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Readers Club
Grade 2 Core Literature List
Welcome to the Grade 2 reading list! This diverse selection of books is designed to spark curiosity, foster imagination, and build reading confidence. From fun adventures to classic tales and inspiring real-life stories, these books provide wonderful opportunities for learning and exploration. Encourage your child to read for 20-30 minutes each day and fill in their weekly reading logs, which can be redeemed for exciting rewards at the Motivation Station!
Encourage your child to explore new worlds, meet wonderful characters, and learn valuable lessons through these wonderful books!
Our Curated Book List:
Fossils Tell of Long Ago
By Aliki
This book is a great introduction to paleontology for young readers. It explains how fossils are created, how scientists dig them up, and what they tell us about ancient life on Earth. Kids will learn about different types of fossils, including dinosaur bones, shells, and plant imprints.
Theme: Nonfiction, Science
Frog and Toad Are Friends
By Arnold Lobel
Follow Frog and Toad on five short adventures that show the strength and warmth of friendship. Whether flying a kite, telling stories, or recovering from an illness, these charming tales highlight the importance of kindness and loyalty between friends.
Theme: Fiction, Friendship
The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein
A moving story about a tree that gives everything to a boy over the course of his life. As the boy grows older, the tree continues to sacrifice, teaching readers profound lessons about love, generosity, and selflessness. This timeless classic offers a simple yet powerful message.
Theme: Fiction, Life Lessons
The Story of Johnny Appleseed
By Aliki
This picture book recounts the life of Johnny Appleseed, a legendary figure in American history known for planting apple trees across the country. It combines fact and myth to tell the story of his love for nature, spreading apple seeds, and living harmoniously with the world around him.
Theme: Historical, Biography
The Adventures of Taxi Dog
By Debra Barracca
Follow Max, a lovable stray dog, as he becomes a city taxi driver’s loyal companion. Through their adventures in the busy streets, Max helps his owner meet all kinds of people, creating fun and humorous situations. The vibrant illustrations and playful language make it an enjoyable read for kids.
Theme: Fiction, Animals
Anansi the Spider
By Gerald McDermott
This classic African folktale tells the story of Anansi, a clever trickster spider who embarks on a journey to save his sons. The colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling introduce children to African folklore and emphasize the importance of wisdom and teamwork.
Theme: Folktale, African Mythology
Amelia Bedelia
By Peggy Parish
Amelia Bedelia is a literal-minded housekeeper whose misinterpretations of everyday instructions lead to hilarious results. From dusting the furniture with dusting powder to dressing a chicken in clothes, Amelia's quirky behavior will entertain readers while also teaching them about language and idioms.
Theme: Fiction, Humor
A Bargain for Frances
By Russell Hoban
In this story about fairness and friendship, Frances learns an important lesson when her friend Thelma tricks her into a bad trade. However, Frances uses her wit to make things right and teaches Thelma about honesty. A heartwarming story about trust and the value of true friendship.
Theme: Fiction, Friendship
The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash
By Trinka Hakes Noble
This fun and silly tale describes a chaotic school field trip to a farm, where a boa constrictor causes all sorts of trouble. The unexpected twists and funny dialogue will make readers laugh as they follow the sequence of bizarre events through the eyes of a young student.
Theme: Fiction, Humor
A Chair for My Mother
By Vera B. Williams
After losing everything in a house fire, a little girl, her mother, and her grandmother work hard to save money to buy a comfortable chair. This heartfelt story highlights the themes of love, perseverance, and the importance of family support during difficult times.
Theme: Fiction, Family
Corn is Maize
By Aliki
This educational book teaches kids about the history and importance of corn, from its origins with Native American farmers to its widespread use in modern agriculture. It explains how corn grows, how it's harvested, and its role in our diets today.
Theme: Nonfiction, History/Science
Digging Up Dinosaurs
By Aliki
For dinosaur lovers, this book provides an easy-to-understand explanation of how dinosaur fossils are found and studied. Children will learn about the different methods paleontologists use to dig up and preserve these ancient bones, fueling their curiosity about the prehistoric world.
Theme: Nonfiction, Science
Hailstones and Halibut Bones
By Mary O’Neill
This collection of beautifully descriptive poems brings colors to life in imaginative ways. Each poem focuses on a specific color, using creative imagery and rich language to evoke feelings and spark imagination, making it a delightful read for young minds.
Theme: Poetry, Colors
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
By Jean Marzollo
This simple biography introduces children to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book highlights his role in the civil rights movement, his message of equality and peace, and why his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday.
Theme: Nonfiction, Biography
Helen Keller
By Margaret Davidson
This inspiring biography tells the story of Helen Keller, a girl who overcame the challenges of being blind and deaf to become a successful author and advocate for people with disabilities. It’s a powerful story of determination, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.
Theme: Nonfiction, Biography
How Many Days to America?
By Eve Bunting
In this touching story, a family flees their homeland to find safety and freedom in America. Their dangerous journey across the ocean highlights the courage and hope of refugees, making it an important and timely story for young readers to understand the struggles of immigrants.
Theme: Fiction, Immigration
Magic Tree House Books
By Mary Pope Osborne
Jack and Annie, two siblings, travel through time and space using their magical tree house. Whether visiting ancient Egypt or the land of dinosaurs, each adventure teaches them important historical lessons while sparking a love for history and imagination in young readers.
Theme: Fiction, Adventure/Fantasy
The Milk Makers
By Gail Gibbons
This detailed and informative book explains how milk is produced, from cows on the farm to the cartons we drink from. It’s a great way for children to learn about the farming process and understand the journey of one of the most common foods in their diet.
Theme: Nonfiction, Science
A New Coat for Anna
By Harriet Ziefert
Set in post-World War II Europe, this touching story follows a little girl whose mother trades and barters with neighbors to get materials to make Anna a new coat. The book teaches patience, community support, and resourcefulness in tough times.
Theme: Fiction, Historical
The Ox-Cart Man
By Donald Hall
This classic tale shows the simple but hardworking life of a New England farmer who travels to market to sell the goods his family has made over the course of a year. The beautiful illustrations and gentle narrative capture the rhythm of rural life and the value of family labor.
Theme: Fiction, Historical
The Patchwork Quilt
By Valerie Flournoy
A little girl helps her grandmother make a patchwork quilt, learning about family history and the importance of memories. This touching story teaches the value of tradition and creativity, as well as the strength of family bonds.
Theme: Fiction, Family
The New Kid on the Block
By Jack Prelutsky
A collection of whimsical and humorous poems that are sure to make children laugh. Jack Prelutsky’s silly and imaginative rhymes are filled with wordplay, making it a fun way for kids to explore poetry.
Theme: Poetry, Humor
The Polar Express
By Chris Van Allsburg
In this magical Christmas story, a boy boards a train bound for the North Pole and experiences a magical adventure that reminds him of the importance of believing. The enchanting illustrations and heartwarming message make it a holiday favorite.
Theme: Fiction, Fantasy/Christmas
Ramona the Pest
By Beverly Cleary
Ramona Quimby is excited to start kindergarten but finds herself constantly getting into trouble. Her mischievous antics are full of humor, but also provide a great look at the challenges of growing up and fitting in.
Theme: Fiction, Humor
Snail’s Spell
By Joanne Ryder
A gentle and imaginative story in which a young child experiences the world from a snail's perspective. This calming and poetic book invites children to slow down and appreciate the wonders of nature.
Theme: Fiction, Nature
Strega Nona
By Tomie de Paola
In this humorous Italian folktale, Strega Nona's magical pasta pot overflows when her assistant, Big Anthony, uses it without knowing how to stop it. The story teaches lessons about responsibility and listening to directions, while also providing a lot of laughs.
Theme: Folktale, Fantasy
The Ugly Duckling
By Hans Christian Andersen, adapted by Cauley
This beloved fairy tale tells the story of a duckling who is rejected by others because of his appearance. Over time, he grows into a beautiful swan, teaching children the timeless lesson of self-acceptance, inner beauty, and the rewards of patience.
Theme: Fiction, Fairy Tale
Wednesday’s Surprise
By Eve Bunting
A heartwarming story about a little girl and her mother who work together to give her father a special surprise for his birthday. As they share their secret project, the story explores the importance of family, teamwork, and the joy of giving.
Theme: Fiction, Family
The Whingdingdilly
By Bill Peet
In this quirky tale, a dog named Scampy wishes to be something more exciting and ends up transformed into a wild combination of different animals. With his new form causing chaos, Scampy learns the important lesson of being happy with who he is.
Theme: Fiction, Humor/Fantasy
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears
By Verna Aardema
This beautifully illustrated African folktale explains why mosquitoes buzz around people’s ears. Through vivid pictures and lively storytelling, it teaches children about cause and effect and introduces them to West African culture.
Theme: Folktale, African Mythology
What Happened to Patrick’s Dinosaurs
By Carol Carrick
Patrick uses his wild imagination to wonder about the fate of dinosaurs and spins an adventurous tale about their lives. This fun and creative story helps foster imagination and teaches children about dinosaurs in a playful way.
Theme: Fiction, Imagination/Adventure
Hey Reading Rangers,
Remember to log your reading every day in your Weekly Reading Log. Once completed, get it signed by a parent and redeem your points at our Motivation Station for fun rewards! Happy reading!
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