One of the challenges in providing students with the most significant disabilities with access to the general curriculum is finding materials that link directly to the grade level content but are written at a level that is accessible. As part of the DLM project we have been building a library of companion texts that align with literature that is generally taught as part of the general education curriculum across the grade levels. These companion texts are written to be accessible for beginning readers.
Monarch Reader
Monarch Reader (https://monarchreader.com/) is a large library of open-source, accessible, texts for beginning readers of all ages. Monarch Reader was created as a more stable, higher quality alternative to the old Tar Heel Reader site to address the extreme shortage of easy-to-read books on topics that appeal to older students. Books are contributed to the site by teachers, students, parents, and others from around the world.
Most of the books on the Monarch Reader site were written by teachers, students, parents, and others from all over the world. Some books are “Rated M/Mature,” and others may not be appropriate for your students or classroom. Teachers can avoid books that they might find offensive by limiting their search to books that are “Rated E/Everybody” while avoiding books “Rated M/Mature.”
The books can be accessed at Monarch Reader and read online using a range of alternate means of access. They can also be downloaded to read using an epub reader, or downloaded as Powerpoint files that can be read in Google Slides, modified as needed, and printed if desired.
We encourage you to use other books or write your own books on Monarch Reader, but please remember that it is a library that teachers visit to select books for students – and that students visit when particular collections of books have been identified. It was not developed as a writing tool for students.
To find books you might use with your students, start by selecting the appropriate grade band:
- Kindergarten – 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade – 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade – 5th Grade
- 6th Grade – 8th Grade
- 9th Grade – 10th Grade
- 11th Grade – 12th Grade
Exemplar Text Supports Grade Band K-1
Animal Babies. A list of animal babies and what they are called.
Animal Mothers. A book of animal mothers and the ways they care for their babies.
Are You My Mother? by Charna A newly born bird searches for its mother.
Are You My Mother? by Kaizactan A little animal looks for its mother.
Are You My Mother? by susan961 A retelling of the book Are You My Mother?
Eggs. A book of animals that hatch from eggs.
I Love Animals. A list of different animals.
Monarch Reader Are You My Mother? Collection
Monarch Reader Frog and Toad Together Collection
Friends. A list of ways friends help each other.
Frogs and Toads. A book about the differences and similarities of frogs and toads.
Grocery List. The author creates a grocery list for making a pizza.
My To Do List. A book about what the author plans on doing that day.
The List. A retelling of the story “A List” from Frog and Toad Together.
What Do Frogs Do? A list of things that frogs can do.
Monarch Reader Frog and Toad Together Collection
The Garden
Friends. A list of ways friends help each other.
Frog’s Garden. A book about the silly things Frog does to get his garden to grow.
A Garden. A retelling of the story “The Garden” from Frog and Toad Together.
Garden Flowers. A book about the flowers, birds, and insects that can be found in a garden.
Growing a Garden. A list of fruits and vegetables that are grown in gardens.
To Grow a Sunflower. A book of the items needed to grow a sunflower.
Monarch Reader Frog and Toad Together: The GardenCollection
Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies. A list of ingredients needed to make chocolate chip cookies.
Cookies. A retelling of the story “Cookies” from Frog and Toad Together.
Friends. A list of ways friends help each other.
Just One More. A book about the foods that the author loves to eat.
We Make Cookies. A list of cookies that a person could bake.
Willpower. A book of examples of using willpower, with repeating long sentences.
Monarch Reader Frog and Toad Together: CookiesCollection
Dragons and Giants
Bravery. A book of people performing acts of bravery.
Dragons and Giants. A retelling of the story “Dragons and Giants” from Frog and Toad Together.
Dragons Are Cool. A book about dragons.
Fairy Tales. A list of the characteristics of fairy tales.
Frogs and Toads. A book about the differences and similarities of frogs and toads.
What Makes You Afraid? A list of things that typically make people afraid.
Monarch Reader Frog and Toad Together: Dragons and Giants Collection
The Dream
The Dream. A retelling of the story “The Dream” from Frog and Toad Together.
Dreams. A book about dreams.
Friends. A list of ways friends help each other.
Friends by amhosman. A book of characteristics of friends.
Friends by Charna. A book of ways that friends help each other.
Goals. A book about goals, dreams, and challenges.
I Wish I Were a Star. A list of ways to be famous.
Monarch Reader Frog and Toad Together: The Dream Collection
Cats. A book about cats and the things they can do or be.
Do You Like Green Eggs and Ham? A retelling of the book Green Eggs and Ham.
Eggs by Charna. A list of the different ways eggs can be prepared.
Eggs. A book of different animals that hatch from eggs.
Fun Cats. A descriptive book about cats.
Green Eggs and Ham. A retelling of the story Green Eggs and Ham.
Have You Ever. Rhyming book with objects from the book Green Eggs and Ham.
Monarch Reader Green Eggs and Ham Collection
Animal Sounds. A book about the sounds that different animals make.
I Won! A list of competitions a person can win.
Pets. A catalog of different animals that can be pets.
Pests. A book about different creatures that are considered pests.
What’s For Lunch? A list of popular foods that can be eaten for lunch.
Monarch Reader Hi! Fly Guy Collection.
Monarch Reader Little Bear Collection
Birthday Soup
Bears. A list of different types of bears.
Birthdays. A book about the characteristics of birthdays.
Little Bear and Friends. A book listing characters in the Little Bear books.
Vegetable Soup. A list of ingredients needed to make vegetable soup.
Who Takes Care of You? A book about how families take care of each other.
Monarch Reader Little Bear: Birthday Soup Collection
What Will Little Bear Wear?
Bears. A list of different types of bears.
I Need a Hat. A book about the different places where a person could get a hat.
It is Cold. What Will You Wear? A book about things a person wears when it is cold outside and the part of the body you wear them on (2 sentences per page).
What Do Mother Bears Do? A book describing how mother bears care for their cubs.
Winter. A book of winter scenes.
Monarch Reader Little Bear: What Will Little Bear Wear? Collection
Little Bear Goes to the Moon
How Does It Fly? A list of how certain things can fly (2 sentences per page).
Planets in Space. A book listing the planets of our solar system.
Space Travel. A book about things associated with space travel.
What Can Fly? A list of animals that can and can not fly.
Who Takes Care of You? A book about how families take care of each other.
Monarch Reader Little Bear: Little Bear Goes to the Moon Collection
Little Bear’s Wish
I Can’t Sleep. A book about the things that a person does when they cannot sleep.
I Wish… A book of items the author wishes for.
Ssssh! A list of creatures that sleep.
What Do Mother Bears Do? A book describing how mother bears care for their cubs.
Where Do Animals Sleep? A list of places where different animals sleep.
Monarch Reader Little Bear: Little Bear’s Wish Collection
Monarch Reader Owl at Home Collection
The Guest
The Guest. A retelling of the story “The Guest” from Owl at Home.
It is Cold. What Will You Wear? A book about things a person wears when it is cold outside and the part of the body you wear them on (2 sentences per page).
Melt and Freeze. A book of things that melt and freeze in hot and cold environments.
Owls. A list of owl facts.
Winter. A list of things that describe winter (2 words per page).
You’re the Guest! A book of things people are allowed to do because they are guests.
Monarch Reader Owl at Home: The Guest Collection
Strange Bumps
I Can’t Sleep. A book about the things that a person does when they cannot sleep.
Long Ago and Today. A book comparing items that were used in the past to what is used today (2 sentences per page).
Owls. A list of owl facts.
Left and Right. A book that asks the reader to find their left and right side for different body parts.
Strange Bumps. A retelling of the story “Strange Bumps” from Owl at Home.
Where Do Animals Sleep? A list of places where different animals sleep.
Monarch Reader Owl at Home: Strange Bumps Collection
Tear-Water Tea
Life. A book of things that people may find annoying.
Owls. A list of owl facts.
Tea. A list of different types of tea.
Tear-Water Tea. A retelling of the story “Tear-Water Tea” from Owl at Home.
Thirsty. A book of things to drink when you are thirsty.
What Makes You Sad? A list of occurrences that make people sad.
Monarch Reader Owl at Home: Tear-Water Tea Collection
Upstairs and Downstairs
Houses. A book of different types of houses.
Owls. A list of owl facts.
Stairs. A list of different types of stairs.
Up and Down. A book of things to look at in the sky and on the ground.
Upstairs, Downstairs. A retelling of the story “Upstairs and Downstairs” from Owl at Home.
What About Home? A book of things the author sometimes does after they return home from school.
Monarch Reader Owl at Home: Upstairs and Downstairs Collection
The Moon
The Beach. A list of things that can be found at the beach.
Hello, Moon. A book of the phases of the moon and different places to view the moon.
Lonely. A book about what it feels like to be lonely.
Moon Facts. A book of moon facts and phases of the moon.
Owl and the Moon. A retelling of the story “Owl and the Moon” from Owl at Home.
Owls. A list of owl facts.
Pajamas. A book of different types of pajamas.
Monarch Reader Owl at Home: The Moon Collection
Breakfast. A book about the many things the author enjoys eating for breakfast.
Let’s Make Pancakes. A list of the ingredients needed to make pancakes.
Pets. A catalog of different animals that can be pets.
Keep Trying. Activities that are fun to practice over and over again (2 sentences per page).
Where Does It Come From. A list of common items and where they came from.
Monarch Reader Pancakes for Breakfast Collection
At the Zoo. A list of animals that can be seen at the zoo.
The Circus. A book of animals and entertainment that can be seen at the circus.
The Colors of a Rainbow. A list of each color of the rainbow in order.
Balloon Rhymes. A book about balloons with rhymes on each page.
What Can You Do? A list of fun things a person can do.
Monarch Reader Put Me in the Zoo Collection
Exemplar Text Supports Grade Band 2-3
All About Blue Whales. A book describing blue whales.
Friends. A list of ways friends help each other.
I May Be Small. A book showing how size does not effect a person.
The Land. A book describing the characteristics of land.
Ocean Animals. A book of animals that live in the ocean, with repeating sentences.
Sea Voyage. A list of items to take on a long sea voyage.
Whales. A book about whale characteristics and what they eat.
Monarch Reader Amos & Boris Collection
Wild Island
Angry. A list of different ways to say a person is angry.
Elmer Elevator. A book describing the character Elmer Elevator.
Jungle Animals. A list of animals that appear in My Father’s Dragon.
Maps. A list of different types of maps.
My Father’s Dragon. A retelling of the story My Father’s Dragon.
We’re Going to Rescue a Dragon. A list of items needed in order to rescue dragons.
Monarch Reader Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon: Wild Island Collection
Elmer and the Dragon
Elmer and the Dragon. A retelling of the story Elmer and the Dragon.
Freedom. A book about things people have the freedom to do.
Friends. A list of ways friends help each other.
Storms. A book of different types of storms.
Teamwork. A book about finding success using teamwork.
Monarch Reader Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon: Elmer and the Dragon Collection
The Dragons of Blueland
The Dragons of Blueland. A retelling of the story The Dragons of Blueland.
Dragons are Cool. A book with examples of dragons.
Exercise. A list of activities a person could do for exercise.
Real or Fiction Pets. A book comparing actual pets to animals that cannot be pets.
Trains. A list of items that trains can carry.
Monarch Reader Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon: The Dragons of Blueland Collection
Adventure. A book of short phrases capturing the idea of adventure.
Family. A book about the characteristics of different families.
Lighthouses. A book about lighthouses and what they are used for.
Sea Voyage. A list of items to take on a long sea voyage.
The Storm. A retelling of the book The Lighthouse Family: The Storm.
Monarch Reader The Lighthouse Family: The Storm Collection
Monarch Reader Poppleton in Winter Collection
The Bust
The Bust. A retelling of the story “The Bust” from Poppleton in Winter.
Making Art. A list of different materials used to make art.
Over Winter Break. A book desribing the different things individuals did over winter break.
Poppleton. A book about Poppleton the pig.
Winter Fun. All of the fun things that people can do in winter months.
Monarch Reader Poppleton in Winter: The Bust Collection
Icicles
Friends. A list of ways friends help each other.
Icicles. A retelling of the story “Icicles” from Poppleton in Winter.
Poppleton. A book about Poppleton the pig.
Snow. A list of objects and animals on which snow falls.
Winter. A book of winter scenes.
Monarch Reader Poppleton in Winter: Icicles Collection
The Sleigh Ride
Birthdays. A list of the characteristics of birthdays.
Jingle Bells. A book set to the lyrics of Jingle Bells.
Poppleton. A book about Poppleton the pig.
The Sleigh Ride. A retelling of the story “The Sleigh Ride” from Poppleton in Winter.
Surprise Party. A story about throwing a surprise birthday party.
Monarch Reader Poppleton in Winter: The Sleigh Ride Collection
Home. A list of different things a home can be for people.
Homesteaders. A book about homesteaders and how they lived.
Sarah, Plain and Tall. A retelling of the book Sarah, Plain and Tall.
Sarah, Plain and Tall Vocabulary. Vocabulary from the book Sarah, Plain and Tall, with definitions.
Then and Now. A book comparing a boy’s life to the life of his grandfather.
Writing a Letter. A list of items needed to write a letter.
Monarch Reader Sarah, Plain and Tall Collection
Because of Figs
My Baby brother. A list of reasons why a person should like little brothers.
Because of Figs. A retelling of the story Because of Figs.
Brothers. A book about the bond between brothers.
Figs. A list of the characteristics of figs.
Plants by ggcpteach. A book about plants, what they need to grow, and how they are helpful.
Plants by Sophie. A book about plants and reasons to enjoy them.
Monarch Reader The Stories Julian Tells: Because of Figs Collection
Catalog Cats
Catalog Cats. A retelling of the story Catalog Cats.
Cats. A book about cats and the things they can do or be.
Dreams. A book about dreams.
Fun Cats. A descriptive book about cats.
In Trouble. A list of things people do that get them in trouble.
Monarch Reader The Stories Julian Tells: Catalog Cats Collection
Gloria, Who Might Be My Best Friend
Girls and Boys. A book about girl and boy stereotypes.
Gloria, Who Might Be My Best Friend. A retelling of the story Gloria, Who Might Be My Best Friend
I Wish… A book of items the author wishes for.
Julian’s Father. A book describing Julian’s father from The Stories Julian Tells.
Kites. A list of different types of kites.
Monarch Reader The Stories Julian Tells: Gloria, Who Might Be My Best Friend Collection
My Very Strange Teeth
Brushing Your Teeth. A book explaining how to brush your teeth.
I Lost My Tooth. The story of a student losing a tooth at school.
Julian’s Father. A book describing Julian’s father from The Stories Julian Tells.
My Very Strange Teeth. A retelling of the story My Very Strange Teeth.
Patience. A list of items people need to be patient for.
Monarch Reader The Stories Julian Tells: My Very Strange Teeth Collection
Our Garden
Growing a Garden. A list of fruits and vegetables that are grown in gardens.
Our Garden. A retelling of the story Our Garden from The Stories Julian Tells.
Stories. A book about fiction stories.
Story Telling. A list of different ways to tell stories.
What Did They Plant? A list of vegetables that were planted in the story Our Garden.
Monarch Reader The Stories Julian Tells: Our Garden Collection
Pudding Like a Night on the Sea
In Trouble. A list of things people do that get them in trouble.
Lemon Pudding. A list of ingredients needed to make lemon pudding.
Pudding Like a Night on the Sea. A retelling of Pudding Like a Night on the Sea from The Stories Julian Tells.
Similes. A book with examples of similes.
Who Cooks at Your House? A list of people who prepare meals.
Monarch Reader The Stories Julian Tells: Pudding Like a Night on the Sea Collection
Growing a Garden. A list of fruits and vegetables that are grown in gardens.
Root Vegetables. A list of foods that grow underground.
To Grow a Sunflower. A book of the items needed to grow a sunflower.
Vegetable Garden. Uses phrases from the book Tops & Bottoms to explain how to grow a garden.
What Grows in the Garden? A list of vegetables from the book, Tops & Bottoms, that grow in gardens.
Monarch Reader Tops & Bottoms Collection
Exemplar Text Supports Grade Band 4-5
Alice in Wonderland. A retelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
About The Birchbark House Chapter 1
About The Birchbark House Chapter 2
About The Birchbark House Chapter 3
About The Birchbark House Chapter 4
About The Birchbark House Chapter 5
About The Birchbark House Chapter 6
About The Birchbark House Chapter 7
About The Birchbark House Chapter 8
About The Birchbark House Chapter 9
About The Birchbark House Chapter 10
About The Birchbark House Chapter 11
About The Birchbark House Chapter 12
About The Birchbark House Chapter 13
About The Birchbark House Chapter 14
Monarch Reader The Birchbark House Collection.
The Little Prince. A retelling of The Little Prince.
The Secret Garden. A retelling of The Secret Garden.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 1.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 2.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 3.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 4.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 5.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 6.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 7.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 8.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 9.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 10.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 11.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 12.
About Tuck Everlasting Lesson 13.
Monarch Reader Tuck Everlasting Collection.
Exemplar Text Supports Grade Band 6-8
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. A retelling of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
About Hatchet: Chapter 1.
About Hatchet: Chapter 2.
About Hatchet: Chapter 3.
About Hatchet: Chapter 4.
About Hatchet: Chapter 5.
About Hatchet: Chapter 6.
About Hatchet: Chapter 7.
About Hatchet: Chapter 8.
About Hatchet: Chapter 9.
About Hatchet: Chapter 10.
About Hatchet: Chapter 11.
About Hatchet: Chapter 12.
About Hatchet: Chapter 13.
About Hatchet: Chapter 14.
About Hatchet: Chapter 15.
About Hatchet: Chapter 16.
About Hatchet: Chapter 17.
About Hatchet: Chapter 18.
About Hatchet: Chapter 19.
Josephine March. A description of Jo March, a character in Little Women.
The Limes. A story from the book, Little Women, about Amy March and limes.
Little Women. A retelling of the book Little Women.
The Train Ticket. The story of how Jo March was able to raise money for a train ticket from the book Little Women.
Women: Long Ago and Today. A book comparing the lives of women from the past to women today.
Monarch Reader Little Women Collection
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. A retelling of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
A Wrinkle in Time. A retelling of A Wrinkle in Time.
Exemplar Text Supports Grade Band 9-10
The Gift of the Magi. A retelling of The Gift of the Magi.
The Odyssey. A retelling of The Odyssey.
Things Fall Apart. A retelling of Things Fall Apart.
Atticus Finch. A description of Atticus Finch, the father in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Morals. A book describing morals and how they define right and wrong.
Scout. A description of Scout, a main character in To Kill a Mockingbird.
To Kill a Mockingbird. A retelling of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Monarch Reader To Kill a Mockingbird Collection.
Exemplar Text Supports Grade Band 11-12
The Cask of Amontillado. A retelling of “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Elizabeth Bennett. A book about Elizabeth Bennett, a character in Pride and Prejudice.
Mr. Darcy. A description of Mr. Darcy, a character in Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice. A retelling of the book Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice: Theme. An explanation of pride and prejudice and how they relate to the book, Pride and Prejudice.
Women: Long Ago and Today. A book comparing the lives of women from the past to women today.
Monarch Reader Pride and Prejudice Collection
Hester Prynne. A book about Hester Prynne, a character from The Scarlet Letter.
Pearl. A description of Pearl, Hester Prynne’s daughter, from the book The Scarlet Letter.
The Scarlet “A”. A book about the symbolism of the “A” Hester is made to wear in The Scarlet Letter.
The Scarlet Letter. A retelling of the book The Scarlet Letter.
Sin. A book about sin and how it relates to the happenings in The Scarlet Letter.
Monarch Reader The Scarlet Letter Collection
A White Heron. A retelling of “A White Heron.”
Need to access DLM Familiar Texts?
Click here to access Familiar Texts for Instructionally Embedded States
Click here to access Familiar Texts for Year-End Model States