Fiction:
* Classics:
* *The Very Hungry Caterpillar* by Eric Carle
* *Corduroy* by Don Freeman
* *Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type* by Doreen Cronin
* *Where the Wild Things Are* by Maurice Sendak
* *The Giving Tree* by Shel Silverstein
* Fantasy:
* *The Magic Tree House* series by Mary Pope Osborne
* *The Chronicles of Narnia* series by C.S. Lewis (starting with *The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe*)
* *The Paper Bag Princess* by Robert Munsch
* Realistic Fiction:
* *The Story of Ferdinand* by Munro Leaf
* *Stellaluna* by Janell Cannon
* *Chrysanthemum* by Kevin Henkes
* *The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963* by Christopher Paul Curtis
* Humor:
* *Diary of a Worm* by Doreen Cronin
* *The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales* by Jon Scieszka
* *The Book With No Pictures* by B.J. Novak
* Mystery:
* *The Boxcar Children* series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
* *The Hardy Boys* series by Franklin W. Dixon
* *Nancy Drew* series by Carolyn Keene
Non-Fiction:
* Animals:
* *National Geographic Kids: Animal Encyclopedia*
* *The Magic School Bus* series by Joanna Cole
* *Amazing Animals* by DK Publishing
* Science & Nature:
* *The Human Body* by DK Publishing
* *National Geographic Kids: Oceans*
* *How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?* by Jane Yolen
* History:
* *The American Girl* series by Pleasant Company
* *The Story of the United States* by DK Publishing
* *The Story of the World* by Susan Wise Bauer (adapted for younger readers)
Poetry:
* *Where the Sidewalk Ends* by Shel Silverstein
* *A Light in the Attic* by Shel Silverstein
* *Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes* edited by Arnold Rampersad
* *The Random House Book of Poetry for Children* edited by Jack Prelutsky
Note: This is just a sampling. Many other wonderful books are appropriate for second graders. You can use these suggestions as a starting point and then explore other titles based on your child's interests.
Tips for Choosing Books:
* Look for books at the appropriate reading level. Second graders are typically reading at a 2nd-3rd grade level.
* Choose books with engaging plots and characters.
* Read aloud to your child. This will help them develop a love of reading and expand their vocabulary.
* Visit your local library or bookstore. Librarians and booksellers can provide personalized recommendations.