Inclusion Books for 1st Graders
Literacy changes lives, and we’re dedicated to making quality books accessible to every young reader. Discover meaningful inclusion books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our children’s books feature diverse characters and stories celebrating differences perfect for beginning readers. These picture books and storybooks build reading confidence through lessons of acceptance.
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.
We All Help
Jan’s special day is coming up, and everyone in the family wants to help make it wonderful! Mom is cooking something delicious, Dad has a surprise, and Grandma and Grandpa have special gifts too. Even Tim is excited to help! Can you guess what everyone is preparing together? Find out how a whole family comes together to create something amazing!
All of Us
In a busy house full of people, a young child sometimes wishes to be alone—especially when there’s no room to run or play. But what happens when everything changes and being surrounded by family becomes the safest, most comforting place to be? Discover why this child learns that sometimes, having everyone around is exactly what you need.
Flip, Flop!
A little fish feels sad and wishes it could be something else. When a curious cat comes along, the fish must swim fast to stay safe. But then something unexpected happens that changes how the fish feels about being a fish. Will the fish discover that being different isn’t so bad after all?
My Cousin Is Here!
A big family comes together for a special meal! When a cousin arrives, exciting things start to happen. There’s food to prepare, fish to catch, and snacks to enjoy. What adventure will unfold when everyone gathers? Join this warm family as they share time together and discover what makes their day so special!
My Hair
This hair is amazing! It can twist and curl, puff up big, and even hold pens. But what other surprising things can it do? From keeping warm to making cozy spots, this hair has lots of tricks. What makes YOUR hair special? Join in and discover all the wonderful ways hair can be the very best!
Nakita Can Help!
Meet Nakita, a caring helper who makes a difference! When she discovers an injured elephant stuck in a pit, she springs into action. Will Nakita be able to help this gentle giant feel better? Join her on an exciting adventure filled with compassion and teamwork!
No Pals
Tiger the fierce animal wants nothing to do with making friends. But when other creatures keep crossing her path, Tiger discovers that being alone might not be quite as satisfying as she thought. Will Tiger’s heart change? Find out how this solitary tiger learns about the power of connection.
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?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do inclusion books for 1st graders matter for both literacy and social development?
Inclusion books for 1st graders build reading skills and social awareness simultaneously by presenting diverse characters in stories children can decode independently. Manu et al. (2019) found that culturally relevant reading materials are associated with improved literacy outcomes, and when children see a range of backgrounds and abilities represented in books, they develop both empathy and motivation to read. On Bookbot, diversity books for first grade use decodable text matched to 1st grade phonics patterns, so every child can find a story that reflects their world. See our article on laying the foundations for a love of reading.
How do inclusive picture books for 5 year olds strengthen reading comprehension?
Inclusive picture books for 5 year olds strengthen comprehension by exposing children to a variety of perspectives and experiences, which builds the background knowledge essential for understanding texts. Snow, Burns, and Griffin (1998) identified broad reading experience as a key factor in preventing reading difficulties. On Bookbot, inclusion books for 1st graders pair diverse themes with structured phonics so children develop both world knowledge and decoding ability. Learn more about what are decodable books.
Can diversity books for beginning readers help children develop empathy through reading?
Diversity books for beginning readers are a powerful way to develop empathy in 1st graders because stories allow children to experience perspectives they may not encounter in daily life. Li et al. (2025) found that reading narratives about diverse social situations strengthens children’s emotional understanding. Bookbot’s inclusive picture books for 5 year olds use decodable text so the reading experience is accessible, and books are available to browse on the Bookbot website by grade and skill level.
What should parents look for when selecting diversity books for first grade?
Parents should choose diversity books for first grade that portray characters from varied backgrounds in everyday, relatable situations and that use decodable text matched to their child’s phonics level. Ehri et al. (2001) showed that reading gains are strongest when text difficulty aligns with a child’s current skills. Bookbot organizes inclusion books for 1st graders by phonics level using a clear scope and sequence, so parents can find inclusive stories at the right reading level.