Teachers of emergent readers have the power to create lovers of reading. To develop these engaged bookworms we need to be strategic and diverse about the books we present to them. Allowing for new readers to learn their interests we need to present a variety of content. As you get to know your students well and recognize which subjects rivet them use this assorted list of books that can be used to further engage beginner readers.
1. Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh
A picture book that includes bright colors and charming animals will engage our littles on the concept of measurement and size. Ellen Stoll Walsh introduces two mice who create their own sea-saw. As they are playing other animals come join and this is when our little observers begin thinking about if these animals will fit and how the teeter-totter can balance.
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2. Albert Is NOT Scared by Deborah Melmon
Unfortunately, there was a mix-up and poor Albert ends up on the Twisty Rollercoaster. This adventure story is a clever way to teach kids about direction words. The book includes ideas for a project and a game where kids practice and demonstrate comprehension of directional terms.
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3. No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart & Allen Young Illustrations by Nicole Wong
This science-focused book for kids explores the interconnectedness of monkeys and that's right, chocolate! The authors do an amazing job of showing the cycle of ecosystems and the process of chocolate traveling from the rainforest to the store with the help of bold and fun illustrations.
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4. Dreaming Up a Celebration of Building by Christy Hale
A STEM book favorite that encourages kids to build. Hale combines the imagination of kids using materials such as mud and sand to create their own structures. Then coincides those pages with actual architecture throughout the world. Dreaming Up a Celebration of Building is a wonderful gateway into the world of architecture.
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5. Don't Throw It to Mo! (Mo Jackson) by David Adler Illustrated by Sam Ricks
A Theodore Seuss Geisel Award winner, Don't Throw It to Mo! is a must-read! Mo is a charming character who will not let his age or size get in the way of his passion for playing football. This book provides a wonderful opportunity for conversations about self-image and perseverance.
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6. Daniel's Good Day by Jon Agee
Daniel the protagonist takes the reader on a clever adventure to figure out, what makes a good day? He encounters many people from his diverse neighborhood to find out what their good day looks like. It's a wonderful story of perspective and appreciation. Also, an opportunity to find out what makes a good day for your own students.
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7. The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater
If you are looking for a powerful story to teach about being different choose The Big Orange Splot. This melodic read with bright illustrations is the perfect way to guide children into understanding they do not need to conform to what everyone else around them is doing.
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8. Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy by Thomas Flintham
This fun fast-paced chapter book is the first in its series. Rabbit Boy is a video game character and his life depends on Sunny, the boy with the controller. If Sunny loses, Rabbit Boy and his friend's lives are doomed! Video game fans especially will be intrigued to find out Rabbit Boy's destiny.
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9. Vote For Our Future by Margaret McNamara Illustrated by Micah Player
A book recommendation for those who want to teach about civic duties. McNamara and Player's blend of picture books and ideas of how to be a part of the voting process even when you are too young to vote is inspiring for young readers.
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10. This is How We Do It: One Day in the Life of Seven Kids from around the World by Matt Lamothe
If you are looking for a charming reading that encourages culture and diversity This is How We Do it encompasses just that. Lamothe gives a glimpse into various children's lives from around the world that are ethnically and economically different but may also be the same.
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11. Murilla Gorilla by Jennifer Lloyd Illustrated by Jacqui Lee
Murilla Gorilla is a chapter book mystery that is sure to evoke a laugh or two. The encounters with numerous jungle animals and the grade-appropriate vocabulary provide an engaging experience for growing readers. Murilla is a bit unconventional for a detective but nevertheless, she gets the job done!
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12. Fox at Night by Corey Taber
Filled with beautiful illustrations and loveable characters, Fox at Night takes students through Fox's journey of overcoming monsters. After getting to know different night-loving animals he may be wrong about his first impressions. Award-winning Corey Taber is the writer and illustrator of this book about not being afraid.
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13. Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean
Adults and kids alike will have a blast reading Moody Cow. Through Maclean's bold illustrations and negative scenarios, we learn about Peter the Cow's difficult day. However, grandpa comes to the rescue to teach about how to relax the mind and manage emotions. Meditation jar ideas included!
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14. Politeness for Penguins by Zanna Davidson Illustrated by Duncan Beedie
Looking for a book about manners? Davidson's book of adorable penguins is your go-to! Ill-mannered penguins are looking to win a grand prize of fish for a year by impressing the discourteous and impolite emperor with a performance. Time for penguins to show the emperor how to be courteous and respectful.
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15. I am Walt Disney (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
A fun comic book-style biography that tells the story of Walt Disney. Ordinary People Change the World is a fun-loving biography series written in comic book form. The series focuses on famous American figures. This book in particular centers on how Walt Disney made dreams come true for himself and others.
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16. Milk to Ice Cream by Lisa M. Herrington
With a bit of ice cream on our minds this summer, what's better than nonfiction read about where ice cream comes from? A rookie read from scholastic takes our young readers on the journey from how milk ends up in an ice cream shop near you!
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17. When Numbers Met Letters by Lois Barr Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
With vibrant color per picture, this book of contrast between letters and numbers is a wonderful supplement when it comes to the letter and number reionization. The loveable characters provide funny dialogue and a humorous perspective between letters and numbers.
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18. Sir Simon: Super Scarer
Halloween theme book fans will love this cute and spooky tale. A Penguin Random House recommendation, Sir Simon is finally assigned to his first house haunting. Simon quickly realizes it will not be as easy as he thought. This scream-free distinguished young reader book also includes a lesson on responsibility.
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