Through my years of teaching, I’ve discovered and fallen in love with a collection of books that have become staples in my classroom. Whether I’m using them for specific lessons or simply enjoying a read aloud session, these books have never failed to captivate and engage my students. So, let’s explore the world of classroom read alouds and explore the stories that have made a lasting impact in my classroom.

Why Are Classroom Read Alouds Beneficial For My Students?

Classroom read alouds are one of my favorite parts of the school day, and for good reason! There’s something magical about gathering together and diving into a story. But beyond the magic, classroom read alouds have many benefits for our students. They help build listening skills and increase comprehension. When I read aloud, my students practice focusing on the story, following along, and thinking critically about what they’re hearing.

Another big plus is the way read alouds expose our students to new vocabulary. By listening to a variety of books, they encounter words and phrases they might not come across in their everyday reading. This helps expand their language skills and makes them more confident readers and speakers.

Let’s not forget the sense of community and shared experience that comes with classroom read aloud. When we share a story, we laugh together, feel suspense together, and sometimes even shed a tear together. This creates a bond among our students and helps foster a love of reading!

Favorite Picture Books for Classroom Read Alouds

Over the years, I’ve gathered a collection of books that my students and I absolutely adore. These books have not only sparked countless discussions but also brought joy and excitement into our classroom. So, grab a comfy seat and discover some picture books that are perfect for classroom read alouds!

I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff

One of my go-to books for introducing persuasive writing is I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff. This story is told through a series of notes exchanged between a child and their mom. The child tries to persuade Mom to get an iguana through these notes. The back-and-forth banter is both hilarious and heartfelt, making it a perfect read for my students.

The illustrations perfectly match this funny story and bring the characters’ emotions and arguments to life. I use this book to kick off discussions about what makes a persuasive argument. It’s a fantastic way to show my students how to structure their own persuasive writing, using humor and creativity to make their points. My kiddos always get a kick out of the story, and it really helps them grasp the basics of persuasive writing in a fun and engaging way.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

One of my absolute favorites for classroom read alouds is The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. This timeless tale is about Ferdinand, a gentle bull who prefers smelling flowers to fighting in bullfights. Unlike the other bulls, who are eager to prove their strength, Ferdinand is content with his peaceful life in the meadow. A twist of fate lands him in the middle of a bullfight in Madrid. He stays true to himself and remains calm and peaceful despite the chaos around him.

I love using this book to discuss themes like individuality, nonviolence, and the importance of being true to oneself. It’s a fantastic way to engage students in conversations about empathy and kindness while enjoying a wonderful story. The Story of Ferdinand is always a hit with my class, and it’s one of those books that leaves a lasting impression on both students and teachers alike! I even used this book as inspiration for my Trick-or-Read costume one year and shared this delightful story with all the kindergarten classes on our campus.

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk is another gem that I love to share during our classroom read alouds. The story follows Sam, a little mouse who lives in the library. He spends his days reading all the books he can find. Inspired by the stories he reads, Sam decides to become an author himself. He writes his own books. He leaves them for the library patrons to discover, sparking curiosity and excitement among the children who visit the library.

I use Library Mouse to inspire my students to tap into their own creativity and try their hand at writing. One of my favorite writing activities is inspired by this book. After reading, I hand each student 1 piece of white paper. I show them how to fold it so that it makes 8 small rectangles. Then I let them know that these are the pages of the book they are going to write. With that brief introduction, I let them get busy writing their own book inspired by our read aloud. It’s a perfect way to show them that anyone can be an author and that their stories are worth sharing.

A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon

A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon is a standout favorite among my students for classroom read alouds. This imaginative story is about Camilla Cream. She’s a young girl who loves lima beans but worries about what others will think to eat them. On the first day of school, she wakes up to find herself covered in colorful stripes! As she struggles to fit in and please everyone around her, her condition only gets worse. She turns into a human rainbow and then some. It’s only when she embraces her true self and admits her love for lima beans that she returns to normal.

The illustrations perfectly capture the whimsical and sometimes hilarious transformations that Camilla undergoes. I use this book to discuss themes of individuality, peer pressure, and the importance of being true to oneself. It’s a fantastic way to encourage students to celebrate their unique qualities and not be afraid to stand out. A Bad Case of the Stripes always captivates my class, leading to great conversations and self-reflection.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a classic and a must-read for classroom read alouds. This story follows Max, a mischievous boy. After being sent to his room for causing trouble, he imagines sailing away to a land of wild creatures. Max becomes the king of these Wild Things, enjoying a rumpus with his new subjects. Despite the fun, Max eventually feels lonely and homesick. He realizes he wants to be where someone loves him best of all. He returns home to find his supper waiting for him, still warm.

I love using this book to discuss themes of imagination, emotions, and the importance of home and family. It’s a fantastic way to show our students that it’s okay to feel angry or adventurous. There’s always comfort and love waiting for them at home.

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen is a heartwarming addition to our classroom read alouds. This book emphasizes the idea that our classroom is more than just a place to learn. It’s a family where everyone belongs and is valued. The story helps our students understand that just like in a family, we support each other, celebrate our successes, and help one another through challenges.

I love using this book at the beginning of the school year to set a positive and inclusive tone. It sparks discussions about kindness, empathy, and the importance of working together. Our Class is a Family reinforces the message that everyone in our classroom is important. We all have a role in making our class a supportive and loving community.

My Mouth Is A Volcano by Julia Cook

My Mouth Is A Volcano by Julia Cook is a book that I love using for classroom read alouds. This fun and relatable story follows Louis, a young boy who has a hard time controlling his outbursts and interruptions. Louis feels like his thoughts are so important that they just erupt out of his mouth like a volcano! Throughout the story, Louis learns valuable lessons about patience and listening. He discovers strategies to help him manage his impulses and respect others when they are speaking.

I use this book to teach important social skills like self-control, active listening, and empathy. It opens up great conversations about how to politely take turns when speaking and the importance of considering others’ feelings. I also use this book to introduce and explore similes and metaphors. The vivid descriptions, like comparing Louis’s outbursts to a volcano erupting, provide a perfect example of how similes and metaphors can bring writing to life. My Mouth Is A Volcano is a hit with my students. It’s a wonderful tool for modeling figurative language while building a more respectful and attentive classroom environment.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson is a touching book that I adore for classroom read alouds. This story acknowledges the feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability that children might experience when they feel different from their peers. It follows several children who feel like they don’t quite fit in, whether it’s because of their background, appearance, or experiences. Through the encouraging narrative, they come to realize that sharing their unique stories can help them connect with others and find their place.

I love using The Day You Begin to spark conversations about diversity, acceptance, and the power of sharing our personal stories. It’s a great way to help our students understand that everyone feels different at times. Those differences are what make us special and interesting.

This uplifting story introduces our students to the concept of the “Yet.” Yet is a magical creature that symbolizes the power of perseverance and a growth mindset. It teaches our kiddos that while they might not be able to do something right now, with patience and practice, they can achieve their goals in the future. The Yet is always there, encouraging them to keep trying and never give up.

The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

I use The Magical Yet to inspire my students to embrace challenges and understand that failure is just a step on the path to success. It’s a wonderful book for encouraging a positive attitude towards learning and resilience. I also use this book to talk about setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating progress, no matter how small. This story helps my students see that they have the potential to achieve anything they set their minds to, as long as they believe in the power of Yet!

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca is an inspiring book that I absolutely love sharing during our classroom read alouds. This story is about Dr. Temple Grandin. She was a scientist and inventor who overcame the challenges of autism to make significant contributions to the world. The book follows Temple’s journey from a young girl who thought in pictures and struggled to fit in, to a brilliant mind who changed the field of animal science and became an advocate for autism awareness.

I use this book to introduce my students to the concepts of neurodiversity, perseverance, and the importance of embracing our unique abilities. It’s a fantastic way to show them that thinking differently is not only okay but can lead to extraordinary achievements. Dr. Grandin’s story also sparks valuable conversations about empathy and acceptance. My students learn that everyone has their own way of thinking and learning.

Favorite Chapter Books for Classroom Read Alouds

We’ve covered some fantastic picture books that bring joy and meaningful discussions into our classrooms. Now, let’s take a look at some of my favorite chapter books for classroom read alouds. These longer tales offer an opportunity to discover complex characters, engaging plots, and rich themes over an extended period.

The World According To Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

The World According To Humphrey by Betty G. Birney is an absolute favorite for classroom read-alouds, and it never fails to captivate my students. This chapter book is told from the perspective of Humphrey, the class hamster, who has an incredible knack for understanding humans and their problems. Humphrey’s adventures in Room 26 and his interactions with the students and teacher are both hilarious and heartwarming.

The book is written in the first person, which allows readers to see the world through Humphrey’s eyes. This is a great way to introduce and reinforce the concept of point of view. My students quickly fall in love with Humphrey and his escapades, and they eagerly anticipate each new chapter. Not only does this book help them differentiate between first and third person perspectives, but it also offers valuable lessons in friendship, problem-solving, and empathy.

We enjoyed this book so much that we couldn’t resist reading Friendship According to Humphrey right after. Although I usually stick to the first book in a series to get my kids hooked, we were all too eager to continue Humphrey’s adventures. To make the experience even more interactive, I introduced a plush hamster as our own class Humphrey. My students took turns taking Humphrey home for a week, writing about their adventures in the notebook, and sharing their stories with the class. This extension activity built their writing skills but also created a wonderful sense of connection and excitement.

The 39 Clues – Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

So, I have to admit that The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is one of my all-time favorite book series! I personally love the young adult fiction genre. Although this series is at a higher reading level than most of my 3rd graders, it makes an amazing read aloud book.

This has been my go-to read aloud to kick off the school year. It doesn’t take long for my kiddos to really get into the adventure with the main characters, Amy and Dan Cahill. The story is packed with suspense, mystery, and action, which keeps my students on the edge of their seats. By the end of the book, they are always eager for more. They spend the rest of the year devouring the rest of the series on their own.

One thing I absolutely love about Maze of Bones is the way it weaves bits of history into the story. The historical facts often come back later in the year as we make connections to something else we’re learning, which is such a fantastic bonus. This series not only captivates my students with its thrilling plot but also enriches their knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a bit more serious and mature than some of the other books I read aloud, which makes it a fantastic choice for the end of the year.  This gripping adventure/survival book follows a boy named Brian. He becomes stranded in the Canadian wilderness after the plane he’s in crashes, and the pilot dies. The story is packed with suspense and raw emotion. My students were totally drawn in, often begging for just one more chapter!

Besides being an edge-of-your-seat adventure, Hatchet is a great book for discussing character development. We have many deep conversations about how Brian changes and grows throughout his ordeal. The book gave us a lot to think about in terms of resilience, resourcefulness, and personal growth.

One of the best takeaways from this book was our awesome class mantra: “Patience, Think, Do it Right.” This phrase, which Brian repeats to himself to survive, becomes a powerful reminder for us to slow down and do things correctly the first time. It was a fantastic survival lesson for Brian and a great practice for us in our daily classroom activities.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is an inspiring and educational choice for classroom read alouds, especially for upper elementary grades. This incredible book tells the true story of four African American women mathematicians – Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden. They all worked at NASA and played crucial roles in some of America’s greatest space missions. Their remarkable contributions helped break barriers both in their field and in society during a time of segregation and discrimination.

The story is rich with historical context and provides a perfect opportunity to discuss themes of perseverance, innovation, and equality. My students are always fascinated by how these brilliant women overcame significant obstacles to achieve extraordinary success. It’s an excellent way to highlight the importance of STEM and inspire all students, especially girls, to pursue their interests in science and mathematics.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai is one of those books that I just love sharing with my students. This powerful autobiography tells the incredible story of Malala. She is a young girl from Pakistan who stood up for her right to education against all odds. Her bravery and determination are truly inspiring, especially since she continued to fight for education even after surviving an attack by the Taliban.

Reading Malala’s story together is a fantastic way to discuss courage, resilience, and the importance of education. My students are always deeply moved by her journey and find her commitment to justice motivating. It’s a great book to spark conversations about human rights and the impact one person can have when they stand up for what they believe in.

The narrative is educational by giving us a glimpse into life in Pakistan and the broader issues of gender equality and access to education. It’s a story that really gets my students thinking about the world and their role in making it a better place. Sharing Malala’s story with my class is always an enriching experience, leaving a lasting impression on all of us.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

The BFG by Roald Dahl is an absolute blast for classroom read alouds! This whimsical story follows a young girl named Sophie who befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG). The BFG is a kind-hearted giant who collects and distributes good dreams to children. Together, they go on a daring adventure to stop the other, not-so-friendly giants from causing trouble.

One of the things I love most about The BFG is Roald Dahl’s playful and imaginative language. The unique vocabulary and quirky expressions used by the BFG are fun to read and also great for expanding my students’ vocabulary in an entertaining way. There are also great opportunities for discussing themes like friendship, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

This enchanting story follows young Charlie Bucket. He’s a kind-hearted boy from a poor family, who wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s mysterious and magical chocolate factory. Along with four other lucky children, Charlie gets to join a fantastical tour filled with wonders, surprises, and a few valuable lessons.

The factory is a world of pure magic, from the chocolate river to the inventive candies. The characters are unforgettable, each bringing their own unique quirks and life lessons. From the ever-curious Charlie to the eccentric Willy Wonka, there’s so much to observe about their personalities and the lessons they encounter. The book offers a perfect opportunity to talk about themes like kindness, honesty, and the consequences of greed and selfishness.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is an absolute favorite in my classroom read alouds! This thrilling adventure introduces us to Percy Jackson. He’s a seemingly ordinary boy who discovers he’s actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon. Thrust into a world of Greek mythology comes to life, Percy goes on a quest to prevent a war among the gods. He encounters monsters, gods, and other demigods along the way.

I have to say, this book is a total page-turner! My students are always on the edge of their seats. The fast-paced plot and relatable characters make it an instant hit. Plus, Rick Riordan’s witty writing style keeps everyone entertained and laughing.

One of the things my students love about this book is how it seamlessly weaves in elements of Greek mythology. It’s a fun way to introduce my students to these ancient stories. We end up learning so much about the myths, gods, and heroes without even realizing it because we’re so wrapped up in Percy’s journey!

Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar

This chapter book never fails to bring laughter and joy to my students. This wonderfully wacky book is set in Wayside School. A school that was accidentally built 30 stories high with one classroom on each floor – except for the missing 19th floor. Each chapter tells a hilarious and quirky story about the students and teachers in this unusual school.

From Mrs. Gorf, the teacher who turns students into apples, to Louis, the yard teacher who seems to know everything, each story is more outlandish than the last. My students adore the unpredictable plots and the sheer silliness that Louis Sachar brings to every page. This book is perfect for sparking chats about creativity and imagination. It shows my students that stories don’t always have to follow conventional rules and that writing can be a lot of fun. Plus, the short, self-contained chapters are great for quick read aloud sessions, making it easy to fit into our busy schedule.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba is an inspiring and powerful book that I love sharing during our classroom read alouds. This true story follows young William. He’s a boy from Malawi who, despite facing severe drought and famine, dreams of bringing electricity and water to his village. Using his curiosity and determination, William teaches himself how to build a windmill from scrap materials, ultimately transforming the lives of his family and community.

William’s journey shows my students that with hard work, creativity, and a never-give-up attitude, they can overcome even the toughest challenges. It’s a perfect way to discuss the importance of perseverance and problem-solving. Plus, the story helps my students see the impact of science and technology in improving lives.

The book also provides a wonderful opportunity to explore themes of global awareness and empathy. My students learn about life in Malawi, the struggles William’s community faced, and the cultural context of his incredible achievement. This leads to some memorable conversations about different parts of the world and how we can use our skills and knowledge to make a positive difference.

Take Your Students on Adventures During Classroom Read Alouds

Classroom read alouds are such a fantastic way to engage our students, spark their imaginations, and introduce them to a world of stories that can inspire, educate, and entertain. Not to mention all the amazing benefits they have through modeling reading, building vocabulary, and helping students improve reading comprehension. These read alouds enhance the learning experience while helping to build a strong, connected community where every student feels valued and inspired. I hope you find these recommendations as impactful as I do. May they bring as much joy and enrichment to your classroom as they have to mine!

For ways to tie Science and Social Studies standards into Language Arts, explore Integrating Science and Social Studies into Your Language Arts Lessons.

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