Best Books to Read for Beginners and Reluctant Readers
Find the top-recommended, best books to read for beginners from teachers all over the world. If you need an easy to read book, these are all great for beginning readers and reluctant readers–highly engaging and FUN!
✨ Scroll down to see the list of the BEST BOOKS to read for beginners and struggling readers! ✨
This is epic.
I have collaborated with teachers from literally ALL over the world to make a list of the most loved and best books to read for beginners and reluctant readers! These books are recommended by real teachers and parents who have used them to help their struggling readers.
If you need more tips on working with your struggling readers so they are able to read more of these books, you can download a FREE Reading Intervention Cheat Sheet here!
But first, here are some FAQ’s about how to find and choose good books for beginning readers that will be accessible to them while still helping to spark that joy of reading.
What books should a beginner start reading?
There are several things to look for in finding the best books to read for beginners. Reading books on their level will help beginning readers build fluency, so finding the appropriate level is important. You need an easy to read book for beginning readers. However, there are a lot of popular methods of teaching that use the WRONG type of books. You want to avoid relying on picture clues and guessing words.
Of course, it is so hard to find easy readers where students will not be guessing any words at all, but try to find books with words that students can sound out. You can still supplement with books that have predictable patterns though, as these books help build confidence. (I see a lion, I see a giraffe, I see a kangaroo, etc.).
*Here are some more tips for having effective reading interventions along with 6 must-haves for successful reading intervention!
The best books to read for beginners have:
- simple words they can decode, or sound out
- rely on phonics skills (here are some tips for how to teach phonics)
- common sight words that the student will already know
- a storyline (instead of predictable sentences)
- fun and engaging pictures (for interest and appeal)
What are level 1 reading books?
Level 1 reading books are easy readers geared at beginning readers in K-2 (about 6-7 years old). They are usually heavy in sight words, have many repeated words, short sentences, and few words on a page. Many of the decodable words in level 1 reading books are cvc words.
Ideally, all level 1 reading books would follow the guidelines above for the best books to read for beginners, but there is no set standard to define “level 1” in the books for beginners that are published. It’s up to the teacher, parent, or adult to decide which book is best for beginners reading.
What is the easiest book to read?
Emergent readers are considered the easiest books to read. They are for pre-readers, or students who can’t decode yet but are aware of the concept of print and can recognize some letters and words by sight, and make predictions based on pictures and patterns. These kinds of early reader books are great to get kids excited about reading, but the best books to read for beginners will focus on decoding instead of guessing.
To help build your students’ decoding skills, you can use the “build a word” phonics activity from this post.
What do reluctant readers need?
Sometimes you have kids that refuse to read. How do you get a reluctant reader to read? These kids need:
- Books that are “high interest” or match their interests
- The opportunity to choose what they read (from a set of appropriate choices)
- Books at an accessible level, or an easy to read book
- Books at an appropriate maturity (don’t give a book geared towards 1st graders to a middle schooler)
Reluctant readers also often need more hands-on and engaging reading activities, like in this post.
Reluctant Reader Books
Some ideas for books for reluctant readers are:
- graphic novels
- comic books
- video game dialog (from appropriate games–some kids that you can’t get to read anything will LOVE this!)
- joke books
- articles on their favorite subjects or hobbies
- engaging picture books
- beginning chapter books
- magazines
- cookbooks
And now… on to the fun part!
Here are the top 91 books recommended by teachers!
Best Books for Beginning Readers or Struggling Readers
Below I have a list of my ALL TIME favorite easy to read books for beginning or struggling readers PLUS the top-recommended easy reader books and reluctant reader books I have gathered from teachers all over the world. These are REAL recommendations from REAL teachers (and parents of struggling or reluctant readers).
It is organized into these categories:
- Books for Beginning Readers (easy readers)
- Easy Chapter Books
- Favorite Picture Books
- Chapter Books for Reluctant Readers or to Read Aloud
1. Best Books to Read for Beginners: Easy Readers
Need an easy to read book? These easy to read books for beginners are a perfect start.
See Me Run & See Me Dig by Paul Meisel: These are my GO TO beginning reader books! They do not feel like contrived begining readers–they are real picture books! But have very decodable words with common sight words. The stories are so clever and the illustrations add a ton of engagement!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Moo Bird (& Moo Dog) by David Milgrim: “For K, 1, 2. Easy read, interactive, sweet short story about a bird who says moo instead of tweeting. He goes off in search of a cow, but is rejected and made fun of.”
-Recommended by Laura Bryant, Ruidoso, NM
Clara and Clem Series by Ethan Long: Great simple stories with common sight words. The fun illustrations bring the story to life.
-Recommended by Katelyn
You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang: This book has simple words, but a clever story! It’s all about perspective.
-Recommended by Katelyn
That is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems: “I love books with surprise endings – as I get real dramatic, and pretend I have no idea what is going to happen, and kind of ‘lead’ the kids the wrong way! Anything by Mo Willems is awesome.”
-Recommended by Jenny
We Are In a Book by Mo Willems: “My daughter (1st grade) has struggled with reading due to ADHD. It’s been challenging to find children’s books that will capture her attention without being too difficult. I bought the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems for her and suddenly reading clicked for her. I highly recommend this series for young readers.”
-Recommended by Danielle
Play with Blue by Bonnie Bader: A fun little story about a friendly alien and making friends.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Hug by Jez Alborough
Soccer Time by Terry Pierce: Great high-interest book for those interested in sports. Also great for older kids who are on a lower reading level.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Big Shark, Little Shark by Anna Membrino: Easy to read book with bright and engaging pictures. Who doesn’t love sharks?
-Recommended by Katelyn
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Swing, Otto, Swing by David Milgrim: A story about a little robot who never gives up. You’ll love the twist ending!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Fun with Pets by Laurel Hicks: “The book that I like using to teach my kindergarten students to read is called “Fun with Pets”. I love this book because it is very easy to follow and it gives step by step instruction of how to use it especially with students that are just starting to learn how to read blends and CVC words. The book starts off with stories mostly consisting of CVC words then it transitions into stories that follow the long vowel silent e rule. Before my daughter even got to the end of the book she was already able to read most of it by herself.”
What Will Fat Cat Sit On? by Jan Thomas: This is a great book to co-read with younger readers, or let struggling 1st or 2nd grade readers read on their own. There are so many decodable words that make this text accessible, plus the illustrations and humor are SO fun!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas: Have very beginning readers practice reading the rhyming word families while you read the rest of the pages. Kids laugh their heads off at this book!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Big Egg by Molly Coxe is: This is a good book for beginners with simple words and a cute story. The ending is so sweet!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Frog and Toad Books by Arnold Lobel: “I love to use ‘Frog and Toad All Year’ as a big jump book for readers who can’t wait to read chapter books, but still need the larger print, less text on the page, and an engaging storyline that features the same characters in different chapters.”
You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You by Mary Ann Hoberman: These books are wonderful for co-reading or partner reading. Each short poem has 2 parts to take turns reading.
2. Best Books to Read for Beginners: Easy Chapter Books
Are your reluctant readers embarrassed by reading picture books and wanting to keep up with their peers reading chapter books? This list is a great place to find chapter books that are easy to read but can still feel like “big kid” books.
Fly Guy Books by Tedd Arnold: One of the best books for beginning readers to start making the leap into longer texts. There are not a ton of words on each page so it is not overwhelming, but it still has a chapter book feel.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Narwhal and Jelly Books by Ben Clanton: “I love these books because I can teach my students how to read with animation, have a bunch of laughs, and it’s very visual for my grade 1 ESOL kiddos.”
-Recommended by Alexandra, Florida Girl Teaching in Qatar
Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo: “I love the Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo! It is an engaging beginning chapter book series with loveable characters. I love reading the first book as an introduction to a series many kids love that they haven’t heard of before.”
-Recommended by Kristen
A Pig, A Fox Series by Jonathan Fenske: This fun book is about a sneaky fox whose tricks keep backfiring on him. It always makes the kids laugh!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Boris on the Move by Andrew Joyner: Follow Boris as he goes on fun adventures! This is a great stepping stone into chapter books with short text, but still in a chapter format.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Unicorn Diaries by Rebecca Elliott: Short chunks of text with A LOT of bright and fun illustrations that are so appealing to young readers.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Press Start Series by Thomas Flintham: This graphic novel series is exciting and so engaging with bright pictures and text broken up into manageable chunks.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Kung Pow Chicken by Cyndi Marko: Talk about silly and engaging! This book has hilarious pictures and humor, and an exciting plot to pull kids in. Grown-ups will love all of the puns too!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
-Recommended by Ricki
Princess Pink and the Land of Fake Believe by Noah Z. Jones: A silly spin on fairy tales, these books are SO fun to read! They are especially great for girl reluctant readers (but can be enjoyed by everyone!)
-Recommended by Katelyn
Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst: This is a hilarious story with so much personality, and just right for new or reluctant readers.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Yasmin Series by Saadia Faruqi: “I’m a K-5 Reading Specialist, and part of my job is getting students interested in reading. I have a majority Muslim population, so when Saadia Faruqi began publishing her Yasmin series, it quickly became one of my most requested books. Yasmin the Scientist is one of the newest books in the series, and I simply could not keep it in my room. Students always had it out, and not just girls. I LOVE good books that show the characters of my student’s cultures. Yasmin is a great book because of this, but it also features a strong young girl. However, this book is NOT just for Muslim students. It’s very accessible to non-Muslim students as well.”
-Recommended by C.J., K-5 Reading Specialist-District Lead, MI
The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne: “It covers history in a fun, epic way.”
-Recommended by Asma’u Yusuf from Nigeria, West Africa
The Secrets of Droon by Tony Abbott: This was the first chapter book series I got into as a young reader. I loved escaping to the magical land and finding out what happened next.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Dragon Masters Series by Tracey West: This is one of our favorites! Students and my own children have LOVED these books. The adventures and characters are so epic, your kids will get hooked on the series!
-Recommended by Katelyn
-Recommended by Hakimah E., Reading Intervention (K-5), Illinois
Geronimo Stilton Series by Geronimo Stilton: This mystery series is a blast to read! They have fun pictures and bright and bold words sprinkled throughout to supplement the chapter book format.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Hey Jack by Sally Rippen: Recommended by Krystle D., teaches 2nd-5th grade struggling readers, Texas (2023)
3. Best Books to Read for Beginners: Picture Books Read Aloud
These favorite books are recommended by real teachers who love reading them to their students.
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry & the Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood: This book is so fun for kids and adults! It has beautiful pictures, suspense, and a clever ending. Kids love reading this over and over again!
-Recommended by Katelyn
The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak: This is technically not a picture book, but it HAS to make the list of best read alouds! Possibly one of my most requested books to read to my own kids. They laugh their heads off the whole time!
-Recommended by Katelyn
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff: This is a classic cause-and-effect tale that adults can relate so much to, and kids find so funny!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Jabari Jumps (& Jabari Tries ) by Gaia Cornwall
-Recommended by Rachael
Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind by Kevin O’Malley: “Miss Malarkey is a favorite of mine. It is my hope that this book lets my kids know that I have faith in their abilities and will always be there to help them achieve great things.”
-Recommended by Nancy, California
Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
-Recommended by Deborah
Lexi the Word Wrangler by Rebecca Van Slyke
-Recommended by Beth, Ohio
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell: “A book about being proud of our differences.”
-Recommended by Julia
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy: “Lucy’s grandpa has always taught her the importance of treating others the way you would want to be treated, and that it’s okay to be different. When Lucy’s classmate Ralph starts teasing her at school, Lucy makes a very courageous decision to stand up for herself and what she believes.”
-Recommended by Rhonda, West Virginia
Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border
-Recommended by Gillian, Grade 1 Teacher
The Day Punctuation Came to Town (& The Mighty silent e! & The Little i Who Lost His Dot) by Kimberlee Gard
-Recommended by Danielle
Queen of the Scene by Queen Latifah: “My favorite book to read to the kiddos is Queen of the Scene. The illustrations are fantastic and the writing is fantastic. It helps with teaching rhyming words. It boosts girl power in the class.”
-Recommended by Catherine
Moosetache by Margie Palatini: “I love to read Moosetache by Margie Palatini, is a great book to read. It is really funny and a great book to use for sequencing and off rhymes. The littles love the silly pictures and the older kiddos have an easier time remembering the order of events because of the rhymes.”
-Recommended by Carol S East Aurora, NY
Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey: “Pig the Pug is great for characterization and the story is so silly.”
-Recommended by Amanda
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andrae
-Recommended by Gay
Is Your Mama a Llama by Deborah Guarino
-Recommended by Gay
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
-Recommended by Gay
My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook
-Recommended by Gay
If Everybody Did by Jo Ann Stover
-Recommended by Gay
What if you Had Animal Series by Sandra Markle
-Recommended by Gay
This is a Serious Book by Jodie Parachini
-Recommended by Gay
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
-Reccomended by Gay
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: “My favorite book to read, and also one of my student’s favorites, is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. It is not only a wonderful story but has great lessons to be learned from it.”
Swimmy by Leo Lionni: “Great for teaching cooperation and teamwork.”
How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan: Recommended by Timnae S. (2023)
4. Best Reluctant Reader Books: Chapter Books
These books are for those reluctant readers who just need to get hooked on a series to finally find the motivation to read. These are also great chapter books for read alouds!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo: “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a great book to teach about character change. It also captivates kids and makes kids love novels.”
-Recommended by Amanda
“My favorite book since 2009 is a read aloud for 2nd graders–The miraculous adventures of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. The kids always love the story and they say read more. My kids make “tri-o-ramas” about every 4-5 chapters. I give them rabbits (no clothes, dress, and a suit to use). They use construction paper, netting from oranges and light cardboard to make them 3-D.”
-Recommended by Betty
“When I taught 3rd Grade my favorite read aloud was “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”. I made the novel mistake of reading it aloud before having read it myself and cried tears of joy during the last few pages. My students were all virtual, so this really allowed us to connect as we discussed Edward’s journey and the people he encountered.”
-Recommended by Aleya
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
-Recommended by Ricki
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl: Recommended by Michele B., 1st Grade Teacher, Kansas (2023)
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald: Recommended by Michele B., 1st Grade Teacher, Kansas (2023)
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry: “So perfect for teaching writing! And 2nd graders love it.”
-Recommended by Gay
-Recommended by Michele B., 1st Grade Teacher, Kansas (2023)
Humphrey Books by Betty G. Birney: “They enjoy the first one so much, they want to read the rest!”
-Recommended by Sara M., Reading Specialist, Connecticut (2023)
Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat: “My all-time favorite book EVER is Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat, a read aloud for grades 2-3. I read it aloud to my own kids when they were growing up and I read it to my students. I love it because the kids always love it. It’s based on a true story and is about a middle grade boy growing up in Canada – and his pets. It is shorter and humorous.”
-Recommended by Kristi, Iowa
Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol: These books are fun little mysteries that kids love trying to solve as they read the book. A great start for kids graduating into longer chapter books.
-Recommended by Katelyn
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine: These books are full of mystery, suspense, and adventure. They are perfect for reluctant readers getting hooked on chapter books!
-Recommended by Katelyn
The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley: Follow two sisters on exciting adventures in this fun twist on classic fairytales. This series is addicting!
-Recommended by Katelyn
The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
-Recommended by Randy
Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman: “I love to read the book skeleton creek with my students. It is written in a diary/journal format which they like and has a multimedia component built inside which the kids love. It is written from the main character Ryan’s perspective (he journals) and his best friend (who records videos). This is also a series so once they are hooked with book one, they can continue to read the rest.”
-Recommended by Amanda
The Doll People by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin: This was one of my favorite chapter books growing up! In this book, toys come to life when kids are not around. It sparks so much imagination!
-Recommended by Katelyn
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
-Recommended by Asma’u Yusuf from Nigeria, West Africa
Roald Dahl Books: “They’re different–funny and serious at the same time.”
-Recommended by Asma’u Yusuf from Nigeria, West Africa
Fudge Series by Judy Blume
-Recommended by Asma’u Yusuf from Nigeria, West Africa
Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
-Recommended by Erica
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes: Recommended by Lauren, Special Education Middle School Teacher, NJ
Holes by Louis Sachar
-Recommended by Lauren, Special Education Middle School Teacher, NJ
Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene: “Mystery and adventure!”
-Recommended by Asma’u Yusuf from Nigeria, West Africa
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scot O’Dell: “As a teacher-mama, I read ‘The Island of the Blue Dolphins’ with my rising 10th and 8th graders. The purpose was to in literature experience perseverance in a culturally aware novel. It prompted great discussions and exploration of an area of the world that is close to home, but not like home.”
-Recommended by Aleya
Heidi by Johanna Spyri: “It transported me to the Swiss Alps and I could imagine the view, and the smell of cheese, the fresh air, grumpy old men and charming little girls. It is actually still is one of my favs.”
-Recommended by Asma’u Yusuf from Nigeria, West Africa
The Giver by Lois Lowry
-Recommended by Aileen
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
-Recommended by Lauren, Special Education Middle School Teacher, NJ
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
-Recommended by Lauren, Special Education Middle School Teacher, NJ
-Recommended by Dessica A., 5th-6th Special Education Teacher, Indiana
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
-Recommended by Lauren, Special Education Middle School Teacher, NJ
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
-Recommended by Lauren, Special Education Middle School Teacher, NJ
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: Recommended by Asma’u Yusuf from Nigeria, West Africa
Uncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide: Recommended by Stephanie W., Kindergarten Teacher, Georgia (2023)
Reading Above the Fray by Julia B. Lindsey: Recommended by Stephanie W., Kindergarten Teacher, Georgia (2023)
Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins: Recommended by Stephanie W., Kindergarten Teacher, Georgia (2023)
And that wraps it up! These are the best books to read for beginners or reluctant readers. Give your student a quality, easy to read book that is engaging and appropriate, and watch them soar! When students are able to read AND enjoy books, confidence and the joy of reading sparks in them. I hope these reluctant and beginning reader books are able to help spark that for your readers!
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