10+ Best Books for 7-Year-Old to Read By Themselves w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect "Books for 7-Year-Old to Read By Themselves"? Finding engaging and age-appropriate books can be a game-changer for developing your child's love for reading. Whether your little one is just starting to read independently or they’re devouring every book in sight, we’ve curated a variety of lists that cater to every young reader’s tastes. Keep reading to discover our top picks of books that will capture their imagination and boost their confidence in reading solo!

Fun Books for 7-Year-Old to Read By Themselves

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • 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 crafts clever messages in her web to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches values like friendship, compassion, and the importance of creativity, all through an engaging and beautifully written story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Poetry
  • Synopsis: A mischievous cat visits two children, Sally and her brother, on a rainy day, turning a dull day into a magical adventure with his quirky antics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces fun rhymes and imaginative scenarios that encourage creativity and joy in reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love playful stories and those beginning to read independently.

• Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Brother and sister duo, Jack and Annie, discover a tree house filled with books that transport them back to the time of dinosaurs. They embark on a thrilling adventure to learn about these ancient creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with history, making learning fun and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious adventurers who enjoy time travel and learning about different eras.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This classic story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, facing various challenges and learning important lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the joys and dangers of curiosity through a charming narrative and delightful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and learning through the misadventures of characters.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories about the adventures and deep friendship between a frog and a toad.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple text and heartwarming tales are perfect for building reading confidence and understanding the value of friendships.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just starting to read independently and those who value stories about friendship.

Educational Books for 7-Year-Old to Read By Themselves

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the myth of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to fend off predators during a walk in the woods, only to encounter the mythical beast itself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful tale that combines wit, rhyme, and a twist that delights and surprises, encouraging children to think creatively and solve problems bravely.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love engaging stories with clever characters and a touch of humor.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and scientific experiments to discover the truth about the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions curiosity, the scientific method, and the importance of persistence in seeking answers to complex questions.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any kid with a curious mind.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A boy named Duncan faces a crisis when his crayons decide to go on strike, each expressing their grievances through letters that detail their frustrations and demands.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, problem-solving, creative expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and inventive book that teaches about perspective-taking and conflict resolution, all while encouraging artistic expression.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy creative storytelling and those who love to draw and color.

• Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore
  • Synopsis: Strega Nona ("Grandma Witch") owns a magical pasta pot in her Italian town. When her helper, Big Anthony, tries to use the pot without her permission, things go hilariously awry.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, moral lessons, sequencing
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a delightful blend of humor and wisdom, teaching about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of listening to instructions.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical stories and learning about different cultures through folklore.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, a pigeon makes several humorous attempts to get permission to drive the bus, despite the reader's likely objections.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision making, reasoning, persuasive skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an interactive book that engages children directly, encouraging them to think about responsibility and the consequences of making decisions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive stories and those who love fun, engaging dialogue.

Challenging Books for 7-Year-Old to Read By Themselves

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive girl who uses her extraordinary mental powers to overcome difficulties posed by her family and school, and helps her favorite teacher reclaim her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex vocabulary and themes of rebellion and justice that are more sophisticated than typical children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's courage and cleverness make her a fantastic role model for young readers, encouraging them to stand up for what is right and to cherish the power of learning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about justice and using intelligence to solve problems.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kind-hearted soul who is considered an outcast by other giants because he refuses to eat boys and girls.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses imaginative language and concepts that challenge young readers to expand their understanding and vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage, filled with humor and creative wordplay that will capture the imagination of its readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love thrilling adventures and magical creatures.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and sullen orphan, transforms into a kind-hearted girl as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle’s estate and decides to restore it with the help of new friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and historical setting require a higher level of comprehension and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a beautiful exploration of friendship, nature, and the healing power of community.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the beauty of nature.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong, and utterly unpredictable girl who lives alone with a monkey and a horse, having adventures and tackling challenges in her unique way.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's adventures and the way she approaches problems encourage lateral thinking and resilience in young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates independence and imagination, offering a delightful perspective on childhood freedom and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and independent thinkers who enjoy quirky characters and humorous stories.

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: James Henry Trotter lives with two ghastly hags. Escaping from his dreary life in a magical peach, James embarks on a journey of enormous proportions and meets a group of oversized friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The imaginative plot and complex character dynamics provide a rich reading experience that goes beyond simpler children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical adventure that stimulates the imagination and teaches lessons about friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Children who love whimsical stories and exploring the bounds of their imagination.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a budding reader at home, diving into books can be an exciting adventure for them. At 7 years old, kids are just starting to read more independently, and nurturing this skill can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some great exercises to help your little one develop good reading habits and boost their confidence in reading by themselves.

• Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook
  • What it is: Create a comfortable and inviting area dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: A special reading spot can make reading feel like a treat, not a chore.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting it up with their favorite cushions, blankets, or even some fairy lights.

• Choose Books Together
  • What it is: Involve your child in picking out books they're interested in.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement and excitement about reading.
  • Tips: Visit libraries or bookstores together, and discuss what kinds of stories they enjoy.

• Reading Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate certain days where you read a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and helps them learn pronunciation and intonation.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page to keep it interactive and fun.

• Use Bookmarks with Questions
  • What it is: Use bookmarks that have questions or prompts about the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and comprehension.
  • Tips: You can make these bookmarks together as a craft activity!

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause your reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and understanding of narrative structure.
  • Tips: Make it more fun by writing down each prediction and checking later to see who was right.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with retention and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Share and discuss each other’s drawings to see different perspectives of the story.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start a small book club with a few of your child’s friends or siblings.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Let the kids take turns choosing the book and leading the discussion.

Reading can open up new worlds for your child, and with these fun exercises, they'll be zipping through books in no time. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light and enjoyable, ensuring that reading is seen as a delightful adventure, not a daunting task. Happy reading!