Books Lists
10+ Best Learning to Read Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the lookout for the perfect "Learning to Read Books for 7-Year-Olds"? You’re in the right spot! Whether your little one is just starting to piece together sentences or is already flying through beginner books, finding the right reading material is key to fostering their love for reading. Keep reading as we delve into various lists of Learning to Read Books for 7-Year-Olds that will captivate their imagination and enhance their reading skills. Let’s get started on this literary adventure together!
Table of Contents
Fun Learning to Read Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
- Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
- Synopsis: A mischievous cat visits two children and turns a rainy afternoon into an exciting and chaotic adventure with the help of his quirky friends, Thing 1 and Thing 2.
- Why we recommend this book: It introduces fun rhymes and imaginative scenarios that engage young readers and stimulate their love for reading.
- Perfect for: Children who enjoy playful stories and whimsical illustrations.
- Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
- Illustrator: Garth Williams
- Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
- Synopsis: This touching tale follows a pig named Wilbur and his spider friend, Charlotte, as they form a deep bond in a farmyard. Charlotte uses her web to write messages to help save Wilbur from being slaughtered.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of life and death, all presented in a gentle manner suitable for young readers.
- Perfect for: Kids who love animals and stories about friendships.
- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
- Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
- Genre(s): Humor, Beginner Books
- Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently invites his friend to try green eggs and ham in various locations with amusing characters, leading to unexpected conclusions.
- Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and simple vocabulary helps build confidence in new readers, while the fun narrative keeps them engaged.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy silly stories.
- Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
- Illustrator: Arnold Lobel
- Genre(s): Friendship, Adventure
- Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories about two good friends, Frog and Toad, as they experience the ups and downs of friendship through their everyday adventures.
- Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of friendship through easy-to-read text and charming illustrations, perfect for developing readers.
- Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories about friendship and simple adventures.
- The Magic Tree House Series: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
- Illustrator: Sal Murdocca
- Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them through time. In this first adventure, they travel back to the time of the dinosaurs.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines history with adventure, making learning fun and engaging for young readers.
- Perfect for: Curious kids who love adventures and learning about different times and places.
- Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
- Illustrator: Ingrid Vang Nyman
- Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
- Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, having adventures and tackling challenges with her neighbors, Tommy and Annika.
- Why we recommend this book: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and boundless energy make for an entertaining read that encourages imagination and self-confidence.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about independent and strong-willed characters.
Educational Learning to Read Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
- Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux embarks on a heroic quest that pits him against rats and dark dungeons.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, understanding themes of bravery and forgiveness
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that combines adventure with heartfelt messages about courage and light overcoming darkness.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and heroic journeys.
- The BFG by Roald Dahl
- Illustrator: Quentin Blake
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, empathy, vocabulary
- Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story that sparks imagination and teaches kindness and friendship in a unique, engaging way.
- Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships and magical adventures.
- Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
- Illustrator: Fritz Siebel
- Genre(s): Humor, Series
- Synopsis: Amelia Bedelia is a housekeeper who takes her instructions quite literally, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, understanding figurative language
- Why we recommend this book: The playful use of language and the humorous situations Amelia creates are perfect for engaging young readers and teaching the nuances of language.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comedy and playful language puzzles.
- Stuart Little by E.B. White
- Illustrator: Garth Williams
- Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Stuart Little, a small mouse born into a human family, navigates the challenges of being tiny in a big world, embarking on several adventures.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, emotional resilience, adventure storytelling
- Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of fantasy with real-world challenges, encouraging readers to think creatively and persevere.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure and rooting for an underdog.
- Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: This book tells the story of Sarah Wheaton, who travels from Maine to the prairie to answer a widower's advertisement for a wife and mother, exploring themes of adaptation and family.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, emotional intelligence, reading comprehension
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle, poignant story that offers insights into family dynamics and historical lifestyles.
- Perfect for: Readers who are interested in historical settings and stories about family bonds.
Challenging Learning to Read Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
- Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a surreal region where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
- Why this book is challenging: It features a rich use of language, including puns, metaphors, and complex vocabulary that require a higher level of reading comprehension.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, making it a fun and intellectually stimulating experience for young readers.
- Perfect for: Kids who love word games, puzzles, and imaginative adventures.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl
- Illustrator: Quentin Blake
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
- Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress. She discovers she has telekinetic powers, which she uses to stand up to adults and change her destiny.
- Why this book is challenging: The book deals with themes of justice and uses a sophisticated narrative style that challenges young readers to think about personal and societal issues.
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes the value of reading and education, while also highlighting the importance of standing up for oneself.
- Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate stories about justice and individual empowerment.
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
- Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced orphan, discovers a mysterious, neglected garden on her uncle's estate. As she revitalizes the garden, she transforms her life and that of her sickly cousin.
- Why this book is challenging: It uses descriptive language and explores complex themes such as loss, healing, and friendship.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that teaches about the healing power of nature and the importance of nurturing relationships.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with rich descriptions and emotional depth.
- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This classic story details the adventures and misadventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad. Their escapades through the English countryside offer excitement and lessons about friendship.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates a sophisticated vocabulary and a poetic writing style that demands a higher level of reading comprehension.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and poignant moments, offering a charming and enriching reading experience.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy exploring nature and classic tales of camaraderie and adventure.
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
- Illustrator: John Tenniel
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters bizarre creatures and experiences curious adventures that defy logic.
- Why this book is challenging: The play on logic and the complex wordplay provide a unique linguistic challenge that goes beyond typical children's literature.
- Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination and offers a delightful yet profound exploration of a whimsical world.
- Perfect for: Children who delight in the absurd and the imaginative, and who are not afraid to think differently.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place. Below are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for young readers. These activities are not only engaging but also boost reading skills significantly. Let’s dive in!
- Picture Walk
- What it is: A pre-reading exercise where the child looks at the pictures in a book before reading.
- How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
- Tips: Encourage your child to tell a story based on the pictures they see.
- Read Aloud Together
- What it is: You and your child take turns reading aloud from a book.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading.
- Tips: Use expressive voices for different characters to make it fun.
- Match the Word
- What it is: Create flashcards with words and corresponding pictures.
- How it helps: Reinforces word recognition and vocabulary.
- Tips: Keep the sessions short and playful to maintain interest.
- Story Map Creation
- What it is: Drawing or writing out the main elements of a story (setting, characters, problem, solution).
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall abilities.
- Tips: Use a large poster board and colorful markers to make it visually appealing.
- Role Play
- What it is: Act out scenes from a book with costumes or props.
- How it helps: Deepens understanding of the story and characters.
- Tips: Let your child choose their favorite scene and character to enact.
- Reading Bingo
- What it is: A bingo game where each square represents a reading task or type of book.
- How it helps: Encourages diverse reading and makes the process exciting.
- Tips: Offer a small reward for completing a row or 'Bingo' to motivate your child.
- Question Time
- What it is: Ask questions about the story before, during, and after reading.
- How it helps: Improves critical thinking and comprehension.
- Tips: Start with simple "what" questions and gradually introduce "why" and "how" questions.
These exercises are not only effective but also make reading a delightful adventure for your child. Remember, the key is consistency and enthusiasm. By regularly engaging in these activities, your 7-year-old will not only improve their reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!