Book Recommendations for Each Level

Kindergarten : Tikki Tikki Tembo, Arlene Mosel 

Tikki Tikki Tembo is a beautifully and intricately illustrated fictional children’s book set in ancient China and tells the story about a little boy – Tikki Tikki Tembo – who falls down a well ; the book promotes motifs of care and compassion, teamwork, and respect. 

First Grade : First Grade, Here I Come, D.J. Steinberg 

First Grade, Here I Come is the perfect way to welcome students and excite them for the first grade with fun writing utensils, books, and individual desks. The book is written in a metric structure and showcases a diverse student body in its illustrations. 

Second Grade : Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein

Where the Sidewalk Ends really works to embrace and grow its readers’ imaginations through an anthology of poetry and illustrations that will age into nostalgic memories that are cherished by children, parents, and grandparents alike. 

Third Grade : Wayside School, Louis Sachar 

The Wayside School cycle brings wit, humour, and a touch of ominousness – with the omission of the 19th storey – to the academic setting. Additionally, two of the cycles books explore arithmetic and logic puzzles to apply the “fun factor” and familiarity of the characters to more challenging curriculum. 

Fourth Grade : Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J.K. Rowling 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first novel in the Harry Potter series. The novel’s astute nature will ensure that readers will be captivated by the imaginative story arc, witty humour, relatable characters, and bombilating chapters. 

Fifth Grade : Wonder, R.J. Palacio 

Wonder introduces, explores, and embraces differences in physical appearances through its protagonist – Auggie – who has Treacher Collins syndrome; the novel evokes care, compassion, and affection whilst acknowledging and educating its readers on the detrimental repercussions of bullying with authenticity. 

Sixth Grade : Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodsen

Brown Girl Dreaming – a verse-memoir – recounts the story of Woodsen’s adolescent experience as an African American girl growing up in 1960s America with aspirations of becoming a writer and the pivotal moments that lead to her success.