First Grade Summer MUST-READ Book List
Let's INSPIRE summer reading! I spent the last month interviewing students, parents, and teachers about what books should make our Summer Must-Read Lists. One response was, "This series required some emergency trips to the library!" I hope that every child feels that excited to rush off to the library to get the next book. If you need some additional summer reading inspiration, check out our annual, 7 Tips to Encourage Reading and Avoid Summer Slide.
Each grade level has a "Must-Read" list that includes 9 titles. We chose these books because they are inspiring, diverse, age-appropriate, and most importantly, adored by real kids!
The books chosen for this list are NOT decodable readers meant for an emergent reader to read independently. These books are meant to build excitement, rich vocabulary, great conversations about plot and characters, language development, connection, and a love for reading! If you would like to find out more about why decodables are important and where to find those, click here.
Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly by Alan Madison and Kevin Hawkes
Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly is a charming picture book about a young girl named Velma who feels overshadowed by her two older sisters, both of whom were stars at her school. Nervous about starting first grade, Velma worries she will never stand out on her own. During a class butterfly project, however, she has a special experience that helps her discover her own unique strengths and confidence. The story explores themes of self-esteem, individuality, and finding your place.
Home Is Calling: The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly by Katherin Pryor
Home Is Calling: The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly is a beautifully written nonfiction picture book that follows the incredible migration journey of the monarch butterfly across North America. Told with lyrical language and vivid illustrations, the story shows how monarchs travel thousands of miles through forests, fields, and changing seasons to reach their winter home in Mexico. The book introduces readers to butterfly life cycles, migration, and environmental themes while inspiring wonder about the natural world.
Read Aloud & How to Draw a Butterfly
Stone Soup by Jon J Muth
Stone Soup is a classic folktale about hungry travelers who arrive in a village where the people are unwilling to share their food. The travelers begin making “stone soup” by boiling a stone in water and cleverly persuade each villager to contribute a small ingredient. Together, the simple additions create a delicious soup that everyone shares. The story teaches lessons about community, generosity, cooperation, and how small contributions can make a big difference when people work together.
One by Kathryn Otoshi
One is a powerful picture book that uses colors and numbers to explore themes of bullying, courage, and kindness. In the story, Blue is often picked on by Red, while the other colors stay silent out of fear. When One arrives, the colors learn the importance of standing up for themselves and others. With simple language and bold illustrations, the book helps children understand empathy, inclusion, and the power of speaking up.
Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt
Maddi's Fridge is a heartfelt picture book about friendship, empathy, and food insecurity. Sofia discovers that her friend Maddi’s refrigerator is nearly empty and learns that Maddi’s family does not always have enough food to eat. Wanting to help while respecting Maddi’s privacy, Sofia finds thoughtful ways to support her friend. The story gently introduces children to issues of hunger, compassion, and helping others with dignity and kindness.
Marshall Mellow by JJ Landis
Marshall Mellow is a warm and thoughtful picture book about a young marshmallow named Marshall who struggles to fit in because he is quieter and gentler than the other marshmallows around him. While others are loud and energetic, Marshall discovers that being calm, kind, and true to himself is something to value. The story celebrates individuality, self-acceptance, and appreciating different personalities.
So Much Slime by Jason Lefebvre
So Much Slime is a silly and energetic picture book about a classroom slime project that quickly gets out of control. As the slime stretches, splats, and spreads everywhere, the chaos grows funnier with every page. Filled with rhyme, humor, and colorful illustrations, the story captures kids’ fascination with slime while encouraging laughter, creativity, and playful imagination.
Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt
Scaredy Squirrel is a humorous picture book about a squirrel who is afraid of almost everything and carefully plans his life to avoid danger. Scaredy stays safely in his nut tree with emergency plans, schedules, and safety kits for every possible disaster. When an unexpected situation forces him out of his comfort zone, he discovers he is braver and more capable than he thought. The story uses charts, lists, and comic-style illustrations to explore anxiety, courage, and trying new things in a funny, relatable way.
Otters vs Badgers by Anya Glazer
Otters vs. Badgers is a playful and energetic picture book about two groups, otters and badgers, who compete to prove which team is better. Through humorous challenges and lively back-and-forth banter, the animals discover that working together and appreciating each other’s strengths is far more rewarding than arguing or competing. The story promotes teamwork, friendship, cooperation, and problem-solving while keeping readers engaged with fun repetition and humor.
Do you have children of other ages?
Check out each grade level's Must-Read List:
Future Kindergartener's Summer Must-Read List
Future First Grader's Summer Must-Read List
Future Second Grader's Summer Must-Read List
Future Third Grader's Summer Must-Read List
Future Fourth Grader's Summer Must-Read List
Future Fifth Grader’s Summer Must-Read List
Middle School Summer Must-Read List
Download our Grade Level Student Must-Read Rating Sheets in the Reading Rev VIP Vault or here.
You can also find our Parent Support Pack & Reading Incentives and Challenges in the Free Resource Library or here.
Let's make summer reading FUN!
Have a great summer! ~ Bri & the Reading Rev Team
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