Reading is always at the heart of a homeschool day, and incorporating a shared reader into your routine can make such a meaningful difference. A shared reader is a book we read together, taking turns reading each page. It’s a chance to tackle books that are above your child’s reading level, delve into challenging topics, or simply enjoy a story together. You can read more about How to use a Shared Reader in Your Homeschool
How to Choose a Good Shared Reader
For ages 5-7, it can be difficult to pick a good shared reader because there is such a wide range of reading abilities at this stage. It’s not just about what a child can decode but also what they can comprehend. For this book list, I have categorized the selections into three sections: early readers, transitional readers, and beginner chapter books.
We want stories to be engaging to encourage your child to keep reading, and I like for our shared reading time at this age to progress gradually from simple to more complex stories and vocabulary. When we share a book, I can gently correct how my child reads a passage or pronounces a word in real-time. This immediate feedback helps prevent bad habits from forming and strengthens their ability to engage listeners with their reading.
Early Readers
Early readers are great for new readers and should include repetitive phrases, simple sight words, and phonics rules your child has mastered.
Without further ado below are the Best Early Readers for Ages 5-7
Below are my recommended titles for early readers 👇
Transitional Readers
Transitional readers help children build confidence. These books have slightly longer sentences, more varied vocabulary, plenty of pictures, and easy-to-follow stories
Without further ado below are the Best transitional Readers
Below are my recommended titles for transitional readers 👇
Beginner Chapter Books
I love it when my kids reach the beginner chapter book phase! These books are for kids who are ready for a challenge. Chapters are short and perfect for shared reading. Beginner chapter books are often part of a series, so once kids fall in love with one, they’ll just keep reading!
Without further ado below are the Best Beginner Chapter Books
Below are my recommended titles for beginner Chapter books 👇
Tips for Using Shared Readers Effectively
Shared reading isn’t just about decoding words—it’s about building fluency and confidence. Encourage your child to read expressively, not just correctly, and make it fun by alternating pages or paragraphs. This keeps them engaged and gives them a chance to hear fluent reading in action. Pause occasionally to ask simple comprehension questions, like “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”—nothing too formal, just natural conversation. And most importantly, let your child choose books they’re excited about! When they’re invested in the story, reading feels less like a chore and more like an adventure.
Shared reading is such a simple yet powerful way to build fluency, comprehension, and confidence in young readers. By reading together, you’re not just helping with literacy—you’re creating meaningful connections and a love for books. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and choose different reading levels based on what works best for your child. Some days, they might need extra support, and other days, they’re ready for a challenge. The key is to keep it enjoyable! I’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite books for shared reading? Drop them in the comments!
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