10+ Best Chapter Books for 7-Year-Old Boy w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect chapter books for a 7-year-old boy? Finding books that captivate and foster a love for reading at this age can be a game-changer. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, you know how crucial the right book can be to spark a lifelong passion for reading. In this blog, we'll dive into a variety of exciting chapter books that are sure to keep young readers hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks for chapter books that are ideal for 7-year-old boys!

Fun Chapter Books for 7-Year-Old Boy

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Jack and Annie as they discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various exciting missions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and education, making it a great way to introduce history and science through storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure and fantasy, and those new to chapter books.

• Captain Underpants Series by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure, Superhero
  • Synopsis: The series revolves around two fourth-graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, and the aptly named superhero they accidentally create by hypnotizing their principal, Mr. Krupp.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humor and drawings engage readers, making reading fun and accessible, especially for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comics, laughter, and creative stories about friendship and heroics.

• The Bad Guys Series by Aaron Blabey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: A group of traditional 'bad' guys — Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Shark — attempt to become heroes with plenty of humorous mishaps along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny and fast-paced, which keeps readers engaged and helps build reading confidence.
  • Perfect for: Children who like stories that subvert expectations and fans of graphic novels.

• Dog Man Series by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor, Superhero
  • Synopsis: Dog Man, a canine superhero with a human cop's head, fights crime while also dealing with various personal and professional challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: The series encourages creativity and resilience through its unique characters and humorous plots.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals, superheroes, and lots of laughs.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie, are evacuated to the countryside during WWII and discover a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to classic fantasy literature with a rich, imaginative world and fundamental lessons about courage, friendship, and faith.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic adventures and magical tales.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of middle school with his best friend Rowley, dealing with family, friends, and school in a humorous diary format.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and funny, making it a great choice for encouraging habitual reading and offering a humorous take on everyday challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and stories about school life and growing up.

Educational Chapter Books for 7-Year-Old Boy

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a stranger on a distant planet after she pushes a button that transports her into outer space. Now, she must navigate this strange world and embark on a quest to save her friend who was abducted by alien creatures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, friendship, and an introduction to space and alien concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling space adventures with heartwarming lessons about bravery and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of outer space and enjoy vivid illustrations.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, friendship, and creative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that teaches compassion and the importance of promise through the eyes of an unforgettable character.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories with deep emotional impact.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more fun, and when he decides to transform his pen into a "frindle," he creates a word that sparks a nationwide craze.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and its evolution.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows the power of words and how they can change the world.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young linguists who enjoy a good laugh along with their learning.

• The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ralph is a mouse who lives in a hotel and dreams of adventure. His dreams come true when a young guest arrives with a toy motorcycle, and Ralph gets the ride of his life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, motor skills, and understanding of cause and effect.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that teaches about the consequences of our choices and the importance of responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and those who love stories featuring animals in extraordinary situations.

• My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Elmer Elevator runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon who is being mistreated by the animals there.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, bravery, and compassion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless adventure that captivates and stimulates young imaginations with its unique narrative and whimsical illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love tales of daring rescues and mythical creatures.

Challenging Chapter Books for 7-Year-Old Boy

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, on his quest to save a human princess named Pea.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, featuring multiple perspectives and a sophisticated vocabulary that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with depth and moral challenges.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, undergoes a transformative journey from the depths of selfishness to discovering the joys of loving and being loved.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep themes of love, loss, and redemption, which are typically more complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound emotional journey that encourages empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready for emotionally rich narratives and complex character development.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with linguistic twists, sophisticated puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends humor with a thought-provoking exploration of the importance of learning and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love word games, puzzles, and adventures that make them think.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive girl who uses her talents to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich language and complex characters, and it deals with themes of power and resistance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are advanced in their reading skills and enjoy stories where children triumph over adults.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte, who seeks to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative deals with themes of friendship, loss, and mortality, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a beautifully written story that teaches about compassion, creativity, and the cycle of life.
  • Perfect for: Children who are sensitive and thoughtful, and who appreciate stories about friendship and the natural world.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to encourage a 7-year-old boy to dive deep into the world of chapter books, you've come to the right place. Developing good reading habits early on can greatly benefit their learning and imagination. Here are some engaging exercises that can help set the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can make reading more appealing.
  • Tips: Let him personalize the space with his favorite cushions, blankets, or even some fun lights.

• Book Selection Day
  • What it is: Dedicate a day to choose new books to read.
  • How it helps: Involves him in the decision-making process, which can boost interest and excitement.
  • Tips: Visit a local library or bookstore and let him pick books that catch his eye.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Schedule regular times to read together and discuss the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows you to bond over shared literary adventures.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the plot, characters, and what he guesses will happen next.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading progress and rewards achievements.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading through a visual progress display and rewards.
  • Tips: Offer small incentives like extra playtime or a choice of the next book.

• Storytelling Swap
  • What it is: Take turns telling parts of the story or making up your own endings.
  • How it helps: Stimulates creativity and makes reading a more interactive and dynamic activity.
  • Tips: Encourage him to use his imagination freely; there are no wrong answers in storytelling.

• Incorporate Reading into Daily Routines
  • What it is: Integrate reading into everyday activities, like reading recipes during cooking or signs during a drive.
  • How it helps: Helps him realize that reading is not just for books but a useful skill in everyday life.
  • Tips: Keep books and other reading materials accessible in different parts of your home.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll not only enhance his reading skills but also instill a deep love for books. Remember, the goal is to make reading fun and engaging, not a chore. Happy reading!