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Books for Grades K-3
Children in grades K-3 are beginning to read on their own, but they still like to hear a story read to them. Here's a list of books our teacher editors suggest to meet both needs. Parents can use many of these as "read-alongs" to help their children improve their reading. Children can also read many of these books on their own. The reading levels vary, but all are at an appropriate "interest" level for primary grades. Have your child use the five finger test to decide if the book is too difficult and should be a "read together" choice.
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - by Judith ViorstWe've all had days like Alexander's. Will moving to Australia really help?
ETTC's New and Improved Poetry Forms
Write an Instant in Charge of the World Poem
Amazing Grace - by Mary HoffmanWill Grace get the part she wants in the play? How will she do it?
Ameila Bedelia - by Peggy Parish
Are You My Mother? - by Philip EastmanFollow a confused bird as he searches for his mother in this children's classic.
The Art Lesson - by Tomie De Poala
Beezus and Ramona - by Beverly ClearyBeezus and her little sister Ramona Quimby just can't seem to get along.
Ramona the Pest - Lesson ideas
The World of Beverly Cleary
D.E.A.R.
The Big Dipper - by Franklyn M. BranleyExplains basic facts about the Big Dipper, including which stars make up the constellation, how its position changes in the sky, and how it points to the North Star.
Blueberries for Sal - by Robert McCloskeySal sets off to collect blueberries - some to eat and some to keep - in this children's classic.
The Bracelet - by Yoshiko UchidaA story about a Japanese American family's life in an internment camp during World War II.
Caps for Sale - by Esphyr Slobodkina
The Cat in the Hat - by Dr. SeussThe must-read original from Dr. Seuss proves that there's no such thing as "nothing to do."
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Library Presentations
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Story Maker
Seussville
TeachersFirst Resources for Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Lesson Plans and Other Teaching Resources
Clifford the Big Red Dog - by Norman Bridwell
Curious George - by Hans Augusto ReyHere's the first of many tales about a curious monkey and the man in the yellow hat.
Does the Moon Change Shape? - by Meish GoldishAn explanation of the phases of the moon for beginning readers.
Don't Call Me Pig - A Javelina Story - by Conrad StoradLearn why a Javelina is not a pig in this nicely illustrated introduction to animals of the American southwest. Great fun for beginning readers.
A Giraffe and a Half - by Shel SilversteinGiraffes aren't the only characters in this collection of great Shel Silverstein poems. See what you can find!
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson
The Giving Tree - by Shel SilversteinA book about giving that is great for all ages.
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson
Green Eggs and Ham - by Dr. SeussThe Seuss classic for every child who "will not eat them." This one is sure to whet a young child's appetite for reading.
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Library Presentations
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Story Maker
Seussville
TeachersFirst Resources for Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Lesson Plans and Other Teaching Resources
Happy Birthday, America! - by Marsha Wilson ChallThis family reunion is packed with fun on the Fourth of July. Come celebrate in the festivities - it's bound to be a day to remember.
Harold and the Purple Crayon - by Crockett JohnsonHarold and his crayon travel the world in this children's classic.
Honeybees - by Deborah HeiligmanThis is a nicely illustrated introduction to the life and times of honeybees for primary students, with enough color and flair to keep the attention of older children as well.
Horton Hatches the Egg - by Dr. SeussRead Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Library Presentations
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Story Maker
Seussville
TeachersFirst Resources for Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Lesson Plans and Other Teaching Resources
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - by Dr. SuessThe classic Seuss tale about the critter who didn't understand Christmas, and what Whoville did about it.
I Had a Friend Named Peter - by Janice CohnWhen Betsy's friend Peter was hit by a car and killed, she has many questions for her parents. This book deals with many of the questions and emotions that children may have after experiencing the loss of a friend.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - by Laura Joffe NumeroffThis mouse runs the house!
Jumanji - by Chris Van AllsburgAward winning illustrations lead readers through this story about a jungle game that comes to life.
Polar Expressions
A Light in the Attic - by Shel SilversteinShel Silversteins poems are sometimes silly, sometimes wonderful. These are great poems to read with a child.
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - by Kevin HenkesPatchwork of Cultures - a Thematic Unit
The Little Engine that Could - by Watty PiperIt's the classic tale for children about perseverence and courage. "I thought I could!"
The Little House - by Virginia Lee Burton
Lizards for Lunch - A Roadrunner's Tale - by Conrad StoradHere's a wonderful "read with me" or "read aloud" animal book with charming illustrations. Learn all about roadrunners in the process.
The Lorax - by Dr. SeussDr. Seuss introduces a new character who teaches a gentle lesson about ecology.
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Library Presentations
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Story Maker
Seussville
TeachersFirst Resources for Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Lesson Plans and Other Teaching Resources
Love You Forever - by Robert MunschHere's proof that bedtime songs are important.
Robert Munsch Virtual Story Room
Madeline - by Ludwig BemelmansDiscover Madeline, her classmates, and the mysterious Miss Clavel.
Math Curse - by Jon ScieszkaMath is everywhere in this book, but fear not - it all adds up in the end.
Library of Congress Read.gov
The Exquisite Corpse Adventure
The Mitten - by Jan BrettWhite mittens make for interesting events in this Ukranian folk tale.
Jan Brett's Home Page
Library of Congress Read.gov
Sea Shell Rounding Activity
Christmas Fun
The Napping House - by Audrey WoodHere's a rhyming board book that's a great bedtime read.
Oh, the Places You'll Go - by Dr. SeussThough not just for children, this is the perfect Seuss story for someone starting school, moving on, or beginning a new phase of their life. Read it with a child!
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Library Presentations
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Story Maker
Seussville
TeachersFirst Resources for Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss Lesson Plans and Other Teaching Resources
The Paper Bag Princess - by Robert MunschRobert Munsch Virtual Story Room
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman - by David A. AdlerBiography of the black woman who escaped from slavery to become famous as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Caution: Describes some violent incidents from Tubman's life.
The Polar Express - by Chris Van AllsburgTake a trip with Santa in this award-winning tale full of wonder and mystery.
Polar Expressions
Ramona the Pest - by Beverly ClearyRamona Quimby enters Kindergarten and asks LOTS of questions.
Ramona the Pest - Lesson ideas
The World of Beverly Cleary
D.E.A.R.
Smoky Night - by Eve BuntingA young boy and his mother are forced from their home when it catches fire during a riot.
So Far From the Sea - by Eve BuntingA Japanese American girl visits her grandfather's grave.
Stellaluna - by Janell CannonA baby bat must find her way in the world, and in doing so she learns a lot about how many things that appear different can be very similar.
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt - by Deborah HopkinsonStory based on the legend of quilts used in the Underground Railroad.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble - by William SteigSylvester the donkey finds a pebble that will grant his wishes, but the trouble has only begun. A Caldecott Medal winner.
The Tale of Peter Rabitt - by Beatrix PotterBeautifully illustrated, Beatrix Potter's classic tells about Peter and his three siblings' encounters with Mr. McGregor.
Wired for Books
World of Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter: Kids' Corner
Stories for Kids
Books Should Be Free
Make a Peter Rabbit Puppet Show
Peter Rabbit Fun and Games
That Summer - by Tony JohnstonA touching story about a family dealing with the terminal illness of a child. This story is told through the eyes of the sick child's brother.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs - by Jon ScieszkaThe three pigs are doing hard time in jail. Here's the story of what really happened with the wolf!
Library of Congress Read.gov
The Exquisite Corpse Adventure
The Velveteen Rabbit - by Margery WilliamsThe touching story of a toy who becomes real when a Boy loves it is a great book to read to a child, or for a child to read alone.
What makes Day and Night - by Franklyn M. BranleyA simple explanation of how the rotation of the earth causes night and day.
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death - by Laurie Krasny and Marc BrownThis book touches on many different issues related to death. It's simply written and uses the Dinosaur series illustrations, so a child will be able to follow along with the different concepts.
Where the Sidewalk Ends - by Shel SilversteinStanley the Fierce and the entire cast of Silverstein characters are a great way for children to learn about poetry, whether on their own or with a parent or grandparent.
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson