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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 7-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? Whether you're looking to spark their imagination or encourage a love of reading, finding the right books can be a game-changer. Keep reading as we explore a variety of captivating books for 7-year-olds, each promising to be a hit with your little bookworm!

Fun Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte spins words into her web to try to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all of which are important themes for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who are beginning to explore deeper emotional themes in literature.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story features a mischievous cat who visits two children, Sally and her brother, on a rainy day, turning their dull day into a magical adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dr. Seuss's playful rhymes and imaginative illustrations capture young minds, making reading fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy whimsical stories and those who are just starting to read independently.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. His room transforms into a forest inhabited by ferocious creatures known as Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It unleashes creativity and imagination, encouraging children to explore their feelings and the concept of home and safety.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who love letting their imaginations run wild.

• 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, despite his mother's warnings, leading to a series of adventures and troubles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to natural consequences and the importance of listening to guidance, all wrapped up in engaging, beautifully illustrated tales.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and learning lessons through the misadventures of others.

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows siblings Jack and Annie who discover a magical tree house filled with books that take them on various adventures through time and space.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book combines fun, adventure, and education, making it a great way to introduce history and science.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to learn about different times, places, and cultures while being part of an exciting story.

Educational Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: A colorful tale where crayons come to life, each expressing feelings of frustration and joy through letters to their owner, a young boy named Duncan.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, emotional intelligence, color recognition, persuasive writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and unique approach to discussing emotions and perspectives, encouraging empathy and creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who enjoys interactive and imaginative stories.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this story follows Ada Twist, a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes STEM education and inspires children, especially girls, to be curious, ask questions, and pursue science.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any child with a questioning mind.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: This is a story about a young girl, an aspiring inventor, who sets out to make the most magnificent thing, only to find out that creating something new isn't as easy as it looks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, engineering principles, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of perseverance through trial and error in the creative process.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who might need encouragement to overcome frustration and failure.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Alone in her room at night, she creates gadgets and machines from odds and ends. Her journey teaches about the rewards of perseverance and the joy of creating.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering skills, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids, particularly girls, to never give up on their dreams and to see failures as stepping stones to success.
  • Perfect for: Budding engineers and any child who loves to tinker and build.

• Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Iggy Peck has been building fabulous creations since he was two. His teacher, however, isn't a fan of architecture. Iggy faces the challenge of impressing her with his architectural skills.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Architectural design principles, creativity, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the importance of pursuing your passion, even when faced with obstacles, and celebrates architectural creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young architects and creative thinkers who enjoy designing and building.

Challenging Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story of Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude and distant parents. Matilda discovers she has telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome obstacles and stand up against the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex vocabulary and themes of justice and personal empowerment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and the love of reading, encouraging children to believe in their own power to change their circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about justice and using wit to solve problems.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a strange and fantastical world. He embarks on a journey that brings excitement and a newfound appreciation for life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas, which require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of the nuances of language and the joy of learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and language games, and those looking for a fun yet intellectually stimulating read.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and sullen child, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion on the Yorkshire moors. Here, she discovers a locked and neglected garden which blossoms into something wonderful under her care.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses descriptive language and explores deep themes such as loss, healing, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of transformation and the healing power of nature, which can inspire readers to find beauty and hope in their own lives.
  • Perfect for: Children who are nature lovers and those who enjoy stories about friendship and personal growth.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: The adventures of Pippi Longstocking, an eccentric and super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and wild adventures challenge the norms of behavior and thinking.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative plays with absurdity and challenges traditional views on how children should behave, encouraging critical thinking about societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's independence and strength are empowering, her adventures are thrilling, and her perspective is refreshingly unconventional.
  • Perfect for: Independent thinkers and any child who enjoys laughter and adventure in their reading.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family in New York City. He has various adventures, including a quest to find his bird friend, Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book blends fantasy and reality in a way that prompts readers to suspend disbelief and think imaginatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of adventure and courage, showcasing that true greatness comes from within, regardless of size.
  • Perfect for: Little adventurers and those who delight in stories that blend the fantastical with the everyday.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed just for kids their age. These activities are not only enjoyable but also boost their reading skills. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in the house dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a pleasant and comfortable environment that encourages more frequent reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or toys.

• Book Selection Day
  • What it is: Have a day where your child picks out what they want to read for the next week.
  • How it helps: Gives them a sense of control and excitement towards reading.
  • Tips: Guide them to choose a variety of genres to expand their interests.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Ask your child to guess what might happen next in a story before continuing reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions after reading to see how close they were!

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading milestones with rewards.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by giving them goals to strive for.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and fun, like an extra bedtime story or a small treat.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: After reading, have your child draw a scene or character from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with retention and understanding by translating words into visuals.
  • Tips: Display their artwork to show that their work is valued.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out their favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and improves empathy and comprehension.
  • Tips: Join in the role play to make it more engaging and fun.

• Family Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate specific times where everyone in the family reads their own book.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and models good reading habits.
  • Tips: Make it a cozy, silent time where everyone winds down with a book.

So there you have it! Integrating these exercises into your child’s daily routine can make reading a more engaging and enjoyable habit. Remember, the goal is to make reading fun, not a chore. Happy reading!