Adventure and Fantasy:
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A classic series that follows the adventures of four siblings in a magical world. It's full of wonder and morality lessons.
* Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan: A great choice for kids who love Greek mythology. Percy is a demigod who discovers his true identity and embarks on a quest.
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: Three siblings discover a guide to the hidden world of fairies and other magical creatures.
* The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart: Four gifted children are recruited to infiltrate a mysterious institution and uncover a sinister plot.
Mystery and Suspense:
* The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: A clever, twisty mystery about a group of tenants who must solve a puzzle to inherit a fortune.
* The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: A classic series about four orphaned siblings who live in a boxcar and solve mysteries.
* The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: A young girl discovers a magical garden and finds healing and friendship.
Historical Fiction:
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A powerful and moving story about a young girl living in Nazi Germany, told from Death's perspective. (May be better suited for older 2nd graders due to its mature themes.)
* Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: A gripping story about a young girl who helps her Jewish friend escape Nazi-occupied Denmark.
* The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis: A family road trip through the segregated South in the summer of 1963.
Science Fiction:
* The Giver by Lois Lowry: A thought-provoking story about a utopian society where memories are suppressed.
* The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne: A series about two siblings who travel through time in a magical tree house.
Tips for Choosing:
* Consider your child's interests: Does your child enjoy animals, history, space, or fantasy?
* Read the book yourself: This will help you gauge its difficulty and appropriateness for your child.
* Start with a shorter book: If your child is new to reading at a higher level, choose a book that isn't too long.
* Have discussions: Talk about the book with your child to help them understand the plot and themes.
Remember, it's important to encourage your child's love of reading. Let them choose books that they find interesting and engaging, even if they are slightly above their current reading level.