Top Books for Seven Year Olds in 2019

101 Books for Seven Year Olds with Hungry Imaginations

The absolute best books to get seven year olds hooked on reading.

Moving through grade school, children are able to tackle longer and more complex stories. Between picture books, chapter books, novellas, and even novels, the books for seven year olds bridge the gap between knowledge and imagination.

Here are the top books for seven year olds based on reviews and personal bias.

1. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

You thought you knew the story of the “The Three Little Pigs”. You thought wrong. In this hysterical and clever fracture fairy tale picture book that twists point of view and perspective, readers will finally hear the other side of the story of “The Three Little Pigs.”

Why it makes my list for seven year olds: This is perhaps the most worn non-Seuss, non-Dahl kids’ book on my bookshelf. It’s the original “fairy tale flip”, long before the likes of Wicked and Nightmare Before Christmas existed.

“Smith’s simplistic and wacky illustrations add to the effectiveness of this fractured fairy tale.” Children’s Literature.

2. Rosie Revere, Engineer

Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them.

Why it makes my list for seven year olds: I’m a sucker for rhyming stories, and Beaty pulls off Rosie with great flair and humor. Amazing message, beautiful art. The perfect package.

“I have 7 children 6 grandchildren. I’ve taught preschool, been a nanny. This book is a must have book in all children’s libraries.” (Robyn, Amazon)

3. Pippi Longstocking

Tommy and his sister Annika have a new neighbor: Pippi Longstocking. She has crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, a horse that lives on her porch, and a flair for the outrageous that seems to lead to one adventure after another.

Why it makes my list for seven year olds: Pippi equals girl power. Plus, if you want your children to understand your old-school references, it’s a good idea to share this one.

“Anyone who has a passion for words and wordplay will enjoy reading The Phantom Tollbooth.” Shivani, Goodreads.

4. The Phantom Tollbooth

For Milo, everything’s a bore until a tollbooth appears in his room. On the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog, and embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason. Somewhere along the way, he realizes something astonishing: life is far from dull.

Why it makes my list for seven year olds: Finding fun and excitement in the mundane is exactly what most kids need. Tollbooth is a classic jumpstarter for imaginations.

“My son hates reading, so I was trying hard to find something that gets his attention. Pippi helped a lot.” Vancouver Mom on Amazon

5. The Trouble with Chickens

J.J. Tully is a former search-and-rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives, so he’s not terribly impressed when a chicken shows up demanding help to track down a missing chick. Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J.J. begins chasing clues. Are dark forces at work, or is J.J. not smelling the evidence that’s right in front of him?

Why it makes my list for seven year olds: As a fan of mysteries and crime flicks on Netflix, I wish I’d had this light-hearted introduction to the genre as a youngster.

“I couldn’t help but smile several times throughout the book. Well written, fun book for kids.” (Montzalee, Goodreads)

6. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair. And it got worse. His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV.

Why it makes my list for six year olds: It’s good to know that while things are going badly, they’ll always pick back up again!

“I have to admit that there’s nothing quite like reading a book to a kid that you both love in equal measure.” (Bradley, Goodreads)