18 Best Chapter Books for 1st Graders (Our Kids' Picks!)

Katie G.:  Mary Pope Osborne's extensive Magic Treehouse series, about the adventures of sibling team Jack and Annie, has some of the best chapter books for 1st and 2nd grade. Each book begins with the siblings going to their "magic treehouse," where they are transported to the past, the future and other novel settings to solve a mystery. The fictional stories contain plenty of non-fiction nuggets to teach kids about animals, historical figures or important events in history, and a familiar format in each story makes them easy to follow. Each book is a separate adventure so they can be read out of order.

Kelly R.:  Check out these chapter books for 1st graders who sometimes have trouble finishing books...they were a hit with both of my kids! The zany characters and school setting are both familiar and funny to kids, and continue with a few other related series by Dan Gutman.

Erynn:  These books are favorites in our house, from preschool up to 2nd grade! Engaging stories with fun vocabulary (and some zany monster-fighting adventures) make these ideal early chapter books for sparking their imaginations! There's plenty of action to keep my boys entertained- and keep these books on our short list of favorites to re-read.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Kids use their imagination reading these books where puppies are real pirates!

Kristy Pepping:  Made by American Girl, WellieWishers books are great books for first graders. They have easier vocabulary, but are still in a chapter format for that next step up in reading. Every book has a great lesson about sharing, helping and other life lessons.