MY FAVORITE READ ALOUDS
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
I have loved starting each school year with this book for the past seven years. It's usually a brand new book to ALL of my students, which is quite hard to find. Plus, it's unlike any book most kids have ever read, has a great lead heroine, is part of a fun series, and fits under the science fiction umbrella. Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 9-14 |
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
This book is perfect for so many grades besides fourth! I am currently reading this series aloud with my first graders. The humor is spot on even though this book is now decades old. The characters are so vividly distinct, and I love to read each with a distinct voice. I even shout as necessary :) Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 6-11 |
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Please do not think of this just as a "boy" book. It's a great adventure and survival story for anyone who loves a great story. It's a great practice of understanding a character deeply since there is only one character. You can really explore traits and feelings and change with Brian. Plus, once I read this aloud, I always have kids who want books 2-5 to continue! Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 9-14 |
Holes by Louis Sachar
This book is also another great adventure book. I LOVE a good adventure -- I think it stems back to lifelong desire to be a Goonie and search for pirate treasure. But as a teacher, this is also a fantastic exploration of point of view, multiple perspectives, time periods, connections, and problem/solution. For those who know the book, no pun intended here -- this book has as many layers as an onion! Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 8-14 The Giver by Lois Lowry
This one can be a little controversial, but I love it! I've even read it with fourth graders, which concerned some parents. However, the deep themes that teens pick up on in this book don't even register with elementary students. Instead, they have great conversations about community and what makes a perfect world -- typically ideas they've never really discussed indepth. Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 10-18 |
Matilda by Roald Dahl
I love this book and character so much, I named my daughter after her. I love this book for so many reasons -- first what a strong, female lead who solves who own problems, doesn't complain about her circumstances, and loves books most of all. Secondly, I enjoy introducing my students to all of Dahl's British vocabulary. Also, I have a blast comparing this book with the movie version. Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 8-12 Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling
Don't worry. I haven't lost my mind. Of course, Harry Potter is one of my favorite read alouds ever! I am helping breed more Potterheads (duh). I find that if I get the class going with Book 1, then about half of them ask for Book 2 for their independent reading. Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 9-12 The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
I enjoy finishing each school year with this book. Man, I really do love the adventure stories, don't I? I think those are more interesting to read aloud because the action holds the listeners' attentions. We stop constantly as we read this book to discuss all the new creatures we've been introduced to and the complexity of the plot. Solving the riddles along with Golum is also tons of fun! Recommended Read Aloud for Ages 10-18 |