Second Grade and Third Grade Books: good books for ages 7-8

Stuart Little

E. B. White, Garth Williams (Paperback)

Genre: Fiction - Adventure Books; Book Theme: Animals

"Stuart Little" by E. B. White is a classic chapter book that has delighted generations of children. A mouse born into a human family, Stuart Little goes through many adventures. His biggest adventures occur when he leaves home in search of a lovely bird named Margalo. "Stuart Little" is one of our favorite children's books. Kids in second grade through seventh grade will enjoy this fun adventure story.

Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving

Ann Mcgovern, Elroy Freem (Paperback)

Genre: Nonfiction - Children's Picture Books; Book Theme: Thanksgiving Stories

"Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving" by Ann Mcgovern recounts the events that lead to the first Thanksgiving celebration at the Plymouth Colony. In simple text, this nonfiction picture book explains the Pilgrims' historic voyage on the Mayflower, the difficult first winter after the Pilgrims arrived at the New World, the Pilgrims' befriending of Indians like Squanto, the harvest, and the first Thanksgiving feast. The book also talks about Pilgrim children's hard work and their contributions. Detailed illustrations show how the Pilgrims live and work. "Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving" appeals to children in early elementary school.

The First Thanksgiving (Step into Reading Books Series: A Step 2 Book)

Linda Hayward (Paperback)

Genre: Nonfiction - Children's Picture Books; Book Theme: Thanksgiving Stories

The First Thanksgiving by Linda Hayward tells the story of pilgrims in short sentences and simple words for beginning readers. It is a good book for young readers to learn the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday. The easy-to-read nonfiction picture book starts with the reasons why the Pilgrims and other passengers come to America, then goes on to talk about the Mayflower voyage, the difficult first winter, the pilgrims' meeting with Samoset and Squanto, the settlers' peace treaty with the Indian chief Massasoit and the first Thanksgiving feast. The history book ends with President Abraham Lincoln's proclamation of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday in 1863. Linda Hayward's watercolor illustrations are soft and pleasing. The First Thanksgiving appeals to children in kindergarten, first grade and second grade.