10+ Best Award Winning Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Looking for the perfect read to captivate your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of award-winning books for 7-year-olds, each brimming with enchantment and adventure. Whether you're on the hunt for a birthday gift or just want to enrich your child's reading journey, these celebrated titles promise to spark imagination and joy. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks among these acclaimed books!
Table of Contents
Fun Award Winning Books for 7-Year-Olds
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a magical forest surrounded by an ocean, leading him to the land of the Wild Things.
- Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventures and emotions, encouraging imagination and dealing with feelings.
- Perfect for: Children who love letting their imaginations run wild and exploring fantastical worlds.
- Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
- Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
- Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life in a gentle, engaging way.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories about animals and friendships.
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
- Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and reading. Despereaux embarks on a heroic quest to save a human princess.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a story of bravery and redemption that highlights the importance of courage and forgiveness.
- Perfect for: Children who appreciate tales of heroism and unlikely heroes.
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Genre(s): Fiction, Picture Book
- Synopsis: The story captures a day in the life of a young boy named Peter as he experiences the joy and wonder of a snowy day in the city.
- Why we recommend this book: Its simple, enchanting narrative and beautiful illustrations capture the magic of winter through a child's eyes.
- Perfect for: Kids who love snow and exploring the world around them.
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
- Synopsis: This playful tale follows a clever mouse who uses his wits to evade danger by inventing a monster called the Gruffalo. However, the mouse is in for a surprise when he meets the real Gruffalo!
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, all wrapped up in a humorous and engaging story.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy funny stories and clever twists.
Educational Award Winning Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
- Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a cage at a mall. Ivan hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, he is occupied with art and the people he meets. But when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan starts to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative expression through art
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that combines hope, friendship, and the power of artistic expression to make a change. It’s based on a true story which makes it even more impactful.
- Perfect for: Animal lovers and young artists who are inspired by stories of compassion and change.
- The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
- Synopsis: This is the story of an imaginary friend who, unseen by children, waits to be imagined and given a name. Unable to be patient any longer, he sets out on a journey to find his perfect match in the real world.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship, creativity, emotional development
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a sweet and creative tale that celebrates the power of friendship and imagination. The delightful illustrations add depth to the story.
- Perfect for: Kids who have ever had an imaginary friend or those who are about to make one.
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
- Genre(s): Fiction, Urban
- Synopsis: CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town every Sunday after church. CJ is full of questions and complaints, but his grandma helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Gratitude, urban life appreciation, social awareness
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches children to find beauty in everyday life and to appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of urban environments.
- Perfect for: Young city dwellers or any child learning to find magic in the mundane.
- Journey by Aaron Becker
- Genre(s): Wordless Picture Book, Fantasy
- Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps through it into a world of adventure, danger, and wonder.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, storytelling skills, problem-solving
- Why we recommend this book: With its breathtaking illustrations, this wordless book encourages children to create their own narrative, fostering imagination and storytelling skills.
- Perfect for: Visual learners and budding artists who love to tell stories through pictures.
- Locomotive by Brian Floca
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
- Synopsis: This book details the adventures of a family traveling from Omaha to Sacramento via the Transcontinental Railroad in the summer of 1869.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, technological understanding of trains, attention to detail
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a richly detailed and beautifully illustrated book that brings the history of America's transcontinental railroad to life.
- Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and history buffs eager to learn about America's past.
Challenging Award Winning Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Historical
- Synopsis: This inspiring book tells the true story of Philippe Petit, a daring tightrope walker who in 1974 walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes such as courage, risk-taking, and the pursuit of dreams, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It captures a breathtaking historical event through stunning illustrations and a narrative that celebrates human ambition and artistry.
- Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers fascinated by true stories of extraordinary feats.
- The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
- Synopsis: Alan is tasked with watching Miss Hester's dog, Fritz, who runs away into the mysterious garden of Abdul Gasazi, a retired magician. Alan ventures into the garden to retrieve Fritz and discovers a world where the impossible might be possible.
- Why this book is challenging: The intricate illustrations and the subtle intertwining of reality with fantasy challenge young readers to think critically about what is real and what is imagined.
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a visually stunning book with a captivating story that encourages imagination and a sense of wonder.
- Perfect for: Children who love magic and mysteries, and those who appreciate visually driven storytelling.
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr
- Genre(s): Fiction, Nature
- Synopsis: This beautifully written book captures the experience of a young child and her father as they go owling on a cold winter's night.
- Why this book is challenging: The use of figurative language and the depiction of a quiet, reflective, and intimate human-nature interaction provide a deeper, more introspective reading experience.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches patience, the beauty of nature, and the special bond between parent and child through a simple yet profound narrative.
- Perfect for: Young nature lovers and any child who enjoys quiet, contemplative stories.
- The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, illustrated by Chris Raschka
- Genre(s): Fiction, Family
- Synopsis: This story explores the magical world of a young girl whose grandparents' kitchen window becomes a special portal through which all things, real and imagined, can happen.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of family dynamics and the imaginative possibilities that everyday settings can inspire, which are nuanced topics for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a vibrant and joyful celebration of childhood imagination and the loving relationship between grandparents and their grandchild.
- Perfect for: Children who cherish family ties and those with a boundless imagination.
- Sector 7 by David Wiesner
- Genre(s): Wordless Picture Book, Fantasy
- Synopsis: A wordless narrative where a young boy on a field trip to the Empire State Building gets caught up in a whimsical adventure with clouds at the Sector 7 cloud factory.
- Why this book is challenging: The absence of text requires readers to interpret the story through detailed illustrations, promoting critical thinking and visual literacy.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and storytelling skills, allowing children to construct their own interpretations of the plot.
- Perfect for: Visual thinkers and young storytellers who enjoy crafting their own narratives from pictures.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying some award-winning books, here are a few fun and effective exercises. These activities are designed not only to enhance their reading skills but also to make reading a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Set up a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
- How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
- Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.
- Book Character Dress-Up
- What it is: Choose a day to dress up as a favorite character from a book.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and connection with the story by bringing characters to life.
- Tips: Discuss the character’s traits and why they chose that character to deepen understanding.
- Story Map Creation
- What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story’s setting, plot, and characters.
- How it helps: Helps with understanding and remembering the story structure and key details.
- Tips: Use colors and symbols for different parts of the story to make the map visually engaging.
- Reading Buddy System
- What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member for a shared reading session.
- How it helps: Improves reading skills and makes the activity more enjoyable through social interaction.
- Tips: Choose books that are interesting to both reading buddies to keep the sessions engaging.
- Book Club for Kids
- What it is: Start a book club where a group of kids read the same book and discuss it.
- How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and expression by discussing different perspectives.
- Tips: Keep the group small and manage discussions so every child gets a chance to speak.
These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. Happy reading!