Choosing the right books for your child as they transition into independent reading is a pivotal step in their educational journey. For children aged 5-7, typically in 1st and 2nd grade, award-winning books offer more than just captivating stories; they provide a foundation for strong literacy skills, foster imagination, and introduce them to diverse perspectives. These acclaimed titles have been recognized for their literary merit, engaging illustrations, and profound themes, making them excellent choices for building vocabulary, enhancing comprehension, and nurturing a lifelong love for reading. Dive into our curated list to discover books that will not only entertain but also enrich your child’s developing mind and heart.
20 Recommended Award-Winning 1st and 2nd Grade Books for Ages 5-7
1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak’s timeless classic takes young readers on a fantastical journey with Max, a mischievous boy who, after being sent to bed without supper, sails away to an island inhabited by wild things. These intimidating but ultimately friendly monsters crown Max their king, leading to a joyful romp before Max decides to return home where he finds his supper waiting. The book beautifully explores themes of anger, imagination, and the comfort of home, all within a vibrant, imaginative world that resonates deeply with children’s inner lives. It’s a perfect read-aloud that encourages discussions about feelings and the power of play.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Timeless classic exploring imagination and emotions
- Short, engaging text with iconic illustrations
2. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Peter, a young boy, wakes up to a city covered in fresh snow and embarks on a day of adventures. He makes snow angels, slides down snowbanks, and even saves a snowball in his pocket for later, only to find it melted. This gentle narrative captures the simple joys of childhood and the wonder of a snowy day from a child’s perspective. Keats’ pioneering use of collage illustrations also offers a unique visual experience, celebrating diversity and the beauty of everyday moments. It’s an essential book for early readers, teaching observation and appreciation for nature.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Celebrates the simple joys of childhood and nature
- Groundbreaking use of collage illustration
3. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
Trixie, a toddler, loses her beloved stuffed bunny, Knuffle Bunny, at the laundromat while out with her dad. Unable to speak yet, she tries to communicate her distress to her father, who misunderstands her until they’re back home and her mom realizes what’s wrong. This delightful story perfectly captures the frustration of pre-verbal communication and the deep bond between a child and a favorite toy. Mo Willems uses a unique blend of black-and-white photographs with cartoon illustrations to create a relatable and humorous tale that parents and children alike will adore for its authentic portrayal of early childhood experiences.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Relatable story about losing a beloved toy and parent-child communication
- Unique blend of photography and illustration
4. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
The bus driver needs to take a break and asks the reader to keep an eye on the bus, with one strict instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” What follows is a hilarious, persistent plea from the pigeon, employing every trick in the book from begging to tantrums to convince the reader to let him take the wheel. This interactive book brilliantly engages young children, allowing them to feel like active participants in the story as they repeatedly refuse the pigeon’s silly requests. It’s an excellent tool for developing critical thinking and understanding cause and effect, all wrapped in pure humor.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Highly interactive and engaging for young readers
- Fosters critical thinking and emotional literacy through humor
5. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Amos McGee, a kind zookeeper, always makes time to visit his animal friends, whether playing chess with the elephant or running races with the tortoise. One day, Amos wakes up too sick to go to work, and his animal friends decide to return the favor by visiting him at home. This heartwarming story is a gentle meditation on friendship, compassion, and reciprocity, showing how acts of kindness come full circle. The delicate, evocative illustrations perfectly complement the tender narrative, making it a beautiful read-aloud that emphasizes the importance of caring for others.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Beautiful story about friendship and kindness
- Features gentle, tender illustrations
6. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
CJ and his Nana take their weekly bus ride across town after church, a routine CJ often questions, wishing they had a car or an iPod like others. Nana, however, has a magical way of showing CJ the beauty and wonder in their everyday surroundings and the diverse people they encounter. This powerful story celebrates community, kindness, and finding joy and beauty in unexpected places, especially within urban landscapes and among different people. It’s a profound exploration of gratitude and perspective, offering a rich discussion starter for children about appreciating what they have.
- Newbery Medal Winner
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
- Explores themes of gratitude, community, and finding beauty in the everyday
7. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr
A young girl and her father go owling on a crisp, snowy winter night. As they walk silently through the woods, waiting patiently for a great horned owl, the girl reflects on the quiet anticipation and her father’s wisdom. This poetic narrative beautifully captures the magic of a shared experience between a child and parent, as well as the serene beauty of the natural world. The exquisite, soft illustrations perfectly convey the hushed atmosphere and cold stillness of the night, making it an evocative story about patience, wonder, and the bond with nature and family.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Poetic narrative celebrating nature and parent-child bonding
- Evocative illustrations capture the quiet beauty of winter
8. Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather’s journey from Japan to America and back again, exploring the dual love they both felt for two different homelands. The narrator’s grandfather, like the author, loved the landscapes of both Japan and California, always feeling a longing for the other when in one place. This elegant and deeply personal story explores themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the pull of one’s heritage. Say’s stunning watercolor illustrations transport readers through generations and continents, making it a moving and visually rich experience for children to understand complex emotions and diverse backgrounds.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Explores themes of cultural identity and belonging
- Features exquisite watercolor illustrations
9. Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Cassie Louise Lightfoot dreams of flying above her Harlem apartment building, over the George Washington Bridge, and claiming it for her own. Her imaginative journey, inspired by her family’s rooftop picnics, allows her to soar above the limitations of her reality, granting wishes and achieving freedom. This vibrant story, told through Ringgold’s signature story quilt art, is a celebration of dreams, family, and cultural heritage, set against the backdrop of 1930s Harlem. It’s an inspiring narrative that encourages children to dream big and understand the power of imagination to transform their world.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner
- Unique story quilt illustrations and a powerful message of dreams and freedom
10. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Annabelle finds a box full of colorful yarn with an endless supply, and she begins to knit sweaters for everyone in her cold, gray town—and even for the animals and houses. When a greedy archduke tries to buy her magical yarn, Annabelle refuses, leading to an unexpected outcome. This whimsical fable charmingly explores themes of generosity, creativity, and the power of simple acts of kindness to transform a community. Klassen’s distinctive, understated illustrations perfectly complement the quirky narrative, inviting children to ponder the value of giving and imagination.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Charming fable about generosity and creativity
- Features unique and distinctive illustrations
11. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
Beekle is an imaginary friend who is born on an island where all imaginary friends await their children. But when he isn’t chosen, Beekle bravely sets out into the real world to find his perfect match, eventually finding a shy girl named Alice who is also looking for a friend. This enchanting story celebrates friendship, imagination, and the courage it takes to find your place in the world. Santat’s dynamic and colorful illustrations bring Beekle’s journey to life, offering a powerful message about companionship and the beauty of seeking connection.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Heartwarming story about friendship and courage
- Vibrant and dynamic illustrations
12. Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
This wordless picture book tells the story of a young girl, Flora, who tries to mimic a graceful flamingo. At first, the flamingo is annoyed by Flora’s attempts, but soon a beautiful, synchronized dance unfolds between the two. Through a series of elegant illustrations and innovative lift-the-flaps, Idle captures the joy of movement, the beauty of friendship, and the art of non-verbal communication. It’s a visually stunning book that encourages children to interpret the story through actions and expressions, making it a unique and engaging experience for young readers.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Wordless picture book fostering visual literacy
- Celebrates movement, friendship, and non-verbal communication
13. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
This vibrant biography tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a groundbreaking artist who saw art in everything around him, from the streets of New York City to museums. Steptoe’s stunning illustrations, created with found objects and repurposed materials, perfectly capture Basquiat’s unique artistic style and the energy of his creativity. The book introduces young readers to the concept of finding art in everyday life and the journey of an artist who broke barriers. It’s an inspiring tale that encourages creativity and appreciating diverse forms of artistic expression.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner
- Inspiring biography of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Features vibrant, mixed-media illustrations
14. Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
While riding the subway with his Nana, Julián spots three women dressed as mermaids and is instantly enchanted. At home, he transforms himself into his own magnificent mermaid with Nana’s scarves and potted plants. Nana’s accepting and loving reaction is the heart of this beautiful story, which celebrates self-expression, identity, and unconditional love. The lush, warm illustrations perfectly convey Julián’s joy and Nana’s gentle acceptance, making it a powerful and tender book about being true to oneself and the importance of supportive family. It’s a wonderful conversation starter about celebrating differences.
- Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
- Stonewall Book Award Winner
- Beautifully illustrates self-expression and unconditional love
15. Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin
A young girl feels embarrassed when her immigrant parents pull over by a rural road to gather watercress, a foraging practice that reminds her of their poverty. As she learns the heartbreaking story behind her mother’s childhood in China, she begins to understand and appreciate their family’s resilience and heritage. This poignant and beautifully illustrated story explores themes of family history, cultural identity, and finding connection across generations and cultures. Chin’s stunning illustrations add depth and emotion to Wang’s powerful narrative, making it a moving experience for children and parents alike.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Newbery Honor Book
- Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
- Poignant story about family, heritage, and empathy
16. Nana Akua Goes to School by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison
Imani is excited for Grandparents Day at school but worries that her Nana Akua’s Adinkra symbols, traditional Ghanaian marks on her face, will make her stand out. Nana Akua, however, turns her appearance into an opportunity to teach Imani’s classmates about Ghanaian culture and the beautiful meanings behind the symbols. This uplifting story celebrates cultural heritage, diversity, and the power of sharing one’s traditions with pride. Harrison’s vibrant illustrations bring Nana Akua’s warmth and the rich Ghanaian culture to life, fostering understanding and respect among young readers.
- Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
- Celebrates cultural heritage and diversity
- Empowering story about sharing traditions with pride
17. Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a very long name and thinks it doesn’t fit her. Her father tells her the story of each of her names, revealing the strong, inspiring relatives she was named after. Through her father’s stories, Alma learns that her name is a tapestry of her family’s history, connecting her to generations of spirited individuals. This charming story explores identity, family history, and the special meaning behind names, encouraging children to appreciate their unique heritage. Martinez-Neal’s soft, warm illustrations beautifully convey the love and connection within Alma’s family.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner
- Explores themes of identity, family history, and heritage
18. Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, especially the ones from Crackenhopper Field. But one day, he starts to feel like the carrots are following him. Are they really, or is it just his imagination? This delightfully spooky and humorous story plays with suspense and visual gags, keeping young readers on the edge of their seats until the clever twist ending. Brown’s distinctive black, white, and orange illustrations perfectly set the eerie tone, making it a fun read-aloud that explores fear, imagination, and a touch of mischief.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Humorous and slightly spooky tale
- Features distinctive and atmospheric illustrations
19. Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
A young girl gets lost in a blizzard on her way home from school and encounters a lost wolf pup. Despite her own fear and the dangerous conditions, she helps the pup find its way back to its pack. Later, the wolf pack returns the kindness by helping the girl find her way home. This wordless picture book tells a powerful story of compassion, survival, and unexpected connection between humans and nature. Cordell’s expressive line drawings, rendered in watercolor, convey intense emotion and action, making it a truly captivating and profound reading experience for all ages.
- Caldecott Medal Winner
- Wordless narrative promoting visual storytelling
- Powerful themes of compassion and survival
20. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
Papa Chicken is trying to read his little red chicken a bedtime story, but she keeps interrupting to warn the characters of impending danger. She knows how all the classic fairy tales go and can’t help but jump in to save Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and others from their predictable fates. This humorous and endearing book celebrates the joy of storytelling while gently teaching about listening and patience. Stein’s lively illustrations and witty dialogue make it a delightful read-aloud that will have both children and parents laughing, and it cleverly introduces classic fairy tales.
- Caldecott Honor Book
- Humorous and interactive bedtime story
- Celebrates storytelling and introduces classic fairy tales
Why Reading Award-Winning Books Matters for Ages 5-7
For children in 1st and 2nd grade, engaging with award-winning books offers a multitude of developmental advantages. These books are often chosen for their exceptional storytelling, rich vocabulary, and profound themes, which collectively contribute to a child’s holistic growth. Reading high-quality literature at this age helps build strong comprehension skills, enabling children to follow complex narratives and understand character motivations. Exposure to diverse narratives and characters, often celebrated in award-winning titles, cultivates empathy and allows children to see the world from different perspectives, broadening their understanding of various cultures and experiences.
Furthermore, these books often spark imagination and critical thinking. They challenge young minds to consider new ideas, solve problems alongside characters, and even interpret subtle visual cues in illustrations. The language used in many award winners can subtly expand a child’s vocabulary, introducing them to new words in context. By consistently engaging with stories recognized for their excellence, children develop a more sophisticated appreciation for literature, fostering not just reading ability but a deeper love for the art of storytelling itself. This foundational experience lays the groundwork for academic success and personal enrichment throughout their lives.
Encouraging a Lifelong Love for Reading
Instilling a love for reading in children aged 5-7 is one of the most valuable gifts a parent can give. By introducing them to award-winning books, you’re not just providing entertainment; you’re offering them windows into new worlds and mirrors reflecting their own experiences. Create a comfortable reading nook at home, establish a regular bedtime story routine, or visit your local library frequently to explore new titles together. Encourage your child to choose books that excite them, even if they’ve read them countless times. Rereading familiar favorites builds confidence and fluency, while discovering new award winners expands their horizons.
Discussing stories after reading can deepen comprehension and emotional connection. Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you think the character felt?” or “What would you have done in that situation?” This encourages critical thinking and allows children to connect the stories to their own lives. Remember, the goal is to make reading an enjoyable and cherished activity, not a chore. By making reading a shared, positive experience, you’re helping to cultivate a lifelong reader who will continue to seek knowledge, empathy, and joy within the pages of a book.
Visit the ALA page.
