Bulldozer, age 8, and in second grade, just completed all five levels of the BOB Book Series.  

To ensure he continues reading, we've created a 1st grade reading list for Bulldozer this year.  

He is to choose one book per month, or ten books throughout the school year. 

He's been my slowest learner as far as reading and writing are concerned, but is enjoying the process.  In my opinion, that's what matters most.

Bulldozer's books are not chapter books.  

They do not take long to read.  

His goal with each book is to learn to read the words fluidly and accurately with expression, while at the same time, understanding the main points of the story.

Here is 1st Grade Book Recommendations for Kids, aka Bulldozer's personal reading list.

1st Grade Book Recommendations for Kids

1. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

This book isn't something that Bulldozer would pick up on his own, but we're hoping since it's on his book list he may give it a try.  We feel he'll definitely relate to the boy in the book as he's always asking questions and trying to understand the world around him.

2. Doctor De Soto by William Steig

We have heard nothing but wonderful things about this book.  Bulldozer always enjoys a good story with humor, so we thought this would be a perfect fit for him.

3. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

This book is yet another funny read.  Bulldozer is one who wants to make sure people are following rules at all times.  It will be quite entertaining to see his responses as he reads through each new idea the pigeon has to get what he wants.  We're also intrigued to see how Bulldozer responds to the pigeon's behaviors.

4. I Need My Monster by Amanda Noil and Howard McWilliam

Bulldozer's anxieties soar at bedtime.  He's frightened so easily by anything and everything. We thought this book might put a humorous spin on night time anxieties for him, helping him cope with them just a little bit better.

5. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

This book is absolutely adorable, and the first that Bulldozer has chosen from his list.  The personalities given to each color crayon are so entertaining. For a boy who loves colors, the artwork is perfect.  Have I mentioned that Bulldozer is a little obsessed with crayons, especially his purple crayons?

6. Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

Bulldozer has always had the makings for a great engineer.  He builds and creates on a daily basis.  We're hoping that this book inspires him to continue his work.  The message in the book, that one can only truly fail when they quit, is one we hope Bulldozer will be able to absorb and keep with him.

7. A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

Over the summer our family went on our first real camping trip.  Bulldozer thoroughly enjoyed it and has asked to go again and again.  Due to this new found love, we thought he would delight in reading about all of Mr. Magee's mishaps.

8. Moonshot:  The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca

One of Bulldozer's passions is astronomy.  He's quite obsessed with it.  It was only appropriate to add an astronomy themed book to his list.  This one in particular will be fun, because it tells the story of Apollo 11, which is something he hasn't learned about yet.

9. Titanic:  Lost and Found by Judy Donnelly

Bulldozer was introduced to the story of the Titanic a couple of years ago. He's even watched some of the movie with me (skipping parts that were inappropriate) and thoroughly enjoyed it.  We're pretty sure he'll be delighted to read about this.  It's also fun knowing it's a nonfiction account.

10. Pompeii:  Buried Alive! by Edith Kunhardt

It's no secret that Bulldozer loves extreme weather, volcano eruptions included.  He is not aware of the story of Pompeii.  This will be a great way to introduce him to yet another event in history about something he loves.

11. The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown

Bulldozer's family on Renae's paternal side, comes from an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River.  We've visited the island and vacationed there many times.  Bulldozer loves everything about our experiences there, including the boats.  We're thinking this book will be a happy reminder of our beloved island experiences.

12. Hill of Fire by Thomas P. Lewis

This is another book about a volcano, with a cultural spin to it.  It may not be Bulldozer's first choice, but we're hoping that because it's on his list, he may decide to try it.

13. Greg's Microscope by Millicent E. Selsam

Bulldozer has shown much interest in his big brother's microscope.  Just how does it work? What can you see?  This book will be a great way to answer some of his questions and enhance his desire to learn more.

14. The Bravest Dog Ever by Natalie Stanford

All book lists must include a book about a dog right?  If the dog doesn't hook Bulldozer, the snow storm should.  We look forward to Bulldozer's excitement as he learns more about the story of Balto.

15. The Big Balloon Race by Eleanor Coerr

Bulldozer has always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. For that reason, we thought he would thoroughly enjoy this story.

We are so excited to watch him continue to read this year, with so many fabulous stories to enjoy!

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