Whether we are ready for it or not, the season is upon us!!! Yes, it’s the season for universal screeners, mid-year exams, etc. But that’s not the season I’m talking about today. No, today it is all about the holiday season! BUT WAIT! Don’t panic. Breathe. I know that you have been quite busy, hard at work with your students, so holiday shopping…maybe on the backburner?
Have no fear! Leach’s Literacy is here! I’m writing a two-part series on GREAT books for kids! I mean, who wouldn’t love for their kids to curl up with a good book this winter, getting lost in the story or absorbing fun, new facts? Books are ALWAYS under my Christmas tree. Imagine that. Part I in the series will be books for Kindergarten through 1st, as well as 2nd through 3rd. Part II will have books for the upper elementary grades and then suggestions for middle school kids…as recommended by a friend who has TWO MIDDLE SCHOOL kids in her home currently who are avid readers.
Let’s start with Kinder and 1st grade –
So, this is always an interesting conversation, because we struggle with purchasing books for kids who are still in the process of learning to read. So, let’s start with our purpose. Are you looking for books that kids can read independently? Or are you looking for some books that you can curl up on the couch and read to your child, modeling how to just sit and enjoy a great book?
I’m going to make recommendations based on grade levels, but know that you can always select a book that you read to and with your child. What better way for them to get HOOKED on books? Having been in the classroom for many, many years, I have seen the value of kids being surrounded by books and being read to on the laps of those they love. So, feel free to read through the 2ndand 3rd grade suggestions for books that you can read TO your child, as they learn to do the work of a reader.
I Can Read! Series
There is an entire selection of books that are part of the I Can Read! Series. They have characters that range from Lego Batman, Ninjago, Fancy Nancy, Biscuit, Paw Patrol, Paddington, Amelia Bedelia, Dixie, and so many more! These readers are simple for kids to read, using picture clues, high frequency words, and repetitive text. What a great way for kids to feel like they are successful as readers, as they work through their own books!! There are countless books in this collection that kids will pour over and read again and again.
As students start to fall in love with books, they move from some of the predictable text, easy readers, etc. and into novels. Sometimes they are referred to as chapter books. There are so many great books that will capture the attention of our 2nd and 3rd grade students! Here are some suggestions!
2nd and 3rdgrade suggestions
The Notebook of Doomseries by Troy Cummings– Boys and girl alike love the silly, not-too-scary stories in this series. Like the Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton series, these books have the fun font and illustrations inside. It’s written just like the title says…a notebook!
Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton – Remember that lady I mentioned with TWO middle school kids? Well, her kids transitioned from the picture books into chapter books when they discovered Geronimo and Thea Stilton books.
Each page is filled with colorful, varied font that captures the attention of the reader from the start. I mean, who WOULDN’T love to read pages like this?!
In need of additional great book suggestions…??? Here you go!
My Weird Schoolseries by Dan Gutman – Stories that kids will giggle and connect with, as they ready about quirky teachers, hilarious mishaps, and funny characters.
The Unicorn Princessesseries by Emily Bliss– Unicorns who are princesses…need I say more?!
Ready, Freddy! Series by Abby Klein– Hilarious series written by a TEACHER who taught kinder and 1stgrade. It’s about a boy who finds himself in a variety of predicaments at school. You KNOW it has to be good when it’s written by an educator!
Looking for non-fiction to capture your child’s attention? Kids of ALL ages seem to love animals, actual photographs, and the colorful images in National Geographic Kids Chapters series.
And there are SO MANY MORE, but it’s busy season for all of us! Hopefully this will help for suggestions for parents wanting to support their child in reading, for relatives who need gift ideas, or even for you…stocking up on new books for your classroom libraries!
Check the blog for Part II of our Christmas Shopping BOOK suggestions for grades 4-8!
