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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect reading material for your eager little reader? Look no further than Scholastic Books for 7-Year-Olds, a treasure trove of engaging and age-appropriate options that are just right for their reading level. Whether your child is just starting to read independently or is already devouring chapter books, Scholastic has something that will capture their imagination and help foster a love of reading. Keep reading to discover our various lists of Scholastic Books for 7-Year-Olds, tailored to keep your young reader hooked!

Fun Scholastic Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her students as they take a fascinating field trip inside the human body aboard the magical school bus. They explore different systems in the body and learn how they work.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about human anatomy exciting and accessible, sparking curiosity about science and the human body.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds interested in science and how things work.

• Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Comedy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Dog Man, a hero with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, faces off against his nemesis, Petey the Cat, who has a doppelganger causing chaos.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and action, which are perfect for keeping young readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes, comics, and lots of laughs.

• The Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: A group of traditional 'bad guys'—a wolf, a shark, a snake, and a piranha—attempt to become heroes by freeing 200 dogs from the Maximum Security City Dog Pound.
  • Why we recommend this book: With its funny and unique take on the theme of good vs. evil, this book encourages kids to think about stereotypes and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good laugh and rooting for the underdog, literally!

• Fly Guy Presents: Sharks by Tedd Arnold
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Fly Guy and Buzz visit the aquarium to learn all about sharks. This book combines humorous stories with real factual information.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great mix of fun and facts, making learning about sharks engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by animals and nature, especially the mysterious underwater world.

• Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Junie B. Jones starts kindergarten and experiences her first ride on the school bus, which she finds to be quite an adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common childhood fears and challenges in a humorous and relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting school or facing new experiences.

Educational Scholastic Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to try to save him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, friendship, life cycles, writing skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the reality of life and death in a gentle manner.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and classic stories with deep emotional impact.

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two fourth-graders, George and Harold, create a superhero named Captain Underpants, who accidentally becomes real when their principal is hypnotized into thinking he's the superhero.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading confidence, creativity, humor in storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and laughter, and is great for reluctant readers due to its engaging illustrations and simple text.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy silly humor and superhero adventures.

• The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling, illustrated by Margot Apple
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: John Midas acquires the ability to turn everything he touches into chocolate. Initially thrilled, he soon learns this might not be as great as it sounds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral lessons, cause and effect, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative story that teaches important lessons about greed and consequences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magical stories and learning life lessons through fiction.

• I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 by Lauren Tarshis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: Ten-year-old George Calder is aboard the Titanic, the greatest ship ever built. George faces the fight of his life when the ship hits an iceberg and begins to sink.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, resilience, survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling and educational experience through a well-known historical event, making history accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and tales of survival against the odds.

• Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that takes them back to the time of the dinosaurs. They embark on a prehistoric adventure and need to find a way to get back home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical and scientific knowledge, reading fluency, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes fantasy with educational content, sparking curiosity about science and history in a fun, adventurous context.
  • Perfect for: Children who love time travel and learning about different eras, especially the time of dinosaurs.

Challenging Scholastic Books for 7-Year-Olds

• 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 brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux faces numerous challenges, including being banished to a dark dungeon for being different from other mice.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's sophisticated narrative structure and rich vocabulary provide a higher reading level than typical books for this age group.
  • 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 and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Ivan's perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like animal rights, captivity, and friendship through a unique narrative voice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that encourages empathy and awareness about animal welfare and the power of hope.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories that speak to real-world issues.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces concepts about language, creativity, and the influence of individual actions on society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates creativity and shows the impact of innovative thinking and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any child who enjoys clever, thought-provoking stories.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from his owner and embarks on a journey that teaches him about love and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep emotional themes and the concept of transformation through loss and love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that encourages understanding and compassion through its heartfelt and moving storyline.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of growth and redemption.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father's automaton and a grumpy toy shop owner.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and the blend of pictures and text offer a unique reading experience that requires interpretation and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a gripping mystery with stunning visuals, making it an engaging and visually appealing read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles, mysteries, and visually driven storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Are you looking for ways to help your 7-year-old develop strong reading habits with Scholastic books? Here's a list of fun and effective exercises that can boost their reading skills and make the process enjoyable. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special event and gives your child a comfortable place to dive into books.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting it up with cushions, a small bookshelf, and some personal touches.

• Book of the Week
  • What it is: Choose a new book each week to read together.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading material fresh and exciting, which maintains interest.
  • Tips: Allow your child to pick the book sometimes to increase engagement.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think that will happen, and come back to their predictions after reading to see if they were right.

• 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: Enhances comprehension and helps children remember details about the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersive experience.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books read or pages completed.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual progress report and motivates children to keep reading.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching milestones to keep the enthusiasm high.

• Family Reading Time
  • What it is: Set aside time when everyone in the family reads their own book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces reading as a valuable and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Make this a regular part of your routine, such as after dinner or on Sunday afternoons.

• Book-Based Projects
  • What it is: Create a project based on the current book, like a drawing, a craft, or a diary entry from a character's perspective.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and personal connection to the book.
  • Tips: Keep the projects fun and let your child's creativity lead the way.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make a big difference in how they view and enjoy reading. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also build essential literacy skills. So, grab some Scholastic books and get started—happy reading!