It can be challenging to find your next good read. Sometimes, children know exactly what kinds of books they are looking for but other times, they just want a “good book.” To help, Central Rappahannock Regional Library creates Good Reads booklists for children and teens, starting with Grades K-1 and going all the way up to Grades 11-12 (Good Reads lists can be found at librarypoint.org/good-reads, opens a new window). I’m highlighting a few here from the Grades K-1, Grades 1 & 2, and Grade 3 lists. The grade levels serve as a broad guideline; because children’s interests, attention spans, and reading levels can vary drastically, caregivers should choose titles that work best for each child, no matter what booklist the title is on.
Kindergarten-1st Grade, opens a new window
Chase the Moon, Tiny Tutle by Kelly Jordan, illustrated by Sally Walker
Rhyming text creates a melodic tale of sea turtle hatchlings’ drive to the ocean as their life begins.
Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter, illustrated by Oge Mora
When a baby wakes up crying in the middle of the night in her apartment, it starts a chain reaction of restless residents--both human and animal--throughout the building.
Flubby Will Not Take A Bath by J.E. Morris
Flubby’s young human is determined to give him a bath, but Flubby has other ideas (and evasive maneuvers).
I'm Hungry by Angela Dominguez
A friendly bird meets a new friend and tries to find something to satisfy his appetite. Unfortunately, his new friend’s favorite meal is blue birds.
See the Cat by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
This entertaining beginning reader uses all the wrong words to describe the dog in the stories, who grows more and more annoyed with each page.
Grades 1 & 2, opens a new window
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
Aaron’s struggles with reading and writing become increasingly frustrating, but he finds an outlet by telling stories through his art.
Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza
The young narrator of this story is delighted when Granny invites him into the kitchen to join in preparing the food for his family’s weekly feast under her watchful eye.
Take A Hike! by Luke Flowers
When Moby Shinobi and his dog Toby head out from the ninja dojo to go camping, hilarious mishaps are inevitable.
XO, Exoplanet by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Jorge Lacera
What is a planet? What is an exoplanet? It all depends on your perspective, as this book humorously gets across.
Haylee and Comet by Deborah Marcero
A fantastical and charming story of a girl who wishes on stars, the comet she catches, and the friendship they form.
Let Me Fix You A Plate by Elizabeth Lilly
A little girl and her family spend their vacation visiting her two grandparents’ homes, where she has very different but equally loving and memorable experiences.
A Little Bit of Dinosaur! by Ellen Hutcheson and Darcy Pattison, illustrations by John Joven
Follow a calcium atom from the dinosaur age to the modern day in this engaging science story.
What's in your Pocket? by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga
Children’s natural curiosity is celebrated in this collection of mini-biographies about inquisitive young people who grew up to be well-known scientists.
With Great Power by Annie Hunter Eriksen, illustrated by Lee Gatlin
Many young readers are familiar with the Marvel superheroes from their movie iterations, but they may be less familiar with Stan Lee, a driving force in the creation of many of the superheroes fans love today.
Darcie Caswell is the Youth Services Coordinator at CRRL. This column originally appeared in The Free Lance-Star newspaper.
