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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English books for 7-year-olds that will keep them hooked and help enhance their reading skills? You've landed in the right spot! Whether you're looking to stock up a classroom library or find that just-right bedtime story, our curated lists cater to every young reader’s needs. Keep reading to discover our top picks of English books for 7-year-olds that are both fun and engaging!

Fun English Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates creativity and the power of imagination, showing kids that they can explore different worlds through their thoughts and dreams.
  • Perfect for: Children with a wild imagination and a love for adventures.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This tender novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and stories about friendship.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story follows the adventures of a brother and sister, home alone on a rainy day, when the mischievous Cat in the Hat arrives, turning the dull day into a magical and chaotic one.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhyming text and imaginative illustrations make reading fun and engaging, encouraging early literacy skills.
  • Perfect for: Energetic readers who enjoy playful stories and rhymes.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Animal story, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit, who disobeys his mother's warnings and sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, leading to a series of adventures and troubles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the consequences of misbehavior in a light and charming way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals and learning life lessons.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals. To scare them away, the mouse invents a monster called the Gruffalo. But what happens when he meets a real Gruffalo?
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever tale that teaches the power of wit and intelligence over brute strength.
  • Perfect for: Children who love engaging with clever characters and twisty plots.

Educational English Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Environmental Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around the Lorax, who speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler. The book explores themes of environmental impact and conservation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, responsibility, and the consequences of industrialization.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces important environmental issues through engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in nature and environmental stewardship.

• Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that transport them back to the time of the dinosaurs. Their exciting adventure provides both fun and educational insights into prehistoric times.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, reading comprehension, curiosity about science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with learning, making history accessible and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventures and are curious about history and dinosaurs.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): STEM, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Afraid of failure, she hides her inventions until she learns that you can only fail if you quit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, perseverance, interest in engineering.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and teaches kids that failure is part of learning and a step towards success.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young inventors and anyone interested in STEM fields.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): STEM, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, curiosity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity about science and the importance of persistence.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who are always asking "why?" and "how?"

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Duncan's crayons have had enough. They quit! Each crayon writes him a letter explaining why they need a break, providing a colorful perspective on their daily challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, problem-solving, creative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous approach to discussing feelings and conflicts, encouraging children to think about how others feel.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing and coloring, and those learning to navigate social situations and viewpoints.

Challenging English Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of a brilliant and sensitive girl named Matilda, who uses her intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex vocabulary and themes of rebellion and standing up against authority, which are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, inspiring readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Gifted children and those who love stories where kids triumph over adversity.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A girl named Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses inventive language and concepts that require imaginative and interpretative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage, filled with humor and creative wordplay.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young readers who enjoy fantastical tales.

• 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 various magical creatures and embarks on a series of surreal and bizarre adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex and filled with riddles and wordplay that challenge comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, offering a unique literary experience that is vastly different from typical children's books.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles, riddles, and stepping into a world that operates on very different rules.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, navigates the challenges of being small in a big world as he embarks on an adventure to find his lost friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of identity and existential quest presented through the adventures of a mouse are profound and thought-provoking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores important themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the search for one’s place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventure stories with deeper philosophical questions.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the adventures of anthropomorphic animals Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, living in the English countryside.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book’s rich, descriptive language and its exploration of themes such as camaraderie, adventure, and morality are sophisticated for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a timeless story that combines beautiful storytelling with lessons about personal responsibility and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate nature and stories about friendship and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading an enjoyable part of their daily routine. These activities are designed to engage young readers and foster a love for books.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves listening skills.
  • Tips: Choose books with exciting dialogues and colorful pictures to keep it interesting.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and comfortable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or toys.

• Book Scavenger Hunt
  • What it is: Organize a scavenger hunt where clues are hidden inside books.
  • How it helps: Makes the process of reading interactive and fun.
  • Tips: Use clues that are age-appropriate and relate to the stories or characters in the books.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Ask your child to predict what happens next in a story.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Pause at crucial moments and discuss possible outcomes to build suspense.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Encourage your child to dress up as their favorite book character.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Organize a small play where they can act out scenes from the book.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the books your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more to see their progress visually.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a special treat for reaching reading milestones.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start a book club with a few of your child’s friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and social interaction through reading.
  • Tips: Let the kids choose the books to read to boost their interest.

Remember, the key to building good reading habits is consistency and fun. Try incorporating these exercises into your 7-year-old's routine, and watch their love for reading grow. Happy reading!