60+ Chapter Books for 1st Graders

If you are looking for chapter books for 1st graders, you’re in the right place. I’ve got a list of early chapter books that are not only age-appropriate but fun and clean as well. While all three of my kids were at different reading levels in 1st grade, each was able to enjoy the thrill of completing chapter books at their level. Today, I’m going to share some of our favorites categorized by length/level.

Short Chapter Books: Very short chapters, lots of illustrations, Simple sentences, approximately 30-60 pages
Medium Chapter Books: Longer stories, some pictures, good for growing readers approximately 60-100 pages
Long Chapter Books: More text, fewer pictures; best for confident or advanced 1st-grade readers approximately 100-200 pages

Choosing Good Quality Chapter Books for 1st Graders

When selecting books for my kids, I look for content that will be wholesome and engaging, with respectful relationships, positive themes, and no underlying negativity, dark themes, or hidden agendas.

No potty humor
Wholesome and engaging story
Respectful relationships
No underlying negativitiy or dark themes
No hidden agendas

Chapter Books for 1st Graders

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I may earn a commission from sales made. Thank you!

Since I wanted this to be a quick reference list of chapter books for 1st grade, I chose not write a snippet or review for each book; instead, I’ve linked each one to Amazon, where you can find more info, read reviews, and decide for yourself if it is a good fit for your child. (And yes, they are affiliate links; I may earn a commission from sales made, thank you!)

Also, if you have any other book suggestions, leave them in the comments below, I’d love to hear what beginner chapter books your family enjoys. Now let’s jump into the list!

Short Chapter Books for 1st Graders

Very short chapters, lots of illustrations approximately 30-60 pages

Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban
Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant
Greg’s Microscope by Millicent C. Selsam
Henry and Mudge Series by Cynthia Rylant
Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik
Prairie School by Avi
Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel
Mr. Putter & Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant
Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty adapted by Cathy East
Mouse Soup by Arnold Lobel
Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel
Be Nice to Spiders by Margaret Bloy Graham
The Berenstain Bears Down on the Farm by Jan Bearenstain
Amelia Bedelia and the Cat by Herman Parish
Amelia Bedelia Bakes Off by Herman Parish
Helen Keller: The World at Her Fingertips by Sarah Albee
Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes by Jane O’Connor
Harry by the Sea by Gene Zion
The Great Tulip Trade by Beth Wagner Brust

50+ Engaging Stories for 7-Year-Olds. Imaginative. www.inspirethemom.com

Medium Chapter Books for 1st Grade

Longer stories, some pictures, good for growing readers approximately 60-100 pages

In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen by Cynthia Rylant
Lumber Camp Library by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
Daniel’s Duck by Clyde Robert Bulla
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
The Littles by John Peterson
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Favorites by Bernard Waber (picture book format)
The Secret Valley by Clyde Robert Bulla
Nate the Great Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
Cam Jansen Series by David A. Adler
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
The Lighthouse Family Series by Cynthia Rylant
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh
Tales From Dickawoo Drive by Kate DiCamillo
Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre Farm by Sid Fleischman
Anne Arrives: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables by Kallie George
Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell
26 Fairmount Avenue by Tommy DePaola
Paint Brush Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla

Long Chapter Books for 1st Graders

More text, fewer pictures; best for confident 1st-grade readers approximately 100-200 pages

The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborn
In Grandma’s Attic by Arleta Richardson
The Berenstain Bears’ (Early chapter books) by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Stewart Little by E.B. White
The Secret of the Hidden Scroll Series by M.J. Thomas
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Tales from Maple Ridge by Grace Gilmore
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Stein Warner
Ranger in Time by Kate Messner
The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
The Imagination Station Series by Focus on the Family Team
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Boy of the Pyramids by Ruth Fosdick Jones
The Beatinest Boy by Jesse Stuart
Thimbleberry Stories by Cynthia Rylant

25+ Best Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds. Mystery and Adventure. www.inspirethemom.com

Should my First Grader be Reading Chapter Books?

It really depends are where your child is at. Some kids at this age are just beginning to read simple chapter books, some are already immersed in longer books, and some are not quite ready to read chapter books on their own. Either way, break out the first chapter books! Your students can read on their own, they take turns reading every page with a parent, or the chapter books can be read aloud.

How do I Incorporate Chapter Books in my 1st Grader’s Routine

Read one chapter together: Pick a chapter book and begin! Start simple and read a chapter together, put it down, and pick it up again tomorrow. This builds the habit of coming back to the same book.
Find a time that works best: Many families use chapter books during morning basket or circle time. But chapter books also work well for quiet time, independent reading practice, or as a calm afternoon read-aloud, allowing children to enjoy wholesome stories while developing confidence at their own pace.
Share the reading: A great way to build the skill of reading longer books is to share the reading. Take turns reading the paragraphs or pages together. Then, when you are done, you can have your child give a simple summary to grow their reading comprehension.
Choose Books they will enjoy: choose reading material that will catch their interest, then help them work through the book.
Celebrate their achievements: Reading their first few chapter books feels like a big feat for first graders. Join the celebration and encourage them as they grow in their reading skills.