The ultimate list of early readers and books for teachers to read aloud to students, helping them decode words and read on their own. Books for new readers can be boring but the books for 1st graders on this list are actually funny, delightful, surprising, and 100% enjoyable. Looking for 1st Grade Reading books by book level? Grab our FREE pdf printable list with over 100 First Grade Books for kids to read! From picture books to short, single-chapter books, first graders need a range of books to suit their growing reading abilities.
The right books can make all the difference, helping build confidence while keeping reading fun and exciting. This list includes 20 of the best books for first graders who are just beginning their reading journey. Check out our favorite books for 1st graders that are recommended by our panel of children's book experts to enthrall, teach, and inspire your child.
Best Books for First-Graders Last updated: August 21, 2025 Whether you're looking for books your early readers can devour on their own or fun read-aloud stories, you'll find a great mix of classics and recent titles in a variety of genres on our list, including fantasy, adventure, humor, mystery, poetry, science, and sci-fi, as well as family and animal tales. And they're all kid. Wondering which 1st grade books you should add to your classroom library? Look no further! We have a list of 70 that are teacher (and student) approved! Best Books for 1st Graders Discover the best books for 1st graders! This curated list features engaging stories that will captivate young readers and ignite their imagination, making reading a fun adventure.
Picking out new first grade books to add to your classroom library is such fun. Of course you have your favorite standby titles, but keeping your library feeling fresh and aligned to your students' needs is important for supporting them as readers. If you're in the market for new books, here are 60 recent titles we recommend for first grade.