STEM Books for 2nd Graders
We’re committed to helping every child discover the joy of reading through stories they love. Explore STEM children’s books perfect for 2nd graders ages 6-7. These innovative picture books feature inventions, engineering challenges, and problem-solving adventures that inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Magnet Magic!
Rin discovers a mysterious black block in her brother’s desk drawer that makes objects stick to it! She tests it on everything around her—pens, staplers, rulers, and even the family cat. What is this magical object, and why does it only work on some things? Join Rin on her exciting journey of discovery!
Extra! Extra!
Tip is excited to start his own blog about village jobs! He visits different craftspeople to learn how they work—from the stone mason building walls to the farmer planting seeds. What will Tip discover about all the amazing skills in his village? Join him on his journey to uncover the secrets of village work!
Ned Lights the Way
Ned discovers a mysterious book that guides him on an exciting adventure! With its helpful instructions, Ned crafts tools, explores dark caves, and uncovers special treasures. But what will Ned do with his newfound discoveries? Join Ned as he learns to solve problems and face unexpected challenges in this thrilling tale of courage and discovery.
Don't Fall, Ned!
Ned has a big idea after a tumble from a tree—he wants to build a tower so tall he can see the whole world! With help from The Book, Ned learns to use tools and resources to make his dream come true. Will his amazing tower be strong enough? What incredible sights will he discover from way up high?
Jill Has a Go
Jill has been mining and now she has too much stone! Dr Can Do has a special bin that can help, but the line is so long. Jill decides to try something brave - she wants to build her very own bin! With a little help, she gathers everything she needs. But wait… something isn’t working right. Can Jill figure out what’s wrong and fix it all by herself?
Ned Digs and Digs
Ned discovers an exciting new tool—a shovel—and heads to the beach to try it out! He digs and digs, making bigger and bigger holes in the sand and dirt. But when Ned hits something hard and mysterious, his shovel won’t work anymore. What could it be, and will Ned find a way to keep digging?
Ned Makes Fuel
Ned needs more fuel for his furnace, but chopping down trees isn’t the answer. With help from his magic book, Ned discovers he can grow his own forest! But how can he make saplings grow fast enough? Join Ned as he learns the secrets of farming, crafting, and sustainability—and discovers that nature can work faster than he ever imagined!
Super Shooter Ned
Ned learns to make a special bow with help from The Book, but when bad things attack, his shots keep missing! Will Ned figure out how to become a better archer in time to protect himself? Join Ned on an exciting journey of practice, determination, and discovering that skill takes patience to master.
A Big Pot
Join a young farmer on an exciting adventure as they plant seeds, nurture crops, and care for farm animals. From digging in the soil to protecting plants from hungry birds and curious cows, there’s so much work to do! But what delicious meal will all this hard work create? Discover the joy of growing your own food on the farm!
Archie Can Invent!
Meet Archie, a curious inventor who loves creating amazing things! From helper bots that can prepare snacks to a magical pen that draws on its own, Archie dreams up inventions to make life easier and more fun. What incredible creations will Archie dream up next, and will his inventions work the way he hopes?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do STEM books help 2nd graders develop both reading and thinking skills?
STEM books for 2nd graders introduce specialized vocabulary, informational text structures, and logical reasoning within engaging narratives, building reading comprehension and analytical thinking simultaneously. Snow, Burns, and Griffin (1998) emphasize that exposure to varied text types strengthens overall reading ability, and STEM-themed stories provide exactly this variety. On Bookbot, STEM picture books for second grade are leveled by phonics patterns including vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, and multi-syllable words, so children practice decoding in the context of real-world problem solving. Learn more about how decodable texts support reading growth in our article on what are decodable books.
Can STEM books engage 2nd graders who prefer hands-on activities to reading?
STEM books for 2nd grade readers feature themes like building, experimenting, and inventing that resonate with children who learn best through doing. When a child sees their real-world curiosity reflected in a book, the motivation to read increases substantially. Stanovich’s (1986) Matthew Effect research confirms that any increase in reading volume accelerates vocabulary and comprehension growth, making interest-driven topics like STEM a powerful entry point for reluctant readers. Bookbot’s STEM books for 6 year olds pair these engaging topics with phonics-based leveling, and our article on 8 ways to boost reading motivation provides further strategies.
Why is second grade a critical time for reading STEM content?
According to Chall’s Stages of Reading Development (1983), second graders are at the “confirmation and fluency” stage, consolidating decoding skills through practice with connected text. By third grade, children shift to “reading to learn,” so building familiarity with informational STEM texts during second grade prepares them for this transition. STEM picture books for second grade on Bookbot cover topics from simple engineering to basic scientific inquiry, all organized by a phonics scope and sequence that ensures the reading level matches the child’s developing skills.
Are STEM books for 2nd graders on Bookbot free?
STEM books for 2nd graders are available on the Bookbot website, with many titles free to read. The National Reading Panel (2000) found that systematic phonics instruction combined with meaningful connected reading produces the strongest outcomes, and Bookbot’s STEM books for 6 year olds deliver this combination for families to enjoy.