{"id":6302,"date":"2023-12-12T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=6302"},"modified":"2026-02-05T19:48:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T03:48:58","slug":"the-best-books-for-first-graders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/the-best-books-for-first-graders\/6302","title":{"rendered":"The Best Books for First Graders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Best Books for First Graders<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

30 fun and engaging books, from humorous to educational, hand-picked for your first grader!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Table of Contents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Adventure Books <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poetry and Rhyming Books <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picture Books <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humorous Books <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Educational Books <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books Celebrating Diversity<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books by Authors of Color<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books on Social and Emotional Learning<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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30 of the Best Books for First Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First grade is an exciting time for young readers as they build confidence, expand their vocabulary, and work on decoding new words<\/a>! Whether they\u2019re reading on their own, with a parent, or as a class<\/strong>, the right books can make learning even more fun. This list of 30 must-read books<\/strong> for first graders includes a mix of funny stories, heartwarming tales, and engaging early readers<\/strong>. Pair them with our engaging reading activities for first graders<\/a>. When your reader is ready for a challenge, incorporate our list of Best Books for Second Graders <\/a>into your weekly routine. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Best Adventure Books for 1st Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. The World Belonged to Us<\/a><\/strong> by Jacqueline Woodson<\/em>
    This book is a heartfelt tale of friendship and adventure that teaches children the importance of loyalty and trust.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Where the Wild Things Are<\/a> <\/strong>by Maurice Sendak<\/em>
      A timeless classic that allows children to explore their emotions and understand that it’s okay to feel different things.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Spy Force Kids To the Rescue<\/strong><\/a> by ABCmouse<\/em>
        Join Mandi, Carlos, and Lacie as they set out on super secret missions as part of the Junior Spy Force.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        1. The Gruffalo<\/a> <\/strong>by<\/em> <\/strong>Julia Donaldson<\/em>
          This delightful story captivates young readers with its clever mouse protagonist, teaching them the power of wit and bravery.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Best Poetry and Rhyming Books for 1st Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          1. Blue Sky White Stars<\/a><\/strong> by Sarvinder Naberhaus<\/em>
            A poetic celebration of America, this book instills a sense of national pride and unity, using the flag as a powerful symbol.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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            1. Nothing Rhymes With Orange<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>by Adam Rex<\/em>
              Orange wants to join the fruit parade and sing a rhyming verse about himself like all the other fruits. Can the other fruits find a way to help him fit into the song?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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              1. The New Kid on the Block<\/a><\/strong> by Jack Prelutsky<\/em>
                This collection of humorous and thought-provoking poems encourages children to appreciate the beauty and fun of language.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                1. A Page a Day<\/a><\/strong> by ABCmouse<\/em>
                  In this rhyming book a mom gives her son a \u201cpage a day\u201d journal to document his life one adventure at a time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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                  Best Picture Books for 1st Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                  1. The Book Hog<\/a> <\/strong>by Greg Pizzoli<\/em>
                    This charming story tells of a hog who loves books but can’t read, eventually discovering the joy and empowerment that comes from reading.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                    1. Last Stop on Market Street<\/a> <\/strong>by Matt de la Pe\u00f1a<\/em>
                      This book takes children on a bus ride through a diverse community, teaching them about the beauty in everyday life and the value of giving back.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                      1. All About Penguins<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>by ABCmouse<\/em>
                        Learn all about the exciting world of penguins through vibrant pictures and easy to read captions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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                        1. The Day the Crayons Quit<\/a> <\/strong>by Drew Daywalt<\/em>
                          Through the lens of a box of crayons, this clever book teaches children about empathy, cooperation, and the importance of listening to different perspectives.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Best Humorous Books for 1st Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                          1. Diary of a Worm<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> by Doreen Cronin<\/em>
                            This book offers a hilarious and insightful look into the daily life of a worm, teaching children about the importance of daily routines and responsibilities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                            1. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!<\/a> <\/strong>by Mo Willems<\/em>
                              This comical story serves as a lesson in setting boundaries and the importance of saying no, all while keeping children entertained.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                              1. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs<\/a> <\/strong>by Jon Scieszka:<\/em>
                                This clever retelling of a classic story encourages children to think critically, consider multiple perspectives, and question the stories they know.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                1. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Fly Guy<\/a><\/strong> by Tedd Arnold<\/em>
                                  This book blends together two popular series, Fly Guy<\/em> and There Was an Old Lady<\/em>. The result is a highly-entertaining story with pictures that can help kids decode the words.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  Best Educational Books for 1st Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                                  1. How to Clean a Hippopotamus<\/a><\/strong> by Robin Page<\/em>
                                    This book offers fascinating insights into animal behavior, making learning about the animal kingdom engaging and fun.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                    1. The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth<\/a> <\/strong>by Joanna Cole<\/em>
                                      This book takes children on a magical journey into the Earth’s geology, sparking an interest in science and the world around them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                      1. What Do You Do With an Idea<\/a> <\/strong>by Kobi Yamada<\/em>
                                        This beautifully illustrated book inspires children to believe in their ideas, teaching them the value of creativity and perseverance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                        Best Books Celebrating Diversity for 1st Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                                        1. Julian Is a Mermaid<\/a><\/strong> <\/em>by Jessica Love<\/em>
                                          This touching story encourages self-expression and acceptance, teaching children that it’s okay to be different.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                          1. All Are Welcome<\/a> <\/strong>by Alexandra Penfold<\/em>
                                            This book shows children that diversity enriches our lives and communities, teaching them the value of acceptance and inclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                            1. Max Celebrates Chinese New Year<\/strong><\/a> by Adria F. Klein<\/em>
                                              Max joins Lily and her family in their vibrant Lunar New Year festivities, complete with flowers, oranges, and delightful candies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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                                              Best Books by Authors of Color for 1st Graders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                                              1. Hair Like Mine<\/a> <\/strong>by LaTashia M. Perry<\/em>
                                                This book teaches children to appreciate and celebrate their unique features, promoting self-love and acceptance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                1. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut<\/a> <\/strong>by Derrick Barnes<\/em>
                                                  This poetic and empowering book celebrates the transformative power of a fresh haircut and the confidence it can bring.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                  1. Ada Twist, Scientist<\/a><\/strong> by Andrea Beaty<\/em>
                                                    This book encourages girls, especially those of color, to pursue their interests in STEM fields, teaching them that curiosity and perseverance are valuable traits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                    1. Imani’s Moon<\/a> <\/strong>by Janay Brown-Wood<\/em>
                                                      Folklore and fantasy combine to create this heartwarming story about a young girl with big dreams of touching the moon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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                                                      Books on Social and Emotional Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                                                      1. The Feelings Book<\/a> <\/strong>by Todd Parr<\/em>
                                                        This colorful book helps children identify and express their emotions, teaching them emotional intelligence from a young age.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                        1. Have You Filled a Bucket Today?<\/a> <\/strong>by Carol McCloud<\/em>
                                                          This book teaches the concept of kindness and its impact on others, promoting empathy and social awareness.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                          1. I Am Enough<\/a> <\/strong>by Grace Byers<\/em>
                                                            This book instills a sense of self-worth and confidence in children, teaching them the importance of self-love and acceptance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                            1. I Am Human: A Book on Empathy<\/a> <\/strong>by Susan Verde<\/em>
                                                              As children read, they’ll learn about living with kindness and compassion and the complexity of being a human. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                              See What’s Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                                                              How to Teach Phonics to First Graders<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                              Fun First Grade Sight Word Activities<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                              Fun Reading Activities for First Graders<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                              First Grade Sight Word List<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                                              <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                              Embark on a reading adventure with 30 engaging books for first graders. ABCmouse’s 1st grade reading lists features books with diverse themes from adventure to empathy, designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of reading.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":6305,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[15,21],"class_list":["post-6302","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","tag-1st-grade","tag-reading"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6302","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6302"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6302\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84301,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6302\/revisions\/84301"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6302"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6302"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}