
Are you teaching young children to read using fiction and nonfiction readers?
If so, it’s imperative that your learners get lots of practice with decodable text … text with words they can sound out and not guess using the pictures.
In the past, I really resisted decodable readers.
I was sure they made no sense, would kill a love for reading, and got in the way of comprehension.
The fact is that there ARE some bad decodable books out there. But good ones are being created and shared all the time.
(You might have seen my sight word lessons with accompanying decodable books.)
It’s tricky to find nonfiction readers that kids can sound out … so I’ve started creating very simple nonfiction decodable books for new readers.
I hope you’ll add my nonfiction decodable books to your list of favorites!

P.S. While I hope to create more of these books, this will likely be the extent of the free collection. Enjoy!
PLEASE NOTE: I am currently updating these books and will be changing the selection of free books. Please watch for that change, coming in the spring of 2022.
Looking for more nonfiction decodable readers? Consider Flyleaf. You can order a variety of decodable books in different genres. These are some of the highest quality decodable books that I have found.
Julie
Cannot thank you enough for your Science of Reading podcasts and decodables! The confidence in my mid to low readers is amazing! I’ve had so many “ah-ha” moments using these resources with ALL my readers. I wish I would have had these to start the year with. I cannot wait to restructure my literacy teaching this summer for next school year. FINALLY – what’s best for kids and not just pushing them through the levels just because that’s “where they need to be.”
Anna Geiger
This is so wonderful to hear, Julie! I know how exciting it is to have the summer to revamp your teaching. It’s almost here! :))
linda
Good Afternoon!! I just now printed the free decodable books 1-16 but am missing number 11!! Could you please resend it to me? my email is lcarnell@hwhschools.org
Thanks!!!
Linda Carnell
Heather Groth, Customer Support
Hi Linda! You can download it again here, https://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-decodable-books/. Feel free to email our support team if it doesn’t arrive!
Cynthia
I am printing and adding these to my ever-growing collection of decodable books. My students are in Middle School and have Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. Most of us need lots of practice. I love Flyleaf, too, and have been so grateful for their free online access to the books and homework pages during the pandemic.
Heather Groth, Customer Support
We’re so glad that they’ve been working well for your middle school learners, Cynthia! We just released another set of decodable books today! You can find them here, https://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-decodable-books/.
Lutchie Wiens
Thank you, Anna! I love your printables. My son loves to read. Since last year, he could read in English, German and Spanish already. I gave him the basics and he started reading from there. He even translates them sometimes. He has been going back to the shelves and re-reading the other booklets from you during his quiet times. He will be in first grade this year. He was one of the good students in Kindergarten last year. I will print these ones, too. I’m sure he will enjoy reading these, too.
Heather Groth, Customer Support
We love to hear about your son’s love of learning, Lutchie! Keep up the great work with him!
Yvette Wilson
Just what I was looking for. Bless you!
Heather Groth, Customer Support
Wonderful, Yvette! You can find more decodable texts here, https://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-decodable-passages-for-short-a-cvc-words/, as well!
Sami
What letter sounds and sight words that kids need to know in order to read these decodable books? Are these books for kids who have studied all the phonics and sight words?
Anna Geiger
Hi Sami! These books are for kids who can read CVC words and words with beginning blends; they also need to know a small number of high frequency words.
Cynthia Ellison
Thank you for making these available! I need some decodable books for my granddaughter and these look amazing!
Heather Groth, Customer Support
We’re so glad these will work well for her, Cynthia!
Mia Miller
Thank you so much for these books! I am currently doing the Teaching Every Reader 2.0 course and am realizing that I need some decodable books ASAP. These are wonderful!
Heather Groth, Customer Support
That’s wonderful to hear, Mia! If you’re looking for even more recommendations for decodable books that you can use with your learners this year, check out this recent post from Anna, https://www.themeasuredmom.com/where-to-find-decodable-books-for-short-a/.
Linda Sawanowich
Anna, these are perfect for my young readers! Thank you so much. I am a kitten foster, so “Where Is the Cat?” made me squeal with delight! I am also enjoying your science of reading series. Your summaries are so clear and helpful, and I have been able to send others to your site for what to do with their struggling readers. Thank you, thank you, for sharing!
Heather Groth, Customer Support
Thank you for sharing us with others, Linda! We’re so glad that you (and your kittens!) enjoy these nonfiction readers as well!
Heather
I’m sure that Flyleaf was mentioned in other posts but today was the first time I see it! Yes, it is great!!!! and of course, your booklets here are just the same!
Heather Groth, Customer Support
Thank you, Heather!
Michelle Koehler
These are so great! So grateful for your generosity in making these free to us, like so many of your other high quality classroom resources. On a side note, I’m loving your Science of Reading podcast series! Thank you for all you do!
Anna Geiger
Thank you so much for your kind words, Michelle, and I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the podcast!
Jana
If I am a pay by month customer, am I considered a member? My April charge I think has already been paid. I was wanting the personalized books.
Rachel Boerner, Customer Support
I sent you an email about this, Jana! Thanks!