Favorite Upper Elementary Read Alouds

Looking for some fantastic upper elementary read alouds to captivate your students? I’ve got you covered with these novels that are perfect for sparking discussions, building empathy, and keeping the students engaged. 

Reading aloud isn’t just for the little ones! It’s a powerful tool that brings numerous benefits to older students as well. 

It enhances listening skills, expands vocabulary, and sparks imagination, allowing students to follow complex narratives and understand character development. 

Reading aloud also builds empathy by exposing students to diverse characters and situations, encouraging rich discussions, and promoting a love of reading by bringing stories to life with excitement and emotion. 

Plus, it supports diverse learning needs, ensuring that all students can enjoy and benefit from rich literature, regardless of their reading abilities. 

With all these benefits in mind, let’s dive into some of my favorite upper elementary read alouds for students and why they work so well.

[Click on any of the titles or images below for links to check them out on Amazon!]

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

“Wonder” is about Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference starting school for the first time. It’s a tear-jerker and a cheer-raiser that’s perfect for teaching empathy and kindness. The multiple perspectives offer diverse viewpoints, making it easy for students to relate and reflect on their own experiences with acceptance and bullying.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This historical fiction novel is set in World War II in Denmark. Annemarie Johansen helps her best friend escape the Nazis. It’s a great way to introduce themes of bravery, friendship, and historical content. The suspenseful plot keeps students on the edge of their seats, while the historical context provides rich material for classroom discussions.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Set in a mysterious underground city, this book follows Lina and Doon as they seek a way out before their city’s lights go out forever. It’s an adventurous novel that sparks discussions about hope, perseverance, and environmental themes. The dystopian setting is unique and intriguing, perfect for engaging students’ imaginations.

Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats ends up at a bizarre juvenile correctional camp, uncovering a family curse and buried treasure. The quirky narrative and surprising twists make it a hit. Themes of fate, friendship, and justice are woven throughout, providing plenty of material for thoughtful classroom conversations.

The Witches by Roald Dahl

In this darkly humorous tale, a young boy and his grandmother battle real witches. Dahl’s magical storytelling and whimsical tone are perfect for keeping students engaged. The mix of humor and suspense makes it a fun and thrilling read, sparking creativity and excitement in the classroom. I love reading this one around Halloween. Students LOVE hearing the witch’s voice read aloud!

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Opal and her mischievous dog, Winn-Dixie, bring together a community of quirky characters. This heartwarming story teaches the power of community and acceptance. DiCamillo’s engaging narrative and lovable characters make it a favorite, leaving students with a warm fuzzy feeling.

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

When Rob Horton discovers a caged tiger, his life changes dramatically. This beautifully written story deals with themes of grief and healing, making it perfect for deep, meaningful discussions. DiCamillo’s writing and relatable characters resonate with students, encouraging empathy and emotional growth.  I love reading this after Because of Winn-Dixie because while they are completely different plots, DiCamillo’s style and similar themes are so fascinating for students to compare and analyze.

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

Seven fifth-graders’ lives intertwine with their new teacher, Mr. Terupt. Each student’s perspective offers a fresh take on classroom dynamics and the profound impact of a great teacher. The relatable classroom scenarios and diverse characters make it a hit for discussions about empathy and resilience.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Ally, who has dyslexia, struggles in school until a new teacher helps her realize her potential. This inspiring story highlights the importance of understanding and supporting learning differences. The themes of perseverance and self-discovery resonate with students, making it a powerful read-aloud.

Who Is Malala Yousafzai? by Dinah Brown

It’s important to vary the genres of read alouds in class.  I love reading aloud a few nonfiction chapter books and the Who Is series is a perfect option. Introduce your students to Malala Yousafzai’s incredible story of advocating for girls’ education. Her bravery and determination are sure to inspire your class. The biography format provides a real-life hero for students to look up to and learn about global issues.

I Survived: The California Wildfires, 2018 by Lauren Tarshis

Experience the harrowing tale of survival during the 2018 California wildfires through the eyes of a young boy. This action-packed narrative not only engages students but also teaches about natural disasters and resilience. The fast-paced story keeps students hooked and eager to learn more. Plus, reading aloud a book from a huge series like this is a fabulous way to hook readers to try out other I Survived books on their own!

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee becomes a legend in a racially divided town, bridging gaps and challenging norms. This captivating story addresses complex themes like racism and homelessness, providing plenty of material for thoughtful classroom discussions. Spinelli’s engaging writing style and memorable characters make it a timeless favorite.

Crash by Jerry Spinelli

Follow Crash Coogan, a tough seventh grader, as he learns about friendship, empathy, and personal growth through his interactions with his quirky neighbor, Penn Webb. Spinelli’s humor and relatable characters make this a hit in the classroom. Themes of bullying, family dynamics, and personal change provide great discussion points.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

Nick Allen, a clever and imaginative fifth-grader, invents a new word for a pen: “frindle.” What starts as a playful experiment quickly turns into a nationwide phenomenon. This fun and thought-provoking story explores themes of creativity, language, and the power of words. It’s a perfect read-aloud for sparking discussions about innovation and the impact one person can have.

These upper elementary read alouds are sure to ignite your students’ love for reading!

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