Best Nonfiction Books for First Grade (2026): 5 Picks Compared

First graders devour facts, and the best nonfiction books for first grade pair real science with reading levels they can handle. We compared five listings by reading level, age fit, pages and value, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Amazing Sharks!	9.7/10	Buy
2	National Geographic Sharks!	9.7/10	Buy
3	National Geographic Sea Turtles	9.7/10	Buy
4	National Geographic Owls	9.7/10	Buy
5	National Geographic Storms	9.7/10	Buy

1

Amazing Sharks!

Sarah L. Thomson·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Level 2 I Can Read about sharks, with photos from the Wildlife Conservation Society.

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Pros

• Ages 4-8, broadest here
• WCS photos included
• Level 2, longer sentences

Cons

• No warranty term is stated
• Ages 4-8, not just first grade
• 32 pages is short

2

National Geographic Sharks!

Anne Schreiber·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A National Geographic Kids Level 2 reader about sharks and their science.

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Pros

• NG Kids, trusted content
• Reading age 4-7 stated
• Cool photos and fun facts

Cons

• No warranty term is stated
• Shark topic may scare some
• 32 pages is short

3

National Geographic Sea Turtles

Laura Marsh·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A National Geographic Kids Level 2 reader about sea turtles and their journeys.

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Pros

• NG Kids, trusted content
• Reading age 4-7 stated
• Brilliant photography

Cons

• No warranty term is stated
• 32 pages is short
• Sea topic only

4

National Geographic Owls

Laura Marsh·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A National Geographic Kids Level 1 reader about owls and their wooded habitats.

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Pros

• Level 1, for new readers
• Reading age 2-7 stated
• Beautiful photos

Cons

• No warranty term is stated
• Level 1, too easy for some
• 32 pages is short

5

National Geographic Storms

Miriam Busch Goin·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A National Geographic Kids Level 1 reader about storms and weather science.

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Pros

• Level 1, for new readers
• Reading age 4-7 stated
• Key science terms

Cons

• No warranty term is stated
• Storms may scare some
• 32 pages is short

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More picks to compare

• NG Kids Polar Bears32 pages, ages 4-7, Level 1.Check on Amazon
• George Washington I Can Read32 pages, ages 4-8, Level 2.Check on Amazon
• My First Grade Reader140 pages, ages 5-7, read-along audio.Check on Amazon
• Helen Keller I Can Read32 pages, ages 4-8, Level 2.Check on Amazon
• 1st Grade Reading Workbook124 pages, ages 5-7, 120 activities.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Specifications are publisher rated as listed, collected 17 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. Safety counts only where the listing states a reading age or grade level. Every listing here states a reading age. No listing here states a warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best nonfiction books for first grade

Reading level

Books here are Level 1 or Level 2; Level 1 suits newer readers.

Age fit

Books run ages 2-7 to 4-8; the Amazing Sharks lists ages 4-8. For fiction picks, browse our book club books.

Topic

Animals dominate; the Storms book covers weather science.

Before you buy

• Match the level to your child’s reading stage.
• All five are 32 pages.
• Level 2 books use longer sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book is best for a new reader?

The Owls and Storms are Level 1, for kids learning independent reading.

Which book has the broadest age range?

The Amazing Sharks lists ages 4-8.

Which books are National Geographic?

The Sharks, Sea Turtles, Owls and Storms are National Geographic Kids readers.

Still deciding? Our top pickAmazing Sharks!

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Related lists

See every reading and phonics list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.