Free STEM Books for 1st Graders
We’re committed to removing barriers to literacy by providing free books that children love. Discover free STEM books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our free children’s books feature engineering, technology, and problem-solving perfect for beginning readers. Download free story books PDF or read childrens books online free.
Magnet Magic!
Rin discovers a mysterious block that sticks to some things but not others. She’s curious about what this strange object can do! Will it stick to her cat? Her ruler? Join Rin as she explores the magical powers of her mysterious discovery and learns surprising secrets about the world around her.
Off!
We flip switches and lights come on. We see them twinkling in windows at night and glowing along busy roads. But have you ever stopped to think about how much we really need lights? What would happen if all the lights suddenly blinked out one day? Could we still play games, read books, or even stay safe? Discover why lights are more important than you might think!
Roar Roar Dinosaurs
Roar! Did you know that dinosaurs had feathers and that some hunted together in packs? Discover how scientists use fossils and clever detective work to unlock the secrets of these amazing creatures. What incredible dinosaur facts will you learn?
Turn!
Wheels are everywhere—on skateboards, ferris wheels, clocks, and diggers! But what if wheels didn’t exist? Discover how wheels change our world and explore what life would be like without them. Would we still be able to do all the things we do today?
What's the Scoop on Pee and Poop?
Pat the rat has a big question: where does pee and poop go after you flush? There’s only one way to find out—dive into the toilet and follow the water! Join Pat on his underground adventure through pipes and tanks as he meets a friendly sewer rat who shows him the secrets of wastewater treatment. What happens to all that yucky stuff? Can dirty water ever become clean again?
Is This the Sea?
Have you ever watched rain fall from the sky and wondered where it goes? Follow tiny raindrops on their amazing adventure as they roll down hills, join together in streams and rivers, and race toward something big. But what happens when they finally reach their destination? And how do they get back up into the clouds to start all over again? Discover the magical journey that keeps our whole planet alive!
Colour Mix
Did you know that just three colours can create a whole rainbow? Discover the magic of red, blue, and yellow—the primary colours! Learn how mixing these special colours together creates brand new shades. What colours do you think you can make?
Where is Pluto?
When the Sun can’t find Pluto anywhere in the solar system, she asks all the planets for help. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and the others search high and low, but where could Pluto be hiding? Join the planets on an exciting journey across the solar system to solve this cosmic mystery!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should 1st graders read STEM books alongside fiction?
STEM books build the background knowledge and specialised vocabulary that Scarborough (2001) identified as essential strands of skilled reading. The NCTE emphasises that children need regular exposure to informational text from the earliest grades, and STEM topics — simple machines, space, patterns, how things work — are naturally fascinating to 5- and 6-year-olds. Bookbot’s free STEM books deliver this content through decodable text so children grow their knowledge while practising phonics. For more on balancing content types, see what are decodable books?.
What formats are these free STEM books available in?
All STEM books on Bookbot are free to read on the Bookbot website. Many also include PDF downloads, and select titles offer a read-aloud feature with word-by-word highlighting. Murphy Odo (2024) found that digitally enhanced reading tools support decoding development in early readers, so the interactive read-aloud option is a particularly effective way for 1st graders to engage with STEM content.
What reading levels do the free STEM books cover?
The books range from basic CVC words (like add, mix, dig) through consonant blends and digraphs — the full span of phonics skills taught in 1st grade. Each book is tagged by level so you can match it to your child’s current ability. Our scope and sequence page explains how the progression works.
Can STEM books help a first grader who struggles with reading motivation?
Many children who resist reading fiction will eagerly pick up a book about rockets, robots, or how bridges are built. Stanovich (1986) showed that any increase in reading volume triggers a positive cycle of stronger vocabulary and fluency, and the NRP (2000) confirmed that pairing phonics instruction with engaging content improves outcomes. STEM topics give reluctant readers a concrete reason to decode. For more strategies, see our guide on reluctant readers.