Free ar books for 1st graders


📚 100 FUN 1st Grade Reading Level Books (Free Printable pdf)

Looking for a list of first grade reading books for your child to read by themselves? Here is a wonderful list full of over 100 1st grade reading books. We’ve picked a lot of classic and favorite books for 1st graders to engage grade 1 children so they will be excited about reading. The 1st grade reading books pdf has books listed in order of reading level. Simply print the 1st grade reading books pdf at the bottom of the post to take with you to the library.

1st grade reading books pdf free

It can be overwhelming to pick out first grade reading level books at the library. All the 1st grade level books are grouped together and kids can spend a long time opening up each cover to decipher the reading level just to discover the book that looked fun, was really for older kids! I don’t know about your kids, but mine get frustrated. Really frustrated! So I’ve created this list of 1st grade reading books arranged by reading level. Plus, I’ve put the list in a handy story books for grade 1 pdf so kids can keep the list in the book they are reading so when they are done, they simply check out the next couple first grade reading book. There are several grade 1 reading books pdf templates to choose from! Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler – you will love this level 1 reading books pdf!

Level 1 reading books pdf

Scroll to the bottom of the post, click on the TEXT LINK that says  >> _____<< and the 1st grade reading books pdf  will open in a new window for you to print and save.

Level 1 reading books pdf free

Here are some of the BEST books for 1st grade students to read themselves. First grade level books are listed from easiest to hardest with the Book Level used by most libraries in parenthesis for your convenience.

  Before and After by Joy Frisch-Schmoll (1.1) uses simple language to explore opposites in the world to explain the concepts of before and after.

  Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell (1.2) introduces readers to a young girl named Emily Elizabeth and her huge, red dog named Clifford.

  Baby Pandas by Bethany Olson (1.2) teaches kids about baby pandas through simple language and bright, colorful photographs.

  Puppy Mudge Finds a Friend by Cynthia Rylant (1.2) follows the adorable (and large) puppy named Mudge as he makes friends with a cat named Fluffy.

  Flying High by Nick Eliopulos (1.2) shows what happens when the DC Super Friends try to restore peace to Gotham after the Penguin gets his bird friends to help him rob a bank.

  Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman (1.2)  follows all kinds of dogs, big and small, as they run, roller skate and bike.

  Construction Kitties by Judy Sue Goodwin-Sturges (1.2)  follows a team of adorable kittens as they operate machinery on a construction site.

  The Berenstain Bears Ride the Thunderbolt by Stan Berenstain (1.2)  uses short, simple sentences to take readers on a trip to the amusement park with the Berenstain Bear family.

  Ballet Stars by Joan Holub (1.2) is an easy reader about young dancers who take ballet classes, practice their steps, and prepare for the big show.

  Mittens at School by Lola M. Schaefer (1.2) tells the story of Mittens, a little kitten who gets into trouble when his owner brings him to school for show and tell.

  I Like Bugs by Margaret Wise Brown (1. 2)  uses short, simple sentences to explore all kinds of bugs.

1st grade reading books pdf

  Too Many Dogs by Lori Haskins (1.2) celebrates all kinds of dogs through simple text and hilarious illustrations.

  Money, Money Honey Bunny! by Marilyn Sadler (1.2)  is a fun rhyming book about Honey Bunny Funny bunny and how she saves and spends her money.

  I Love Rocks by Cari Meister (1.2) is a fun introduction to rocks of all kinds for young readers.

  Great Day for UP by Dr. Seuss (1.3)  is an energetic book that celebrates the many ways that we use the word up.

  Richard Scarry’s Readers Cake Soup by Erica Farber (1.3)  follows Huckle Cat and Bridget as they try (and fail) to make a cake for Lowly Worm’s birthday.

  Honey Helps by Laura Godwin (1. 3)  uses simple words to tell the story of a dog named Happy and the little kitten named Honey who wants to help him bury his bone.

  Ink, Wink, and Blink Work Out! by Pete Whitehead (1.3)  follows three animal characters named Ink, Wink and Blink as they perform all kinds of physical actions.

  We Play on a Rainy Day by Angela Shelf Medearis (1.3)  celebrates the fun of a rainy day as a group of kids learn that a little rain doesn’t have to end their outdoor fun.

  See Me Dig by Paul Meisel (1.3)  introduces kids to a group of dogs who love to dig and have to find the perfect place to do it.

  Tiny Goes to the Library by Cari Meister (1.3)  follows Tiny, the large dog, as he and his best friend go to their favorite places, including the library.

  Beep! Beep! It’s Beeper! by Carole Lexa Schaefer (1. 3)  tells the story of Beeper, a friendly alien who likes to do a lot of the same things kids do.

  Follow Me, Mittens by Lola M. Schaefer (1.3)  is a story about a little kitten named Mittens who gets lost while out on a walk with his little boy.

  Listen to My Trumpet! by Mo Willems (1.3)  stars popular characters Gerald and Piggie. When Piggie tries to play her loud trumpet, Gerald struggles with what to say.

Story books for grade 1 pdf

  Noodles: No Kisses, Please! by Hans Wilhelm (1.3) follows Noodles the puppy as he tries to avoid getting kissed by Auntie Judy.

  Bears In the Night by Stan Bernstein (1.4)  uses very few words to share a story of the bear cubs leaving the tree house at night through a window.

  Sir Mike by Robyn Hood Black (1.4)  is a story about a young boy named Mike who is ready to fight the dragon he believes he is seeing.

  Cowboy Up! By Larry Dane Brimner (1.4) is a rhyming story that shares the life of a cowboy.

  Biscuit’s Day at the Farm by Alyssa Satin Capucilli  tells readers what happens when Biscuit the puppy heads to the farm for the day.(1.4)

  Cat Traps by Molly Coxe (1.4) uses short funny sentences to tell the story of what happens when a hungry cat sets a trap.

  Snug Bug by Cathy East Dubowski (1.4) follows a little bug as he gets ready for bed.

Grade 1 reading books pdf

  Put me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire (1.4) features Spot, an animal who wants to be in the zoo, as he explains all that he can do.

  Go to Sleep Dear Dragon by MODERN CURRICULUM PRESS (1.4)  follows a young boy into a dream medieval world where he finds a dragon egg.

  Garden Friends by DK Publishing (1.4)  uses simple words and bright illustrations to teach readers about insects who live in the garden.

  Tiny the Dog by Cari Meister (1.4)  is a story about a young boy and his large dog named Tiny, as they play in the snow.

  Hooper Humperdink…? Not Him! by Theo LeSieg (1.5) is a rhyming story about the kids the narrator wants to invite to a party.

  Thunder Doesn’t Scare Me by Lynea Bowdish (1.5)  addresses a common childhood fear of thunder through the eyes of a young girl and her dog who are trying to be brave.

  Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss (1.5) is a classic tale which follows the main character as he tells Sam-I-Am over and over that he will not try green egg and ham.

  The Chick that Wouldn’t Hatch by Claire Daniel (1. 5) tells the exciting adventure of Mother Hen’s unhatched egg, who rolls all over the farm.

  Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman (1.5)  follows a baby bird as he searches for his mother and meets all kinds of animals along the way.

  Five Silly Fishermen by Roberta Edwards  (1.5) explores counting with five silly fisherman heading out for a day of fishing.

  Happy Alphabet!: A Phonics Reader by Anna Jane Hays (1.5) is a rhyming trip through the alphabet, with a different character or object representing each letter.

1st grade reading books

  Freddie and Flossie at the Beach by Laura Lee Hope (1.5)  join twins Freddie and Flossie as they spend a day at the beach with their dog Snap.

  I Can Bowl by Linda Johns (1.5) is an introduction to bowling through the eyes of a young boy bowling with his mother.

  Pig Has a Plan by Ethan Long (1.5) takes the reader on a trip to the barnyard where Pig just wants to take a nap, and has to come up with a plan to avoid the noise his animal friends are making.

  The Ear Book by Al Perkins (1.5)  celebrates ears and all of the things that they can hear in the world.

  Sweet Potato Pie by Anne Rockwell (1.5) highlights how an entire family stops what they are doing when Grandma bakes her sweet potato pie.

  Morris the Moose by B. Wiseman (1.5) introduces readers to Morris the moose, and highlights the similarities between different animals.

  Velveteen Rabbit and the Boy by Maria S. Barbo (1.6)  follows the Velveteen Rabbit and his little boy as they play outside just before a big storm comes.

  The Bike Lesson by Stan Berenstain (1. 6)  joins the Berenstain Bear family as Small Bear learns about bike safety from Father Bear.

  A New Home by Tim Bowers (1.6)  tells the story of Matt, a squirrel who moves into a new home, but longs for a new friend.

  Monkey Play by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (1.6) follows a group of energetic monkeys as they jump, swing, and play in the jungle.

  How Many Fish? by Caron Lee Cohen (1.6) explores what happens when six little fish in the bay meet six little feet.

Books for 1st graders to read on their own

  Come Play with Me by Marie Hall Ets (1.6) touches on the importance of patience through the story of a young girl who wants to play with the animals in the meadow.

  Snowball Soup by Mercer Mayer (1.6)  joins Little Critter and his friends as they build snowmen outside, and decide to feed them some lunch.

  Messy Bessey’s Garden by Pat McKissack (1.6)  follows a little girl named Bessey as she works hard on her little garden.

  Richard Scarry’s Watch Your Step, Mr. Rabbit by Richard Scarry (1.6) is a hilarious tale that explores what happens when Mr. Rabbit gets stuck in cement and his friends have to get him out.

  Fire Trucks and Rescue Vehicles by Jean Coppendale (1.6)   is a nonfiction book that introduces young readers to different kinds of rescue vehicles.

  The Cow in the House by Harriet Ziefert (1.6)  tells the story of a man struggling with a noisy house as he goes to see a wise man for advice.

  Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems (1.6)  joins Piggy and Gerald as they meet a snake who wants to play catch with them.

  One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss (1.7) introduces the reader to silly characters and situations through colorful illustrations and rhyming words.

  Old Hat, New Hat by Stan Berenstain (1.7)  explores concepts with Brother Bear as he tries on all kinds of hats while shopping for a new one.

First grade reading stories pdf

  The Big Honey Hunt by Stan Berenstain (1.7) joins Small Bear and Father Bear on a quest to follow a honeybee to find his honey.

  Bill’s Bike by Andy Blackford (1.7) follows a young boy named Bill as he rides his new bike for the first time.

  Biscuit Visits the Big City by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (1.7)  meets up with the little yellow puppy as he visits a busy city.

  Mice on Ice by Rebecca Emberley (1.7)  uses simple language and colorful illustrations of adorable mice characters to celebrate winter fun.

  Peanut and Pearl’s Picnic Adventure by Rebecca Kai Dotlich (1.7)  follows two friends named Peanut and Pearl as they attempt to go on a picnic together and can’t find one another.

  I Shop with My Daddy by Grace Maccarone (1.7)  tells the story of a trip to the grocery store between a father and daughter.

  Who Stole the Cookies? by Judith Moffatt (1.7)  is a mystery story about an empty cookie jar and the animals who are trying to figure out who ate all the cookies.

  Loose Tooth by Lola M. Schaefer (1.7) follows the experience of a young boy with a loose tooth

  No Mail for Mitchell by Catherine Siracusa (1.7)  is a sweet story about a dog mailman who longs to receive mail himself.

  Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now! by Dr. Seuss (1.7) explores the many ways that the title character Marvin K. Mooney can leave once it is time for him to go.

First grade reading books

  Elephants Cannot Dance! by Mo Willems (1.7) follows Piggie and Gerald as they debate over whether or not elephants can dance.

  A Dozen Dogs: A Math Reader by Harriet Ziefert (1.7) joins a group of different dogs as they have fun at the beach.

  Sunshine, Moonshine by Jennifer Armstrong (1.8)  is a lyrical exploration of the sun and the moon shining down on the beach, through the eyes of a young boy.

  A Trip to the Zoo from DK Reading (1.8)  is a nonfiction book that joins two young boys on a trip to the zoo.

  Fall Leaves by Don L. Curry (1.8) uses simple sentences and vivid illustrations to explore the fun of fall leaves.

  Car Goes Far by Michael Garland (1.8) follows a happy car as he goes about his day getting dirtier and ends up needing a bath.

  Mouse’s Hide-and-Seek Words: A Phonics Reader by Kathryn Heling (1.8) makes wordplay fun by encouraging readers to find small words in bigger words.

  Corduroy’s Garden by Don Freeman (1.8) revisits the adorable stuffed bear as Lisa leaves him in charge of watching over the garden.

  The Mess by Patricia Jensen (1.8) tells the story of a young boy who thinks about all the things his friends are doing while he has to clean his room.

  Sam Gets Lost by Sam Labatt (1.8)  follows a dog named Sam who jumps out of the car to explore and ends up separated from his owners

  Dragon Egg by Mallory Loehr (1. 8) explores what happens when a dragon egg rolls out of the nest and draws lots of attention.

  Fox and His Friends by Edward Marshall (1.8)  is made up of stories about Fox wanting to play with his friends, but he keeps being interrupted by his responsibilities.

1st grade level books

  Mr Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss (1.8) is a fun rhyming book that explores different sounds and encourages the reader to make them too.

  Splish Splash by Sarah Weeks (1.8)  is a rhyming story about Chub the fish and his animal friends, all getting into the bath tub.

  A Fly Went By by Mike McClintock (1.9) follows the adventures of a frantic fly and the chase that ensues after a young boy asks him where he is going.

  Shoo, Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold (1.9)  explores what happens when Fly Guy finds out that Buzz has gone on a picnic without him.

  Dinosaurs Don’t, Dinosaurs Do by Steve Bjorkman (1.9) uses simple language and adorable illustrations of dinosaurs to explain good manners to young readers.

  Carl and the Puppies by Alexandra Day (1.9) follows the adventures of Carl the dog as he attempts to watch over 3 energetic puppies.

  The Lion and the Mice by Gail Herman (1.9)  is a retelling of the Aesop fable through simple language and beautiful illustrations.

  A Smelly Story by Richard Scarry (1.9) follows Huckle Cat as he tries to recover the watch that got carried away in the garbage truck.

  Hello, House! by Linda Hayward (1.9)  is a retelling of one of the “Tales of Uncle Remus”, where Brer Wolf hides in Brer Rabbit’s house to try to catch him.

   Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy (1. 9) follows the adventures of little Mabel as she tries to save her baby brother as he floats all over town in a bubble.

  Pizza for Sam by Mary Labatt (1.9) tells the story of Sam the dog as he discovers all the amazing foods that people get to eat.

  There Is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems (1.9) follows Gerald the elephant as he struggles with birds on his head, and his friend Piggie tries to help him.

1st grade reading books online

To make it east to find 1st grade level books for your new reader I made a printable from this list. There are 10 different styles to choose from in both color and black and white.

Just print the 1st grade reading list, fold in half, and laminate to make a convenient bookmark they can bring along to the library. They can go through them in order and check them off with a dry erase marker when they’ve read a book.

By reading books in order they will confidently read and be successful while gaining a lot of practice and exposure to a lot of vocabulary.

Book Recommendations

First of all, whether you stock up on books at your local library, have a robust home library, or not. You can still order books and have them conveninetly shipped to your house from Amazon. Wondering what should I read – we’ve got tons of great book recommendations for you! Click on the list you want to read and then you can conveninetly order from Amazon or print a book list to take to the library.

   

Free Printable Reading Logs

  • Monthly Reading Log – this free printable has ‘traditional’ monthly themes
  • Bookshelf Free Printable Reading Logs – super cute and fun for kids of all ages!
  • Pencil Free Printable Reading Logs -print reading worksheet and color a pencil for each book you read
  • Frozen Free Printable Reading Logs – kids will have fun tracking their reading and the books they’ve read with this motivating free printable for kids of all ages
  • Princess Free Printable Reading Logs – students will have fun tracking their reading with these free printable reading logs
  • Super Hero Free Printable Reading Logs – using a favorite theme of kids will encourage kids to read
  • Cars Free Printable Book Logs – children will have fun tracking the books they’ve read with these clever free reading log
  • Summer Free Printable Reading Logs – students will be motivated to read this summer with these ideas
  • Reading Comprehension Bookmarks – this is a great tool for making sure kids are understanding what they are reading
  • Reading Levels by Grade – how to pick the right books for every reading level and tons of printable book lists too

 

Worksheets for Grade 1

If you have a 1st grader and you are looking for more fun, hands on 1st grade Worksheets, games and activities to make learning fun – you will love these resources!

  • 100 Books 1st Graders can Read Themselves with free 1st grade reading books pdf free
  • Fun-to-Read Chapter Books for 1st Graders
  • Free Printable 1st Grade Book Report template
  • Kid favorite, FREE Cut and Paste Worksheets for a variety of subjects!
  • Sight Words Printable List
  • First Grade Word Search
  • Fun, free printable punctuation games for kids
  • Phonics Dab the th worksheets
  • sh, ch, th word Digraph Games
  • Ending Blends Worksheets with do a dot markers
  • Cut and Paste L Blends Worksheets
  • LOTS more free printable phonics worksheets and games

Free printable worksheets for 1st grade

Looking for even more grade 1 worksheets to review skills while having fun? Check out these resources:

  • 1st Grade Reading Games – Reading the Easy Way 1st Grade
  • Fun, hands-on Counting Coins Games
  • Lots of fun, free money games for kids
  • Over 500 pages of Kindergarten Writing Prompts Free
  • Sentence Scramble Worksheets
  • Princess Color by Sight Word Worksheets
  • Time Puzzles make learning to use a clock FUN
  • Gumball Math Worksheets to practice addition & subtraction
  • Crack the Code Worksheets for practicing math while having fun
  • Bingo Shapes Game
  • Color the Coin Money Coloring Pages
  • Addition and Subtraction Math Mystery
  • Printable Addition Tic-Tac-Toe Game
  • Free Hundreds Tens and Ones Worksheets
  • Free printable 1st grade math worksheets

 

1st Grade Science

Dive into some outrageousl fun science with our hands-on experiments and first grade worksheets

  • Solar System Worksheets Pack
  • Life-size Human Body Project with free printable template
  • EASY Lemon Battery Experiment
  • 12 Hands-on Battery Experiment Ideas for Kids
  • Mind-blowing Magnetic Slime for Kids
  • Magnet experiments for Kids
  • Balloon Solid, liquid, gas hands-on activities plus other projects
  • Phases of the Moon for Kids – worksheets, activities, Oreo moon phases, and more
  • Weather Unit with worksheets and hands-on weather activities for kids
  • Learn the planet names with this Solar System for Kids Lesson plus tons of other Solar System Project  Ideas

 

Grade 1 Science

Plus don’t miss these worksheets for grade 1

  • Learn about Animal Classifications for Kids with these free printable cootie catchers
  • Lots of 1st Grade Science Projects
  • HUGE Ocean Animals for Kids Unit
  • Dive into the amazing world of botany with this plants for kids lessons
  • Learn about LOTS of life cycles for kids (panda, spider, watermelon, bee, sunflower, spider, and more!)
  • TONS of fun Human Body for Kids activities, expeirments, and free printables too!
  • Free Scientific Method Worksheets

 

Free first grade worksheets

Help children learn about the great country of the United States with these free printables. Plus don’t miss all our fun, free, and immersive history lessons for kids and our other worksheet for grade 1

  • Printable USA Presidents Coloring Pages
  • Cute, Free Printable State Coloring Pages
  • Free Printable States and Capitals Matching Game
  • Free Presidents Worksheets – Learn about all the American presidents
  • US States I Spy Worksheets
  • Help kids understand where do I live with this clever printable activity
  • Learn about American symbols with these Patriotic American Symbols for Kids
  • How much do you know about USA for Kids? Color the flag, look at a map, discover famous landmarks like the statue of liberty,and more!
  • American Symbols Worksheets
  • Explore American History for kids including lots of fun, hands on activities and free printables
  • 4 week lesson about Early Explorers for Kids
  • The Colonial America for Kids lesson takes kids on a journey back to the first permanent settlement in America – Jamestown. Students will learn about colonial life with lots of hands on projects like eating Gruel, making a Wattle & Daub house, and creating a tin lantern will make the settlement come alive.
  • We will make westward expansion for kids come alive for kids as they learn facts about the time period from about 1783-1898. In addition to learning about the Oregon trail, pony express, gold rush, transcontinental railroad, students will also learn to match animal trails, map the united states, and learn about North American animals too.
  • Pennant History Posters to see US History At-a-Glance
  • Learn about the Roaring 1920s for Kids – Printable Book to Read, Color, and Learn
  • Rosa Parks for Kids Printable Reader to Color and Learn
  • Martin Luther King Jr for Kids Printable Reader to Color and Learn
  • Free Printable Maps including world map, continents, and country maps with and without labeling
  • Ready to dive more in depth? Check out Country Study for Kids – look at 16 countries around the world up close
  • Use Lego to explore famous landmarks in countries for kids
  • Research and learn with these free Children around the World Worksheets
  • Roll into Geography – Printable Geography Games
  • You can find all our FREE printable country coloring pages covering over 36 different nations – or jump right to Spain Coloring Pages,  China Coloring Pages,  Italy Coloring Pages, Chile Coloring Pages, Germany Coloring Pages, and Costa Rica Coloring Pages
  • Over 1+ million pages of Free Printable Worksheets

Looking for more fun, creative ways you can begin your free homeschool? We have over 1,000,000 pages of FREE Printable Worksheets including resources for: pre k worksheets, kindergarten worksheets, 1st grade worksheets, 2nd grade worksheets, 3rd grade worksheets, 4th grade worksheets, 5th grade worksheets, 6th grade worksheets, and more. Plus see our history lessons for kids, printable math games, language arts worksheets, sight word worksheets, free alphabet printables, and cvc word activities for kids of all ages!

First grade level books

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>> 1st Grade Readers List <<

Free Reading Websites for Digital Ebooks and Audiobooks

Looking for some free digital reading resources? With the number of classrooms moving toward 1:1 technology on the rise and homeschooling being an increasingly popular option, the amount of time students spend reading digital texts is growing exponentially. Ebooks are now a popular way to get reluctant readers excited to read, and they're also a great way to expand your classroom library without needing more space.

The downside is that it can become costly to try to keep up with classroom libraries in two formats so I've pulled together a list of interactive tools to help you build your classroom digital library, and the best part about it is they are all free!

What you'll find on this page:

20 amazing FREE websites to read books online

Click on any item in this list of literacy websites to be taken to the website. While some require you to register, all the sites are either free or offer free classroom use for teachers. I tried to give you a little background about each to help save time as you dig through these great resources.

Free Websites with Stories & Digital Texts

To make it easier to find exactly what you need, I've broken this list down into three sections. This first section is the websites with the best fiction selection, in my opinion.

While some sites are amazingly modern and visual, others are a little less “pretty” but have some great texts.

1. Epic

This site has thousands of amazing books for K-5, including fiction, nonfiction, and so much more. There are even audiobooks and video-based book options, and you can assign students quizzes if you're concerned about comprehension.

It is free for teachers to use in their classroom, and each student gets set up with their own reading profile and getepic login to allow for differentiation.

Check it out: www.getepic.com

2. International Children's Library

This site may not be the prettiest, but it offers all kinds of books for kids. The site breaks the available stories by age, book length, and topic. This makes it easy to find exactly what your readers may like.

This site is great for traditional literature units because it offers selections from around the globe. I love using these free stories.

Check it out: childrenslibrary. org

3. Magic Keys

This site has many free stories and books broken into three categories – young children, older children, and young adults.

While this isn't the most modern-looking website, it does have good content. An added advantage is that many of the books include audio so that students can have a model for reading.

Be sure to check out the great riddles and other resources, as well.

Check it out: magickeys.com

4. iStoryBooks

This app offers a free premium upgrade for teachers, with lots of free texts available.

The stories are aimed at primary learners, so this site is best for K-2 teachers.in fact, I can tell you from experience, you'll find a ton of great 1st grade books online if that's what you're needing. Professional narration helps model fluent reading, which is a great addition for this age group.

New books are released every two weeks.

If you teach in a dual-language setting or work with English Language Learners, it also has text options in Spanish and several other languages.

Check it out: iStoryBooks app

5. Project Gutenberg

This site is a massive open library of classics, but it can be harder to navigate for young learners.

You'll find lots of popular book options like The Bobbsey Twins series and the works of Beatrix Potter.

This site is older titles that are all a part of the public domain, so don't plan on finding Harry Potter or recently released e-books here. However, if you're looking for a great site to access some classics during distance learning, you'll find this site has exactly what you need.

Check it out: gutenberg.org

6. Planet EBook

Another great site with the classics. This one is pretty easy to navigate, but it is not exactly visually pleasing.

This site includes classic books like Alice in Wonderland and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This site would be ideal for advanced or older readers.

Check it out: https://www.planetebook.com/ebooks/

7.

Reading IQ

This site had several thousand leveled books including favorites like Curious George and the nonfiction National Geographic Kids titles.

Teachers can sign up for free access, and each student has their own profile to help you set goals and ensure they are accessing reading materials at their personal reading level.

This site is great because it has a lot of updated and new books. Plus the site interface is definitely geared toward students.

Check it out: https://www.readingiq.com

8. Amazon Free eBooks

Amazon keeps its best-selling ebook list updated hourly, and there is a separate tab for the free titles. The great part about this is you'll always have new titles appearing on this page so there's motivation to go back again and again!

You're likely to find a combination of titles you know and love and lesser-known books. However, this is a great place to grab titles for avid readers.

Check it out: Amazon Top 100 Free EBooks

9.

Free-Ebooks.net

This site has lots of great children's books. It includes both classics and titles that are not available in print, and all titles are downloadable in multiple formats (including PDF).

One warning – you probably don't want to direct students to the homepage for this site. It contains ebooks for both adults and kids and some of the romance novels appear on the home screen.

Check it out: Free-Ebooks.net

Free Reading Websites for Non-fiction Reading

It can be really hard to find good nonfiction texts. This has only been compounded by the fact that many students are now learning from home so we need to find materials they can access online.

Here are some great options if you're looking for nonfiction texts or to cover current events.

10. NewsELA

It can be really hard to find high-quality, up-to-date content about current events. NewsELA solves that issue.

This site has great articles to tie into your science and social studies content. You can select based on topic and reading level, which is great for differentiation.

Check it out: NewsELA 

11. Scholastic News

This site is the hub for the Scholastic News magazines that many of us have seen in classrooms. However, it also offers some free articles and resources related to current events and topics of interest to learners.

This is kid-friendly news in a great format for classrooms.

Check it out: Scholastic News

12. Freckle (formerly Front Row)

The free version of Front Row ELA allows you to access 5 high-interest ELA articles per month to assign to your students.

I've used these with my own kiddos during Covid lockdowns, and I've found the topics to be engaging and the material is presented in an approachable fashion.

Check it out: Freckle

Free Websites with Audiobooks & Digital Read Alouds

Whether you've got students who are struggling or reluctant readers or you just want your learners to have models of fluent reading, these audiobooks are a great option.

Each of these sites offers a vast selection of free audiobooks that are great for students.

13. Storyline Online

Favorite stories read by celebrities including Betty White, James Earl Jones, and more.

This site seems to be adding new books regularly and is funded by the Screen Actors Guild. It is a great option to include when you don't have a copy of a text you need for plans for a sub, too.

Check it out: Storyline Online 

14. Storynory

A collection of books with audio stories that lets kids read along.

One especially awesome benefit is you can actually translate the text into different languages for your ESL students.

Check it out: Storynory

15. Oxford Owl

Over 250 free children's audiobooks for your classroom. These are great for a read-aloud when you have a sub or for kids who do better when listening.

One drawback here is that there is no text offered so students cannot read along.

Check it out: Oxford Owl

16. Starfall

This site is geared more toward the primary grades, so I would recommend you look at it for K-2 readers.

With four different levels to choose from, this site has lots of options for your readers and is a great tool for seamlessly differentiating for your struggling readers.

The books are colorful and engaging for students and require students to be actively involved with clicking through each page instead of tuning out with autoplay.

Check it out: Starfall 

17. Just Books Read Aloud

The title says it all really.

These are kids' books read aloud. This is another site that isn't the most modern, but it does have quite a few newer titles.

Students can read the words and follow along, and the site includes some great favorites like The Giving Tree

Check it out: Just Books Read Aloud

18. Vooks

This site is offering free sign-up to teachers for a limited time, and it is full of read-along storybooks. The books are semi-animated which makes it really engaging for students.

This is such a great way to offer engaging read-along options to your class for your “listen to reading station”.

Check it out: Vooks

Free Reading Websites with Passages for Test-Prep Practice

Test prep is never a fun topic to talk about, but we've got to teach students strategies to attack this genre. These sites all offer some great texts to help students prep and to get you data on strategies you may need to review.

19. Read Theory

This site has a bunch of reading passages that are perfect for upper elementary and gives instant feedback.

It is totally awesome!

Check it out: ReadTheory

20. ReadWorks

Another great site for reading passages and reading at a variety of levels for your students. The site also has a separate piece that is printable passages, lesson plans, and more.

Check it out: ReadWorks

21.

MobyMax

This site is great because it offers paired reading stories, unlike many others.

There are over 800 leveled stories, and more…it is hard to believe it is free. (There is a paid version with more options, too.)

Check it out: MobyMax

Digital reading options for every learner

I hope you find these great resources useful in your classroom, and if you know any other great resources send them my way!!

I'm always looking for more great ideas to add to the list.


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Drawing books: how to master various techniques

Drawing is an exciting activity at any age. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of paintings will help drawing books. They will teach anyone to use not only a pencil, but also to realize their creative ideas with oil, acrylic, watercolor paints.

DRAWING - TALENT OR PASSIONATE WORK

Often you can hear the expression " I can't draw, no... ". In fact, absolutely everyone can draw, but each in his own way. If complex oil paintings are easy for one, while no one taught him this, the second will have to work on himself. For example, study drawing books that talk about a particular technique or all at once. Take the time to do this, and very soon, from simple drawings that are somewhat reminiscent of children, excellent pictures will be obtained.

While some people look for a thousand reasons why they can't draw, while constantly saying that they would like to learn, others emphasize their lack of talent. Faced with such arguments, I would like to recall the famous painting by Kazimir Malevich "The Black Square", which makes it clear that the main thing in the fine arts is the idea, emotion and aesthetic pleasure, and not a complex technique.

Watching artists, including street artists, one might think that pencils and brushes seem to draw by themselves. But this is just an illusion. To learn how to create paintings, many creators have spent many years developing and practicing skills by studying drawing books. There is no doubt that everyone will be able to learn this, you just need to start working. This is a long and painstaking, but not devoid of pleasant emotions work.

From the tutorials you will learn about hatching methods, lighting effects, master the intricacies of working with color, and learn how to apply the laws of perspective and composition. Depending on the type of drawing book, you can learn how to convey the shapes and volumes of objects using pencils and paints, as well as develop an individual style of drawing. By following the instructions and descriptions, you will easily acquire the necessary skills.

How to learn to draw from books

If you are holding a pencil or brush for the first time, it may be difficult for you to decide what to do first - to outline, draw a shadow or build perspective. But today, aspiring artists or designers can start learning how to draw with the help of books. Step-by-step instructions will allow you to master the basic skills, which then will only have to be worked out and brought to automatism. For a self-taught person who wants to master classical painting, the literature used is important. It directly depends on how long it will take an artist to become a master. In addition, it is important to consolidate the right skills, because it is always more difficult to relearn. But you should not hope that the first picture will turn out in five minutes, while striking with its beauty and impeccability.

Modern drawing books are designed for people of all ages. When teaching children to draw, do not purchase literature for adults. For the little ones, understandable children's drawing books have been developed, in which they clearly show how to make strokes, make lines, and give step-by-step instructions. A fascinating activity will allow you to develop fine motor skills and ingenuity, to captivate the child. Over time, you can study more and more complex books that clearly show how to create comics, cartoons, paintings. We also recommend that you select literature based on your skills. There is no need to choose publications designed for a higher level. Gaps in knowledge can lead to a complete reluctance to draw.

The main rule is to draw as often as possible. Only in this way will it be possible to work out and consolidate the acquired skills. At the same time, it is important to read the text accompaniment, which will allow you to better understand how to draw. If novice artists only take a brush or pencil in their hands from time to time, they end up with unimportant drawings!

Even if you choose to attend a course, be sure to practice your skills at home. Without home practice, you will take too long to achieve results. Daily exercises are a quick sketch on the road or on a walk, but when studying books about drawing, do it painstakingly, focus on details, work out every stroke. Gradually, all movements will be remembered to automatism, and the drawings will turn out better and faster.

WHAT TECHNIQUES YOU CAN LEARN WITH THE HELP OF BOOKS

For the smallest and middle-aged children, step-by-step instructions for drawing with pencils or paints have been developed, for adults more complex techniques will be interesting. And if a person already knows how to draw, he can begin to explore the artistic styles that have been gaining more and more popularity in recent years.

Abstract drawings, originating in the 1940s in the USA, are obtained by almost every aspiring artist. They are aimed at revealing the inner world. Whatever the picture is, it is individual, so criticism is inappropriate. The main principle of the technique is randomness, a creative approach when applying strokes of paint. Gradually, it will be possible to move on to more complex principles of drawing. But we must remember that the artist can draw as he sees!

There will be interesting drawing techniques based on geometric patterns for people of all ages. Compositions in the style of Suprematism will be appreciated by lovers of contemporary art. In such paintings, it is not necessary to draw precise details, but color and composition come to the fore. Another interesting direction of drawing is scratching. This is the creation of paintings by removing paint or colored wax from a sheet of paper. It is attractive not only for children, but also for adults. Having worked out the basics, you can draw incredibly beautiful pictures.

Some people are also interested in the monotype technique, in which the image is applied to only part of the sheet, after which the paper is folded. It turns out a kind of "mirror" reflection or a colored spot, which is then played up with artistic strokes. This technique is similar to abstractionism, because the result is often unique. The monotype technique is available to everyone: depending on age and skills, you can create both complex paintings and simple children's drawings.

Recently, drawing comics, including those based on Japanese works in the manga style, is gaining more and more popularity. If you use books on drawing manga comics with simple step-by-step instructions, even a novice artist can create short graphic stories.

If your goal is to develop fine motor skills, choose books in which the author teaches the technique of drawing with a simple pencil. For example, the book Express Drawing Course shows you step by step how to create such paintings and what to look for. Drawing with a simple pencil does not require large investments - even a professional pencil will cost much less than a set of oil paints, brushes and a palette knife.

Books from bloggers and master class teachers with experience allow even those with zero knowledge to quickly master the basic techniques and techniques. Since, in addition to visual diagrams and instructions, tutorials contain additional video materials and practical tasks.

WHAT A BEGINNER ARTIST NEEDS

To learn how to create paintings, comics, sketches, you need to buy not only drawing books, which are presented in a wide range, but also high-quality pencils and paints.

In the books you will find tips on which consumables are best suited for a particular technique. As a rule, the author talks about it in detail.

Experts note that success depends not so much on the price of materials, so there is no need to strive to buy all the most expensive.

Some masters believe that a real artist is not limited to familiar materials, he can draw with anything and everything - pencil, paint, charcoal, sanguine - just to convey the right mood to the viewer.

IDEAS FOR THOSE WHO LEARN TO DRAW FROM BOOKS

Drawing is not only a pleasant pastime, but also a useful practical skill.

Here are a few ideas of what you can do if you already draw a little:

  • give a picture or portrait to a loved one;
  • draw author's bookmarks for books;
  • decorate the interior of the apartment with your drawings;
  • start a creative photoblog and share your paintings with the world;
  • arrange family workshops on weekends;
  • decorate postcards with your own drawings;
  • make coloring pages for children with their favorite characters;
  • Decorate flower pots with your designs.

If you can draw, you have a lot of opportunities for self-expression!

LIST OF BOOKS THAT WILL HELP YOU LEARN TO DRAW

Complete drawing course (gift)

The Complete Drawing Course (Gift) is a series of drawing tutorials from popular English artist Walter Foster. This series contains color hardcover books, according to which you will learn how to draw any picture with a pencil, watercolor and other paints: portraits, landscapes or still lifes. In addition, in this series you will find a detailed edition of the Fundamentals of Calligraphy and Lettering.

Complete drawing course (black and white)

The Complete Drawing Course (Black and White) is a series of pencil drawing tutorials by popular English artist Walter Foster. Each book contains an overview of the materials needed for creativity and step-by-step lessons. The series contains manuals for both beginners and more experienced artists, as well as a lettering manual.

Drawing tutorial

"Painting Tutorial" - a series of color books in hardcover, which is suitable for budding artists. In it you will find books on the basics of drawing, as well as on drawing with different colors: oil, gouache.

Learning to draw on the knee

"Learning to draw on the knee" - a series of small self-taught sketchbooks that are very convenient to take with you. Small hardcover books are easy to open and literally make quick sketches on your knees. After all, the most important thing in learning to draw is constant training. The series contains sketchbooks for learning to draw portraits, landscapes, still lifes, various animals, as well as manuals on the basis of composition and drawing.

Sketch Drawing Course

"Sketch Drawing Course" is a series of sketchbooks designed for beginner-level drawing, which will allow you to "fill your hand". In just 4 steps, you will learn how to draw almost any object: from human faces and figures to animals and fantasy creatures.

Super course in drawing

"Super Drawing Course" - sketchbooks from the series will help people of different skill levels learn the basics and more complex techniques. The tasks are arranged from simple to complex and, having reached the end of the sketchbook, you will be able to combine the acquired skills and depict figures and objects of any complexity. In this sketchbook you will not find incomprehensible algorithms and boring lectures, but only the most important information and pictures that are easy to build. In just four steps you will learn how to draw whatever you want by playing with shapes and shadows.

Anyone who wants to learn how to draw portraits to perfection can use Yegor Matit's new book Pencil Portraits: Techniques for Achieving Photorealism. The book is written for those who do not have advanced knowledge about the structure of the human body or the tricky tricks of building an image composition. It is suitable for anyone who would like to get acquainted with drawing from scratch. In addition to basic anatomy, this book will teach you how to give your drawings life and character.

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