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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chapter books for 7-year-olds? You've come to the right place! Whether you're looking to ignite a love for reading or keep your eager reader stocked with fresh adventures, finding the right books can make all the difference. Dive into our curated lists of chapter books designed specifically for 7-year-olds and discover new favorites that will captivate, inspire, and entertain. Keep reading to explore our top picks!

Fun Chapter 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 the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever 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 themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle and engaging way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows siblings Jack and Annie who discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history and science through adventurous and imaginative stories, which makes learning fun and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy time travel and learning about different cultures and historical events.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his tale with that of a servant girl and a rat who plans a nefarious deed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written saga about bravery and forgiveness that encourages young readers to dream big and be kind.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young romantics, as well as fans of animal heroes.

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The series starts with two fourth-graders, George and Harold, who create a superhero in their comic books. Their creation, Captain Underpants, accidentally becomes real when they hypnotize their grumpy school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and action, which are perfect for keeping the attention of young readers and encouraging them to read more.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and laughter, and those who might be reluctant readers.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright young girl who adores reading. She develops telekinetic powers which she uses to overcome her neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it’s a heartening story that shows how kindness can triumph over cruelty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and anyone who loves stories where kids triumph over adversity.

Educational Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: Humphrey, a classroom hamster, narrates his adventures and the lessons he learns in the lives of the students and teacher he lives with.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of classroom dynamics, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on everyday school life and encourages caring for others and learning from one's environment.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who enjoy school stories.

• The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four orphaned siblings make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar and solve various mysteries that come their way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases resilience and resourcefulness in a family setting, making it both thrilling and heartwarming.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of adventure stories.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories details the adventures and deep friendship between Frog and Toad throughout the seasons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, understanding of friendship dynamics, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a delightful exploration of friendship with simple yet profound narratives that resonate with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Beginning readers and those learning about the nuances of friendship.

• Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Zoey discovers she can see magical creatures and uses science to help them with their problems, starting with a sick baby dragon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, problem-solving, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science with fantasy, encouraging curiosity and a love for learning in a magical context.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child who loves magic and animals.

• Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Early Reader
  • Synopsis: Nate, a young detective, solves cases with the help of his dog, Sludge, starting with the case of a missing picture.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, attention to detail, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s great for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging and accessible mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries.

Challenging Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a surreal region where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge young readers to think critically and creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of language and introduces complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love word games, puzzles, and imaginative adventures.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale features a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting various inhabitants and learning about the peculiarities of adult behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep philosophical themes and abstract ideas such as existentialism and human nature through a simple yet profound narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights on life, love, and the human condition, encouraging deep thought and reflection.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and thinkers, as well as children who enjoy stories that explore different perspectives on life.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a mysterious, sprawling manor in Yorkshire, where she discovers a hidden, neglected garden that she sets out to restore.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves complex character developments and a detailed depiction of the emotional growth of the characters, which can be profound for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates themes of healing and personal transformation through the nurturing of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of rejuvenation and those interested in character-driven narratives.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters peculiar creatures and experiences a series of surreal adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with logic and various linguistic quirks, presenting a whimsical yet intellectually stimulating journey.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic that celebrates curiosity and the limitless possibilities of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who delights in the absurd and the whimsical.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, embarks on adventures in a human-sized world, showcasing his courage and determination.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features rich language and complex themes of identity and belonging that challenge young readers to think beyond the surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of adventure and self-discovery, demonstrating that size does not limit one's capabilities.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and those who enjoy tales of courage and exploration.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old build solid reading habits with chapter books, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial experience for them. Let's dive in!

• Design a Book Cover
  • What it is: Create a new cover for a book they've read.
  • How it helps: Encourages reflection on the story’s themes and characters.
  • Tips: Provide them with markers, colored pencils, and paper to spark creativity.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings of the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story's environment and plot development.
  • Tips: Use examples of maps from other books to guide their drawing.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Encourage them to write about a key event from the book through the character’s eyes.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Organize a small group to discuss the book.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions to guide the discussion and keep it engaging.

• Reading Time Scheduler
  • What it is: Set specific times for reading each day.
  • How it helps: Helps develop a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Allow them to choose times when they feel most alert and relaxed.

• Scavenger Hunt for Information
  • What it is: Find specific details or facts within the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances attention to detail and comprehension.
  • Tips: Make a list of items to find that are both straightforward and some that require more thought.

• Role-Playing
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Boosts understanding of the story and characters through performance.
  • Tips: They can use costumes or props to make the activity more fun and immersive.

• Sequence the Events
  • What it is: Arrange story events in the order they happened.
  • How it helps: Strengthens memory and grasp of narrative structure.
  • Tips: Use index cards for each event and mix them up to start the exercise.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before reading the next chapter.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they match up as they read further.

• Book Review Blogger
  • What it is: Write a short review of the book and rate it.
  • How it in: Encourages expressive writing and critical assessment.
  • Tips: They can start a blog or share their reviews with family or a school newsletter.

By incorporating these exercises, you'll not only enhance your child's reading skills but also make reading a fun and integral part of their daily life. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure the activities remain enjoyable. Happy reading!