7 Best Books for 1st Graders to Read Today

List of 7 items.

• “The Adventures of Sophie Mouse: A New Friend” by Poppy Green

  
  

  

  “Sophie’s heart sank when she saw the new student. It was a snake!”

  The simple language and delightful illustrations make “The Adventures of Sophie Mouse: A New Friend” a perfect read for first graders, encouraging them to look beyond appearances and embrace diversity. In this heartwarming story, Sophie Mouse is excited yet nervous about a new student joining Silverlake Forest School. When she discovers the new student is a snake named Owen, her initial excitement turns into fear, and she struggles with the idea of befriending him. But as Sophie spends more time with Owen, she realizes that being different doesn’t mean someone can’t be a wonderful friend. With gentle lessons on kindness and acceptance, the story teaches young readers about empathy and overcoming preconceived notions. Owen’s arrival causes a stir among the other animal students, who also have their doubts about befriending a snake, but Sophie’s willingness to get to know him helps others see past their own fears. The book’s colorful descriptions and charming illustrations bring Silverlake Forest to life, making the setting feel magical and welcoming, where friendships bloom in unexpected places. Sophie and Owen’s story encourages kids to look beyond stereotypes, face their own fears, and be brave enough to reach out to others, no matter how different they may seem, showing that true friendship can arise when we give others a chance.

• "Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Babe Ruth Baseball" by David A. Adler

  
  “Click! Cam closed her eyes and said, ‘I remember him! He was standing right there!’”

  With its engaging mysteries and relatable characters, the “Cam Jansen” series is perfect for building vocabulary and fostering a love of independent reading. Cam Jansen, a young detective with a photographic memory, is known for her keen observation skills and sharp detective instincts. When Cam and her friend Eric attend a hobby show, they stumble upon a mystery—a valuable Babe Ruth baseball has gone missing. Using her photographic memory, Cam vividly recalls seeing a suspicious boy near the display and decides to track down the thief. With her trademark “Click!” (the sound she makes when mentally capturing a scene), Cam pieces together clues, follows leads, and solves the case through logical deduction. Each chapter builds suspense and keeps young readers guessing, encouraging them to make predictions and think critically. Young readers will be captivated by Cam’s cleverness and determination, making them feel like real detectives as they follow her thought process step-by-step. The straightforward language and relatable school-age scenarios make it ideal for newly independent readers, helping them strengthen their comprehension and critical thinking skills. The “Cam Jansen” series remains a popular choice for kids who love mysteries, as it sparks curiosity and sharpens attention to detail, all while providing a fun, accessible reading experience that motivates children to keep turning the pages.

• “Amelia Bedelia” by Peggy Parish

   

  

  “Amelia Bedelia opened up a closet. She found a box of clothes. She dressed the chicken.”

  Amelia Bedelia, the well-meaning but very literal housekeeper, always finds herself in hilariously confusing situations that keep readers laughing from start to finish. When Mr. and Mrs. Rogers give her a list of chores, Amelia’s literal-minded approach leads to some seriously funny misunderstandings—like “dress the chicken,” which results in her putting clothes on a raw chicken, and “draw the drapes,” which ends with her sketching the curtains instead of closing them. Children will laugh out loud at Amelia’s blunders while learning the nuances of language and idioms. With its humorous take on language, this classic book is perfect for 1st Graders developing comprehension skills and enjoying the playful nature of words. Each of Amelia’s mix-ups opens opportunities to explore different meanings and wordplay, making it an excellent tool for parents and teachers to introduce young readers to the complexities of English. Young readers will eagerly turn the pages to see what Amelia does next, while the story’s repetitive structure reinforces understanding and helps children anticipate and remember key details. The colorful illustrations add to the fun, bringing Amelia’s amusing mishaps to life and making the story an unforgettable read that combines humor, learning, and a delightful sense of silliness in every page-turning moment.

• “Bink and Gollie” by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

   

  

  “Bink,” said Gollie, “the brightness of those socks pains me. I beg you not to purchase them.”

  Bink and Gollie are two best friends with contrasting personalities: Bink is short and lively, always bursting with energy and curiosity, while Gollie is tall, sophisticated, and prefers things to be a bit more orderly. Despite their differences, the pair shares a strong bond that sees them through all sorts of playful adventures. The book features three delightful stories that showcase their unique dynamic as they roller-skate, argue, and celebrate their individuality. Whether they’re navigating the purchase of an outrageous pair of socks, setting off on a pretend mountain-climbing expedition, or negotiating over a beloved pet fish, each story highlights the ups and downs of true friendship. The witty dialogue and playful illustrations make it a perfect choice for early readers, capturing both the humor and tenderness of Bink and Gollie’s relationship. The engaging mix of text and visuals also makes this book an excellent bridge between picture books and chapter books, encouraging children to explore more complex narratives while still enjoying a fun and approachable read. Ultimately, “Bink and Gollie” is a celebration of the joys of friendship, the acceptance of differences, and the adventures that come from sharing life’s little moments together.

• “Henry And Mudge First Book” by Cynthia Rylant

   

  

  “And when Henry woke up, he found his big dog, Mudge, right beside him—Mudge always sleeping, Henry always smiling.”

  The first book in the beloved “Henry and Mudge” series by Cynthia Rylant introduces young readers to the heartwarming friendship between Henry, a young boy, and his oversized dog, Mudge. Living on a quiet street without any other children around, Henry feels lonely and yearns for a companion. His wish comes true when he gets Mudge, a lovable, drooling 180-pound dog who quickly becomes his best friend and loyal protector. Together, they embark on a series of small yet meaningful adventures that highlight the joy of companionship. Whether they’re exploring the woods, going on walks, or simply enjoying each other’s company, Henry and Mudge are inseparable. The simple language and charming illustrations by Sucie Stevenson make this story accessible and engaging for early readers, while the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the unconditional love between a boy and his dog resonate with children and adults alike. The “Henry and Mudge” series is perfect for children transitioning from picture books to early chapter books, offering them an endearing story that captures the wonder of having a best friend who is always by your side, no matter what. This first installment sets the stage for a series filled with warmth, humor, and heartfelt moments.

• “Humphrey’s Really Wheely Racing Day” by Betty G. Birney

  

  “I wasn’t exactly sure what a hamster race was, but it sounded exciting!”

  
  

  The story’s interesting dialogue and exciting storyline encourages kids to keep reading to the end, while its themes of perseverance and friendship align with a special focus on social-emotional learning. In this adventure, Humphrey, the curious class hamster, discovers that there will be a hamster race at the local pet show. Though Humphrey feels nervous about competing, his friends in Room 26 encourage him to give it a try. With their support, he learns to overcome his fears and realizes that doing his best is more important than winning. Throughout the race, Humphrey faces various challenges but tackles each one with silly wit, clever problem-solving, and abundance of courage. His small stature doesn’t stop him from showing big determination, and young readers will connect with his relatable inner dialogue and quirky observations. As Humphrey navigates the obstacles of the race, he learns important lessons about teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance, making this story perfect for building empathy and resilience. Humphrey’s journey is filled with amusing twists that highlight the power of encouragement and community, showing children that it’s okay to feel nervous when trying something new.

• “Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark” by Mary Pope Osborne

   

  

  “Jack looked up at the treehouse. It was glowing. The sun had set. The light was shining out of the treehouse windows.”

  Jack and Annie, siblings from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, stumble upon a mysterious treehouse filled with books that change their lives forever. When they open one about dinosaurs, they are magically transported back to the prehistoric era, where they must navigate their unfamiliar surroundings and encounter various dinosaurs, all while learning fascinating facts about these ancient creatures. As they search for a way to return home, Jack’s careful note-taking and Annie’s adventurous spirit guide them through this thrilling journey. The “Magic Tree House” series expertly blends history and adventure, making learning both fun and engaging for young readers. The book’s perfect balance of fantasy and factual information makes it ideal for expanding 1st Graders’ vocabulary and comprehension skills while sparking their interest in science and history. Each chapter is packed with suspense and cliffhangers that keep readers eagerly turning pages to see what happens next. The short chapters, detailed descriptions, and easy to read language make it a fantastic choice for early readers, while the sibling dynamic offers opportunities to discuss teamwork, curiosity, and problem-solving. With its captivating blend of fiction and educational content, “Dinosaurs Before Dark” is a perfect introduction to the wonders of history and science, inspiring a sense of adventure and a lifelong love of learning in young readers.