If you are the parent of a child learning to read, you know it is sometimes challenging to find quality easy readers.
You also want easy readers that reflect the diverse world your kids inhabit, which is where this list of easy reader books comes in handy!
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Don't Throw It to Mo! (series) by David A. Adler, illustrated by Sam Ricks
This series is so charming! Mo loves sports but he's not necessarily the most talented kid on the team. It doesn't matter, though. His perseverance pulls him through. Both boys and girls will see themselves in Mo, even if their passions lie in a non-sporty direction.
Want to Play? (Confetti Kids series) by Paula Yoo, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez
This great collection of beginning readers depicts a diverse group of neighborhood kids engaging in everyday experiences. In Want to Play? the children head out to the park for a day of fun.
MORE: 1st Grade Reading List
Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss
My boys and I have long loved this book. My older son read it when it first came out and then he couldn't resist reading it again, when I checked it out for his brother several years later. I think the reason they loved it so much is that they lived vicariously through Luke's solo tour of NYC as he runs of in pursuit of a pigeon!
MORE: Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
MORE: Easy readers that are actually easy
Katie Fry: Private Eye (series) by Katherine Cox, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton
Find it: Amazon
I confess to having a weakness for books about kid detectives. Katie is a delightful companion for your beginning reader.
MORE: Funny Easy Readers That Keep Kids Reading
Parker's Big Feelings (series) by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson and Tajae Keith
Parker is the protagonist of the picture book, Parker Looks Up, in which a young girl admires the portrait of Michelle Obama in the National Portrait Gallery. In this easy reader series, the winsome Parker learns about feelings, friends, and has wholesome adventures around the neighborhood.
MORE: Classic easy reader books for kids
Reina Ramos Works It Out (series) by Emma Otheguy, illustrated by Andrés Landazábal
The charming protagonist of this series helps others and relies on her resilient nature to get her through each of her adventures. Each book in the series includes a few Spanish words.
Ty's Travels (series) by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Niña Mata
The persistent Ty has a big imagination that is always taking him someplace exciting.
MORE: Using Jokes to Teach Reading
Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too!) (series) by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini
Find it: Amazon
This easy reader isn't labelled with a level, but my non-expert opinion puts it on par with most books that are labelled "3" or "4". There are five stories about Jewish kids getting to know what it means to be a good friend.
Bradford Street Buddies (series) by Jerdine Nolan, illustrated by Michelle Henninger
A diverse group of kids have fun in their backyards, hanging out and having campouts.
Pumpkin Day! by Candace Ransom, illustrated by Erika Meza
This cute and simple easy reader is about a fun day at the pumpkin patch. Perfect for learning to read in the fall.
Flop to the Top! by Eleanor Davis and Drew Weing
My son thought this TOON book was hilarious. Wanda wants to be a superstar, but when everyone is interested in her dog instead of her, hijinks ensue.
MORE: Books Like Frog and Toad: Easy Readers About Friendships
Jeanette Nyberg says
I can't stop creepy giggling. One, because I'm sort of creepy, but two, because for a minute I thought you added the robot book in because the robot was a diverse character. Also, I adore that you used the phrase, "hijinks ensue". Oh, and lastly, thank you for this list!
Erica says
Ha ha ha!
Gail says
Thank you SO much for this list! It's the best I've seen so far. And it is helping me to shop for Christmas presents for my kids and my nieces
Erica says
Glad it was helpful!
Arline says
"Diverse easy readers that all kids will love"
The title bothers me. I'm trying to quantify it, though, so it makes sense.
Let me ask a question and perhaps that'll help me. 🙂
Why the "that all kids will love" part?
Erica says
Because I think all kids will love them.
Erica says
Sometimes I add a little tag line because "easy readers" or historical books" is not very snappy. So I might say "Thrilling Historical books!" or "Books all kids will love!" just to add a little interest.
Arline says
Makes sense. Thanks!