10+ Best Books for 7-11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect read for your young reader? You're in the right place! Our carefully curated selection of books for 7-11-year-olds is packed with stories that captivate and educate, ensuring your child gets the most out of their reading time. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to keep those pages turning!

Fun Books for 7-11-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 wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever plans to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a touching, character-driven story.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and introduces themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who enjoys magical worlds and epic tales.

• 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 small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, on his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fairy tale that celebrates the virtues of bravery and forgiveness in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young readers who appreciate stories of unlikely heroes and quests.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and her school's headmistress is a tyrant. She discovers she has a special telekinetic power and uses it to stand up to the adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to believe in themselves and their abilities, and it's filled with humor and whimsy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who enjoy stories where children outsmart adults.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, and readers looking for a fast-paced, engaging story.

Educational Books for 7-11-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years without seeing another of his kind. The story is told from Ivan's perspective as he interacts with the other animals in captivity and begins to hope for more in life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, storytelling from a unique perspective
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching and beautifully written narrative that encourages compassion and raises awareness about animal captivity.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories told from an animal's point of view.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy, secluded manor. She discovers a locked, neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, brings it back to life along with her own transformation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding themes of growth and rejuvenation, character development, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the healing power of nature and friendship, wrapped in a timeless, enchanting story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy transformation stories and exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of acceptance, bullying, and empathy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity and inclusion, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read that promotes understanding and kindness in a real-world setting.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity, kindness, and overcoming challenges.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with brain-teasing puzzles and unique characters.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and thinkers who enjoy solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more fun. After learning about how words are created, he decides to rename a pen to "frindle." The word catches on, setting off a series of events that is bigger than Nick ever imagined.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and its social impact
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and creative story that encourages innovation and shows the power of words and ideas.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators who enjoy playful yet insightful stories about school life.

Challenging Books for 7-11-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he enters a fantastical world where he embarks on a quest that requires solving riddles and navigating challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a rich vocabulary and complex wordplay, along with abstract concepts that challenge young readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends mathematics, language, and philosophy, making it a stimulating read that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who delight in puzzles and wordplay, and any young reader looking for a whimsically intellectual adventure.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates advanced scientific and philosophical ideas, including concepts from physics and metaphysics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also explores deep themes like the battle between good and evil, and the importance of love and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about heroic quests and family bonds.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a pilot stranded in the desert who meets a young prince fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid. The prince shares stories about his adventures and the different planets he has visited.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound themes such as loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through subtle and metaphorical language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep philosophical insights and life lessons wrapped in a simple but captivating story, encouraging readers to reflect on their relationships and the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Thinkers and dreamers, as well as any young reader who appreciates stories that delve into deep and meaningful subjects.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters peculiar creatures and experiences bizarre and whimsical adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with playful linguistic quirks, logic puzzles, and complex characters that challenge conventional thinking and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative tale that encourages creativity and thinking outside the box, while also delighting with its wit and whimsicality.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys surreal stories filled with quirky humor and unexpected twists.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is whisked away on an adventure by the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves. This journey challenges him and changes him forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex language and a detailed fantasy world with its own histories, languages, and cultures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic tale of adventure and self-discovery, filled with rich descriptions and complex characters that engage the reader's imagination and sense of wonder.
  • Perfect for: Adventurers and fantasy lovers who are ready to immerse themselves in a deeply developed world and enjoy a classic tale of good versus evil.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-11-year-olds develop good reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for them. Not only will these activities make reading a more engaging experience, but they'll also foster a lifelong love for books. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that encourages more frequent reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: A bingo game where each square represents a different type of book or reading activity.
  • How it helps: Encourages children to read a variety of genres and expand their literary horizons.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward for completing a row or the entire board to keep the excitement alive.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Make it a fun discussion rather than a test; there are no wrong answers in imagination!

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Set aside specific days where you read a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared, social activity.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the story more lively and engaging.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the number of books or pages read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and lets them see their progress visually.
  • Tips: Set achievable goals and celebrate milestones to maintain enthusiasm.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a small book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction through reading and helps develop expressive skills.
  • Tips: Rotate who gets to pick the book to keep the club democratic and exciting.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your child's life. By incorporating these activities, you're setting the stage for a fruitful relationship with literature. Happy reading!