Books for Kindergarten and First Graders

Titles in this list were recommended by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh staff. Ask your neighborhood librarian for additional suggestions.


The Day You Begin

Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself, but later he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider. You can also check out this title as an eBook or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.


A Friend for Henry

Henry would like to find a friend at school, but for a boy on the autism spectrum, making friends can be difficult, as his efforts are sometimes misinterpreted, or things just go wrong–but Henry keeps trying, and in the end he finds a friend he can play with. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eBook on Hoopla.


Going Down Home With Daddy

Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands. 

This title is also available for checkout as an eBook and an eAudioBook on OverDrive/Libby and as an eAudioBook on Hoopla. 


Halal Hot Dogs

Every Friday Musa’s family takes turns picking out a Jummah treat which they use to try all different foods, but when it is Musa’s turn he sticks to his favorite halal hot dogs to share.


Hello, World!

Introduces the sights and residents of Happy County, where a lot of things are happening and every day can end on a happy note. 



Punky Aloha

Punky loves to do a lot of things except meeting new friends. She doesn’t feel brave enough. So, when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. 


Saturday at the Food Pantry

When Molly and her mom visit their local food pantry, Molly sees a classmate who is embarrassed to be there, so Molly helps her realize everyone needs help sometimes. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.


¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat

Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabé, his dog, gather tacos, frutas picadas, cuernos, and more and deliver them to los luchadores preparing for Lucha Libre 5000. 

This title is also available for checkout as an eBook/eAudio on OverDrive/Libby and and as an eBook, eAudio and read-along movie on Hoopla.