20 Terrific Books for First Graders
by Dena McMurdie
This fall will mark the second time I’ve sent a child off to first grade. Since I’ve done it once before, I know what to expect — but my rising first grader doesn’t. She’s waving goodbye to the coddled days of kindergarten and feeling nervous about first grade. She’ll have a new teacher and a new set of classmates. It will be more difficult academically, socially, and emotionally than kindergarten. In order for her to be ready to face the days ahead and make the most of her first “real” year of school, we’re reading these books for first graders.
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Getting Ready for First Grade
Buy from:It's normal to feel both excited and nervous about the first day of first grade — just like the young girl in this story! With practical tips and an encouraging tone, this reassuring guide helps kids feel ready for what’s ahead.
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Hello World!
Buy from:Entering first grade opens up an entire world of possibilities for young children. This upbeat picture book celebrates children’s milestones and the incredible people they meet along the way. Readers will learn about creating connections with their teachers, friends, and classmates as they take this significant step.
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Theo Thesaurus
Buy from:Kids make tremendous progress in their reading and vocabulary during first grade. Add some humor into the equation with this goofy story about a dinosaur who loves enormous words. Theo worries that his expansive vocabulary will make it difficult to make friends at his new school. However, as he gets to know the other dinos in his class, Theo realizes they have more in common than he thought.
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How to Spot a Best Friend
Buy from:The best part about first grade is making friends! This adorable story is about a little girl who knows what her best friend will be like (when she finds one). It’s an excellent story for kids who make friends quickly and those who need some extra encouragement.
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The Day You Begin
Buy from:First grade can cause a significant amount of anxiety in children. Kids can feel nervous about venturing into a new classroom, meeting a new teacher, and making new friends. This gorgeous picture book celebrates the bravery it takes to get outside your comfort zone. It’s the perfect book to read before the first day of school.
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This Is a School
Buy from:As first-graders know, a school is a special place where students learn, make friends, and ask questions. But more importantly, a school is a community where children, teachers, librarians, and volunteers work together to help each other grow. Students and teachers alike will enjoy this love letter to schools and the people who bring them to life.
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A Narwhal and Jelly Book Series
Buy from:When your young reader needs a story to stretch their reading abilities, this New York Times bestselling series is just the thing. Kids will eagerly dive under the waves to hang out with the ocean’s most popular duo and read stories bursting with humor, friendship, and adventure.
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Sounds Like School Spirit
Buy from:Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this interactive book encourages children to feel proud of their school. It adds excitement to everyday activities using energetic chants and lively illustrations. Read it in your classroom or at bedtime to get your kids feeling pumped up about the school year.
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I Told a Little Lie
Buy from:Every kid must learn to own up to their mistakes, and this humorous picture book is about a little girl who learns that lesson the hard way. When she finds a balloon, everyone assumes it’s her birthday, and she goes along with it. But when the “party” guests start asking for cake, the girl realizes she let a little white lie spiral out of control.
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I Lost My Tooth!-An Unlimited Squirrels Book
Buy from:First grade is around the time that many kids start to lose their first tooth. This delightfully funny and engaging book by the legendary Mo Willems is perfect for kids hitting that big milestone. When Zoom Squirrel loses his baby tooth, the other squirrels frantically jump in to find it. Featuring the hilarious antics of a group of squirrels PLUS silly jokes and fun facts about teeth, this beginning reader is sure to be a hit.
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First Grade, Here I Come!
Buy from:Fans of Kindergarten, Here I Come! will find this follow-up book reassuring. From losing teeth to figuring out spelling, kids will discover what to expect in the year ahead.
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Even Steven
Buy from:Steven loves to make everything even by splitting it in half. But some things, like nickels and bicycles, can’t be split in half. This delightful book about a boy who wants everything to be even and fair is an excellent read for first graders.
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The Worry Box
Buy from:When my middle child went into first grade, she worried about everything! The school counselor recommended we read books like this one to help her cope. It’s about a young bear whose worries get the best of him. His older sister suggests he makes a box to keep his concerns safe while not allowing them to take over his life.
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Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates
Buy from:Learning how to get along with other people is an essential life skill, and children start learning it in first grade. This book shows children what introverts and extroverts are and how they’re different. Whether your child is super talkative or on the quiet side, they’ll relate to the furry friends in this story.
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The Pond in the Park
Buy from:Check out this captivating STEM-leaning picture book that takes little readers on an exciting journey through the lifecycle of frogs. Join Millie as she starts school, makes new friends, and learns to embrace changes in her life, just like the fascinating transformation of frogspawn. It's a heartwarming tale that combines science with a relatable story about growing up!
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Luli and the Language of Tea
Buy from:When Luli enters her classroom where no one speaks English, she finds a way to connect with her classmates. Tea! Despite the language barrier, children from all over the world bond over their shared love of tea in this delightful book for young readers.
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Lupe Lopez: Reading Rock Star!
Buy from:Lupe Lopez is determined to become a Reading Rock Star, even though she has a lot to learn. As the first kindergartener to start a band at Hector P. Garcia Elementary School, she has the confidence to succeed. This story is an excellent resource for beginner readers who require a bit of encouragement, with its simple text featuring Spanish words and vibrant illustrations.
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Bijan Always Wins
Buy from:Bijan is unstoppable when it comes to winning. From drawing and dinosaurs to even lunch, he always comes out on top. Yet, his winning streak has made his friends reluctant to play with him. In this vibrant and poignant tale about empathy, will Bijan realize that some victories, such as friendship, are not meant to be achieved?
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A Pig, a Fox, and a Box
Buy from:Kids love stories with humor and friendship, and this one delivers on both counts. It introduces readers to Fox and Pig and their misadventures together using plenty of sight words (and some unfamiliar words, too). It’s an excellent book for strengthening sight word skills and reading strategies. If your child likes this book, check out the rest of this series, A Pig, a Fox, and a Fox, and A Pig, a Fox, and Stinky Socks.
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Humphrey’s Tiny Tales Series
Buy from:Humphrey’s Tiny Tales is my first grader’s favorite chapter book series. We’ve read the entire series together, and she can’t stop talking about the adorable classroom pet. Each book presents a new adventure where the hamster goes home for the weekend with a classmate. Humphrey has plenty of fun in store for growing readers, from scaring off “monsters” at a camp-out to assisting with a surprise birthday party.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2026.