1st Grade Reading Books Free PDFs | Speechify (2024)

The joy of reading begins at a young age, and what better way to cultivate this habit than diving into 1st grade reading books? Thanks to technology, a...

The joy of reading begins at a young age, and what better way to cultivate this habit than diving into 1st grade reading books? Thanks to technology, a plethora of 1st grade reading books PDF free options are now available to help your little one explore the magical world of words. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know—from where to find these resources to how to make reading PDFs more engaging for your child.

Are First Grade Books Available in PDF?

Absolutely, yes! Many educational platforms and websites offer a broad selection of first grade reading books in PDF format. These range from picture books, phonics-based texts, to easy readers, covering everything from basic sight words to simple sentences aimed at boosting reading comprehension for young readers.

Making PDF Reading Engaging: Text-to-Speech

First graders can make the most out of reading PDFs by using text-to-speech tools. These tools read aloud the text from the PDF, mimicking the experience of having someone read to them. This not only enhances reading comprehension but also makes the reading process more interactive and fun.

Count of Books: The Ideal Reading List

While the number of books in a 1st grade reading list can vary depending on curriculum and reading level, educators often recommend a minimum of 20 to 30 books covering different topics and styles—from rhyming books to nonfiction titles.

Top 50 Most Popular 1st Grade Books

1. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
3. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
5. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
6. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
7. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
9. Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
10. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
11. Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
12. Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems
13. Pete the Cat by James Dean
14. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
15. Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss
16. Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
17. Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
18. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
19. Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
20. We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
21. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
22. The Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain
23. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
24. Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn
25. Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik
26. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown
27. Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
28. Curious George by H.A. Rey
29. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
30. Duck on a Bike by David Shannon
31. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
32. Paddington Bear by Michael Bond
33. Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss
34. Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
35. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
36. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
37. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
38. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
39. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
40. Matilda by Roald Dahl (for more advanced readers)
41. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
42. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
43. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
44. Corduroy by Don Freeman
45. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
46. Olivia by Ian Falconer
47. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary (for more advanced readers)
48. Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
49. Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
50. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

These books offer a wide range of themes, reading levels, and styles to keep your first grader engaged and learning. From storybooks rich with imagination to nonfiction books that satiate young curiosities, this reading list promises to nurture the love of reading in young children.

Types of Reading Books for 1st Graders

• Picture Books: Usually featuring a lot of illustrations.
• Chapter Books: Simple storylines, often broken down into brief chapters.
• Phonics Books: Focuses on the relationship between letters and sounds.
• Storybooks: Fables and tales that often have a moral lesson.
• Nonfiction Books: Basic facts about the world, animals, or science.

Top Text-to-Speech Tools for First Graders, Parents, and Teachers

1. Speechify

• Features: Multi-language support, custom voice, speed settings, AI voice optimization, mobile and desktop compatibility.
• Price: Free basic version, Premium plan at $9.99/month or $99.99/year.Description: Speechify takes the pole position in text-to-speech tools for its sheer ease of use, making it ideal for first graders, parents, and teachers. It features a multitude of voice options and speed settings, ensuring that listeners can customize their experience. The tool supports multiple languages and works seamlessly across different platforms, from mobile to desktop. With the premium plan, you can even unlock additional features such as AI-optimized voices.

2. NaturalReader

• Features: Various natural-sounding voices, OCR technology, supports multiple formats (PDF, Word, etc.), text-to-audio conversion.
• Price: Free basic version, Paid plans start at $9.99/month.Description: NaturalReader is another exceptional text-to-speech tool, featuring a wide array of natural-sounding voices. It is compatible with multiple text formats, including PDF and Word documents, and even offers text-to-audio file conversion. The OCR technology can read aloud from scanned documents or images, which is a valuable feature for educational purposes.

3. Read&Write

• Features: Text-to-speech, word prediction, dictionary, picture dictionary, voice notes, and more.
• Price: Free for teachers, Paid plans for parents and students start at $100/year.Description: Read&Write offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed for educational settings. In addition to text-to-speech, it offers features like word prediction, dictionary look-up, and the ability to make voice notes, making it versatile for different learning needs. It’s a robust solution for parents and teachers looking to provide a multi-faceted learning experience for first graders.

4. Voice Dream Reader

• Features: 300+ voices, 50+ languages, speed control, built-in dictionary, highlight as you read.
• Price: One-time payment of $14.99, additional voices may incur extra costs.Description: Voice Dream Reader is a mobile-focused tool that offers an extensive library of over 300 voices in more than 50 languages. With the ability to adjust speed and pitch, and a built-in dictionary, it’s a versatile tool for parents and educators alike. The one-time payment model makes it cost-effective in the long run.

5. TTSReader

• Features: Natural voices, speed control, browser extension, supports PDF and ePub, text-saving feature.
• Price: Free basic version, Premium at $49 one-time fee.Description: TTSReader is a simple, user-friendly text-to-speech tool with a focus on accessibility. Offering a good range of natural voices and speed control, this tool works as a browser extension, making it extremely easy to use without any downloads. The one-time payment for the premium version is a steal for the features offered, including saving your text for future use.

These text-to-speech tools can greatly enhance the reading experience for first graders, making the process not only educational but also engaging. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or a young reader, these tools offer various features to meet your specific needs.

Top 9 Places to Find Free 1st Grade Reading Books

Open Library

• Top 5 Features: Extensive collection, user-friendly interface, easy-to-download PDFs, no cost, community reviews.
• Cost: FreeOpen Library offers a treasure trove of books suitable for 1st graders. From classic tales to modern stories, the platform has an extensive collection you can access for free.

Project Gutenberg

• Top 5 Features: Over 60,000 free eBooks, mobile-friendly, no registration needed, high-quality PDFs, classics available.
• Cost: FreeProject Gutenberg is another excellent platform for free 1st grade reading books. Their collection mainly consists of classics, which are a fantastic way to introduce young readers to timeless tales.

EPIC! Digital Library

• Top 5 Features: Wide array of modern and classic titles, searchable by reading level, works on tablets and computers, read-to-me feature, includes educational videos.
• Cost: Free 30-day trial, then $7.99/month.EPIC! is like the Netflix of children’s books. This platform offers thousands of high-quality, modern and classic books for kids up to 3rd grade. While not entirely free, the 30-day trial provides ample time to explore the platform's extensive offerings, which can be filtered by reading level for more targeted selection.

ABCmouse

• Top 5 Features: Curriculum-based, covers multiple subjects, printables and worksheets available, interactive learning environment, customizable avatar.
• Cost: Free trial available, then $9.95/month.ABCmouse is an award-winning early learning app that offers more than just reading materials. Besides a rich library of 1st grade books, the platform offers various subjects like math and science, making it a one-stop educational resource.

StoryJumper

• Top 5 Features: Creative customization, publish your own story, online and offline access, great for class projects, features both fiction and nonfiction.
• Cost: Free to read online, cost for printed books.StoryJumper offers a unique angle by allowing kids to read and create their own stories. This creative outlet can help children better understand narrative structures while also engaging in reading.

International Children's Digital Library

• Top 5 Features: International collection, multi-language support, simple interface, no registration required, suitable for ESL learners.
• Cost: FreeThe International Children's Digital Library offers a fantastic assortment of books from around the world, offering children a global perspective on stories and culture.

Read.gov

• Top 5 Features: Operated by the Library of Congress, extensive collection, historical and classic texts, American literature focus, eBooks and printables.
• Cost: FreeRead.gov is a reputable source for free reading material, including a range of suitable options for first graders. It offers a collection of American literature and historical texts, which can be a unique addition to your child's reading list.

Starfall

• Top 5 Features: Focuses on phonics, interactive elements, simple stories for beginning readers, includes activities and games, suitable for Pre-K to 2nd grade.
• Cost: Some free content, Membership for $35/year.Starfall is an educational website that places strong emphasis on phonics, making it great for early readers. While some content is available for free, the full range of resources requires a paid membership.

Reading Rockets

• Top 5 Features: Reading strategies, parent tips, teaching aids, video interviews with authors, includes resources for struggling readers.
• Cost: FreeReading Rockets offers more than just books. It provides various resources like reading strategies, teaching aids, and even video interviews with authors. It’s a comprehensive site not only for young readers but also for parents and teachers.

Reading is a fundamental skill, and cultivating it from a young age sets the stage for academic success and a lifetime of enjoyment. The plethora of 1st grade reading books PDF free options, combined with engaging text-to-speech tools and other interactive features, make it easier than ever for your child to leap into the wonderful world of reading. Whether you're looking for classics by Dr. Seuss, picture books by Mo Willems, or engaging chapter books by Tedd Arnold, the options are limitless and just a click away. So dive in and let the reading adventure begin!