Discover resources for finding high-quality textbooks, reading materials, and educational literature. From free digital options to discounted print materials, explore ways to build your classroom library and support student literacy.
Textbooks and reading materials are foundational to effective teaching and learning. Whether you're looking to build a classroom library, find curriculum-aligned resources, or discover affordable options for your students, this guide will help you navigate the wide range of available resources.
Today's educators have more options than ever before—from traditional print textbooks to open educational resources (OER) and digital platforms. Many states, educational organizations, and publishers now offer free or discounted materials that align with educational standards while accommodating diverse learning needs.
This page highlights resources for sourcing high-quality textbooks and reading materials across all subject areas and grade levels, with special attention to budget-friendly options, standards alignment, and support for diverse learners.
A digital public library of open educational resources with tools to create, share, and adapt content for all grade levels and subject areas.
Searchable by grade level and standards; Full curriculum materials; Collaborative features; Creation tools; Subject-specific collections; Customizable resources
OER Commons stands out for its comprehensive collection of adaptable educational materials. The platform's collaborative tools allow educators to customize resources for their specific classroom needs, while the standards alignment features help ensure curriculum requirements are met.
High-quality, peer-reviewed textbooks available for free online and low-cost in print, primarily focusing on high school and college-level subjects.
Peer-reviewed content; Multiple formats (web, PDF, EPUB); Print options; Instructor resources; Course templates; Complementary technology
OpenStax distinguishes itself with college-level quality textbooks that are completely free in digital formats. Their materials undergo rigorous review processes, and instructors can access additional resources like test banks and presentation slides. An excellent option for advanced high school courses and dual-enrollment programs.
Free digital textbooks, interactive resources, and practice materials focused on STEM subjects for K-12 students, with customizable content.
Interactive simulations; Adaptive practice; Standards alignment; Customizable "FlexBooks"; Multiple languages; Learning analytics
CK-12 excels in providing interactive STEM content that engages students through multiple modalities. Their FlexBook platform allows teachers to customize textbooks by rearranging, adding, or removing content. The adaptive practice system offers personalized learning paths based on student performance.
A collection of free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed textbooks for college and advanced high school courses across various disciplines.
Faculty reviews; Comprehensive textbooks; Multiple formats; Open licenses; Wide subject coverage; Quality standards
The Open Textbook Library provides complete textbooks that meet specific quality standards, including peer review. The faculty reviews help educators evaluate materials before adoption. This resource is particularly valuable for AP and dual-enrollment courses that require college-level materials.
An accessible online library providing books in formats that work for people with reading barriers, including dyslexia, blindness, and physical disabilities.
Text-to-speech capability; Customizable display; Braille compatibility; Nearly 1 million titles; Educational texts; Free for U.S. schools
Bookshare is essential for supporting inclusive classrooms. The platform transforms traditional texts into accessible formats with customizable features like text size, color contrast, and reading speed. U.S. schools can join for free through funding from the Office of Special Education Programs.
A nonprofit organization offering deeply discounted new books and educational resources to schools and programs serving children in need.
50-90% off retail prices; Brand-new books; Diverse titles; Educational supplies; Eligibility requirements; Grant opportunities
First Book Marketplace makes building classroom libraries affordable for schools serving low-income communities. Their collection includes high-interest, diverse titles across all reading levels. Educators must qualify based on the economic needs of their student population, making this an invaluable resource for Title I schools.
Special educator pricing on books, classroom collections, teaching resources, and professional development materials from a trusted educational publisher.
Teacher-only discounts; Classroom libraries; Curriculum materials; Regular promotions; Book Wizard tool; Flexible payment options
Scholastic offers educators access to quality materials at significant discounts, especially during sales events. Their Book Wizard tool helps teachers create customized book collections based on reading levels and interests. Schools can take advantage of flexible purchasing options including purchase orders and tax exemption.
Deeply discounted books for schools and educational institutions, with special bulk pricing and a comprehensive Lexile search feature to match students with appropriate texts.
40-80% off retail; Lexile search; School purchase orders; Classroom collections; Leveled readers; Free shipping options
The Reading Warehouse specializes in providing schools with affordable books in bulk quantities. Their Lexile search functionality is particularly valuable for finding appropriately leveled texts for students. The site caters specifically to educational institutions with school-friendly purchasing options.
A platform for digital textbooks and course materials that offers significant savings through digital rentals and purchases, with institutional purchasing options for schools.
Up to 80% off print prices; Rental options; Interactive features; Offline access; Accessibility tools; Institutional accounts
VitalSource makes textbooks more affordable through digital delivery, with both rental and purchase options. Their Bookshelf platform includes helpful study tools like highlighting, note-taking, and search functionality. For schools, institutional purchasing allows for simplified bulk ordering with potential volume discounts.
A collection of resources that bring books to life with author interviews, book guides, vocabulary lists, and teaching materials for thousands of children's and young adult books.
Author videos; Book discussions; Lesson plans; Book trailers; Virtual author visits; Reading level information
TeachingBooks enriches the reading experience by connecting students with authors and providing context for books. The platform helps teachers select appropriate texts and design engaging literature units. Many schools and libraries provide free access through institutional subscriptions.
A comprehensive reference guide with over 240 lists for developing reading instruction, including vocabulary, phonics patterns, literature recommendations, and teaching strategies.
Grade-level reading lists; Genre recommendations; Literary devices; Vocabulary building; Teaching strategies; Standards alignment
This classic resource provides teachers with ready-to-use lists that support reading instruction across grade levels. The book includes recommended reading lists by genre, subject, and theme, making it invaluable for curriculum planning. Digital versions are available through some library services and educational platforms.
A global professional organization dedicated to literacy that provides reading lists, professional resources, and research-based recommendations for literacy instruction.
Annual book lists; Children's Choices; Teachers' Choices; Young Adults' Choices; Literacy research; Professional development
ILA's reading lists are particularly valuable because they incorporate input from students, teachers, and literacy experts. The annual lists feature recently published books that have been field-tested and endorsed by their target audiences. Members gain access to additional literacy resources and research.
The National Education Association's year-round program focused on motivating children to read, with curated book recommendations that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Monthly themes; Diverse book lists; Free teaching resources; Discussion guides; Author interviews; Representation focused
Read Across America has evolved from a single-day celebration to a year-round program promoting diverse books. Their carefully curated lists feature titles representing various cultures, experiences, and perspectives. The accompanying lesson plans and discussion guides help teachers integrate these books into their curriculum.
Many state education departments provide lists of approved textbooks and instructional materials that align with state standards, often including reviews and evaluation information.
Standards-aligned materials; Approved textbook lists; Subject-specific resources; Teacher reviews; Adoption cycles; Implementation guides
State-approved textbook lists provide educators with vetted resources that align with specific state standards. These official recommendations often include detailed reviews from classroom teachers and curriculum specialists. Check your state's education department website for the most current lists and resources.
A state-supported initiative providing free, standards-aligned open textbooks and educational resources for K-12 education, with a focus on science, math, and language arts.
Core standards alignment; Teacher-created content; Digital and print options; Creative Commons licensed; Multiple languages; Regular updates
Utah's OER project exemplifies how states can develop high-quality, standards-aligned materials while reducing costs. The resources are created by Utah teachers specifically to support state standards, making them particularly relevant for classroom implementation. While designed for Utah schools, the materials are freely available to educators everywhere.
Florida's official source for standards information and course descriptions, providing thousands of standards-aligned resources, including lesson plans, teaching resources, and professional development.
Standards-aligned lessons; Vetted resources; Instructional toolkits; Assessment items; Resource collections; Interactive tools
CPALMS provides exceptionally thorough, standards-aligned resources that undergo rigorous review before publication. While designed for Florida standards, many resources are applicable across states with similar frameworks. The backward design approach used in their lesson plans ensures alignment between standards, instruction, and assessment.
A platform developed by the American Federation of Teachers where educators can find and share standards-aligned resources for all subject areas and grade levels.
Standards search functionality; Peer-reviewed resources; Teacher-created content; Professional development; Multiple standards frameworks; Free membership
Share My Lesson excels at connecting teachers with standards-aligned resources across multiple frameworks, including Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and C3 Framework. The platform's filtering tools make it easy to find materials that address specific standards, while the community review system helps identify high-quality resources.
A well-stocked classroom library is essential for promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading. Here are strategies for building and maintaining an effective classroom library:
Remember that building a classroom library is an ongoing process. Start small with quality core texts, then gradually expand your collection as resources allow.