First Grade
Aaron series by P. D. Eastman
Aaron the alligator has all kinds of adventures in this series for beginning readers.
The Adventures of Otto by David Milgrim
Otto the robot and his animal friends entertain beginning readers in this award-winning series.
All Aboard Math series published by Grosset & Dunlop
Books in this series contain fictional stories that show the application of math concepts learned in school. RL 1-3
All Aboard Reading series published by Grosset & Dunlop
This series has three levels to help children master reading: Station Stop 1 (simple words and word repetition), Station Stop 2 (short sentences and simple plot) and Station Stop 3 (longer text and more complex plots). Both fiction and nonfiction stories are available.
All Aboard Science series published by Grosset & Dunlop
Nonfiction books that explore science topics. RL 1-4
Biscuit series by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Short stories about a darling young dog, Biscuit. A good series for beginning readers. RL 1, GRL: C-H
Carl series written by Alexandra Day
Carl, a babysitting Rottweiler, has lots fun and adventure in this beautifully illustrated series. Some of the books are available as beginning readers. RL 1
The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat
A humorous story incorporating principles of multiplication and division. GRL: H
Dick and Jane series published by Grosset & Dunlap and Penguin Young Readers
Controlled vocabulary and colorful pictures have made this series, started by William S. Gray and Zerna Sharp in 1930, a hit with children for generations. RL 1
Dixie series by Grace Gilman
Emma’s lovable dog Dixie always comes to her rescue in this delightful series for beginning readers. RL 1-2
The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems
These silly stories (sometimes with a subtle message) are a big hit with beginning readers. GRL: F-I
Flip-a-Word series by Harriet Ziefert and Yukiko Kido
A fun way to learn word families. Bright, bold illustrations.
From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
A variety of animals challenge children to move from their head to their toes. The repetitive, engaging text makes this a fun book for beginning readers. GRL: D
The Giggle Gang series by Jan Thomas
These books filled with entertaining characters, repetitive phrases, and lots of humor are a hit with beginning readers.
Go Sleep in Your Own Bed! by Candace Fleming
Repetition and fun sound and action words (“Bwaaaak! “”peckety-droop”) delight beginning readers in this bedtime story set down on the farm. GRL: J
Hello Reader! series published by Scholastic Inc.
This series has books on six different reading levels. Word by Word books have one word per page. My First Hello Reader books have very short sentences with simple words, GRL: C-F. Level 1 books have short sentences, GRL: E-F. Level Two books have longer sentences and more advanced vocabulary, GRL: G-I. Math, phonics and science series are also available.
I Can Read series published by HarperCollins
Publishes learn-to-read books on five different reading levels. My First: Shared Reading is the first level and is written for readers on a first grade level, GRL: E-I. Beginning Readings, Level 1 books are written on a first to second grade reading level, GRL: G-J.
I Hate to be Sick! by Aamir Lee Bermiss
A boy lists reasons why he hates to be sick and his dad comes up with ways to make him feel better. GRL: H
Jan Has a Doll by Janice Earl
A very short story for very beginning readers. Directions for related crafts are in the back of the book.
Joe on the Go by Peggy Perry Anderson
Everyone except Joe is having fun at the Frog family reunion. Joe wants someone to be with him but most of the other frogs think he is too fast, too slow, too big or too small. Who will go with Joe? GRL: I
Just-Right Readers series published by Scholastic
These fun stories for beginning, growing, and transitional readers are leveled by Guided Reading Levels A – I.
Lakeshore Emergent Readers series published by Lakeshore Learning Materials
These short books for very beginning readers use repetition to gradually introduce children to new sight and vocabulary words. Sets of these books are available for purchase through www.lakeshorelearning.com.
Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same by Grace Lin
This beginning chapter book peeks into the lives of twin girls Ling and Ting, showing that even identical twins are not exactly the same. Each chapter is a stand alone story. RL 1.8
Mo Jackson series by David Adler
Mo is short in stature but big into giving his all in sports. The perfect beginning reader series for young athletes! RL 1.9, GRL: J
Nellie Sue, Happy Camper by Rebecca Janni
Cowgirl Nellie Sue and her friend Anna practice camping inside then move to the great outdoors. GRL: H
Noodles series by Hans Wilhelm
Read about the adventures of this perky pup. Beginning first grade reading level.
Otis’s Busy Day by Loren Lona
Otis the tractor has a busy day on the farm. GRL: D
Pal series by R. A. Herman
Join Pal the pony on his adventures in this sweet series for beginning readers.
Pete the Cat series created by James Dean
Pete’s Big Lunch – Pete makes a very big sandwich and learns that sharing is cool. GRL: F
Play Ball! – Pete plays baseball and does his best. GRL: E
Pets to the Rescue series by Andrew Clements
True stories of dogs and cats who have rescued people. Advanced first grade reading level.
Ready-To-Read series published by Simon & Schuster
Fiction and nonfiction beginning reader books. Level 1 has simple stories, mostly on a first grade level.
Robin Hill School series by Margaret McNamara
Join Mrs. Connor and her first grade class as they solve problems and learn new things throughout the school year. GRL: G – J
Rookie Reader series published by Scholastic/Children’s Press
Several nonfiction series written on a first – second grade level. Topics from the areas of reading, math, social studies and science are available. GRL: E-L
Scholastic Reader series published by Cartwheel Books, an imprint of Scholastic
Leveled book series designed to support young readers at different stages in their reading journey. Level 1 contains simple words and short sentences (RL 1-2; GRL: F-J). Level 2 has more advanced vocabulary and longer sentence length (RL 1-3; GRL: G-P).
Science Solves It! series published by The Kane Press
Fictional stories focusing on science topics and skills. Each book includes an activity for the reader to try on their own. RL 1-2, GRL: H-K
Sports Illustrated Kids – Starting Line Readers by CC Joven
This series uses repetitive language and specific sports terminology to engage beginning readers. GRL: E-F
Step into Reading series published by Random House, Inc.
These books are written with the beginning reader in mind. Both fiction and nonfiction titles are available. Step 2 (Reading with Help) is written for pre-school – first grade readers. Step 3 (Reading on Your Own) is written for first to third grade readers.
Tadpoles series published by Crabtree Publishing Company
These books help children learn to read by providing picture clues and repetitive words and phrases. A list of all the words in the book is provided for preview and review. The Guided Reading Level is listed on the back of each book. GRL: B – E
Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown series by Jon Scieszka
These action packed books for very early readers will especially appeal to boys. They are available as Ready-to-Read books published by Simon Spotlight.
We Both Read Books series published by Treasure Bay, Inc.
These books are specifically designed for adults and children to read together. An adult reads one page of harder text, then the child reads a page of easier text. Both fiction and nonfiction books for grade levels kindergarten through third are available.
Young Cam Jansen series by David Adler
Calling all young detectives! This series is perfect for budding detectives. Each mystery is written as a chapter book on an advanced first grade level and has a special memory challenge added as a bonus for the reader. GRL: J