Good books to read for 7 year olds

Looking for the best books for a 7-year-old? We’ve got the perfect list for you!

Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, we are well equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for Harry Potter-loving fantasy fans and picture book suggestions for reluctant readers.

Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for a 7-year-old have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.

Looking for more options? We’ve got tons of genre-specific book lists for 7-year-olds!

*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.

The Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn

This series of early readers has pictures on almost every page and easy to read language.  The Stories, however, are fun and full of adventure.

They are sure to keep your child engaged with fairies, trolls, and mermaids.

Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon

Dragonbreath is a graphic novel that is funny, engaging and perfect for a little witch or wizard who would like to encounter dragons a little less menacing than the ones Harry encounters.

Love Fantasy Books? We do too! That’s why we created a list of Books Like Harry Potter and Books Like Percy Jackson!

Mystery Books for 7-Year-Olds

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J Sobol 

These are the same books from when you were a kid! They are great for any child who wants a quick fun read.  Each chapter presents a problem that Encyclopedia solves.  

It’s great for kids to see if they can figure out the answer themselves.  A similar choice to these would be the Choose your Own Adventure books.

Encyclopedia Brown Books are perfect to read aloud to 7-year

For more books like these, check out our list of Mystery Books for Tweens

Best Family Stories for a 7-Year-Old

Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan

My brother’s girlfriend recommended it to me because her friend wrote it! I really liked it a lot. It did a great job of handling difficult topics in an age-appropriate manner with humor and grace.

Cilla is about to become a big sister, but she wants to become a world-famous author first so her family won’t forget about her. It also addresses coming from a bi-racial family and having difficulties reading. It’s truly a lovely story.

Ramona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Ramona is another adorable character who is perfectly imperfect.  She is sweet and lovable and gets into her share of trouble.  Whether reading to boys or girls, every child can relate to Ramona.

When it comes to books for a 7-year-old, Ramona can’t be beat!

Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park

Junie is going into Kindergarten and definitely has a knack for getting into some trouble.  

This series is perfect for new readers and will keep your little reader laughing.

Best Audiobooks for a 7-Year-Old

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.

The first in a 5 books series, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family roadtrip.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With it’s creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween.

Charlie is thrilled when he gets a golden ticket to see inside Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory, but this is no ordinary candy factory. The machines and recipes behind the walls of factory are what dreams are made of.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter’s Tales of Peter Rabbit are some of the most beloved stories in children’s literature. Her fantastic illustrations and Peter’s engrossing escapades have stood the test of time.

I was so pleased when I learned there would be a movie adaptation of the series. This book is one that should be on every kid’s bookshelf!

For more books like these, check out our list of Family Friendly Audiobooks

Books Set at a School for 7-Year-Olds

The Wayside School Collection by Louis Sacher

Louis Sachar’s hysterical collection of stories about the students of Wayside School is a true must-read for students.

The wacky tales and backward ways of the students and teachers at Wayside will have your child in a fit of giggles.

My Weird School by Dan Gutman

This school has the funniest and weirdest group of teachers. This series is funny and engaging and perfect for early readers!

With over 20 books in this series so far, your child will be entertained for months to come. These are books any 7-year-old will enjoy.

Love Back to School Books? We do too! That’s why we created the School Hub with all things school.

Best Spy Books for a 7-Year-Old

Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet the spy has been a classic for over 50 years. The 11-year-old is never without her notebook to write her observations in. When the notebook falls into the hands of her friends, they all get very angry with Harriet.

Will she be able to right her wrongs? There is a reason this book has been adapted repeatedly for the screen. It’s got life lessons for every child.

Mac B. Kid Spy: Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett

Mac B Kid Spy is an adorable series about a kid spy who works for the Queen of England!

It’s a great series of books for an 8-year-old looking to step up their reading game. It’s almost a mix between a first-chapter book and a graphic novel.

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these spy books for kids.

Royal Books for 7-Year-Olds

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale

In this early reader, the princess has to fight monsters while trying to open her birthday presents.  

This adorable book is part of a series that is another cute and funny example of a strong female princess!

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch 

This is a hilarious story about the princess who outwits a dragon, rescues the prince, and realizes she doesn’t need him to be happy!!!

It is a classic, wonderful story. Like most of Robert Munch’s books, it is funny and silly and the perfect read-aloud.

Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Keufler

This charming playground tale is simply adorable. It teaches playground behavior by showing what not to do.

Don’t hog the swings, don’t refuse to share the slide, and don’t act like you are the ruler of the playground or a battle of kings may break out!

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these royal books for kids.

Picture Books for Older Kids

I Walk with Vanessa by Karascoët

This simple yet powerful wordless picture book tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

Inspired by real events,  I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help.

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw

These sheep are driving and get stuck in the mud. The entire story does not rhyme but there are many rhyming words from the same word family. It is funny and perfect for a young reader.

Animal Books for 7-Year-Olds

Paddington by Michael Bond

Even before he became a motion picture star, this little bear won my heart.  With his hat, duffle coat, and suitcase, he was definitely my favorite growing up. 

My kids love him just as much with his crazy antics.  He is sweet, lovable, and hilarious.  The perfect combination!

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo

My youngest son’s favorite early reader series revolved around a pig named Mercy Watson. We have every book about this charming pig being raised as a child in the Watson home.

There is also a spin-off series about her neighbors on deckawoo drive. These are the perfect books for a 7-year-old!

Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliot

The early reader books in these series is all about cute animal friendships. Each of the stories are written as diaries.

Your little ones will love meeting Eva and her friends, watching her go to school, and navigating life.

Classic Books for a 7-Year-Old

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a magical little girl who loves books. Stuck in a family that doesn’t value education, her life is changed when she meets Ms. Honey at her new school.

But the principal, Miss Trunchbull hates children. When she terrorizes the kids at her new school, Matilda finds the power to fight back.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B White

This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship.   When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, Charlotte befriends him and ultimately saves his life a second time.

This is such a heartwarming story. I try to read it without crying.

The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and Christopher Robin have lived in the hearts of children for generations.

This edition features the complete works of A. A. Milne’s stories and is essential for any home library. This is a great one to read aloud to your little ones!

Sports Books for 7-Year-Olds

Softball Surprise by Jake Maddox

Jake Maddox has long been known for stories about male athletes, but he has female athlete stories too!

This particular story is about Jo and her summer softball team. But Jo might need to make a choice about which team she will be on this summer.

Little Shaq by Shaquille O’Neal

If your child likes basketball, they would love this story written by Shaq. It’s a perfect early reader story for kids that love sports and regular kid stuff.

It’s another series of books perfect for 8-year-olds.

Graphic Novels for a 7-Year-Old

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Aaron Blabey’s famed series about the bad guys is a favorite in our homes. This graphic novel series is perfect for early readers.

The series is all about 4 “bad guys” who are trying to become good guys by trying to save those around them in funny ways. I can’t wait to see this one adapted to the screen.

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey is THE author of books for reluctant readers. His graphic novels never disappoint. From Dog Man to Captain Underwear, these books will keep your kids laughing AND reading.

This particular story is about a half man, half dog hero.

Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever! by Stephen Shaskan

This early reader series is hysterical! It gives full Mo Willems vibes with the way Pizza and Taco interact with each other.

These books are laid out in a graphic novel/comic book style that makes it easy for young kids to decipher.

Non-fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

Who is Series… by Multiple Authors

The Who is Series is more than 200 books strong at this point. The series covers famous people, places, and historic events.

If your child is interested in any subject, we can almost guarantee there will be a book related to it in this series. The books are easy to read and interesting, making them the best non-fiction books for a 7-year-old.

The History of Pearl Harbor by Susan Katz

Similar to the Who Is series, “The History of” series focuses on key moments in history told in a way that 6-9-year-olds can comprehend.

Books in the series include subjects like Pearl Harbor, the Titanic, The American Revolution, and The Civil War.

Historical Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

I Survived by Laura Tarshis 

Each book tells about a disaster from the point of view of one child who survives.  The original books all had a boy on the front cover but, the newer books are told from female perspectives too!

The series has also recently started publishing graphic novels which are some of the best books for a 7-year-old reluctant reader.

The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I read this for our reading challenge and found it to be such a lovely book.  I love the details about life in the late 1800s.  I understand that the language used in some of these books is no longer acceptable; however, this book is sweet and wonderful. 

I would have no qualms about reading it to my daughter as long as I provided her with the appropriate context.

Did you find any books for a 7-year-old to add to your home library?