17 First Grade Favorites for Your Classroom Library

The silly, funny, fantastic story of a boy who didn't wash his hands and the crazy consequences that ensue as he spreads a bit of grossness around.

This rhyming guide to social skills is a good introduction for young children to the power of kindness. Includes helpful times and activities.

Introduce students to the concepts of big and small with Marta, an ordinary girl with extraordinary animal friends.

Young readers will love joining Lola on her favorite day of the week, in this cozy celebration of libraries, books, and beloved family rituals.

A girl in a red hat finds the courage to be kind to the new student in class. Her kindness spreads, until her whole community experiences the magical shift that happens when people understand what it means to be kind, and act on their best impulses!

David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble, and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader.

Have you ever wondered what happens to a fiery comet as it races around our solar system? This stunningly illustrated story offers a perfect introduction to a comet's amazing journey and learn a little bit about our planets along the way!

In this thoughtful and compassionate book, a young boy struggles with his big, overwhelming feelings, until he discovers he isn't the only one who feels things in a big way.

This inclusive picture book rejoices in the specialness of each person's beauty and ability. "Affirming and welcome"-Kirkus

Some kids have dogs or cats, but Buzz has a pet fly! The first book in the hilarious series, students will love the imaginative storyline, the eye-popping illustrations, and of course the (slightly gross) humor. Ideal for emerging and reluctant readers.

Is it time yet? This STEM-focused romp about pupation will tickle little ones who know how hard it is to wait. “Absolutely charming” -SLJ

Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an American trailblazer. The first book in an exciting new nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Ruth Bader Ginsburg focuses on Ruth's lifelong mission to bring equality and justice to all. Sarah Green's spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and engaging back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Ruth!

This simple story about a single dot features whimsical illustrations and is just right for helping students to ignite their creative spirit.

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking; each believes he is the true color of the sun.

What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?

Have you ever thought about everything the ocean does for you? It changes the weather, creates oxygen, provides food, and is a great place to have fun, too! So why is the ocean such a big deal? Because we couldn't live without it!

Perfect for Black History Month and throughout the year, use this biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. to introduce young students to the inspiring leader who led the way toward racial equality in America. 

Realistically detailed illustrations, visually stunning photos, and straightforward text that explains scientific vocabulary introduce emerging readers to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs in this National Geographic nonfiction text.