16 Super Read Aloud Chapter Books for Second Grade

When there’s a mystery in the neighborhood, the kids know exactly who to call. Leroy Brown is a bright 10-year-old detective who is known for his exceptional ability to piece clues together to solve the case. Unlike other mystery books written during this time, the Encyclopedia Brown series is engaging without being too scary for a younger audience. Readers will enjoy trying to figure out the mystery on their own before the conclusion.

When Skunk unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep, Badger’s life is turned upside down. Invited to live in the Brownstone (owned by Badger’s aunt), this tale of opposites explores the challenges that arise in the form of responsibilities and preferences. A quirky, yet heartwarming duo, Skunk and Badger are the perfect pair to exemplify lessons of patience, kindness, and acceptance.

Yasmin loves books and everyday she borrows one from Book Uncle, who runs the free lending library in her neighborhood. When the local mayor wants to shut the library down, it is up to Yasmin and her friends to make a difference. Set in India, readers will explore a different culture while learning about the importance of community, activism, and that anyone, no matter how young, can stand up for what they believe in.

*This book is part of the Around the World unit study collection.

To bring up his grade in math, 11-year-old Matt has to take on a special assignment where he creates his own business. Having experience in dog sledding, he decides to take that knowledge to teach others. Will he actually be able to teach his rag-tag group to handle the reigns in just 6 weeks? Full of resilience, trials, and triumphs, this book touches on bullying, friendship, family, and what goes into starting your own business.

Take a trip to Africa, amazing Africa, in this endearing book about Anna Hibiscus and her very large family. Through a series of adventures, readers will get a glimpse of African culture and traditions. From a seaside family vacation to selling oranges outside the gate, readers will experience the different aspects of life that a child from another part of the world may experience, all bundled up in a wonderful moral message.

*This book is part of the Around the World unit study collection.

Living under a bridge in Paris, Armand is happy with his life. One day things take an unexpected turn when he finds three children in his spot. While initially discontented with this new development, readers will find a beautiful redemption story with a happy ending. Filled with touching moments and reflections of empathy and gratitude, this Christmas classic will touch the hearts of children of all ages.

*This book is part of the Around the World unit study collection.

Follow the inquisitive and good-natured polar bear, Duane, as he travels the arctic, making a slew of animal friends along the way. Having a variety of characters, each with their own unique traits, readers will experience the beautiful change that takes place when a true friend brings out the best in you. With a primary focus on friendship, children will discover that sometimes those who are different than you can make the best of friends.

Socks is an only cat and loves having the undivided attention of his owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bricker. When a new baby arrives, things are never the same. Written through the eyes of Socks, readers will appreciate the hilarious ups and downs that he goes through to find his place in the growing family. This is a terrific book for animal lovers, but also for children who may be feeling the changes that take place with the addition of a new sibling.

Set in Columbia, Juana loves many things, but one thing that she does not love is learning English. What is the point of learning a new language anyway? Children will relate to the woes of Juana and parents will appreciate the story’s emphasis on the importance of learning something new and the value of family. With Spanglish sprinkled throughout the book, it’s an excellent way to introduce other cultures into your home.

*This book is part of the Around the World unit study collection.

Take a trip in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie as they attempt to save Camelot. One of the best-selling children’s authors, Mary Pope Osborne, expands on the Magic Tree House series with Merlin Missions. With a slightly more advanced and longer storyline, readers will enjoy the familiarity of writing intertwined with a touch of history, that the Magic Tree House series is known for.

Girl by day, superhero by night, Kitty’s first magical adventure begins when she realizes she can understand and speak to the black cat at her window. In the first book of the series, there’s a mysterious meowing coming from the clock tower and it’s up to Kitty and her cat crew to solve the case. The stories in the Kitty series are fun and entertaining read-aloud books, but also make a great bridge for early chapter book readers.

The third book in the Little House series, this classic children’s book says goodbye to the Big Woods in a covered wagon for new horizons. Following the life of Laura, Mary, Ma, Pa, and baby Carrie, readers will get a glimpse of the opportunities and challenges of the great American frontier.

*This book is part of the Across the USA – 50 States unit study collection.

When Frankie’s third grade teacher announces the class is getting a pet, the students are super excited. Even better, they get to vote on what the pet is going to be based on 4 key parameters set by the teacher. Frankie already knows exactly what they should get – a rat, just like the ones her aunt has in her lab. Can Frankie convince her class that a rodent is the way to go?