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

Are you on the hunt for interesting books for 7-year-olds that will captivate their imagination and nurture their love for reading? You've come to the right place! Whether you're looking for a bedtime story or something to keep them engaged during quiet time, we've got a variety of picks that are perfect for young readers. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of interesting books for 7-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Interesting 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 encourages imagination and creativity, showing kids the power of their own minds to create adventures and manage emotions.
  • Perfect for: Children who love letting their imaginations run wild and those who enjoy stories of adventure and fantasy.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story follows two children who are home alone and bored until the mischievous Cat in the Hat arrives, turning a dull day into a madcap adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to rhymes and rhythms in reading, making the learning process fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy playful language and whimsical illustrations.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values like friendship, compassion, and the reality of life and death in a gentle manner.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are fed up and they each write him a letter expressing their grievances and demands.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and unique approach to exploring emotions and perspectives, encouraging empathy and creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about expressing feelings.

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow siblings Jack and Annie as they use a magical tree house to travel through time and explore different historical periods and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and education, making learning about history exciting and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and any child with a curiosity about history and different cultures.

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series features a canine superhero who is part dog, part man, and all hero, tackling villains and adventures with a unique blend of humor and action.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for engaging reluctant readers with its appealing blend of graphics and text, plus it's packed with humor and action.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes, comics, and laughing out loud.

Educational Interesting Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in science, and is an inspiration for young girls and boys interested in STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: After Unhei moves from Korea to the U.S., she worries that her new classmates won’t be able to pronounce her name, so she considers choosing a new one. Her classmates come to appreciate her unique name and its special significance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, empathy, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of cultural diversity and the value of being oneself.
  • Perfect for: Children navigating cultural identity and any young reader learning about diversity and inclusion.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming an engineer. After being laughed at for one of her inventions, she might give up—until she finds encouragement from her great-great-aunt.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, perseverance, engineering concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to never give up on their dreams and shows that failure is a stepping stone to success.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring inventors and engineers, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: A young girl and her best friend, who happens to be a dog, decide to make the most magnificent thing. Despite several failed attempts, she learns the value of perseverance and creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful story about the rewards of not giving up and the process of trial and error in making something magnificent.
  • Perfect for: Young makers and creators who might need a little encouragement after setbacks.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides answers to common "why" questions asked by kids, covering a wide range of topics including simple science, animals, and everyday life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity, understanding of the natural and social world
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies the curiosity of young minds and provides clear, understandable explanations to the myriad of questions kids have about the world.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive young minds eager to understand how and why things work.

Challenging Interesting Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of a brilliant young girl who possesses telekinetic powers and uses them to overcome the difficulties posed by her neglectful parents and tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex vocabulary and themes of rebellion and justice, which are advanced for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of individuality and intelligence, encouraging readers to believe in themselves despite challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and magical adventures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and critical thinking, making it a fun and intellectually stimulating read.
  • Perfect for: Children who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music and books, his journey from the darkness of the dungeon to the light of the princess, and his quest for redemption and courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of darkness and light, good and evil, and uses a sophisticated narrative structure with complex language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that teaches bravery and compassion.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate fairy tales and stories of adventure and heroism.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The adventures of Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, as he faces various challenges and embarks on a quest to find his friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uses a blend of realistic and fantasy elements and introduces philosophical themes that are complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of identity, friendship, and adventure in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about animals and adventures.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in England after her parents' death. She discovers a locked, neglected garden and, along with new friends, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features themes of loss, rejuvenation, and the healing power of nature, wrapped in somewhat archaic language and detailed descriptive passages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that promotes the values of friendship, empathy, and the transformative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who are thoughtful and enjoy stories of personal growth and magical discoveries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying some fascinating books, here are a few fun exercises you can try out. These activities are designed not just to keep them engaged, but also to enhance their reading skills and make the whole experience enjoyable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable and inviting area dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a special space that can make reading a more enjoyable and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up and decorating the space to make it truly theirs.

• Book Selection Day
  • What it is: Dedicate a day to go to a library or bookstore and let your child pick a book.
  • How it helps: Encourages decision-making and makes them excited to read their chosen book.
  • Tips: Guide them towards age-appropriate sections but give them the freedom to choose what interests them.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause your reading occasionally and ask your child what they think will happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and analytical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Keep the tone light and fun; there are no wrong answers here!

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
  • Tips: Switch roles often; let your child read to you too.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Encourage your child to dress up as a favorite character from their book.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Use items around the house for costumes to make it a creative and fun activity.

• Book-Based Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts based on themes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in retaining information and gives a hands-on approach to learning.
  • Tips: Use simple materials and let your child lead the craft-making.

• Family Book Club
  • What it is: Start a mini book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Keep the discussions light and encourage everyone to share their thoughts and favorite moments.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make reading a more dynamic and enriching experience. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also foster a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!