The Best Books for 7-Year-Olds

The Lost Stone

Author: Jordan Quinn

Illustrator: Robert McPhillips

Year: 2014

Genre: Early Reader

Age: 6 – 8

More info: Kingdom of Wrenly #1

Plot

8-year-old Lucas is a prince who befriends Clara, the seamstress’s daughter. Eager to explore the Kingdom of Wrenly, Lucas recruits Clara to show him around. Together they go on series of adventures as they explore all the kingdom has to offer’s unique lands, meeting magical creatures along the way.

Why Jackie loves it

This series of early readers has pictures on almost every page and easy to read language.  The stories, however, are fun and full of adventure. They are sure to keep your child engaged with fairies, trolls, and mermaids.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Early Reader Books / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids

The Witches of Brooklyn

Author: Sophie Escabasse

Illustrator: Sophie Escabasse

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy

Age: 7-11

More info: Graphic Novel

Plot

When Effie finds out that her aunts are witches, she wants to join them in practicing witchcraft, but she has a lot to learn. This is a charming one-sitting read for your favorite little witch or wizard.

Why Jackie loves it

This graphic novel is the first in a series and I love it for many reasons. It’s about modern-day witches in Brooklyn. It is a diverse book with female heroines. I love the move towards strong female protagonists in children’s books. I also love that this book is set in New York City. The setting makes it so relatable for so many kids.

Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 7-year-olds

Dragonbreath

Author: Ursula Vernon

Illustrator: Ursula Vernon

Year: 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel

Age: 7 – 10

More info: Dragonbreath #1

Plot

Danny Dragonbreath is a dragon with a problem – he can’t breath fire! However, he has no fear which is helpful at school when he faces lots of scary things – like a sea serpent. This is the first in a series of books that more than 10 books strong!

Why Jackie loves it

Dragonbreath is a graphic novel that is funny, engaging and perfect for a little witch or wizard who would like to encounter dragons a little less menacing than the ones Harry encounters. If you love Harry Potter, this is a perfect first graphic novel.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Dragon Books for Kids / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids

Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure

Author: Alex T. Smith

Illustrator: Alex T. Smith

Year: 2019

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 7 – 12

More info: Mr. Penguin #1

Plot

If you are looking for a delightful children’s mystery book series for young readers, we love Mr. Penguin and his jungle adventures. He and his spider sidekick are so fun to read.

Why Kirsten loves it

This book is illustrated but also in hardcover, so it helps make the kids feel like they are reading something more advanced.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids

InvestiGators

Author: John Patrick Green

Illustrator: John Patrick Green

Year: 2020

Genre: Early Reader Mystery

Age: 6 – 9

More info: InvestiGators #1

Plot

This story is about two alligator detectives solving crimes and thwarting supervillains. Your kids will laugh at the way they use the toilet for traveling and delight at their goofy adventures.

Why Kirsten loves it

If your child is more confident reading graphic novels, this kid’s mystery book series is a perfect pick.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids

The Great Ghost Hoax

Author: Emily Ecton

Illustrator: David Mottram

Year: 2021

Genre: Early Reader Mystery

Age: 7-12

More info: The Great Pet Heist #2

Plot

When Mrs. Third Floor shows up in Butterbean’s apartment claiming she saw a ghost, the pets decide to investigate. Can Butterbean and the gang get to the bottom of the paranormal activity?

Why Jackie loves it

With charming sketches and a thrilling story, this is a great step below a full middle grade reader book. The story is perfect for Halloween too!

Find similar books in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Halloween Chapter Books

Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire

Author: Susan Tan

Illustrator: Dana Wulfekotte

Year: 2018

Genre: Early Reader

Age: 6 – 9

More info: Cilla Lee-Jenkins #1

Plot

Cilla is about to become a big sister, but she wants to become a world-famous author first so her family won’t forget about her. It also addresses coming from a bi-racial family and having difficulties reading. It’s truly a lovely realistic fiction story.

Why Kirsten loves it

My sister-in-law recommended this to me because her friend wrote it! It did a great job of handling difficult topics in an age-appropriate manner with humor and grace.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Realistic Fiction Books for Kids

Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present

Author: Reese Witherspoon

Illustrator: Xindi Yan

Year: 2024

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Age: 3 – 7

More info: Busy Betty #2

Plot

When Betty wants to buy presents for her family but realizes she has no money in her piggy bank, she gets creative and starts a Christmas cookie shop. When she has trouble getting customers, she tries everything she can to get them to arrive, but still to no avail. Instead, Betty makes everyone homemade cookies for Christmas morning.

Why Kirsten loves it

Busy Betty is such a charming book series about an energetic girl that reminds me of author Reese Witherspoon. The timeless lesson of giving gifts from the heart, not expensive presents is delightfully handled with fun prose and whimsical illustrations. #gifted by Penguin Random House

Find this book in: Best Christmas Books for Kids / Best New Children’s Books of 2024 / Best Books for 7-year-olds

Magyk

Author: Angie Sage

Year: 2009

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8 – 11

More info: Septimus Heap #1

Plot

Septimus Heap is the seventh son of a seventh son.  He disappears the night that he is born and his parents are told he is dead. That night, his father finds a baby girl in the snow.  This story sets up the adventures for the rest of the series with magic, adventure, and bravery.

Why Kirsten loves it

When the kids in my house were looking to fill the post-Harry Potter void, this is the series they picked up. It’s 7 books deep and is a wonderfully spun story of magic and wizards that any fantasy-obsessed kiddo will love.

Find this book in: Books like Percy Jackson / Halloween Chapter Books / Books like Harry Potter for Kids / Books for 7-year-olds

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Author: E. L. Konigsburg

Year: 1967

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 8 – 12

More info: Newbery Award winner

Plot

Claudia and Jamie decide they want to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When a new statue arrives while they are hiding at the famed museum, they won’t rest until they solve the mystery of who created it! Will they solve the mystery before the museum staff?

Why Kirsten loves it

This classic middle-grade story is one the whole family will enjoy. It sparked some pretty fun conversations about how to properly prepare to runaway and just where each member of my family would wish to escape to! We listened when my youngest was only 6 and even he enjoyed it!

Find this book in: Newbery Award Winners / Best Books for 7-year-olds / Family Audiobooks

The Perfect School Picture

Author: Deborah Diesen

Illustrator: Dan Santat

Year: 2019

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 5 – 7

Plot

Oh picture day, beloved by parents when the photo turns out well, complained about when hair or faces don’t turn out as expected. This is a funny story for the kids who feel the pressure of picture day and just don’t want to perform!

Why Kirsten loves it

If you are looking for back-to-school books to lighten the mood, this should be your pick.

Find this book in: Back to School Books / Best Books for 7-year-olds

The Wayside School Collection

Author: Louis Sacher

Year: 1998

Genre: Middle Grade Short Stories

More info: Book 1 of 4 of Wayside School

Age Range: 7+

Plot

Louis Sachar’s hysterical collection of stories about the students of Wayside School is a true must-read for students and a perfect read-aloud book.

The wacky tales and backward ways of the students and teachers at Wayside will have your child in a fit of giggles. Each chapter is about a different student in the school, so they can be read as individual short stories, making them perfect for bedtime reading.

This is the first in a collection of stories about Wayside School. While I recommend you start with this one, each book in the series is just as funny!

Why Kirsten loves it

Not all books from my childhood stand the test of time, but I enjoyed this story even more when I read it to my children. Hearing them giggle through the stories had me smiling. It certainly made for an entertaining bedtime tale.

Find this book in: Short Stories / Best Books for 7-Year-Olds / Family Audiobooks / School Books

Ada Twist, Scientist

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Year: 2016

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 3 – 7

More info: The Questioneers Picture Books #3

Plot

Ada Twist has a lot of questions. She is always curious and doing scientific experiments that do not always go as planned. Ada learns that trying again does not mean failure and the value of staying curious.

Why Jackie loves it

All of the books in this “series” are amazing at encouraging passion and imagination. Ada is a thinker whose questions often lead to disasters in the house, but as a parent, how do you encourage your child’s outside-the-box thinking?

Find this book in: Netflix Book Adaptations / Best Book for 7-year-olds

Super Detectives!

Author: Cale Atkins

Illustrator: Cale Atkins

Year: 2022

Genre: Early Reader Mystery

Age: 6 – 9

More info: Simon and Chester Book #1

Plot

In this graphic novel series of children’s mystery books, a kid and a ghost team up to solve cases.

Why Jackie loves it

The Simon and Chester series is geared toward beginning readers and is a perfect introduction to the mystery genre.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids

Judy Moody, Girl Detective

Author: Megan McDonald

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Year: 2010

Genre: Early Reader Mystery

Age: 6 – 8

More info: Judy Moody #9

Plot

This delightful book follows Judy Moody on her quest to become a detective. With her quirky personality and curiosity, Judy dives headfirst into solving mysteries around her neighborhood, bringing her signature enthusiasm to each case.

Why Jackie loves it

Readers will be charmed by Judy’s humorous adventures and her determination to uncover the truth in this fun-filled story.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids

Mystery on the Ostrich Express

Author: Laura James

Illustrator: Emily Fox

Year: 2020

Genre: Early Reader Mystery

Age: 6 – 8

More info: Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective #1

Plot

My kids adored this beginning reader chapter book based on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The bright colors in the drawings and the clever storytelling will have your child thoroughly entertained.

Why Kirsten loves it

The first in a series, these kids’ mystery books are perfect for a 7-year-old detective! My reluctant reader even loved the series, I think the illustrations helped bring capture his attention.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids

The Princess in Black

Author: Shannon Hale

Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

Year: 2014

Genre: Early Reader

Age: 4 – 7

More info: Princess in Black #1

Plot

In this early reader, the princess has to fight monsters while trying to open her birthday presents.  

Why Jackie loves it

This adorable book is part of a series that is another cute and funny example of a strong female princess!

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Early Reader Books

Rulers of the Playground

Author: Joseph Keufler

Illustrator: Joseph Keufler

Year: 2017

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4 – 8

Plot

Don’t hog the swings, don’t refuse to share the slide, and don’t act like you are the ruler of the playground or a battle of kings may break out!

Why Kirsten loves it

This charming playground tale is simply adorable. It teaches playground behavior by showing what not to do.

Find this book in: Playground Books / Best Books for 7-year-olds / Back to School Books

Part-time Princess

Author: Deborah Underwood

Illustrator: Cambria Evans

Year: 2013

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4 – 7

Plot

The story features an average girl by day who becomes a princess at night. But she is no ordinary princess. She fights trolls and puts out fires and is home in time for tea with her mom. I love books that allow girls to explore the idea of non-conventional roles.

Why Jackie loves it

This is one of the great books to encourage uniqueness and was actually recommended to me by an employee of Barnes and Noble when I wanted to grab a baby gift.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds

Let’s Do Nothing

Author: Tony Fucile

Illustrator: Tony Fucile

Year: 2012

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4 – 8

Plot

Frankie and Sal feel like they’ve done everything, played every game, and now have nothing left to do. So they decide to actively do nothing. But doing nothing isn’t as easy as it appears to be, and it might just encourage them to do something after all.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is a particularly good story to give your children when they are bored or on a rainy day. It’s a reminder of how much control children have over their own boredom.

Hardly Haunted

Author: Jessica Sima

Illustrator: Jessica Sima

Year: 2021

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 7

Plot

The haunted house on the top of the hill is lonely. Can she find a family that will accept her the way she is and make her a happy haunted house? The ghost family at the end of the book sure seems to love her!

Why Kirsten loves it

What a fun twist on a haunted house story! I just love the idea of finding the perfect people for you – and not having to change to find friends. It’s a wonderful lesson to teach children.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Halloween Books for Kids

The Most Boring Book Ever

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Illustrator: Kazu Kibuishi

Release Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4-8

Plot

2 popular creators have teamed up to make a picture book that’s sure to be a hit! It’s about an ordinary boy, on an ordinary day…until it’s filled with adventure! This fantasy picture book has been preordered for my house.

Why Jackie loves it

If you ever have a kid who says they are bored…on repeat… you MUST get this book! It’s about how boring it is to sit in a chair, except when an adventure is happening around someone sitting in a chair and he keeps saying it’s boring sitting in a chair. It’s funny and silly and perfect for any time!

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Best New Children’s Books of 2024

Fraidy Zoo

Author: Thyra Heder

Illustrator: Thyra Heder

Year: 2013

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4 – 8

Plot

This is one of the cutest alphabet books in my collection. A little girl is afraid of something at the zoo, but can’t remember what. So her family dresses up as different animals in A-to-Z order to help her overcome her fear.

Why Kirsten loves it

With vivid images depicting homemade animals of every letter, there is so much to see in this fun tale.

Find this book in: Alphabet Books / Best Books for 7-year-olds / Zoo Books

Alfie (The Turtle That Disappeared)

Author: Thyra Heder

Illustrator: Thyra Heder

Year: 2017

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 7

Plot

Nia loves her pet turtle even if he is not cuddly and cannot do tricks. The night before her 7th birthday, the turtle disappears. This is when the book switches perspectives to the turtles. 

Why Jackie loves it

There are so many things that are great about this adorable book. Alfie is trying to find a birthday present and accidentally hibernates for the winter.

Find this book in: Best Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 7-year-olds

The Wolf, The Duck, and the Mouse

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Year: 2017

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 3 – 7

More info: E. B. White Read Aloud Award Winner

Plot

A duck and a mouse find themselves inside a wolf’s belly and decide they like their life there.  There is good food, and it’s relaxing, so when they find themselves back in the real world, they decide to find a way back.

Why Jackie loves it

This is a funny book that, at its heart, is about making a bad situation better. It is a strange and funny book that is so original. This is also a great sequencing story to work on cause and effect!

Find this book in: Best Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 7-year-olds/ Sequencing Books

The Mouse and The Motorcycle

Author: Beverly Cleary

Year: 1965

Genre: Early Reader

Age: 5 – 9

More info: Ralph Mouse #1

Plot

alph the mouse lives in a hotel where the main rule is simple… don’t get spotted by a guest. But Ralph lives for speed! When a little boy leaves a toy motorcycle unattended in his room, it’s too much for Ralph to resist. Soon he’s zooming around the hotel and making friends with a human!

Why Kirsten loves it

When my boys were deep into their car-loving phase, this book had them hooked! I loved the wholesome story too and found myself entertained by Ralph and his adventures too.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Family Audiobooks for Road Trips

Charlotte’s Web

Author: E.B. White

Illustrator: Garth Williams

Year: 1952

Genre: Children’s Classic

Age: 5-8

More info: Newbery Winner

Plot

This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship.  When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, she promises to take care of him. As Wilbur grows, he befriends Charlotte, a spider, who ultimately saves his life a second time.

Why Jackie loves it

This is such a heartwarming classic book for kids. We dare you to read it without crying. The audiobook recording features Meryl Streep and a full cast.

Find this book in: Best Classic Books for Kids / Read Aloud Children’s Books / The Best Family Audiobooks / Animal Books for Kids / Newbery Award Winners / Best Books for 7-year-olds / Full Cast Audiobooks for Kids

Softball Surprise

Author: Jake Maddox

Illustrator: Katie Wood

Year: 2014

Genre: Early Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 7 – 10

Plot

Jake Maddox has long been known for stories about male athletes, but he has female athlete stories too! This particular story is about Jo and her summer softball team. But Jo might need to make a choice about which team she will be on this summer.

Why Kirsten loves it

Jake Maddox writes ideal books for young readers interested in sports. He has a full collection of stories featuring female and male atheletes, so don’t just look at this story – review his entire catalog and grab a story about your child’s favorite sport.

T is for Touchdown

Author: Brad Herzog

Illustrator: Mark Braught

Year: 2006

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 6 – 9

Plot

Sports writer, Brad Herzog, tackles the history of the game, from pigskin to end-zone in alphabetical order. It’s geared to young readers and old alike with easy-to-follow rhymes and more in-depth descriptions.

Why Kirsten loves it

A kids’ book about football that’s also an alphabet book? Sign me up!

Find this book in: Kids Books About Football / Best Books for 7-year-olds

She Persisted in Sports

Author: Chelsea Clinton

Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger

Year: 2020

Genre: Nonfiction

Age: 4-8

Plot

This book tells the story of over a dozen American female Olympic athletes like Mia Hamm, the Venus sisters, Jean Driscoll, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and more.

Why Kirsten loves it

If you are looking for a comprehensive list of some of the biggest names in Olympic history, check out this one!

Find this book in: Olympics Books for Kids / Best Books for 7-year-olds

The Adventures of Captain Underpants

Author: Dav Pilkey

Illustrator: Dav Pilkey

Year: 1997

Genre: Early Reader Graphic Novel

Age: 7 – 10

More info: Captain Underpants #1

Plot

Meet Captain Underpants, the brainchild of best friends George and Harold, who wanted to make a comic book together. Captain Underpants is a superhero in disguise and his antics will make any kid giggle.

Why Jackie loves it

There is a lot of controversy around this book because of the sometimes gross jokes inside, but it was a big hit with both of my boys. I support anything that keeps my kids reading!

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds

Eva’s Treetop Festival

Author: Rebecca Elliott

Illustrator: Rebecca Elliott

Year: 2015

Genre: Early Reader

Age: 5 – 7

More info: Owl Diaries #1

Plot

The early reader books in this series feature adorable animal friendships. Each of the stories is written as a diary. This story is about Eva Wingdale organizing the Spring festival.

Why Jackie loves it

Your little ones will love meeting Eva and her friends, watching her go to school, and navigating life.

Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Early Reader Books

The Bad Guys

Author: Aaron Blabey

Year: 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

More info: The Bad Guys #1

Age Range: 6 – 8

Plot

Aaron Blabey’s famed series about the bad guys is a favorite in our homes. This graphic novel series is perfect for early readers. The series is all about four “bad guys” who are trying to become good guys by trying to save those around them in funny ways.

Why Kirsten loves it

This book is hilarious which means kids will enjoy reading it. The more they read, the more it becomes a habit and they will improve their reading skills.

Adaptation Information

This series has been made into a series of movies. The second movie came out in 2025 and a third movie is expected in the future.

Find this book in: Early Reader Books for Emergent Readers / The Best Books for 7-Year-Olds / Animal Books for Kids

Who Was Queen Victoria?

Author: Jim Gigliotti

Year: 2014

Genre: Nonfiction Early Reader

Age: 7 – 11

More info: Part of the Who is Series

Plot

The Who is Series is more than 200 books strong at this point. The series covers famous people, places, and historic events. The first book in the series covers Queen Victoria’s life and rule.

Why Jackie loves it

If your child is interested in any subject, I can almost guarantee there will be a book related to it in this series. The books are easy to read and interesting, making them the best non-fiction books for a 7-year-old.

A Boy, A Mouse, and A Spider- The Story of E.B. White

Author: Barbara Herkert

Illustrator: Lauren Castillo

Year: 2017

Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book

Age: 5 – 9

Plot

The adorable picture book tells the story of beloved children’s author E.B. White. As a young boy, Elwyn was bedridden, and he befriended a mouse. He began writing in a journal, and from that journal came some of the most beloved classic children’s books of all time.

Why Jackie loves it

This is a wonderful nonfiction book to teach kids about a beloved author. They will be E.B. White fans for life after reading it!

Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 7-year-olds

Dazzle Ships

Author: Chris Barton

Illustrator: Victo Ngai

Year: 2017

Genre: Nonfiction Picture Books

Age: 7 – 11

Plot

During the First World War, England needed to devise a way to get supplies to their island.  The German submarines were bombing all supply ships. This book highlights the brilliant way the English saved themselves by painting their ships in dazzling and crazy colors.

Why Jackie loves it

I love the way this picture book bring to life a true story that seems to crazy to be believed!