Find your next great read!
Use these grade-by-grade suggestions as starting points, not requirements. Children’s interests and reading skills vary. Choose a book your child wants to explore, then decide whether to read independently, take turns, or enjoy it as a read-aloud.
Try a short sample together. If your child needs frequent help reading the words or explaining what happened, share the reading or read aloud. Contact Mr. Johnson for help choosing a closer match for independent practice.
For children learning to decode, use teacher-selected texts to practice the spelling patterns they have learned. The books below offer additional opportunities for enjoyment and conversation.
Borrow before buying when possible. Ask your school or public librarian for these titles or similar recommendations. Reading together counts at every grade!
For kindergarten, start by enjoying these books together. Independent reading will depend on the spelling patterns your child has learned.
Elephant & Piggie series — Mo Willems
Funny conversations, expressive characters, and plenty of opportunities to use different voices. Enjoy together; children can join in with familiar words and phrases.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates — Ryan T. Higgins
A funny dinosaur story about starting school and learning to be a friend. Best introduced as an adult read-aloud.
Talk together: What does Penelope learn about treating others?
The Day You Begin — Jacqueline Woodson
A thoughtful picture book about feeling different, sharing your story, and finding connections. Enjoy as an adult read-aloud.
Talk together: What can help someone feel welcome?
Biscuit series — Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Short, gentle adventures about a curious puppy. Read together or invite your child to read independently when the words are manageable.
Talk together: What did Biscuit do, and what happened next?
Frog and Toad series — Arnold Lobel
Funny, thoughtful stories about two friends. A good choice for shared reading, with independent reading when ready.
Talk together: How do Frog and Toad help each other?
Narwhal and Jelly series — Ben Clanton
Playful early graphic novels featuring sea creatures, friendship, and silly adventures. Read together if the vocabulary or speech bubbles need explaining.
Talk together: What makes Narwhal and Jelly different from each other?
Mercy Watson series — Kate DiCamillo
Colorful, illustrated chapter books about a toast-loving pig whose adventures rarely go as planned. Try shared reading or independent reading when ready.
Talk together: What caused the biggest mix-up?
The Princess in Black series — Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Short, illustrated adventures about a princess with a secret monster-fighting identity. A lively option for children exploring chapter books.
Talk together: How does the princess solve the problem?
Dragon Masters series — Tracey West
Illustrated fantasy adventures featuring dragons, magic, and teamwork. Start with Rise of the Earth Dragon. Share the reading if unfamiliar names or words interrupt understanding.
Talk together: What does Drake discover about his dragon?
Zoey and Sassafras series — Asia Citro
A blend of magical creatures, mysteries, and scientific problem-solving. Start with Dragons and Marshmallows.
Talk together: What does Zoey test, and what does she learn?
Who Would Win? series — Jerry Pallotta
Animal facts and comparisons for children who enjoy nonfiction. Scientific vocabulary may call for adult help.
Talk together: Which facts support your prediction about the animals?
The Wild Robot — Peter Brown
An illustrated novel about a robot learning to survive among animals on an island. Read independently when ready or enjoy as a family read-aloud. Includes scenes of danger and animal death.
Talk together: How does Roz change as she learns about the island?
The One and Only Ivan — Katherine Applegate
An animal-centered novel told in short sections, with opportunities to discuss friendship, freedom, and kindness. Includes animal mistreatment and loss; shared reading can support discussion.
Talk together: How does Ivan’s understanding of his home change?
The Last Kids on Earth series — Max Brallier
Illustrated adventures combining monsters, action, friendship, and humor. A possibility for readers drawn to fast-moving stories. Includes cartoon-style peril and monster battles.
Talk together: When does teamwork help the characters?
El Deafo — Cece Bell
A graphic memoir about hearing loss, communication, friendship, and growing up. A strong option for children who enjoy stories told through pictures and dialogue.
Talk together: What do Cece’s experiences help you understand about being a friend?
Front Desk — Kelly Yang
A novel about a girl whose family manages a motel while she develops her voice as a writer. Explores immigration, racism, financial hardship, and fairness; it offers plenty to discuss together.
Talk together: How does Mia use writing to make a difference?
Frindle — Andrew Clements
A clever school story about a student who invents a word—and discovers that an idea can grow beyond his control.
Talk together: Why do other people begin using Nick’s word?
Brown Girl Dreaming — Jacqueline Woodson
A memoir told through poems about childhood, family, identity, and becoming a writer. Historical context and figurative language may benefit from conversation with an adult.
Talk together: Which poem helps you understand something important about Jacqueline’s childhood?