Unbeatable Second Grade Books
The following lists encompass the many reading levels found among second graders. Books in the primary collection (JP) are “controlled vocabulary” i.e. containing words that follow basic phonics rules or words that are found on “sight word” lists. Books in the picture book collection can be read by more practiced readers. The J fiction collection is for readers who are ready to tackle longer “chapter books.” To see a title's Lexile number, click on the title and then click on the "Full Record" tab.
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New Book Reviews
Some of these books can be READ BY a 2nd grader, others are good for READING ALOUD TO a 2nd grader.
Reading Level: Grades1 - 2
While taking a walk Penny finds a beautiful marble on Mrs. Goodwin's lawn and takes it home, but then her conscience begins to bother her. What if the marble belongs to Mrs. Goodwin and she wants it back?
Reading Level: Ages 2 - 7
Mama duck takes her duckings for a walk through the park and into town where they encounter an unexpected sewer grate with holes just the right size to swallow up ducklings in this book reminiscent of Make Way for Ducklings and Ducks Disappearing.
Reading Level: Ages 4 - 8
A bear wanders into the city and becomes lost, so he enters an apartment and makes himself comfortable in this silly fractured fairytale with a surprise ending.
Reading Level: Ages 3 - 9
Fox was bored with his same old boiled toad meals day in and day out so he buys himself a cookbook and discovers most toad recipes call for YOUNG toads not old ones. After catching a bag full of young toads he gets ready to try a new recipe when the toads' mother suggests she teach him a secret toad family recipe instead.
Reading Level: Grades 2-4
This is the remarkable true story of John Price, former slave, and the citizens of Oberlin, Ohio. In 1856, Price and two others managed a daring escape from slavery, and settled in Oberlin, then home to many abolitionists and former slaves. Two years later, Price was snatched from the road by slave hunters. His cry for help was heard by an Oberlin college student. This is the inspiring story of the response to that cry.
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Other books by Judith Bloom Fradin