Independent Summer Reads (K-2nd grades)

It’s no secret that readers need to continue reading over the summer months.  And there are these places called libraries that have plenty of books on their shelves just waiting to be checked out.  I’m talking to myself here because in the last 7 months, we’ve only been to the library once!  Yes…shocker!

Today, my goal is to post a few trade books that your Kindergarten, first grade, or second grade leveled reader can read independently (meaning he can READ AND COMPREHEND by himself) this summer.  Please Note: Your child’s actual grade level may or may not line up with his independent level.  For example, I’ve tutored several children who were in the 5th grade, but had an independent reading level of 2nd grade.

For each grade level, I’ve picked out five books to highlight (I have many favorites, so this was a tough task!).  Some may be VERY familiar and some may not be at all.  After my picks, you’ll find my printer-friendly list.  Feel free to print it off and take it to the library.

MY KINDERGARTEN PICKS

Great when studying the -at word family.

ALuv STILL picks Rain out of his independent reading bin almost every time he reads; and NJoy sits and listens.  This works nicely with a rain theme or if you’re studying color words.

I love to use this one when working on fluency.

What kid doesn’t like to make pictures out of clouds??

This series is just down-right CUTE!

MY FIRST GRADE PICKS

Simply an amazing collection of all those word families.

I LOVE to use this book when teaching about inferring emotions.

I enjoyed these as a young reader and have fond memories of the Frog and Toad books.

 This book reminds me of Brown Bear, Brown Bear.  The author leaves clues on each page as to what the child will see next.

I used these a lot in tutoring and the boys really liked them.

MY SECOND GRADE PICKS

 Flip, flop!  Flip, flop!  My own kids flip over these books.  I think kids can totally relate to this lovable character.

This book has got to be one of my teacher favorites for main idea.

Really, who doesn’t love George and Martha?

Sometimes controverisal, but always funny.  The one.  The only.  Junie B. Jones.

These books have got to be my hands-down favorite chapter books for struggling readers.  Why?  Because although it’s written on a 2nd grade level, the main character is a 5th grader.  You can view my post on why this matters to struggling readers here.

Click the link to get a printer-friendly copy of my K-2 list: Independent Summer Reads K-2

You may also want to check out the summer learning ideas on my Summer Pinterest board (one pin in particular by Amy of Teach Mama struck my fancy yesterday) as well as the list of leveled book data bases on my Reading Pinterest Board.

I shared this idea at Show-and-Share Saturday’s Link-Up & Saturday Show & Tell.

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~Becky