Margie Palatini

This story, like others by this author, puts a new twist on a classic fairy tale. Bernice, once the greatest fairy godmother in the land, has lost all her powers. She enlists the help of her tooth fairy friend, Edith, to look for a new occupation. Often, 2nd graders compare different versions of the same story in school. Discuss the similarities and differences between Bernice Sparklestein and Cinderella's fairy godmother with your child.