10+ Best Behavior Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to help your 7-year-old navigate the ups and downs of growing up? You're in the right place! Our guide to Behavior Books for 7-Year-Olds is packed with insightful reads that offer valuable lessons in a fun and engaging way. Whether you're aiming to boost empathy, encourage good habits, or manage emotions, these books are tailored just for your little one's needs. Keep reading to discover our diverse selection of Behavior Books for 7-Year-Olds that are sure to resonate with your child.

Fun Behavior Books for 7-Year-Olds

• My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook, illustrated by Carrie Hartman
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Behavior
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Louis, a boy whose words seem to erupt out of him like a volcano whenever he gets excited. Throughout the story, Louis learns how to manage his verbal outbursts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children the importance of listening and waiting their turn to speak, which are crucial social skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who struggle with interrupting or need help managing their impulses.

• What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick, illustrated by Colleen Madden
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Behavior
  • Synopsis: This book explores the consequences of thoughtless behavior through a series of scenarios where a child thinks about what would happen if everyone broke the rules.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for teaching children about responsibility and the impact of their actions on others and their environment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning about personal responsibility and societal norms.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • Synopsis: A young girl and her best friend, who happens to be a dog, decide to make the most magnificent thing. Despite her best efforts, the task proves to be more challenging than expected.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages perseverance and creativity, showing kids that it's okay to struggle and make mistakes while working towards a goal.
  • Perfect for: Creative minds and young inventors who might get frustrated when things don’t work out the first time.

• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • Synopsis: Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She is also very confident about who she is thanks to her grandmother’s advice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that promotes self-acceptance and confidence, demonstrating the power of believing in oneself regardless of others' opinions.
  • Perfect for: Children who might feel different or are struggling with self-esteem.

• Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Behavior
  • Synopsis: Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. Unsure about how to act, he remembers the golden rule: "Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you."
  • Why we recommend this book: This playful and humorous book teaches children about manners and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Kids learning about empathy, manners, and how to interact respectfully with others.

Educational Behavior Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud, illustrated by David Messing
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: The book uses the metaphor of a bucket to teach children how to express kindness, appreciation, and love to fill others' buckets and thereby fill their own.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, empathy, kindness
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a simple yet powerful message of the impact of our actions and words on others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are developing their social and emotional understanding.

• Cool Down and Work Through Anger by Cheri J. Meiners, illustrated by Meredith Johnson
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Emotional Skills
  • Synopsis: This book helps children understand that it's okay to feel angry, but it's important to deal with anger in constructive ways that don't hurt others.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Anger management, problem-solving, communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches practical strategies for cooling down anger and resolving conflicts.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need help managing strong emotions and learning effective coping strategies.

• The Way I Act by Steve Metzger, illustrated by Janan Cain
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Behavior
  • Synopsis: The book explores a variety of behaviors such as being considerate, friendly, curious, and brave, showing how these traits appear in everyday situations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social behaviors, self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to consider how their actions reflect who they are and who they want to be.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about the consequences of their actions and how to act thoughtfully.

• Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker by Christianne C. Jones, illustrated by Richard Watson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Behavior
  • Synopsis: Lacey Walker loves to talk, but she learns the importance of listening after losing her voice and discovering all the sounds and stories she's been missing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Listening skills, social interaction
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the value of listening and how it can improve relationships and experiences.
  • Perfect for: Energetic talkers and active listeners in the making.

• Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Behavior
  • Synopsis: The book teaches children about the power of words and the importance of using them to express themselves in kind and considerate ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Communication skills, emotional regulation
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear examples and practical advice on using words to build up rather than tear down.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning how to communicate effectively and kindly.

Challenging Behavior Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Growth
  • Synopsis: Beatrice Bottomwell is known in her town for never making mistakes until one day, something unexpected happens during a talent show.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of perfectionism and the pressure to always succeed, which are complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the valuable lesson that it's okay to make mistakes and that perfection isn't necessary for success or happiness.
  • Perfect for: Perfectionist kids or those who fear making mistakes.

• Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara Calahan King
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: A young boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend, with the help of his father's secret recipe for "enemy pie."
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the subject of dealing with personal conflicts and enemies in a nuanced way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a clever and engaging story about friendship and the misunderstandings that can lead to dislike.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are dealing with conflicts or difficulties in friendships.

• The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy, illustrated by Kim Shaw
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Pete is the new kid at school and starts off on the wrong foot by being a bully. His classmates decide to stand up to him by promising to protect each other and teach Pete about friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses bullying from the perspective of both the bully and the classmates, encouraging empathy and proactive behavior.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to stand together against bullying and shows the power of community and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Children who are witnessing or dealing with bullying.

• The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Brian feels invisible at school until a new student, Justin, arrives. A small act of kindness creates a friendship that helps Brian feel seen and appreciated.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of loneliness and exclusion, which are profound and complex emotional issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of kindness and how one small gesture can change another person's life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel overlooked or undervalued and those looking to understand the feelings of others.

• Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Chloe learns a hard lesson about kindness and the opportunity to show compassion after she and her friends repeatedly reject the new girl, Maya.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores missed opportunities for kindness and the regret that can follow, which are sophisticated emotional concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the impact of our actions and the importance of being kind to everyone, even if they are different from us.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about empathy, inclusivity, and the effects of their choices on others.

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 fantastic behavior books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try. These activities are designed to engage young readers and reinforce positive reading behaviors.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day solely for reading.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and makes reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time, such as after dinner or before bed, when distractions are minimal.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up and decorating the space to make it more personal and inviting.

• Book Choice Day
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose any book they want to read on certain days.
  • How it helps: Encourages independence and interest in reading.
  • Tips: Guide them towards age-appropriate books but let them make the final choice.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book together and discuss the story and characters.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading progress and rewards accomplishments.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by giving them tangible goals and rewards.
  • Tips: Offer rewards that are meaningful to your child, like an extra bedtime story or a small treat.

• Storytelling Sessions
  • What it is: Encourage your child to tell the story back to you in their own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Be patient and show enthusiasm for their version of the story, regardless of accuracy.

• Book-Themed Activities
  • What it is: Create activities that relate to the theme or setting of the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Use crafts, drawings, or role-playing games that align with the book's themes.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s routine, you're not just improving their reading skills, but also making reading a fun and anticipated part of their day. Remember, the goal is to foster a lifelong love of reading, so keep the activities light, engaging, and most importantly, enjoyable!