What's on your reading list? If you have a young reader, choosing the right books to ignite their excitement and encourage reading fluency is one of the best gifts a parent can offer.
There are hundreds of incredible books for grade schoolers, but these are among the best books for first graders to help them fall in love with reading.
Year published: 1938
The 1939 Newbery honor winner "Mr. Popper's Penguins" is a classic. It has aged remarkably well, with timeless morals articulated in a way that young readers can relate to. Mr. Popper is a house painter who dreams of adventure. After he writes to a famous explorer, a penguin appears on his doorstep. One penguin turns into nine, and Mr. Popper takes his unlikely zoo family on the road to earn extra money.
The language is dated, but the messages and humor are not. Most first and second graders can read it on their own, but this tale offers parents an opportunity to discuss evolving family roles, too.
Year published: 1944
"The Hundred Dresses" is equal parts moving and relatable. It's a departure from the lighthearted, humorous take that's popular in modern-day children's books, instead imparting a valuable, poignant lesson about acceptance and community.
A little Polish girl named Wanda begins attending a new school in Connecticut. Her classmates tease her about her unfamiliar last name and plain blue dress. Wanda claims to have 100 dresses at home, but no one believes her. When a dress design contest takes place at school, she submits 100 stunning sketches. By the time her classmates realize she was telling the truth, Wanda has already moved to a different school to escape the discrimination. The beautiful illustrations are enticing to first graders, and the message of tolerance and respect is more relevant than ever.
Year published: 1957
Dr. Seuss's track record with cultural and racial sensitivity isn't great, but his books were also published nearly a century ago. And most of them are easy-to-read gateway books that help first graders practice their skills and build fluency. "The Cat in the Hat's" sing-songy rhyme scheme is predictable and catchy, making it a breeze to read.
The cat's antics are entertaining, and the story has several teachable moments if you look for them. Be wary of strangers, look on the bright side, and be honest.
Year published: 1970
The beloved amphibious duo Frog and Toad impart funny, heart-warming messages about friendship, adventure and life in general. Their trials and tribulations are perfectly ordinary, like feeling embarrassed wearing a swimsuit or not wanting to wake up from hibernation in the spring. The two friends accept and support each other, even when one or the other is being a nuisance.
Plus, the book won a Caldecott medal in 1971, and it's well-deserved.
Year published: 1987
Pretty much all '90s kids grew up reading "Henry and Mudge," and in our opinion, it's a great read for any first grader. The realism is refreshing, and kids will relate to the adventures and companionship of young Henry and his beloved dog, Mudge.
At first, Henry is lonely. He's an only child with no friends nearby, and Mudge becomes his partner in crime. They make plenty of messes, get into trouble and eventually find the friends they've both been longing for. If the first one is a hit with your kiddo, there are 27 more in the series to binge-read.