Even though a child is learning to read, don’t stop reading to and with them.
Just because a child is reading on his/her own doesn't mean that read-alouds are no longer important. Fluency and rhythm while reading is greatly improved from listening to adults read. Choose books a couple of levels above the child's reading level when reading aloud. For example, a 3rd grade reading level would most likely be too difficult for a 1st grade child to read on his/her own but is perfect for an adult to read out loud to the child.
Below are a list of favorite authors, books, and readers for kindergarten to 4th grade children. Read-alouds for K-2nd and readers for 2nd-4th grade reading levels.
To check the reading level of a book visit the Accelerated Reader Website. Read ABCJLM suggestions concerning reading with your child.
A to Z Mysteries Series - A mystery for every letter of the alphabet. 3rd Grade Reading Level
Because of Winn-Dixie - From the beloved author Kate DiCamillo, Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big, ugly dog Winn-Dixie. 3rd Grade Reading Level
Berenstain Bears - These stories are suggested throughout the ABCJLM curriculum due to their high moral standards and fun plots. I prefer the older stories written by Stan and Jan Berenstain over the newer ones. 3rd Grade Reading Level
The Boxcar Children Mysteries - Four siblings find themselves without a place to live until they discover an old boxcar. 3rd-4th Grade Reading Level
Charlotte's Web - A story that has stood the test of time about a pig and spider and the friendship that forms between. 4th Grade Reading Level
Chip Hilton Sports Series - For the sports fan in your home. 5th Grade Reading Level
The Chronicles of Narnia - The ever famous stories by C.S. Lewis including the renowned Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe . 5th Grade Reading Level
Dinosaur Cove - Two boys find a secret dino world. 3rd-4th Grade Reading Level
Encyclopedia Brown - Timeless mysteries perfect for boys. 4th Grade Reading Level
Flat Stanley - Stanley has to learn how to deal with his new situation after a bulletin-board falls on him and makes him flat. 4th Grade Reading Level
Hank the Cowdog - Meet Hank, the cowdog. Experience adventures that only his head-of-ranch-security dog can have. 4th Grade Reading Level
Little House on the Prairie - Timeless books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Travel in a covered wagon with the Ingalls family as they search for the perfect home in Kansas. 5th Grade Reading Level
The Littles - This timeless classic about a family of tiny people. 3rd Grade Reading Level
The Mandie Series - This series by Lois Gladys Leppard was one that I read as a child; a Christian series geared more for girls. 4th-5th Grade Reading Level
Magic Tree House - Enjoy the trips that Jack and Annie take in the Magic Tree House. 3rd Grade Reading Level
Mr. Popper's Penguins - A classic adventure about a house painter and a brood of penguins. 5th Grade Reading Level
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle - The neighbor that everyone wished they had, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle knows just what to say to the children around her to help improve their behavior. 5th Grade Reading Level
My Father's Dragon - Written in 1944, this Newbery Honor Book invites the reader to join the adventures of a boy and an enslaved baby dragon. 5th Grade Reading Level
The Puppy Place Series - Books for puppy lovers in your home. 4th Grade Reading Level
The Ralph S. Mouse Set - By Beverly Cleary, this set includes the popular The Mouse and the Motorcycle book. 5th Grade Reading Level
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 - Follow the life of a 3rd-grade girl named Ramona. 5th Grade Reading Level
Stuart Little - Amazon puts it best, "Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he's shy and thoughtful, he's also a true lover of adventure. Stuart's greatest adventure comes when his best friend, a beautiful little bird named Margalo, disappears from her nest. Determined to track her down, Stuart ventures away from home for the very first time in his life. He finds adventure aplenty. But will he find his friend?" 6th Grade Reading Level
Sugar Creek Gang - The popular Christian mystery series by Paul Hutchens has been a hit with boys for many years. Thirty-six books in the series. 5th Grade Reading Level
Winnie the Pooh - Before Disney took the bear and made him popular for TV, A.A. Milne wrote the book that started it all. 4th Grade Reading Level
I have not read all of the books written by each of the authors listed above. Please preread the books before sharing the suggested books with your children or students.
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