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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your little one? Look no further! Our curated list of fiction books for 7-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that are sure to spark their imagination and keep them hooked. From magical adventures to fun-filled journeys, each book promises to be a hit. Keep reading to discover our top picks for fiction books for 7-year-olds that will not only entertain but also inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Fun Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all wrapped in gentle humor and beautiful language.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers learning about friendship and compassion.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's imaginative storytelling filled with whimsy and humor makes this a delightful read that sparks creativity and encourages empathy towards others.
  • Perfect for: Children with a big imagination and a love for stories of friendship and adventure.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical fiction
  • Synopsis: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various adventures, from dinosaur times to ancient Egypt.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book provides a fun and educational experience that blends history with adventure, making reading both enjoyable and informative.
  • Perfect for: Curious young readers who enjoy time travel and learning about different cultures and historical periods.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Lauren Child
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong, and cheerful girl who lives alone in Villa Villekulla with her horse and monkey. Her outrageous adventures with her neighbors Tommy and Annika are both amusing and outrageous.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's independent spirit and humorous antics keep readers entertained while subtly encouraging them to question conventional norms and embrace individuality.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and stories of independence and unconventional thinking.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, embarks on a series of adventures, from sailing a boat in Central Park to searching for his bird friend, Margalo.
  • Why we recommend this book: This charming story combines elements of fantasy and reality, encouraging children to imagine and explore their own world with curiosity and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who loves stories where the underdog comes out on top.

Educational Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and stories, and breaks the rules of the mouse world by falling in love with a human princess named Pea.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage, and understanding of narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure with themes of bravery and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Environmental
  • Synopsis: The Lorax speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler in a tale that explores the consequences of environmental exploitation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, responsibility, and impact of human activities on nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delivers a powerful message about conservation and the importance of taking care of our planet in a way that is accessible to young children.
  • Perfect for: Eco-conscious young readers and families looking to discuss environmental issues.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early reader, Friendship
  • Synopsis: A collection of stories detailing the adventures and deep friendship between a frog and a toad.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Early reading skills, understanding of friendship dynamics, and emotional intelligence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming series that captures the essence of friendship through simple yet poignant tales.
  • Perfect for: Beginning readers and children learning about the nuances of friendship.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Cultural
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young girl from Korea, is nervous about being accepted in her new American school, so she decides to choose a new name. Her classmates help her realize the beauty and significance of her real name.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, self-acceptance, and social skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages respect for all cultures and teaches the importance of one's identity and heritage.
  • Perfect for: Children navigating new environments and learning to celebrate their own and others' cultural identities.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the myth of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to fend off predators, only to encounter the mythical beast itself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and rhythmic story that demonstrates cleverness and the power of wit.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy engaging stories with clever protagonists and a touch of humor.

Challenging Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, School story
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Matilda, a brilliant and precocious girl who uses her extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome difficulties with her family and oppressive school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: Features complex vocabulary and themes of rebellion and justice, which are more sophisticated than typical books for this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and intelligence, and encourages children to stand up against unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Gifted young readers and those who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden and learns to care for it, alongside her cousin Colin, who is believed to be perpetually ill.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure and period language present a higher reading level, along with themes of loss, resilience, and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautiful exploration of friendship, nature, and the healing power of both.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional depth and stories about personal growth and healing.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Tenniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world with peculiar creatures and surreal experiences that defy logic.
  • Why this book is challenging: Contains playful language, puns, and logic puzzles that are intellectually stimulating but may be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Encourages imagination and critical thinking, as readers navigate through Alice's nonsensical yet intriguing adventures.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in whimsical stories and exploring abstract concepts.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger in Edwardian England, combining elements of mysticism, adventure, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of rich, descriptive language and the exploration of deep themes like friendship, home, and societal expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in detailed narratives and classic tales of adventure and camaraderie.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond; a fantastical world that rekindles his sense of wonder and discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: Features an intricate plot, sophisticated word play, and abstract concepts that challenge conventional thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and the love of learning through Milo’s journey, which is filled with puns, linguistic twists, and intellectual riddles.
  • Perfect for: Intellectual young readers and those who enjoy puzzles and word games.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while diving into the world of fiction books, I've got some fun and effective exercises for you to try out. These activities are designed not only to enhance their reading skills but also to make the process enjoyable and engaging. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a personalized and comfortable space that can make reading more appealing.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting it up with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Encourage your child to dress up as their favorite book character.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and connection with the story.
  • Tips: Plan a mini "character parade" and have them act out their favorite scenes.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before finishing a story, ask your child to predict what happens next.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions and see how they align with the story as you read.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and reading comprehension.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page to keep it interactive.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes or characters from the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with visualizing textual content.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paint to make it more exciting.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with a few of your child’s friends.
  • How it helps: Promotes social skills and provides an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the book.
  • Tips: Choose a regular schedule and let the kids take turns picking the book.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books or pages your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by rewarding them for reaching reading milestones.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime, a special treat, or a new book.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can transform their experience with fiction books, making it more engaging and educational. Remember, the key is to keep the activities fun and light, so your child continues to love the world of reading. Happy reading!