50+ Engaging Stories for 7-Year-Olds

Looking for stories that will spark your 7-year-old’s imagination? Whether your child is just beginning to read on their own or still loves being read to, finding the right book can make all the difference. In this post, I’m sharing 50+ engaging stories for 7-year-olds that our kids all loved at this age.

I’ve included both picture and chapter books as well as animals, adventures, mysteries, friendship, imagination, and more!

What kinds of books do 7-year-olds like to read?

7-year-olds love all kinds of books! They are at the fun age where they are starting to read chapter books, still love picture books, and continue to ask for read-alouds. Having a variety of books on hand is the best way to go. Here are some categories of books that we will cover in this list.

Book Topics for 7-Year-Olds

• Animals – Books with animals as the lead character, or books that feature animals are always a favorite among young readers. 
• Friendship – Stories and tales about friendship are a wonderful way to teach kids about how to make and keep friends, as well as how friendships impact their lives. 
• Classic Stories – This is a fantastic age to begin introducing classic literature. And the best part is, there are many abridged and kid-friendly versions to get them started.
• Adventure and Mystery – Mystery and adventure stories are awesome at reeling in new readers to keep them coming back for more.
• Imagination – Books that spark imagination and curiosity are an awesome catalyst for creative thinking and play, I like to fill our home library with a bunch of them!
• Inspiring – Inspiring books might include simple biographies or stories that compel us to feel empathy, compassion, or motivation.

50+ Engaging Stories for 7-Year-Olds

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Before we dive into our engaging stories for 7-year-olds list, let me give you a few quick notes. First, I’ve divided this list into topics and marked which ones were picture books. If they aren’t marked, they are age-appropriate chapter books.

Secondly, I did not write a review for each book. Instead, I’ve linked each one to Amazon, where you can find more info, read reviews, and decide for yourself if it is a good fit for your child. And lastly, if you have any other book suggestions, leave them in the comments below! Now let’s get started with the list:

Animal Stories for 7-Year-Olds

1. James Herriot Treasury for Children by James Herriot (Picture)
2. Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem (Picture)
3. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Storybook Favorites by Bernard Waber (Picture)
4. The Complete Tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Picture)
5. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (Picture)
6. Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
7. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
8. Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
9. Stewart Little by E.B. White
10. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Stories of Friendship for 7-Year-Olds

11. Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
12. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
13. Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant
14. Mr. Putter & Tabby by Cynthia Rylant
15. Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary
16. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

Classic Books for 7-Year-Olds

17. Annie: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables adapted by Kallie George
18. Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
19. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
20. The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss

Adventure & Mystery Stories 7-Year-Olds

21. Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen L. Taylor (Illustrated)
22. Urchin of the Riding Stars by M.I. McCallister
23. The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Stein Warner
24. Nate the Great Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
25. Cam Jansen Series by David A. Adler
26. The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborn
27. The Secret of the Hidden Scroll Series by M.J. Thomas
28. A-Z Mysteries by Ron Roy

Imaginative Stories for 7-Year-Olds

29. Sophia’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller (Picture)
30. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
31. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
32. Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary
33. Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
34. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
35. Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
36. Tales From Dickawoo Drive by Kate DiCamillo
37. Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo
38. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
39. The Lighthouse Family Series by Cynthia Rylant
40. McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre Farm by Sid Fleischman

Inspiring Books for 7-Year-Olds

40. Little House on the Prairie Treasury by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Picture)
41. The Berenstain Bears’ Storytime Collection by Stan and Jan Berenstain (Picture)
42. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White (Picture)
43. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney (Picture)
44. Kermit the Hermit by Bill Peet (Picture)
45. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
46. The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
47. The Beatinest Boy by Jesse Stuart
48. Daniel’s Duck by Clyde Robert Bulla
49. The Paint Brush Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla 
50. The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh
51. Prairie School by Avi
52. Lumber Camp Library by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

More Booklists 

• 25+ Best Beginner Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
• Must-Read Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds
• 125+ Best Chapter Books for Boys Ages 6-18
• 125+ Best Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6-18
• 25+ Fantastic Family Read Alouds
• 50 Best Books for Third Graders
• 50+ Best Books for 2 Year Olds

Tips on How to Find More Book Suggestions

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I may earn a commission from sales made. Thank you! 

I’m constantly searching for books to add to my children’s reading lists. Here are a few things I do to keep the book recommendations flowing:

1. Keep a running list of your favorite, trustworthy authors. Oftentimes, they will have multiple books or series that you can draw from in the future. 
2. Get hold of booklists from trustworthy sources. You can find them online (like this one), in the curriculum packs, or in books like the Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp.
3. Use the Amazon suggestions tab under the books that you buy. Sometimes you can find similar books that would be just as good. Goodreads also makes recommendations that can be helpful as well. (Be sure to read reviews and dig a little deeper before purchasing from an unfamiliar source.)
4. Collaborate with friends and family with similar values. If you ask around, you are sure to get new book ideas to add to your list.