Books For First Graders To Read: 6 Books That Every Child Will Enjoy!
Wondering how to find books your first grader will actually enjoy and want to read?
Incorporating great books into your first grader's reading routine can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what exactly to pick. But don't worry, I'm here to help you find stories that your child will love and that will support their growing reading skills!
Are you new here? Welcome! I’m Miss Beth, the founder of Big City Readers—a different kind of early childhood development. I believe children need flexibility and fun to engage and grow as readers. Not all kids learn from sitting at a desk, and my job as an educator is to find the best solution for every child. I use the 5 building blocks of early literacy: read, write, sing, talk, and play, along with the Orton-Gillingham method, which taps into the three learning pathways—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
Let's talk about why first grade is such a special year for reading growth and how to choose the perfect books for your first grader!
First Grade Is A Transition In Learning! Here's Why It's So Special…
First grade is an exciting milestone in your child's reading journey! At this age, kids are shifting from just recognizing letters and sounds to actually reading words, sentences, and even short stories on their own.
This transition means they're becoming more independent readers who can understand simple storylines, explore new vocabulary words, and begin to read with greater confidence. Their curiosity about the world around them is growing rapidly, making this stage ideal for introducing books that match their interests and encourage exploration.
As a parent, it's amazing—and sometimes surprising—to see how quickly your child's skills develop during first grade. The right books can support this growth by keeping them interested and motivated.
What To Look For In Books For First Graders
Before we dive into specific book recommendations, let's talk about what makes a great book for a first-grader. At this age, it's important to pick stories that match their reading abilities while also capturing their imagination. Here are some key things to consider:
Length Matters: Choose books that aren't too long or overwhelming. Short chapters or stories that can be read in one sitting help maintain attention and build confidence.
Engaging Themes: First graders often love stories about friendship, adventure, animals, humor, or relatable everyday experiences. Finding topics they care about makes reading feel fun rather than homework.
Age-Appropriate Content: Look for books with simple sentences and familiar vocabulary that match their current reading level. Early readers or beginner chapter books with clear text are ideal at this stage.
Tone + Mood: Choose books with positive messages and gentle humor. Stories should be engaging enough to hold interest but calming enough for bedtime or quiet reading time.
Re-Readability: Great books for first graders are ones they'll want to revisit again and again. Familiarity helps build fluency and confidence as they become more independent readers.
First Grade Reading Checklist: Is Your Child On Track?
First grade is a crucial year for your child's reading development. It's when foundational skills really start to take root. If your child isn't confidently reading grade-level books, it could be a sign they may need some extra support. Here's a quick checklist you can use to see how they're doing:
First Grade Reading Skills Checklist:
Recognizes and reads common sight words (like "the," "and," "you," "said")
Sounds out simple words (such as "cat," "run," "hop")
Reads simple sentences smoothly without frequent pauses
Understands basic punctuation (periods, question marks, exclamation points)
Retells stories in their own words, showing comprehension of beginning, middle, and end
Answers simple questions about what they've read ("Who is the story about?", "What happened next?")
Shows interest in reading independently and choosing books on their own
If your child struggles with several of these skills or isn't confidently reading first-grade-level books, consider reaching out to their teacher or a reading specialist for guidance. Early support can make a big difference!
6 Books For First Graders:
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
When Mercy, the lovable pig, accidentally causes her family's bed to crash through the floor, her quest for buttery toast turns into an unexpected rescue mission. This hilarious tale proves that sometimes, even a hungry pig can save the day!
Magic Tree House (Books 1-4) by Mary Pope Osborne
Jack and Annie discover a magical tree house that transports them through time and space, taking them on adventures from dinosaurs to pirates. Each exciting journey teaches them teamwork, courage, and a little history along the way.
The Princess In Black by Shannon Hale
Princess Magnolia seems like your typical princess—but she secretly transforms into the brave Princess in Black to fight monsters and save her kingdom! This delightful story shows readers that bravery and strength can come in all forms (and outfits!).
We Are in a Book!- An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems
Elephant Gerald and his best friend Piggie suddenly realize they're characters inside a book—and hilarity ensues! This clever story invites readers directly into the fun, making it impossible not to laugh along.
Narwhal And Jelly Series (Books 1-4) by Ben Clanton
Narwhal is a cheerful narwhal who loves waffles and adventure, while Jelly is his cautious jellyfish pal. Together, they explore friendship, fun, and ocean life through silly antics and heartwarming lessons.
Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
Buzz is looking for the perfect pet for the Amazing Pet Show when he meets Fly Guy—a fly who can say his name! This funny story kicks off an unlikely friendship filled with silly adventures and lots of laughs.
How To Encourage Your First Grader To Read
Helping your child become an enthusiastic reader doesn't have to feel overwhelming! Here are some simple ways you can encourage your first grader's love of reading:
Read Together Regularly: Make storytime part of your daily routine—even just a few minutes each day can make a big difference.
Let Them Choose: Allowing your child to pick some of their own books gives them ownership over their reading experience.
Celebrate Small Wins: Praise their efforts when they finish a page or chapter; it builds confidence!
Make Reading Fun: Create cozy spaces or special routines around reading time so it feels enjoyable rather than stressful.
Be A Role Model: Let your child see you enjoying books too—it shows them that reading matters at every age.
First Grade Is A Crucial Time In Learning. Let’s Make Sure They Have All The Essentials Mastered!
Supporting your child's growth as a reader, and overall student doesn’t happen overnight! With a focus on strengthening reading, writing, and math skills, our First Grade Bootcamp will help your child build confidence and be fully prepared to take on the challenges of first grade.
Big City Readers First Grade Bootcamp
If you’re looking to ensure your child has mastered all the milestones of first grade, this course includes 20 guided video lessons with Miss Beth, featuring guided lessons on building sentences, blending and counting sounds, understanding heart words, and more! Each lesson is about 15 minutes.
Choosing The Right Books For First Graders Is Key To Their Learning Success!
Picking the right books isn't just about matching words on a page—it's about igniting curiosity and excitement in young readers. When children enjoy what they're reading, they're more likely to develop strong literacy skills and a lifelong passion for learning.
By carefully selecting engaging stories tailored specifically for first graders' interests and abilities, you set them up for success both academically and personally.
Let's work together to make this important stage of their learning journey rewarding—and fun—for everyone involved!
Do you have questions about choosing great books for your first grader? Let me know in the comments below! And to keep up with the latest childhood development strategies, check out my latest posts:
