Looking for the best book series for the 2nd grade girl (or boy) in your life? Here are my suggestions for some fun and fascinating reads…
When my daughter was transitioning from first to second grade, her reading choices also began to change. Gone were the short, new reader books. Now, chapter books were the norm.
She was also reading more independently as she gained confidence in her own abilities. I admit, I was a little sad to see her step out on her own. I loved her interest in reading, but I think a part of me loved her reliance on my read-alouds, since it meant we could enjoy each story together. We still do read alouds as a family, but many days (and nights), her nose is buried in a book of her own.
There are so many amazing book series out there that are wonderful for girls at this age. And honestly, even boys will get a kick out of these books—my daughter often recommends books to her younger brother. But the main characters are usually female and girls relate a little better to them.
As a child, there’s something magical about reading a book that you can relate to, whether it’s a character who looks like you, who likes what you like, who is your age, or has your problems. That connection can really make reading fun for kids (and adults!), so finding a series that your daughter loves is a great way to foster a love of reading and a healthy reflection of self.
Second-grade girls are in a unique place as they explore their independent reading style and preferences. So, here are some of the best books series for 2nd grade girls that I hope you’ll all enjoy.
10 Best Books Series for 2nd Grade Girls
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Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows
There is nothing sweeter than true friendship. Ivy and Bean are two unlikely friends who never thought they’d like each other, until they did. Now, the two opposites get into all sorts of mischief that will have the little girl in your life giggling out loud and hoping to find her own Ivy or Bean.
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry
Gooney Bird is one of a kind and has a flair for storytelling. Second-grade girls will relate to her schoolroom experiences and her incredible imagination. These books also sneak in a few English lessons—and they’re seriously funny.
The Ramona books by Beverly Cleary
Based off the author’s own childhood experiences, the Ramona books are fun and relatable. These are great for 2nd graders who are ready for easy chapter books. The stories are engaging and hilarious, and if your child loves them, they can branch out to the author’s Henry Huggins books.
Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Your 2nd grade girl will love the descriptions of pioneer life and the fascinating experiences of curious Laura as she and her family explore life on the frontier. While these are on the longer side, the chapters are short and the vocabulary is within a second grader’s grasp.
Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish
We loved reading the original (adult) Amelia Bedelia books, and these books of her younger years (written by the original author’s nephew) are just as good. The 2nd grade girl in your life will love the crazy things that happen when literal-minded Amelia in involved. This is also a great way to teach your child about idioms.
The Never Girls collection by Kiki Thorpe
Most girls are familiar with Peter Pan’s Never Never Land. These books are about a group of friends who are whisked off to the land of Tinkerbell and fairies. These are fanciful and fun, and your second-grade girl will love entering into this familiar world of make-believe for lots of adventures.
Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant
The location of this story, Gooseberry Park, is an intriguing place full of various animals and their oversized personalities. I discovered these books when my children’s elementary school did a school-wide reading of Gooseberry Park and the Master Plan, grades K-5. I loved reading it as much as they did and I think your 2nd grader will, too. The stories also carry a solid moral theme that was a plus.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
These books are favorites among all my kids, no matter the age. Fun mysteries that feature four siblings, these books are a great way to introduce your little girl to critical reading as she works to solve the mystery alongside the Alden children. Easy vocabulary and appropriate language and situations make this book series perfect for second graders.
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
This book series is great because it combines fun adventures with history. These easy chapter books center on Jack and Annie and the magic tree house they found, which takes them to different time periods and lets them see everything from dinosaurs to mummies to knights. Perfect for beginning chapter book readers.
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
Despite being about a first grader, the wild life of Junie B. is still a winner with 2nd graders. My daughter used the kindergarten books as her first silent reading choices. By second grade, she was tearing through the whole series as fast as I could get them. Junie B. is silly, funny, and the kind of girl your daughter will wish was in her class.
Keena Ford books by Melissa Thomson
Your 2nd grade girl will love the Keena Ford books. This series deal with real-life situations that she will relate to, and lovable characters that she’ll want to keep reading about. They’re funny, relatable, and enthralling—perfect for your early to middle reader.
Geronimo Stilton books by Geronimo Stilton
These adventure stories are actually a favorite of my three oldest children (2nd-5th grade). They love the colorful illustrations and maps, as well as the funny characters and crazy stories. This mild-mannered mouse journalist gets involved in some great adventures that your daughter will surely enjoy.
She might also like the other Geronmino Stilton series, such as the Thea Stilton books, the Cavemice series, and the Spacemice series.
These books are just a portion of the great options out there for 2nd grade girls to enjoy. I hope these book series recommendations will help you and your second grader find some new favorites and enhance her reading life.
Happy reading!
Interested in more reading lists for kids? Check out these popular posts:
10 Best Books Series for 2nd Grade Boys
The Best Books for 4th Grade Girls
The Best Books for Your Beginning Reader
20 Best Book Series for 2nd Grade Boys & Girls
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
This post was originally published on May 2, 2019, but it has been updated since then.
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