The Ultimate Summer Reading List For First Grade
Wondering how to keep your rising or soon-to-be first grader excited about reading all summer long?
Summer reading looks different for every family, but no matter your style, this guide is here to help your soon-to-be first grader find books they’ll love all summer long. Maybe your child likes silly stories they can breeze through in one sitting, or perhaps they’re ready for a new challenge with a chapter book. Whatever their interests are, I’ve handpicked a variety of books for first graders that are fun, confidence-building, and perfect for keeping those reading skills sharp during break.
Are you new here? Welcome! I’m Miss Beth, the founder of Big City Readers—a different approach to early childhood development. Children need flexibility and fun to dig in and grow as readers. I believe kids learn best when they’re moving, laughing, and having fun—because reading isn’t about sitting still, it’s about lighting up their brain and heart!My job as an educator is to find the best solution for every child. I use the 5 building blocks of early literacy: read, write, sing, talk, and play, in addition to the Orton Gillingham method, which is a science of reading-backed approach that utilizes the three brain pathways through which children learn—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
Let’s make summer reading a highlight of your child’s year – grab a comfy spot, a good book from this list, and let the reading begin!
Why Summer Reading Is A Big Deal (Even When School’s Out!)
Summer is for sunshine, adventures, and… reading! But why is it so important to keep those books open during the break?
Prevents The “Summer Slide”: When kids stop reading over the summer, they can lose some of the progress they made during the school year. Regular summer reading helps keep those skills sharp, making the jump to the next grade a lot smoother.
Builds Confidence: The more kids read, the more comfortable and confident they feel with books. This confidence makes them more likely to pick up new stories and tackle bigger reading challenges in the future.
Fosters A Lifelong Love Of Books: When reading is part of summer fun, kids start to see books as a source of joy, not just something they have to do for school. This sets the stage for lifelong reading habits.
Reading together also creates special moments for families, sparks fun conversations, and helps children develop empathy and understanding by exploring new worlds and ideas.
How To Choose Great Summer Books For First Graders (Without The Guessing Game)
With so many books out there, how do you know which ones are just right for your child at this age? Here’s what I recommend looking for in a good book for summer reading:
Mix It Up: Include a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and different formats (like picture books, early readers, and easy chapter books) to keep things interesting.
Let Kids Explore Their Interests: If your child loves dinosaurs, animals, or silly jokes, find books that match those interests. When kids are excited about the topic, they’re more motivated to read, especially now that they have more time on their hands!
Pick Books At The Right Level: Look for books that are challenging enough to help your child grow, but not so difficult that they get frustrated. It’s also great to include some easier favorites for confidence-boosting practice.
The Ultimate First Grade Summer Reading List
Here’s a mix of beloved classics, new favorites, and fun picks to keep your soon-to-be first grader reading all summer long!
We Are Growing! by Laurie Keller
City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon
Elephant & Piggie Series by Mo Willems
Frog and Toad Series by Arnold Lobel
Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto
Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
We Dig Fossils (Step into Reading) by Alliah Agostini
What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest? by Rachel Ignotofsky
Who Would Win? series by Jerry Pallotta
Caterpillar to Butterfly by Laura Marsh
Don’t Worry, BEE Happy by Ross Burach
My Toothbrush is Missing by Jan Thomas
Pete the Cat Series by James Dean and Eric Litwin
Beloved Picture Books
We Are Growing! by Laurie Keller: In this silly story, a group of blades of grass compete to see who is the “most” of something, learning about growing up and being unique. A soon-to-be first grader will giggle at the funny situations and feel reassured about their own growth.
City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon: This gentle picture book shows the different ways two cousins spend their summers—one in the city, one in the country. It’s a great way for rising first graders to see that summer adventures can happen anywhere.
Early Readers & Easy Chapter Books
Elephant & Piggie Series by Mo Willems: These books follow best friends Elephant and Piggie as they navigate everyday situations with humor and heart. The simple text, expressive illustrations, and funny stories are perfect for soon-to-be first graders building reading confidence.
Frog and Toad Series by Arnold Lobel: Frog and Toad’s sweet friendship shines through in short, easy-to-read chapters about their adventures together. Rising first graders will love the gentle humor and relatable stories
Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott: This diary-style series features Eva, a creative little owl, as she solves problems and goes on adventures with her friends. The colorful pictures and short chapters make it a great pick for soon-to-be first graders ready for their first chapter books.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo: Mercy Watson is a lovable pig who always finds herself in the middle of funny, action-packed adventures. The lively illustrations and silly situations will keep first-graders entertained from start to finish.
Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto: Kitty, a curious cat, and Dragon, her gentle friend, share sweet adventures in this early chapter book. Soon-to-be first graders will enjoy the easy-to-follow stories and the warm, supportive friendship between the two main characters.
Chapter Books For New Independent Readers
Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne: Jack and Annie travel through time and around the world in their magical treehouse, learning about history and solving mysteries. The short chapters and exciting adventures are perfect for rising first graders who are ready to try reading on their own.
Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale: Princess Magnolia secretly fights monsters as the brave Princess in Black, showing that anyone can be a hero. Soon-to-be first graders will love the fast-paced action, silly disguises, and teamwork in these early chapter books.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton: Narwhal and Jelly’s adventures are full of friendship, imagination, and underwater fun. The comic-style format and simple text make it a great choice for rising first graders who love to laugh.
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins: This charming chapter book tells the stories of toys who come to life and have gentle, funny adventures when their owner is away. Soon-to-be first graders will enjoy the imaginative world and the sweet friendships between the toys.
Nonfiction Picks For Curious Minds
We Dig Fossils (Step into Reading): This nonfiction book introduces young readers to the world of paleontology, showing how fossils are discovered and what they teach us about the past. Rising first graders who are curious about dinosaurs and science will love the real-life photos and simple explanations.
What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest? by Rachel Ignotofsky: With beautiful illustrations and easy-to-understand facts, this book explores the fascinating world of birds and their nests. Soon-to-be first graders will enjoy learning about nature and the different ways birds build their homes.
Who Would Win? series by Jerry Pallotta: Each book in this series compares two animals and imagines what would happen if they faced off in a battle. Rising first graders will be hooked by the fun facts, cool illustrations, and exciting matchups.
Caterpillar to Butterfly by Laura Marsh: This nonfiction reader follows the amazing transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly, with real photos and simple text. Soon-to-be first graders will learn about science while practicing their reading skills.
Lighthearted & Fun Reads
Don’t Worry, BEE Happy by Ross Burach: This silly, pun-filled book uses playful bees to help kids learn about feelings and friendship. Rising first graders will love the bright illustrations and the positive, encouraging message.
My Toothbrush is Missing by Jan Thomas: Dog’s search for his missing toothbrush leads to hilarious misunderstandings with his animal friends. Soon-to-be first graders will laugh out loud at the silly questions and answers.
Pete the Cat Series by James Dean and Eric Litwin: Pete the Cat’s cool, laid-back attitude helps him handle all sorts of everyday adventures, from new shoes to missing buttons. The catchy songs, repetitive text, and fun stories make these books a favorite for rising first graders.
Grab the booklist here!
Should You Focus on Kindergarten or First Grade Skills? (Or Both?)
Every child learns at their own pace, and it’s normal for kids finishing kindergarten or first grade to be at different reading levels.
If your first grader is still working on basic skills, revisit some favorite kindergarten books and activities for extra practice. If they’re ready for more, try some of the early chapter books or nonfiction picks on this list.
Want extra support? Check out the Big City Readers Kindergarten Ready and First Grade Bootcamp programs – designed to help your child build a strong foundation and feel confident heading into the new school year!
Kindergarten Ready - Skills to Thrive in the Classroom
This course is ideal for rising first graders who need to polish up on kindergarten essentials like letter recognition, early math, social-emotional development, and foundational reading and writing. Through fun, hands-on lessons, your child will build the confidence and skills needed to feel comfortable and ready for the first-grade classroom.
First Grade Bootcamp - Preparing For Challenges
If your child is eager to get a jump start on first grade or wants to strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills over the summer, this interactive class is for them. First Grade Bootcamp focuses on building a strong foundation and boosting confidence, so your rising first grader is fully prepared to take on new challenges and succeed right from the start.
Is Your Child Reading The RIGHT Way?
When you sit down to read with your soon-to-be or graduated first grader, watch for these signs to make sure they’re building good habits, not just guessing or relying on pictures:
Are they sounding out words, or just guessing based on the first letter or the picture?
Do they pause and try to blend sounds together, or skip tricky words?
Are they using their finger to track the words as they read?
Can they retell the story in their own words after reading?
Do they ask questions or make predictions about what might happen next?
Are they enjoying the story, or getting frustrated and giving up quickly?
If your child is mostly guessing or only looking at pictures, it might be time to slow down and practice phonics, blending, and reading strategies together. And remember—it’s completely normal for first graders to need support as they build these skills!
Tips For A Successful Summer Of Reading
Set Aside Regular Reading Time: Make reading part of your daily routine, whether it’s after breakfast, before bed, or whenever works best for your family.
Read Together as a Family: Take turns reading pages or chapters, or enjoy family storytime in a cozy spot.
Visit the Library: Explore new books, join summer reading programs, and let your child pick out their own stories.
Talk About Books: Ask your child what they liked, what surprised them, and what they think will happen next. This builds comprehension and excitement.
Choosing The Right Books For First Graders Is Essential To Their Learning Success!
Starting first grade is a journey filled with big emotions, but it’s also the beginning of something truly special. This new chapter is an opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and discover the world in exciting ways—and you play a key role in shaping how they feel about it.
With the help of carefully chosen stories, you can turn any nervousness into anticipation, boost their confidence, and set the stage for a positive school experience. Books don’t just prepare your child for what’s ahead; they spark curiosity, invite meaningful conversations, and create moments of connection that you’ll both cherish.
Let’s work together to make first grade feel like the grand adventure it is. So grab a story, settle in for some quality reading time, and start building excitement for this incredible milestone. It’s time to celebrate your child’s next great step, with a little help from the power of books.
Got questions about choosing the perfect first-grade read? Drop them in the comments – I’m always here to help you and your little reader shine. And don’t forget to explore more early literacy fun over on the blog!
