Great Read Alouds
Great Read Alouds
Fantasy/ Science Fiction
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane ( grades 4-8) by Kate DiCamillo. Reading level 4.4
Edward is a China rabbit of the finest quality. His owner Abilene loves him dearly and takes him everywhere. He does not return her affections, however. He is bored by the conversations of people and his heart is empty. They go on a boat trip and some kids throw Edward into the ocean. After spending many days on the ocean floor, Edward is taken on a miraculous adventure where he learns the meaning of true love.
Among the Hidden ( grades 4-8) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Reading level 4.8
Luke is a third child in a society where only two are allowed. He spends his days hiding in his attic bedroom…until he discovers he’s not the only ”shadow child”. This book is great for teaching inferential thinking and making predictions.
Running out of Time ( grades 4-8) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Reading level 4.8
Jessie is a regular teenager who thinks she is living in an 1800 frontier village of Clifton. She attends a one room school house and her mother is a midwife. When diphtheria begins claiming the lives of villagers, Jessie must be told the truth. The village they are living in is actually a historical preserve and the real time is 1996. Jessie is asked to leave Clifton secretly and obtain an antidote for the diphtheria that is running rampant through the village.
The Giver ( grades 6-8) by Lois Lowry. Reading Level 5.7
Jonas lives in a “perfect” world. There is no crime, no hunger, no homelessness, and no choices. On his twelfth birthday, Jonas learns that he has been given an important job in the community.
He will be the receiver of memory. In training for this job, Jonas learns that his community may not be so perfect. He learns that at one time humans had choices and felt emotion. Jonas has to decide whether he can go on living the way he always has, or if he should change the community by his choices. This is excellent for a study of utopias. There are two companions books called Gathering Blue and the Messenger. These would be great for gifted children to read as an extension project.
Historical Fiction
The Watson’s Go to Birmingham( grades 3-8) by Christopher Paul Curtis. Reading level 5.0
The “Weird Watsons” take us through the year of 1963. Byron, the juvenile delinquent of the family causes the family to travel to visit grandparents in Birmingham. When the Watson’s arrive they find themselves in the middle of the church bombing. The book is great to use in cooperation with Social Studies staff. Hilarious and fast paced.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. (grades 3-6)
Reading level 4.5
Annemarie and her friend Ellen are growing up in 1942 in Amsterdam. Soldiers line the streets and shops owned by Jews are closed down. Annemarie is called on to help her friend Ellen escape the Nazis. This book tells of the heroic efforts of the Danish resistance during the second World War.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. ( grades 6-8) Reading level 4.8
Julianna is totally flipped over Bryce. Bryce isn’t interested…that is until a series of events turn things topsy-turvy. This novel is written in two voices, Juliana’s and Bryce’s. It’s great for teaching point of view. Kids love the first person narration and the realistic portrayal of the two main characters.
Forged by Fire by Sharon Draper. ( grades 6-8)
Reading Level 4.7
Gerald is a young boy who’s lived through a lot. He gets taken away from his mother, a cocaine addict, when he is left home with matches and barely escapes a terrible fire. Just when his life is getting back on track, his mother shows up with a new boyfriend, and a stepsister. There are many more dark surprises in store for Gerald in connection with mom’s new boyfriend. The students in my classes were gripped by this story of a young boy overcoming adversity.
Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen. ( grades 4-8)
Reading level 5.7
The main character in this story finds out he will spend the summer with his cousin, Harris, and their family. This “city kid” has never milked a cow, worked on a farm, or met anyone quite like his cousin. Kids laugh out loud when the boys try to pee on an electric fence and re-enact Tarzan movies.
Corner of the Universe by Ann Martin. (grades 6-8)
Reading level 4.5
Hattie is a likable girl whose parents run a boarding house. She loves taking care of the elderly boarders and spending time with her artist father. At the beginning of the book, Hattie finds out about a “secret relative” her Uncle Adam. She finds out his school is closing and he is coming to Millerton to live. Hattie wonders why she has never heard of him and vows to get to know him. Throughout the summer, Hattie develops a friendship with her Uncle Adam and realizes that he is mentally ill. A tragedy strikes at the end of the book, but Hattie realizes that has taught her about holding up her corner of the universe.
Sports Books
The Million Dollar Shot by Dan Gutman. ( grades 3-8).
Reading level 4.2
Eddie Ball has a problem. He and his mother want to move out of the trailer park they live in and find somewhere nicer to live, but Eddie’s mother has just lost her job with Finkle Foods. Eddie and his friend Annie find out about a contest offered by Finkle Foods. The winning poet gets to shoot a foul shot at the NBA finals and can win one million dollars. Eddie recives coaching from Annie’s dad and gets better at better, but Mr. Finkle does not want to give away the million and tries to convince Eddie not to enter the contest. Does he win the million? Read it and find out.