Books for Progressing Readers, Fountas & Pinnell Level I, J & DRA 16 - 20

There's a lot of controversy about sharing a child's reading level. I like to think of it this way: you would never walk into an advanced tennis class before picking up a racket, right? You want to practice new skills on your skill level in a way that teaches the concepts you are working on while also challenging you to the extent that makes you feel engaged, confident and ready to try again.

Learning to read is similar. My short advice: let kids explore all books, while also reading a few books on their reading level to stretch and grow their skills. Present the leveled books as a gift and a special time together rather than a punishment. My hope is that these lists help parents provide the right books for their kids so that all kids become confident readers!

I Want My Hate Back by Jon Klassen

Hush! A Thai Lullabye by Minfong Ho

Rap A Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles - Think of That! by Leo & Diane Dillon

Blackout by John Rocco

We're Going On A Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury

Noisy, Nora by Rosemary Wells

Leo The Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus

A Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Harry, The Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant