Free Inclusion Books for 1st Graders
Literacy changes lives, and we’re dedicated to making quality books freely available to every young reader. Discover free inclusion books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our free children’s books feature diverse characters and stories celebrating differences perfect for beginning readers. Download free story books PDF or read childrens books online free.
Tire Trouble
An old tire rolls away from a broken-down car, searching for a new purpose. Will it find the perfect fit with a truck, a bike, or a horse and cart? Follow this determined tire on an exciting journey down the road as it discovers where it truly belongs.
The Big Sheep
Rose the sheep is too big to fit through the new farm gate! Her friends suggest she try yoga, running, and swimming to get smaller. But will these activities really help Rose solve her problem? Join Rose on her journey as she discovers what it truly means to be strong and healthy.
This is the Way
Ted is blind, but he knows the way to his friend’s birthday party! Using his senses—smell, touch, and hearing—Ted navigates the streets with confidence. As his neighbor Kim follows along amazed, she discovers something surprising: Ted has his own special way of ‘seeing’ the world. How does Ted find his path when he cannot see?
Pals or Not?
Two characters are trying to become friends, but things keep getting in the way. One seems prickly and not very cuddly! Will they find a way to get along? Follow along as they try different ideas to become pals. Can they figure out what it takes to be true friends?
Jump Up!
Coach Vic has an exciting surprise for his students after school! When they discover it’s volleyball, Tim worries he won’t be good enough. But Coach Vic believes everyone can have fun playing sports. Will Tim overcome his doubts and discover the joy of this amazing game? Join the team and find out!
Mel Can Help
When a flood sweeps through her town, Mel finds herself lost and scared at a school turned emergency shelter. There, she meets Jen, a kind doctor who helps people in need. As Mel watches Jen work, she realizes she can help too—even if she doesn’t know how to fix people. How can a brave girl like Mel make a difference when her community needs her most?
Squad!
Meet an amazing football squad where every player has a special skill! One sprints down the field, another spins the ball with lightning-fast moves, and one has a powerful kick that finds the net every time. When they work together and trust each other, what incredible things can they achieve on the field? Find out how teamwork makes them unstoppable!
What’s Your Name?
Jojo spots a boy playing football alone on the field and decides to join him. The boy is amazingly skilled—so swift and quick that Jojo can barely keep up! But something seems different about this player. When Jojo calls out for a break, the boy doesn’t stop. When Jojo shouts a warning, the boy doesn’t look up. What will happen when Jojo discovers the boy’s secret? And how will these two very different kids find a way to become friends?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get free inclusion books for my 1st grader?
Bookbot’s website offers free inclusion books for 1st graders that you can read free on the Bookbot website, and many include PDF downloads. A read-aloud mode with word-by-word highlighting is also available on select titles. Every story uses decodable text matched to a first-grade phonics progression, so your child builds genuine reading skills while exploring themes of diversity, acceptance, and belonging.
Why are diversity and inclusion books important for 1st graders learning to read?
When children see characters who look like them – or who introduce them to different backgrounds and experiences – they connect more deeply with the story. Scarborough’s Reading Rope (2001) explains that skilled reading depends on both word recognition and broad background knowledge, and inclusive stories help build that wider understanding of the world. Manu et al. (2019) also found that culturally relevant reading materials improve engagement and outcomes for young learners. Bookbot’s free diversity books for first grade support both dimensions of the Reading Rope.
How do free inclusive picture books for 5 year olds support phonics skills?
Every free inclusive picture book for 5 year olds on Bookbot is carefully levelled across a first-grade scope and sequence, covering CVC words, consonant blends, digraphs, and more. The National Reading Panel (2000) confirmed that systematic phonics instruction embedded in meaningful, connected text is the most effective approach for beginning readers. Inclusion-themed stories provide that meaningful context while keeping phonics practice structured and progressive.
Can inclusion books help my child develop empathy while learning to read?
Yes. Stories about different families, disabilities, cultural traditions, and kindness naturally build social-emotional understanding alongside literacy skills. Research on narrative engagement (Springer, 2022) shows that emotionally engaging stories improve comprehension and retention, so the empathy-building themes in inclusion books actually reinforce the reading process itself. Bookbot’s free inclusion books for 1st graders help children develop both as readers and as thoughtful, caring individuals. For more on laying the foundations for a love of reading, see our guide.