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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect read to capture the imagination of your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of Beverly Cleary books for 7-year-olds, where each page brims with adventure and timeless charm. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, these books promise to enchant and inspire. Keep reading to explore our lists and find the perfect Beverly Cleary tale to delight your eager reader!

Fun Beverly Cleary Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around the everyday adventures and mishaps of 9-year-old Beezus and her annoyingly endearing 4-year-old sister, Ramona.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of sibling relationships with humor and heart, making it a relatable and enjoyable read for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have siblings or enjoy stories about family dynamics.

• Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book follows Ramona Quimby as she starts kindergarten and navigates the challenges and excitements of school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for helping kids understand and cope with the social aspects of school through the eyes of the spirited Ramona.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting school or who enjoy tales of mischief and adventure.

• Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set on Klickitat Street, this book introduces Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy, detailing their quests and the simple joys of everyday life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a slice of life story that is both engaging and relatable, showcasing the small, yet significant, adventures of a boy and his dog.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendship and everyday adventures.

• The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young mouse named Ralph discovers a toy motorcycle, and soon embarks on exciting adventures around a mountain resort.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and encourages a sense of adventure and curiosity in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals, adventure, and fantasy stories.

• Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This sequel to Henry Huggins follows Henry as he tries to prove that his dog Ribsy can behave well enough to accompany him on a fishing trip.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and heartwarming story that teaches lessons about responsibility and the bond between pets and their owners.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about pets and their escapades, as well as those learning about responsibility.

Educational Beverly Cleary Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Henry and the Paper Route by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Henry Huggins embarks on a new adventure as he takes on the responsibility of a paper route, facing challenges and learning the ropes of the business.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Responsibility, problem-solving, entrepreneurship
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the value of hard work and determination through engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories about self-reliance and business basics.

• Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Kay Life
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Maggie struggles with learning cursive writing, feeling it's unnecessary until she discovers a secret note she wants to read.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literacy, motivation to learn, adaptability
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the challenges and triumphs of learning a new skill in a fun and relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Children facing academic challenges or those learning to write in cursive.

• Mitch and Amy by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by George Porter
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twins Mitch and Amy navigate school life and sibling rivalry, learning valuable lessons about cooperation and understanding.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, conflict resolution, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It portrays the dynamics of sibling relationships and personal growth with humor and sensitivity.
  • Perfect for: Twins or siblings and young readers dealing with similar issues.

• Ribsy by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ribsy, Henry Huggins' dog, finds himself lost in a shopping mall, leading to a series of adventurous attempts to find his way back home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, empathy, understanding from a pet's perspective
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging adventure from the pet's point of view that teaches about loyalty and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy stories from an animal's perspective.

Challenging Beverly Cleary Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Emily's Runaway Imagination by Beverly Cleary
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1920s, this novel follows young Emily as she tries to spice up her small town life with her lively imagination and a series of well-intentioned projects.
  • Why this book is challenging: The historical setting and period-specific references provide a more complex context for young readers to explore.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and teaches about the impact of one's actions in a community through engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a vivid imagination and an interest in history.

• Socks by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Beatrice Darwin
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Socks, a cat who experiences jealousy and must adjust to the changes brought about by the arrival of a new baby in the family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of change and adaptation from an animal’s perspective, adding layers of empathy and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a heartwarming perspective on family dynamics and the emotional world of pets, which can help develop empathy in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about family life.

• Otis Spofford by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Otis Spofford, a lively schoolboy, always looks for excitement, whether it’s stirring up trouble in class or getting even with the girls.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's exploration of cause and effect and moral lessons are presented in a nuanced way that requires critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's entertaining and offers valuable lessons about consequences and personal growth through the misadventures of Otis.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy stories with a bit of mischief and humor.

• Ellen Tebbits by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ellen Tebbits is anxious to start third grade and finds a kindred spirit in Austine, leading to a close friendship, but not without its ups and downs.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex emotions and social situations that require a deeper understanding of interpersonal relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book teaches about friendship, honesty, and the importance of empathy, making it a great read for developing social skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are navigating friendships and social dynamics at school.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the delightful world of Beverly Cleary with your 7-year-old, you're in for a treat. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun and educational exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These exercises are not only enjoyable but also reinforce the joy and learning that Beverly Cleary's books bring.

• Character Match
  • What it is: Create a matching game with characters and their traits or key events.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in remembering details about the story.
  • Tips: Use index cards to write character names on one set and traits or events on another, and have fun matching them!

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize and connect more deeply with the physical spaces the characters inhabit.
  • Tips: Encourage the use of colors and symbols to represent different areas of the map.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Organize weekly book discussions with a few friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Encourages verbal expression and deeper understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions in advance to guide the discussion.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out different scenes from the book with costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Builds empathy and a deeper connection with the characters.
  • Tips: Let your child choose their favorite scene and character to role play.

• Reading Log
  • What it is: Keep a log of books read and rate them according to how much your child enjoyed them.
  • How it helps: Encourages a habit of reading regularly and reflecting on what has been read.
  • Tips: Include a space for a favorite quote or part of the book in the log.

These exercises are designed to be fun and engaging while enhancing your child’s reading skills. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you're not only fostering a love for books but also developing essential literacy skills. So, grab your favorite Beverly Cleary book and get started—happy reading and learning!