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 real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?" Don't miss Ada's further adventures-with her friends...
The Berenstain Bears catch the bus
Berenstain, Stan
Paper Book
It's 7:45 a.m. and Gus the bus driver is on his way. But the Cubs aren's even up yet! Will they miss the bus? Told in humorous easy-to-read text, this simple story offers up a blow-by-blow description of just another morning in the Bear household--which readers will find not all that different from...
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 experiment to...
Amelia Bedelia, rocket scientist?
Parish, Herman.
Paper Book
Mad Scientists Mad Scientists Unidentified Flying Bonnets Take cover! Amelia Bedelia is at the school science fair!
Bears on wheels
Berenstain, Stan
Paper Book
As the gradually increasing number of bears on wheels adds up through all kinds of combinations and permutations, beginning readers are offered a unique counting book, courtesy of the Berenstains.
I'm fast!
McMullan, Kate.
DVD
Join the fun as a train pulling a long, heavy load races a speedy, little car across the country, through the mountains, through the desert, and through a blizzard.
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!...
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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