Diverse Leveled Readers for ELLs

It is important for children to be exposed to diverse books as they are learning how to read. Many teachers are examining their classroom library and adding more diverse books to their collection. Some teachers are lucky to teach in a school with a well-stocked book room. In other cases, many of the books at the lower levels are not age-appropriate for older MLs and do not reflect the diversity of ELLs. Here are some suggestions of diverse leveled readers for MLs and all students.

For book sets that are not decodable yet for your students consider using them as read alouds and to work on setence patterns for writing. Decodable books are best practice for phonics lessons.

Disclosure: This section contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase. This does not cost you any extra money.

Diverse Leveled Readers- Fiction

The King School Series- Each book in this set follows a diverse group of children at home, in the community, and at school. They take part in everyday activities. Each set of books comes with a teacher’s guide that highlights key sight words and vocabulary and gives a writing activity.

Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade

Kaleidoscope Collection– This series of books has characters from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds from many different authors. Many of the books are also available in Spanish. You are able to purchase sets or individual books.

Diverse Leveled Readers- Nonfiction

Illustrated Guided Science Reader Collection of Animal Readers– This set of books has simple language and colorful photographs. Each book gives facts about different animals. Other topics in the science series include seasons.