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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect reading material for your budding reader? Look no further! Our carefully curated list of easy chapter books for 7-year-olds is designed to captivate, engage, and encourage young readers to fall in love with reading. Whether your child is just starting out with chapter books or looking to expand their library, we've got something that will suit their needs. Keep reading to discover our top picks of easy chapter books for 7-year-olds that promise to make reading a fun and exciting adventure!

Fun Easy Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she's also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters! This series is full of fun adventures as she keeps her kingdom safe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, humor, and delightful illustrations, making it a great choice for young readers who enjoy excitement and fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love superheroes and secret identities.

• Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: Nate, a young detective, solves mysteries with the help of his dog, Sludge. Each book presents a new case, engaging young readers in problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and attention to detail, while the simple and engaging stories keep readers entertained.
  • Perfect for: Budding detectives and kids who enjoy puzzle-solving.

• Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the humorous adventures of Mercy Watson, a charmingly naive pig who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson and gets into all sorts of trouble.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny, light-hearted, and the colorful illustrations enhance the engaging text.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy laughter and lighthearted tales.

• Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that transport them to different times and places where they go on thrilling adventures and solve mysteries.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history and science through engaging stories, sparking curiosity about the world.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and any child who dreams of adventure and discovering new worlds.

• Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Junie B. Jones is a kindergartener (and later a first grader) who navigates the trials and tribulations of school life with a unique, humorous perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a playful and candid voice that captures the challenges and triumphs of school life, making readers laugh and relate.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are starting school and enjoy funny stories.

• Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Zoey discovers she can see magical creatures and, with her cat Sassafras, uses science to help them with their problems.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely blends science with fantasy, encouraging problem-solving and a love for learning.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and animal lovers, especially those who appreciate a touch of magic in their reading.

Educational Easy Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book follows the adventures of two brothers, Charlie and Mouse, who find humor and fun in everyday activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family relationships, early reading skills, conversational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood with warmth and humor, making it a delightful read for young children.
  • Perfect for: Early readers and siblings looking for relatable stories about family life.

• Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science
  • Synopsis: Part of the Zoey and Sassafras series, this book sees Zoey helping a sick dragon with scientific method and a bit of magic.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, problem-solving, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches science through engaging fantasy elements and encourages caring for others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and magical creatures.

• Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book is about twin sisters Ling and Ting who are not exactly the same and have fun with their small adventures and misadventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, early reading skills, individuality
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun way to explore themes of diversity and individuality through accessible and engaging stories.
  • Perfect for: Twins or any young readers who enjoy stories about family and personal identity.

• The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series starter introduces four chicken siblings who fancy themselves as detectives and embark on solving their first case.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious adventure that promotes teamwork and critical thinking through its quirky characters and plot.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and mystery stories.

• Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Follow the imaginative adventures of Dory, also known as Rascal, as she navigates her daily life with a rich fantasy life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, problem-solving, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of imagination and the joys and challenges of childhood.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who enjoy humorous stories and imaginative play.

Challenging Easy Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of bravery, darkness, and redemption, woven through sophisticated narrative structures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that encourages deep thinking and empathy through its rich storytelling.
  • 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 Stories
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and starts to see his world through new eyes with the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of freedom, captivity, and the power of art, all from the unique perspective of an animal narrator.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant and thought-provoking view on the treatment of animals and the nature of humanity.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young philosophers who are ready to think deeply about the world.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: This classic story follows Wilbur, a pig who forms a friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte, who endeavors to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of friendship, loss, and survival with rich language and emotional depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that teaches about compassion, creativity, and the cycle of life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready to handle gentle themes of mortality mixed with the joys of friendship.

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two fourth-graders, George and Harold, create a superhero in their comics who comes to life to fight crime and the oppressive school administration.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a unique blend of text and comic-style illustrations, requiring readers to engage with both narrative and visual content actively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and resistance against unfair authority through humor and action.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a good laugh and the thrill of adventure.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, on his adventures in a human-sized world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book’s sophisticated language and themes of identity and adventure challenge young readers to think beyond the ordinary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an imaginative tale that promotes resilience and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure stories and exploring big questions in accessible ways.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to help your 7-year-old develop good reading habits while enjoying easy chapter books, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and simple exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial experience for them. Let’s dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine that can help make reading a regular part of your child's life.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time of day when your child is most alert, like after dinner or before bedtime.

• Create a Cozy Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up the space with cushions, a favorite chair, and good lighting.

• Book Choice Day
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose a book to read once a week.
  • How it helps: Encourages independence and increases enthusiasm about reading.
  • Tips: Guide them towards selecting books that are age-appropriate but also cater to their interests.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book together and discuss the story or characters.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express their thoughts.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading milestones and rewards.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by giving them tangible goals and rewards.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like an extra half-hour of playtime or a choice of the next book to read.

• Storytelling Swap
  • What it is: Take turns reading aloud, where you read one page and your child reads another.
  • How it helps: Builds confidence in reading aloud and improves fluency.
  • Tips: Encourage expression by using different voices for different characters.

• Character Costume Day
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and enhances imaginative play.
  • Tips: Plan this activity for after finishing a book as a fun celebration.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a delightful and integral part of your child’s daily life. With these simple activities, you'll help your 7-year-old not only get better at reading but also love the journey of exploring new stories. Happy reading!