Complete list of books needed for the second grade homeschool curriculum
Complete list of books for the second grade homeschool curriculum
This comprehensive book list includes all the literature and reference materials needed for our second grade homeschool curriculum. Books are organized by quarter, with information about when they are used, what subject they support, and direct links to purchase them if needed.
We recommend accessing these books through your local library when possible. Many can also be found as e-books or audiobooks through services like Libby, Hoopla, or Epic! If purchasing, consider used book options to save on cost.
Note: The CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) and CKSci (Core Knowledge Science) materials can be downloaded for free from the Core Knowledge Foundation website at coreknowledge.org.
by Barbara Lehn
Introduces the basic principles of scientific inquiry and what scientists do, making it an ideal launching point for the year's science curriculum.
by Andi Diehn
Provides a child-friendly introduction to physical science concepts like states of matter, properties, and how materials interact.
by Joan Sweeney
Introduces mapping concepts from a child's bedroom to the whole world, building spatial awareness and geography skills.
by Scot Ritchie
Follows five friends who search for their missing pets using different types of maps, teaching map reading skills.
by Lonely Planet Kids
Explores different types of homes around the world, connecting to the study of community types.
by Ed Young
A Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood that allows for comparing and contrasting cultural versions of traditional tales.
by Anne Isaacs
A tall tale featuring a female hero with extraordinary strength and abilities, perfect for the study of American folklore.
by Kelly DiPucchio
A story about a girl who decides to run for class president, introducing concepts of elections and leadership.
by Ruby Shamir
A non-fiction book that explains the election process and the importance of voting in a kid-friendly way.
by Lynne Cherry
A story about rainforest conservation that introduces environmental stewardship while supporting opinion writing.
Core Knowledge Foundation
Includes fairy tales and tall tales like "The Fisherman and His Wife," "The Emperor's New Clothes," "Beauty and the Beast," "Paul Bunyan," and "Pecos Bill." These materials can be downloaded for free from the Core Knowledge Foundation website.
by Marjorie Flack
A classic story about a duck on the Yangtze River in China, which complements the study of Ancient China.
by Mark Reibstein
Introduces the Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection, complementing the study of Ancient Japan.
by Mary Pope Osborne
A Magic Tree House adventure that transports readers to Ancient Greece, ideal for the Ancient Greece unit.
by Ingri & Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
A beautifully illustrated collection of Greek myths, perfect for the mythology unit.
by Kate Messner
Explores how animals survive winter, supporting the study of seasonal cycles and animal adaptations.
by Judith Viorst
A story about a boy who spends all his money, perfect for introducing money concepts.
Core Knowledge Foundation
Includes materials on Early Asian Civilizations, Ancient Greece, Greek Myths, and Cycles in Nature. These materials can be downloaded for free from the Core Knowledge Foundation website.
by Peter Spier
Illustrates the national anthem with historical context about the War of 1812 and the writing of the song.
by David A. Adler
An accessible biography of the explorers who mapped the Louisiana Purchase territory.
by David A. Adler
A biography of America's first president, focusing on his leadership qualities.
by David A. Adler
An accessible biography of the 16th president, highlighting his honesty and role in preserving the Union.
by Doreen Rappaport
A biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that highlights his message of equality and peace.
by Ross Burach
A humorous story about metamorphosis that supports the insect life cycle unit.
by Joanna Cole
A science adventure that introduces basic body systems in an engaging format.
Core Knowledge Foundation
Includes materials on the War of 1812, Westward Expansion, Insects, and Human Body Systems. These materials can be downloaded for free from the Core Knowledge Foundation website.
by Patricia Polacco
A powerful story about two young Civil War soldiers - one white, one Black - that humanizes the conflict.
by Gail Gibbons
Clearly explains the plant life cycle from seed to mature plant, supporting the life cycles unit.
by Joyce Sidman
Combines art, science, and history in a biography of Maria Merian, one of the first scientists to document the butterfly life cycle.
by Bruce McMillan
Uses food to introduce fraction concepts like halves, thirds, and fourths in a concrete way.
by Gail Gibbons
Clearly explains the water cycle with detailed illustrations and accessible text.
by Barbara Shaw McKinney
Follows a drop of water through the water cycle, connecting to the Earth's systems unit.
by Dr. Seuss
A classic environmental fable about the importance of conservation and responsible resource use.
by Jess French
An informative book about waste and recycling, supporting the conservation unit.
by Carole Lindstrom
A beautifully illustrated call to environmental action based on Indigenous values.
Core Knowledge Foundation
Includes materials on the U.S. Civil War and Earth's Systems. These materials can be downloaded for free from the Core Knowledge Foundation website.
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