Books For First Graders
Enter the world of first-grade learning with our selection of captivating books. Our roundup features engaging stories that cater to young readers, fostering a love for reading while enhancing their developmental skills. Discover the perfect books to inspire your little one's imagination and help them soar through first grade.
As an Amazon Associate we earn through qualifying purchases
Reviews
Complete First Grade Collection: Junie B. Jones Paperback Books
Junie B. Jones: A heartwarming and comical first grade collection that follows the life of an adorable and honest six-year-old girl named Junie B. Jones.
This collection contains a variety of adventures where Junie learns about friendship, challenges, and life lessons. Barbara Park, the author, has done a fantastic job in creating an endearing character that children can relate to and learn from.
The paperback format is suitable for both young readers and adults who enjoy a good laugh and a light-hearted read. The books are perfect for first graders and make an excellent gift for any young reader looking to broaden their reading horizons. The collection is highly praised by a variety of prestigious authors and has received excellent feedback from its fans, boasting a 4.9-star rating based on 38 reviews.
The Bestselling Children's Book: The Bad Seed
The Bad Seed" is a delightful story about a mischievous little seed with a bad reputation. It's authored by the New York Times bestselling author, Jory John, and beautifully illustrated by Pete Oswald.
The book is perfect for children and adults alike, as it teaches valuable lessons about willpower, acceptance, and the transformative power of self-awareness. It's a charming read with bold, expressive illustrations that make it an immediate favorite among young readers. With a 4.8 rating and over 26 positive reviews, "The Bad Seed" is not only an Amazon Best Children's Book of the Month, but also Amazon Prime's Most Read Title of 2019.
Elephant in the Garden: An Inspiring Tale of Friendship and Survival
An Elephant in the Garden turned out to be a fantastic, heartwarming read for my family and me. The story of Lizzie, Karl, and their mother, all zoo keepers, was a captivating tale of love, friendship, and survival during World War II. The family is tasked with saving an orphaned elephant, Marlene, from destruction, and they ultimately manage to bring her home.
This book, inspired by historical truths and Michael Morpurgo's admiration for elephants, is a beautiful story about kindness, love, and compassion. The family's journey, along with their new elephant, through the bombings of their city is a gripping and emotional journey.
One of the highlights of the book is the family's unexpected encounter with Peter, a Canadian navigator who risks his own freedom to save them. It's a story filled with courage, uncertainty, and determination, all set against the backdrop of a World War II landscape.
However, there were a few challenges for me while reading the book. I found the pacing to be a bit slow at times, making it a bit more of a leisurely read than I had anticipated. Additionally, I felt that some elements of the story were repetitive, which slightly detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Despite these few minor drawbacks, I highly recommend An Elephant in the Garden as a heartwarming and inspiring read for all ages. The story delivers a powerful message about the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of love and compassion even in the darkest of times.
Pencils On Strike: A Hilarious Read-Aloud Book for First Graders
I recently picked up a hilarious, rhyming, read-aloud book for early readers called "Pencils On Strike. " It's a fantastic addition to my child's library, especially for the first day of school. The story takes a playful approach to teaching kids the importance of kindness towards all things, especially the often-forgotten classroom pencils.
What made this book stand out for me was the engaging rhyme scheme and the charming illustrations. I loved how the pencils, the unsung heroes of the classroom, got their moment in the spotlight. The story also emphasized teamwork and the power of working together - an essential lesson for kids to learn.
However, there's a minor downside to this book. The language might be a bit too advanced for some preschoolers. But overall, I think "Pencils On Strike" is a delightful read that's sure to bring smiles and laughter to children and parents alike. It's perfect for bedtime or as a fun treat for your favorite teacher.
Lakeshore Classroom Library: Level I First Grade Books Collection
Dive into a world of reading with Lakeshore's Leveled Books Classroom Library. This comprehensive solution offers a range of carefully chosen books, specifically crafted for first-grade level learners. The collection of 16 bins, each filled with 5 books, is designed to make guided and independent reading an enjoyable experience for students.
The books in this set are meticulously leveled using Fountas & Pinnell's system, ensuring that every student receives the perfect level of challenge for their reading abilities. With a complete library set, you'll also receive book stickers, bin labels, reproducible activities, and a guide to help you make the most of this valuable resource.
For those who prefer a smaller start, there's even a Book Bin set and a Books Only set available, each offering five books to kick off your student's reading adventure. Although some may find the price a bit steep, the convenience and support this collection provides can prove priceless for non-teachers navigating remote learning.
Overall, the Leveled Books Classroom Library by Lakeshore provides an essential tool for first-grade students to develop a love for reading and improve their reading skills, making it a valuable addition to any classroom or home learning environment.
Children's Learn to Read Set: First Grade Books & Reading Strategies
Ever heard that practice makes perfect? This series of 60 stapled booklets is just the perfect step-by-step companion for your little ones in their early reading journey. With 15 titles each in levels A, B, C, and D, these books are like building blocks in the foundations of reading.
Designed by experienced reading specialists, the booklets are black and white, attracting the kids' attention to the print—just like a teacher would. These books aren't just black and white, but they also come in a convenient size of 4 1/2" by 5 1/2", making it easy for little hands to handle these booklets.
Just like a teacher's choice, this set has got it all. The books work their way up gradually, correlating with the Guided Reading Levels, catering to the needs of preschoolers, kindergarteners, first graders, or those seeking remediation. It's no wonder this series has earned the Teachers' Choice award, making it the new buy's choice for kids' first-grade reading.
This lot could be the missing piece to kickstarting your child's reading adventure. After all, children do learn to read in steps and with time, and these books are just the tools they need.
Lakeshore Nonfiction Leveled Books for 1st Grade Classroom Library
Introducing the Lakeshore Nonfiction Leveled Books Classroom Library, a fantastic choice for Grade 1 students looking to improve their reading fluency and comprehension of nonfiction texts. The library features high-interest topics, captivating full-color photographs, and accessible text for every reading level, making it an ideal addition to your classroom collection.
The books are meticulously leveled according to Fountas and Pinnell's system, allowing for effortless differentiated instruction and catering to the needs of each individual student. The complete library consists of 16 bins, each containing 5 books, 60 book stickers, a bin label, a reproducible activity, and a guide. The book bin set offers a single bin, 5 books, 60 book stickers, a bin label, a reproducible activity, and a guide. You can also opt for the books-only set, which includes 5 books.
While these books may evoke nostalgia from some teachers, others might find them outdated and lacking in representation for inner-city students. The publishing dates for some books can be traced back to the 1990s, and the pictures may not be as engaging as one might expect. Overall, the Lakeshore Nonfiction Leveled Books Classroom Library can be an asset to your classroom, but it is essential to consider the age range and diversity of your students before making a purchase.
The Best Seat in First Grade: A Must-Read Book for Young Learners
The Best Seat in First Grade is a charming, relatable story that will touch the hearts of young learners and their loved ones. In this captivating tale, we follow Sam on his first day of first grade.
He's eager to share his exciting news with his classmates, but not everyone is convinced by his story. With the gentle and heartwarming touch of its authors and illustrators, this book invites young readers to explore their emotions and reflections on their own experiences. Perfect for those taking their first steps into reading, it's a delightful choice for any first grader.
First Grade Fun: Back to School Crayons
The Crayons Go Back to School is a whimsical tale that brings the quirky characters from the New York Times bestselling book, The Day The Crayons Quit, back for another delightful adventure. Each crayon eagerly anticipates their favorite school subject while also making new friends. The highlight of their day? You guessed it - art class! This small hardcover gem is perfect for first-grade readers, providing a lighthearted story to kick off the school year.
While the book is visually appealing, some readers may feel disappointed by its shorter length compared to the original series. A few have criticized the lack of substance and storytelling, which took away from the enchantment they experienced in the first book. Nevertheless, The Crayons Go Back to School still offers a charming read that fans of the series and young readers will enjoy.
First Grade Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide for First Graders [Book]
How to Start First Grade is an enjoyable and engaging book for first graders. The format of the book is conveniently available as an ebook, allowing for easy access and portability. With a rental duration lasting a lifetime, readers can revisit the story as often as they wish. The book's authors, Catherine A. Hapka, Ellen Titlebaum, and Ellen Vandenberg, work together to create a lighthearted tale that tackles the subject of self-confidence and friendship.
The story follows Steve, a young student starting his first grade year, experiencing a mix of excitement and anxiety when a new student, Hannah, joins their class. Steve's attempts to impress Hannah with exaggerated tales ultimately land him in trouble, providing a relatable and humorous lesson about self-confidence and the importance of true friendship.
This book serves as a perfect continuation to an earlier Step 2 reader, How to Start Kindergarten, making it an excellent choice for any child preparing to return to school. Emergent readers will find this series relatable, and as they continue to grow, they can explore other adventures involving the zany antics of Steve and his brother, Will, in the Step 3 books.
Step 2 readers are designed for young readers with basic vocabulary and short sentences, crafting simple yet entertaining stories that are perfect for children who can sound out new words with help. As a whole, How to Start First Grade is a delightful addition to any child's library and a wonderful way to kick off the first grade year.
First Grade Stinks!: Back-to-School Adventures in Humorous Verse
First Grade Stinks! " is a humorous, relatable book aimed at rising first graders and young children navigating new experiences. It follows the story of Hayley, a first-grader who initially finds school challenging and less enjoyable than kindergarten. The book is part of esteemed lists like Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year and the Alaska Association of School Librarians' Battle of the Books (Grades K-2), among others.
Readers will likely connect with Hayley's feelings of apprehension and excitement as she embarks on her first day of a new school year. The English language book, with a Lexile Reading Level of 490, is published by an author who understands the joys and struggles children can face during their academic journey.
Junie B. Jones First Boxed Set: Funny Stories for Kids
I recently came across the Junie B. Jones First Boxed Set, and I was eager to see how it held up to the hype it's received. As an avid reader, I couldn't wait to dive in and experience the tale of Junie B. and her wild antics. From the moment I opened the box, I was greeted by a charming, compact collection of the first four books in Junie B. 's series.
What stood out to me immediately was the colorful cover art and the inviting font that made me want to dive in and start reading. The books themselves were smaller in size, which I found perfect for young readers who might be intimidated by larger chapter books. The larger print also made reading a breeze and enhanced the overall reading experience.
Junie B. 's curiosity and love for mischief were palpable in each of the stories, and it was heartwarming to see her grow and learn throughout the pages. The books are filled with humor that appeals to both children and adults alike, making it a delightful read-aloud experience.
However, there were a few negative aspects to the experience as well. The language used by Junie B. can be seen as offensive by some, and I found myself editing certain words as I read to my younger siblings. While her mischievous nature can be endearing, at times it came across as mean-spirited and could teach children the wrong values.
Overall, the Junie B. Jones First Boxed Set is a great collection of entertaining and engaging stories for young readers. The series truly captures the imagination of its readers and makes for a memorable reading experience. Although the language used in some instances can be off-putting, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making it a worthwhile addition to any young reader's library.
Buyer's Guide
When it comes to purchasing books for first graders, there are several key features and considerations to keep in mind. This buyer's guide will provide general advice and information to help you make an informed decision when selecting books for your child's reading enjoyment and educational growth.
Importance of Reading to First Graders
Reading to first graders is essential for building their language, literacy, and comprehension skills. Exposure to a variety of books at this age can lead to a lifelong love of reading and learning. Choosing age-appropriate books with engaging stories and colorful illustrations can help hold their interest and make the reading experience more enjoyable.
Selection of Themes and Subjects
When choosing books for first graders, consider their interests and areas of curiosity. Some popular subjects and themes for this age group include animals, nature, science, family, and friendship. However, do not limit yourself to these topics, as exploring a wide range of themes can also help expand their knowledge and imagination.
Ease of Reading and Comprehension
Selecting books with age-appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure is crucial for first graders. Look for books with simple language, clear illustrations, and short, manageable chapters that will help build their reading confidence and comprehension skills. Additionally, consider including books with repetitive text, as this can reinforce essential reading concepts and make the learning process more enjoyable.
Diversity and Representation
Inclusive and diverse books can help promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance among young readers. Try to select books that feature different cultures, races, and backgrounds to encourage the development of an open-minded, inclusive mindset. Additionally, consider including books that showcase strong female characters and non-stereotypical roles to combat gender bias and promote gender equality.
FAQ
What are the best books for first graders?
There are several books that are excellent for first graders. Some suggestions include "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, and "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. These books have engaging storytelling and appealing illustrations that capture young readers' attention.
They are also appropriate for first graders' reading level and are known for helping children develop reading skills and fostering a love for reading. Consider reading these books to your child or helping them start a personal library of their own to enhance their reading experience and growth in the first grade.
Should I choose board books or picture books for a first grader?
Both board books and picture books are great choices for first graders. Board books are sturdy, making them a good option for younger children who may be prone to dropping or throwing the book. They are also usually small in size, which is convenient for small hands to hold and explore. Picture books, on the other hand, are more extensive and suitable for children who have already taken an interest in longer narrative formats.
Board books generally contain shorter texts and more illustrations, making them easier for beginners to read and understand. As a first grader grows more confident in their reading skills, they can graduate to picture books, which provide more depth in storytelling and world-building. Ultimately, the choice depends on your child's specific needs and preferences. It's essential to have a mix of both types of books to cater to varying interests and reading levels.
How many books should a first grader have?
There is no concrete number of books that a first grader should have, as individual preferences and interests can differ. However, it's essential to build a varied library that covers various themes, genres, and subjects to promote engagement and foster a love for reading. Starting with a few well-loved books and gradually expanding their collection can help first graders develop a lifelong habit of reading.
Teachers, librarians, and parents often recommend having around 10-20 books at first, but you should adjust the quantity based on your child's appetite for reading. Remember that owning fewer books is not as important as having high-quality books that your child enjoys and regularly engages with. Building a strong relationship with an adult like a teacher or librarian who can recommend age-appropriate books is also essential for a child's reading journey.
What are some popular books by Dr. Seuss?
Dr. Seuss is a highly popular children's book author, with many beloved books in his collection. Some popular books by Dr. Seuss include "Green Eggs and Ham, " "Oh, The Places You'll Go! " "How the Grinch Stole Christmas! ", "The Lorax, " and "The Cat in the Hat. " These books are well-known for their imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and whimsical illustrations, which make them appealing to both children and adults.
Dr. Seuss's books are known for teaching valuable life lessons, such as the importance of accepting change, embracing new experiences, and fostering empathy. Consider introducing your first grader to these classic books, as they can be instrumental in nurturing their reading skills and inspiring their imaginations.
Are there any books that focus on social-emotional learning for first graders?
Yes, there are many books that address social-emotional learning for first graders, which helps them develop essential skills like empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution. Some notable examples include "The Color Monster" by Anna Llenas and "I'm Sorry" by Polly Dunbar. These books explore emotions and provide opportunities for conversation about feelings and how to navigate social situations.
Incorporating books like these into a first grader's reading routine can support their emotional understanding and help them feel more comfortable discussing complex emotions with adults. These books also encourage open communication and promote an environment of understanding and acceptance in the home and classroom.
Can picture books teach children about diversity and multi-culturalism?
Yes, picture books are an excellent way to introduce children to diverse themes and the importance of multi-culturalism. Many picture books focus on celebrating differences and promoting empathy, understanding, and acceptance in various communities. Some examples include "Mommy! Mommy! " by Kathryn C. Abbott, "The Sandwich Swap" by Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña. By engaging with these books, children can gain valuable insights into different cultures and ways of life, promoting open-mindedness and compassion.
Choosing books that incorporate diverse themes is not only essential in supporting children's understanding of the world but also helps them develop a sense of empathy and acceptance for people from different backgrounds. Making reading about diversity a regular habit can foster a lifelong appreciation for and understanding of other cultures.
As an Amazon Associate we earn through qualifying purchases
