STEM Books: National Geographic Kids for Little Readers

My first grader has been given a reading challenge. If he reads 40 books by the end of the school year, he’ll be invited to attend a party with the school principal. Not just any party, but one with a chocolate fountain. This, my friends, is a very big deal. He’s super excited about the challenge, and he’s a really good reader, but it’s been a definite struggle to get him to sit down and read. It took me a while to figure out why, but I think it really comes down to a lack of interest in fiction. A lot of kids’ books have light, fun stories, but that’s not really his jam. Supplying him with more STEM books has really piqued his interest in reading, and we’re having great success right now with the Leveled Readers Series from National Geographic Kids. Science, nature, history, technology, AND mesmerizing, eye-catching photographs – these books were practically made for my little scientist.

This post was written in partnership with Moms Meet and National Geographic Kids. Samples were received, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

National Geographic has a reputation that speaks for itself, and the same level of quality is apparent in their children’s leveled reader series. They’re the leader in nonfiction children’s publishing, with good reason. With fun, facts, even jokes, on every page, kids can satisfy their natural curiosity about the world while challenging their reading levels and honing a whole bunch of different learning skills at once.

STEM Books for Readers at Every Level

National Geographic Kids Leveled Readers are books specifically tailored to your child’s current stage.

Pre-reader: Ready to Read
Level 1: Starting to Read
Level 2: Reading Independently
Level 3: Fluent Reader

Each book is clearly labeled on the front and features bright, bold text along with lots of callouts and text boxes that encourage kids to navigate the whole page and digest information in small bites. That visual stimulation works, too – I’ve seen it while watching them read! Really dense text seems to overwhelm my new reader, so the snippets in our NatGeo Kids books really seem to keep him feeling confident in his reading and ready to head on to the next page.

ORDER NatGeoKids Leveled Readers Here.

My son is currently at a Level 3, and my 4-year-old daughter is loving the Pre-reader series.

As much as I love the information found in the National Geographic Kids series, I have to admit – the photographs are my favorite part. Even my little one, who is just beginning her reading journey, will tear through every level of the series just to see all the mesmerizing, eye-popping photos.

For real, these photos are UNbelievable. What better way to get the kids really interested, right? Our current obsession is arctic animals, but you’ll find everything from reptiles and insects to wolves and the cutest baby felines you’ve ever seen.

How Your Kid Can Be a Super Reader

“Learning by Doing” or “Experiential Learning” is the goal with every National Geographic Kids book, and they help your kids along by providing opportunities and challenges for active engagement on every page.

But, it doesn’t end there. NOPE. There’s MORE.

The National Geographic reading experience goes way beyond the page with the interactive Kids Super Readers website. With your help, kids can download free posters, sticker sheets, and other prizes and activities as they chart their own reading accomplishments.

I have a feeling National Geographic Kids is going to be a very big part of our summer this year!