Books for Emerging Readers

When choosing books for emerging readers who are just starting to more confidently read on their own, select books with simple, straightforward language, large fonts, and lots of illustrations, but begin choosing books with longer sentences. The best way to select a book that your child will read is to let them select a book that interests them! Don't worry about reading levels on books because they are not always consistent, and not all levelled readers are good for emerging readers. Visit the library and let your child look at books in person, and have them try to read a page, if they struggle with more than 3-5 words, try that book again later. There is nothing wrong with children reading something that is easier! It build their confidence. Mix books that are more challenging in with books they are confident reading for a good balance.

Updated June 11, 2026
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Ada Twist, scientist
Beaty, Andrea
Paper Book
Inspired by mathematician Ada Lovelace and physicist Marie Curie, this #1 bestseller from author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts champions STEM, girl power, and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power of perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?"<...
Vivi loves science. Sink or float
Derting, Kimberly
Paper Book
Vivi loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi and her friends visit the aquarium and are introduced to the concepts of density and buoyancy. A great choice for aspiring scientists, emerging readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty's Ada Twist, Scientist. ...
Libby loves science : states of matter
Derting, Kimberly
Paper Book
Libby loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Libby and her friends learn about solids, liquids, and gases. A great choice for aspiring scientists, new readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty's Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes activities, a glossary, and a fun science...
I want to be an artist
Driscoll, Laura
Paper Book
For any child who loves making art! This Level One I Can Read story by Laura Driscoll, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, blends narrative with nonfiction, introducing many different kinds of working artists to the young reader. Papa takes me to an art show and I get to meet...
Math in the bath
Oxley, Jennifer
Paper Book
Bath time turns into math time for Peg and Cat in this tale for early readers. Peg and Cat are in the bath. One, two friends in the bath. Seems like a great time to do some math! Readers can join old friends Peg and Cat as they engage with the concepts of counting and weight and...
Bears on wheels
Berenstain, Stan
Paper Book
A Step 1 Step into Reading Math Reader offers a hilarious and unique approach to addition and subtraction, courtesy of the Berenstains. The gradually increasing number of bears on wheels--unicycles, bikes, and trikes--engage in silly antics that will make beginning readers giggle as they learn...
I did it!
Emberley, Michael.
Paper Book
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner! Learning to ride a bike is hard. Can I do it? Yes, I can! A fun comic that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own. Can I do it? I can't do it. I want to do it. I did it!...
Worm and Caterpillar are friends
Windness, Kaz
Paper Book
A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book A Kirkus Reviews Best Graphic Novel & Comic A New York Public Library Best Book A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book This heartwarming and affirming Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book...
A walk in the dark and other scary stories
Brallier, Max.
Paper Book
Jump into these spine-chilling stories from New York Times bestselling author Max Brallier, perfect for beginning readers! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read...

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