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Connect with students and bring literature to life with these novel studies for upper elementary.
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A huge part of being a teacher of kiddos between the ages of 9 and 12 is the task of cultivating a love for reading. Upper elementary students are usually placed squarely in one of two categories — “I LOVE to read!” and “I HATE to read!” I spend the better part of my year trying to move students into the “I love to read” camp and novel studies are a great way to do that.
Typically, I like to use novel studies as a read aloud opportunity and let my kiddos read every now and then. This keeps us all on the same page (pun intended) and allows all my students to engage in discussions. Many of my favorite novels are perfect at-home reads as well!
Novel Studies for Upper Elementary Students
Wonder // Auggie & Me by RJ Palacio
I’ve already shared a whole lotta love for RJ Palacio and her masterpieces within the world of Auggie Pullman, but I’m pulling it out one more time. These books, Wonder, and it’s companion, Auggie & Me, need to be read and shared by both children and adults. Even as a 28-year-old, I walked away changed after I finished Wonder — and in a way that would have been completely different if I’d read it as a 10-year-old.
This heartwarming tale is told from the perspective of Ivan, the famous mall-dwelling gorilla. The story is inspired by the true story of Ivan, but Applegate does a fantastic job of introducing other animals into the story and leaving you wishing they were real too.
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Another heartwarming (and sometimes heart wrenching) tale about a beloved (toy) animal. This book has something for both children and adults, and teaches so much about life, love, loss, and hope. Since first reading it, it claimed a top spot as a favorite and anything else will be hard pressed to overthrow it.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Another great book by Katherine Applegate, this one is modern and totally relevant for today’s world. Samar is a young girl who’s just a bit different than her peers. When she shares her concerns with Red, the neighborhood Wishtree, things take a turn for the interesting. Narrated by a tree, this book is a great way to introduce personification to youngsters.
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Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
This is one I’ve yet to dive into with my students, but I can’t wait! This historical fiction piece follows two young boys who couldn’t be more different. Under the surface, are they really so different after all?
Another example of historical fiction (and Civil War era — one of my faves), Hannalee is shipped north from her home of Georgia and must make her way back home. It will be a few months before we get there, but this is another I can’t wait to start with my 5th graders.
Question: What novels have you enjoyed with your children or students? How did you teach your kids to love reading?
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