Take a class of first graders and you will find a wide spread of reading abilities and reading levels. This 1st grade summer reading list of books takes that into consideration! Find easy reader books for beginning readers, as well as very easy chapter books for those ready to read books with more text and (slightly) fewer illustrations.
Kids become readers when they are allowed to choose the right book that speaks to their interests. Therefore, this summer reading list includes funny books, superheroes, animal stories, nonfiction, sports tales and more. Once you head to the library to search for these books for emerging readers you'll find lots more.
As a parent, I did not restrict my kids to specific leveled books. Summer is a time to explore all kinds of books, no matter what the reading level! But if you have concerns, talk to your child's classroom teacher or school literacy specialist.
Since 6-7 year olds (first grade) read at different levels these summer reading lists will also be helpful:
Note: this post contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn commission for this blog. Bookshop supports independent booksellers. You can see this list, in addition to our other summer reading lists curated at Bookshop.
Table of contents
Would you like a printable first grade summer reading list? You can grab one at the end of the post!
Easy Readers
FOX THE TIGER (series) by Corey R. Tabor
This is a giggle-inducing story about a mischievous fox who admires tigers so much he wants to be one. After all, tigers are big, fast, sneaky and "the best." So what does he do? Why he gives himself stripes, of course! Your kids will love the whole Fox series.
GOOD NIGHT OWL, or anything by Greg Pizzoli
This is a very cute book about an owl who wants to get to bed, but can't because of noises in the night. I love all of Pizzoli's early readers, and they even make fun and simple read alouds, which is not an easy feat for easy reader book!
MORE: Hilarious easy reader books
THE GIGGLE GANG series by Jan Thomas
I was so excited to learn that my favorite story time author has a funny early readers series! If you have never read a Jan Thomas book, you are in for a real treat and if your child is still reluctant, pick up one of her picture books to read aloud. Your child will laugh so hard he or she will want to make sure not to miss the giggles in the early reader books, too.
BIG CAT, or anything by Ethan Long
I had a hard time singling out one title by Long. He has several in the "I Like to Read" series, and they are all funny early readers. They are all truly easy to read, too! Getting kids who may not want to read but are at the stage where reading ability is starting to emerge are helped along by humor and this book stands out.
DON'T THROW IT TO MO (series) by David A. Adler, illustrated by Sam Ricks
I found this series charming. Mo loves sports but he's not necessarily the most talented kid on the team. It doesn't matter, though. His perseverance pulls him through. Both boys and girls will see themselves in Mo, even if their passions lie in a non-sporty direction.
WANT TO PLAY? (Confetti Kids series) by Paula Yoo, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez
1st grade summer reading lists usually contain well-known classics like Henry and Mudge, Frog and Toad and Little Bear. I think Confetti Kids is the new classic easy reader series! This great collection of beginning readers depicts a diverse group of neighborhood kids engaging in everyday experiences. In Want to Play? the children head out to the park for a day of fun.
MORE: Easy reader books with diverse characters
A TRIP TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD (series) by Frank Viva
Viva's own experience traveling to the Antarctic inspired the story of a mouse and his owner. Dialogue is told in comic bubbles, with the mouse repeating the familiar refrain, "Can we go home now?" You really can't go wrong with any of the TOON books. They are labelled with different reading and interest levels. If graphic novels motivate beginning readers, you will do well to bring home stacks of TOON books for your child. I've never read one I didn't like. See all their level one books here.
Very Easy Beginning Chapter Books
BUNJITSU BUNNY (series) by John Himmelman
Bunjitsu Bunny one of my favorite easy chapter book series! Each book is composed of short vignettes about Isabel and her friends who all study martial arts. The clever and funny stories convey a zen-like lesson without being at all preachy. My then-6 year old was very into the idea of battles and fighting so he of course loved reading a book in which the first action sequence involved the possibility of one character head-butting a door (they don't actually get that far...). I, however, was delighted with the "sneaky" lessons in non-violence, friendship, compassion and self-discipline!
MIA MAYHEM (series) by Kara West, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
This is an easy chapter book series with large text and lots of illustrations. Mia is an 8-year-old girl who finds out she is a superhero when she receives an invitation to attend an after school Program for In-Training Superheroes. Now she must figure out a way to be both a regular girl AND a secret superhero.
MORE: Superhero easy chapter books
KONDO & KEZUMI VISIT GIANT ISLAND (series) by David Goodner, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi
The colorful illustrations in this series will appeal to reluctant readers. Kondo and Kezumi are great friends who spend their days frolicking and looking for berries. One day a message with a map in a bottle washes up on shore and the pair build a boat and set out to see the islands on the map. After visiting Dairy Isle and Fireskull Island, they land on Giant Island where they meet Albert, an anthropomorphized mountain who is so delighted to have some company he doesn't want them to leave. Not to worry, it all ends happily.
MORE: Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
CHICK AND BRAIN: SMELL MY FOOT! (series) by Cece Bell
When first graders needs a little summer reading motivation, give them a book that will send them into fits of giggles. The rule-following Chick and the not-so-smart Brain work out a misunderstanding about the proper protocol of offering your foot for a sniff. It's a lesson that is sure to come in handy many times during one's lifetime.
FOX AND CHICK: THE PARTY AND OTHER STORIES (series) by Sergio Ruzzier
I adore this series about two friends who sometimes annoy each other, but ultimately remember the things that make them friends. I've always loved Ruzzier's illustrations and dry humor (after all, he wrote one of my all time favorite books EVER, Amandina) and the comic strip format makes it fun to read. A real winner of a book.
Nonfiction
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC (series) by various authors
Kids are naturally curious about all sorts of topics and learning obscure facts which they can use to dazzle others. National Geographic publishes books on a wide array of topics and in a number of different reading levels, so it should be easy to find a book that will interest your child.
GIGGLE AND LEARN series by Kevin McCloskey
The graphic novel format in this five book series brings to life facts and stories about underrated animals. Snails, worms, pigeons, fish and ants all have their day. True to the moniker, "Giggle and Learn," each TOON book holds lots of humor as well as science.
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT by Matt Lamothe
The book follows seven children from different countries: Italy, Japan, Uganda, Russia, India, Peru and Iran. Each child describes their home, school, family, food and daily life. This is a great starting point for conversations about the differences and similarities between life in different countries, but also how children in the same country don't all live the same way. At the end, photographs reveal the actual families depicted in in the book. I love the large size of the book, and how the illustrations invite a lengthly perusal.
Danielle says
Thank you for all of your lists. We are big library users and I'm constantly looking for more books to put on hold for my boys. I usually pick at least one from your lists every time I need ideas.
Rachael says
I just checked out all of these books. Thank you!
Ruby Zhang says
Love this book list. My son will be a first grader in this September. These books will help him make some preparations for his first-grade learning.
Erica says
Happy reading!