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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your eager young reader engaged? Look no further! Our guide to the best online reading books for 7-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that are just a click away. Whether you're aiming to improve their reading skills or just want to enjoy storytime together, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks for online reading books for 7-year-olds that are sure to captivate their curious minds!

Fun Online Reading 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 uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, hoping to save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life, presented in a gentle way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children learning about friendship and loss.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of a mischievous cat who visits two children and turns a rainy afternoon into an unexpected and chaotic adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, repetitive text is ideal for helping young readers develop phonemic awareness. The story is also incredibly fun to read aloud.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy playful stories and those beginning to read on their own.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It allows children to explore themes of anger and reconciliation through imaginative play and fantasy, encouraging emotional development.
  • Perfect for: Children with vivid imaginations and those dealing with feelings of anger or isolation.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • 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 misadventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches moral lessons about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of prudence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and those learning about personal responsibility.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows an unnamed character, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to try new things and demonstrates the power of persistence in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Picky eaters and young readers who enjoy silly stories.

Educational Online Reading Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the myth of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to keep potential predators at bay in the deep, dark woods.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling tale that teaches about cleverness and the power of wit over brute strength.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love monsters and imaginative tales.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A boy named Duncan finds letters from his crayons, each expressing their feelings and grievances about how they are used.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, creative thinking, color recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on everyday objects, encouraging children to consider others' feelings, even inanimate objects!
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who enjoys coloring.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie, a budding inventor, learns to overcome her fear of failure and realizes that every failure is a step closer to success.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering concepts, perseverance, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes STEM education and inspires children, especially girls, to explore engineering and invention.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young engineers and inventors.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is 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, curiosity, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages scientific exploration and teaches the importance of perseverance and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, the pigeon makes every attempt to get behind the wheel, pleading and bargaining with the reader.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision making, understanding consequences, persuasive skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and hilariously engaging, allowing kids to make choices and see the results.
  • Perfect for: Children who love interactive stories and those learning about responsibility.

Challenging Online Reading Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive little girl who uses her extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and complex character developments that are unusual in children's literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, inspiring readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about triumph over adversity and those interested in a mix of fantasy and reality.

• 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, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is laden with wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and love for language through its clever and playful exploration of words and meanings.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy puzzles and word games, and those who appreciate a whimsical approach to learning.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting unique adults and learning valuable lessons about life and human nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound themes such as loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through symbolic storytelling that can be interpreted on many levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through simple yet profound narratives, encouraging deep thought and reflection about personal values and relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are thoughtful and introspective, and those who enjoy stories that explore deep philosophical questions.

• 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 bizarre adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with nonsensical logic and complex language plays that challenge conventional understanding and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination and creativity, offering a unique and whimsical journey through a world where the impossible becomes possible.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in the absurd and imaginative, and those who love stories that turn the everyday on its head.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, navigates the challenges of being small in a big world as he embarks on several adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a sophisticated narrative style and themes that explore identity and existentialism, which are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and demonstrates that size does not define one's capabilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventure tales and stories about overcoming obstacles no matter the odds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop good reading habits with online books, I've got some fun exercises that can make reading more engaging and beneficial. These activities are designed to enhance comprehension, increase motivation, and make reading a habit they'll love. Let's dive in!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Establish specific, achievable reading goals each week.
  • How it helps: Helps children feel a sense of accomplishment and sets a clear purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Start with small goals, like reading for 10 minutes a day, and gradually increase.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: After reading, draw a scene or character from the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall by visualizing the text.
  • Tips: Provide colorful markers and papers to make this activity more enticing.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions together and see if they come true as you read on.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character development and motivation.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and vivid.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair your child with a friend or a sibling for joint reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and makes reading a fun, shared experience.
  • Tips: Let them take turns reading aloud to each other to build confidence and fluency.

• Book-Themed Snacks
  • What it is: Create snacks that relate to the theme or setting of the book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading sessions more enjoyable and memorable.
  • Tips: Choose simple recipes that kids can help prepare, like cookies or fruit skewers.

• Question Time
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child questions about the story, characters, and their feelings.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and emotional understanding.
  • Tips: Keep the questions open-ended to encourage more thoughtful responses.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make a huge difference in how they view and interact with books. Not only do these activities support development of literacy skills, but they also add a layer of fun to reading. Give them a try and watch your little reader flourish!