SEL Books for 2nd Graders
We believe every child deserves access to quality reading materials that nurture a lifelong love of learning. Explore SEL children’s books perfect for 2nd graders ages 6-7. These social-emotional picture books feature feelings, self-awareness, empathy, and healthy relationships through relatable characters that support emotional growth.
I Love My Mom
Meet a little kid who loves their mom more than anything! Mom knows how to do so many amazing things - from cooking yummy lunches to growing beautiful plants and even riding bikes. Every day brings a new adventure and something new to learn together. But what special skills will this child discover along the way? And what will make Mom the proudest of all?
Sad Tune
A lonely girl sits by her window playing the saddest song on her flute. Her tears turn into musical notes that float away on the breeze, becoming raindrops that fall across the meadow below. The animals in the field hear her sorrowful tune and wonder who could be so unhappy. A curious rabbit sets off to discover the source of the heartbreaking melody. Will the creatures of the field be able to help the sad girl feel better?
All of Us
Living in a crowded house with Grandma, Pa, aunts, uncles, and a baby is driving one kid crazy! There’s no room to run, play, or make noise without getting tangled up and in trouble. All this child wants is some space to have fun with their cat. But what would happen if that wish actually came true? Would an empty house really be as wonderful as it sounds?
In My Life
Meet a child who discovers the special people and things that make life wonderful! From playing games with friends to riding bikes with grandad, from cozy stories with nan to learning about plants in the yard—there’s so much to love. What are all the amazing things that make YOUR life special?
Ned's Honey Problem
Ned loves honey so much that he eats it all day long—while working on his farm, chopping wood, and doing chores. His magical book keeps warning him that he’s eating too much, but Ned doesn’t listen. That night, Ned has a wild dream about a honey mountain. What happens when Ned tries to eat his way to the top? Find out in this sweet tale about learning when enough is enough!
No Pals
Tiger likes being alone and doesn’t want any pals. She’s fierce, powerful, and prefers peace and quiet to noisy friends. But when all the animals disappear and Tiger finds herself truly by herself, what will she discover about solitude? Join Tiger on a surprising journey about what it really means to be alone.
We All Help
Jan’s special day is coming up, and everyone in the family wants to help make it amazing! Mom is cooking, Dad is preparing decorations, and other family members are all pitching in with their own special talents. What wonderful surprise are they creating together? Read along to discover how teamwork and love make the perfect celebration!
Best Pals
What makes a best pal so special? Discover all the wonderful things best friends do together—from sharing snacks and cheering each other on, to helping when things get tough. Join this celebration of friendship and learn what it really means to have a best pal by your side.
Flip, Flop!
A little fish is tired of being a fish! He tries to stand like a rabbit, but the rabbit laughs at him. He tries to fly like a bird, but that doesn’t work either. Then a friendly cat invites him closer… but is the cat really being friendly? Just when the fish feels hopeless about finding where he belongs, he meets someone unexpected. Can a fish who doesn’t want to be a fish finally find a true friend?
Gifts For Tip
Tip is having a really tough day and feels sad. He’s staying in bed, wishing things were better. But his friends notice he’s down and want to help cheer him up. What special gifts will they bring to make Tip smile again?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do SEL books support both emotional growth and reading development in 2nd graders?
SEL books for 2nd graders help children develop self-awareness, empathy, and emotional vocabulary while simultaneously building reading fluency. Frontiers in Psychology (2022) research on narrative absorption shows that stories featuring relatable emotional situations draw readers into deeper engagement with text, which strengthens comprehension. On Bookbot, social emotional learning books for second grade are leveled by phonics patterns including digraphs, vowel teams, and r-controlled vowels, so children practice decoding while exploring feelings and relationships. For more on building strong readers, see our article on laying the foundations for a love of reading.
Why should 2nd graders read books about feelings and emotions?
Feelings books for 6 year olds give children the language to name and manage their emotions, which supports both social development and academic engagement. Snow, Burns, and Griffin (1998) emphasize that a child’s overall well-being and motivation are closely tied to reading progress, and SEL-themed stories address this connection directly. When a child reads about a character who overcomes frustration or navigates a friendship conflict, they gain strategies they can apply in their own life. Bookbot’s SEL books for 2nd grade readers are available on the website, with many titles free to read.
Can SEL books help reluctant 2nd graders connect with reading?
SEL books for 2nd graders feature characters and situations that mirror what children experience every day, such as feeling nervous about school, making new friends, or dealing with disappointment. This personal relevance can break through resistance in children who have not yet found stories that speak to them. Stanovich’s (1986) research confirms that any increase in reading volume accelerates vocabulary and comprehension growth, making it essential to find the topic that motivates each child. On Bookbot, feelings books for 6 year olds are leveled by phonics skills, and our article on reluctant readers provides additional approaches.
Are Bookbot's SEL books for 2nd graders free?
Social emotional learning books for second grade are available on the Bookbot website, with many titles free to read. Each title follows a structured phonics scope and sequence that covers the patterns second graders are mastering, from vowel teams to multi-syllable words. Ehri et al. (2001) found that systematic phonics instruction produces significant reading gains, and Bookbot’s SEL books for 2nd grade readers pair this structure with emotionally engaging content.