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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect kids books for 7-year-olds? Finding that just-right book can turn reading into a magical experience for your growing reader. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift or just want to refresh their reading list, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of kids books for 7-year-olds that are sure to capture their imagination and keep those pages turning!

Fun Kids Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • 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 writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, presented in a gentle way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and compassion.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows siblings Jack and Annie who discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book combines fun, suspense, and learning, making history accessible and entertaining for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and any child who dreams of time travel and exploring different cultures and times.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and misadventures of middle school life, with its many comedic mishaps and humorous observations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable and funny, making it a great pick for encouraging reluctant readers to enjoy book time.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love comedy and can relate to the trials and tribulations of school life.

• The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three siblings, Joe, Beth, and Frannie, discover the Faraway Tree, a magical tree with different lands at the top and a variety of quirky characters living within it.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its magical settings and whimsical characters, encouraging creativity and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales and magical adventures.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright, young girl with terrible parents and an even worse school principal, Miss Trunchbull. Using her intelligence and telekinetic powers, Matilda devises clever ways to overcome her challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the power of reading and intelligence over adversity and is both empowering and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underapplicated, and anyone who enjoys stories where the underdog triumphs.

Educational Kids Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This inspiring true story follows young William Kamkwamba who builds a windmill from scraps to bring electricity and water to his village in Malawi.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science, engineering, resilience, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a remarkable tale of innovation and determination that shows how creativity can change lives.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and scientists, as well as any child interested in real-life heroes and sustainability.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Rhyme
  • 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, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages questioning and exploring, important traits for budding scientists and inquisitive minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are always asking "why?" and those who love experimenting and learning through doing.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young Korean girl, moves to America and decides to choose a new name after her classmates have trouble pronouncing her real name. She learns to appreciate her unique identity and cultural heritage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, self-acceptance, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of diversity and the value of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Children facing or curious about cultural integration and those learning the value of diversity and self-esteem.

• What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story is about a child who comes up with an idea and, despite initial doubt, decides to nurture it and see it grow.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, resilience, self-confidence
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a motivational story that encourages kids to embrace their ideas and believe in their potential.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and creators, and any child needing encouragement to pursue their ideas.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference, Science
  • Synopsis: This book provides intriguing answers to a wide range of questions covering topics from animals to geography, satisfying curious minds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity, research skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with interesting facts and explanations that are sure to engage and educate.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who have lots of questions about how the world works and why things are the way they are.

Challenging Kids Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux is banished from his mouse community for being too different, and he must navigate a world filled with danger and dragons to save his beloved princess.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as bravery, forgiveness, and light versus darkness, presented through rich, sophisticated language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that encourages deep thinking and empathy, wrapped in a captivating narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with depth and those who are not afraid of a bit of darkness in their stories.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, loves only himself until he is lost at sea and embarks on a journey that teaches him about love and loss through the many people he meets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep and poignant themes of love, loss, and redemption, requiring a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a transformative journey that touches on the importance of emotional growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready for more emotionally complex stories and those interested in a journey of self-discovery.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with everything until he drives through a magical tollbooth and finds himself on an epic quest in a land full of whimsical characters and absurd situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It is filled with wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas that require advanced reading skills and thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas, making it a fun and intellectually stimulating read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour and unloved 10-year-old, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion in England. There, she discovers a mysterious, neglected garden that becomes her refuge and salvation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and themes of loss, neglect, and rejuvenation are complex, and the language reflects the book’s early 20th-century origin.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and personal growth through connecting with nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy emotional depth and stories of transformation and renewal.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this richly woven tale, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask how she can change her family’s fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book interweaves Chinese folklore with a complex narrative structure that includes stories within the main story, requiring attentive reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends fantasy with Chinese folklore, offering rich storytelling and important life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who appreciate stories that blend cultural heritage with magical adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a delightful part of their daily routine. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable and inviting area dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a special space for it.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up the nook to make it more personal and exciting.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: A bingo game where each square represents a different type of book or reading activity.
  • How it helps: Makes reading diverse materials fun and engaging.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward for completing a row or the entire board to keep motivation high.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they unfold as you read further, making it a fun discussion.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Designate specific days where you and your child read out loud to each other.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading aloud.
  • Tips: Choose books with engaging dialogues and characters to make it more entertaining.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Maintain a diary written from the perspective of a favorite book character.
  • How it helps: Develops creativity and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to write entries after each reading session to keep the thoughts fresh.

• Reading Challenge Tracker
  • What it is: Create a visual tracker where your child can mark off books or pages read over a period.
  • How it helps: Provides a sense of achievement and motivates continuous reading.
  • Tips: Set realistic goals and celebrate milestones to maintain enthusiasm.

These exercises aren't just about reading more—they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your child's life. Give them a try and watch as your little one turns into a little bookworm, eager to explore new stories and adventures every day. Happy reading!