You probably already know why reading aloud to your students is a must (if not, check out my blog about not skipping the middle school read aloud here). Now, where does one even begin on a topic as large as grade 6 read alouds? There are so many books out there that I couldn’t even begin to choose the best one! Maybe the best is something I haven’t had the honour of reading yet or perhaps it hasn’t even been written yet. But as a passionate rambler, I just had to share my favs.
I would be thrilled to have you prove me wrong, to tell me that there are even better books out there for grade 6 read alouds, than the ones I have listed. Why? For one, you would be adding more amazing books to my ever-growing “to read” list. Second, it would also mean that you would be commenting on my blog. Yay!
Here is my list of top 5 favourite Grade 6 Read Alouds (in no particular order):
Fish in a Tree
by Lynda Mullaly-Hunt
—————————
Refugee
by Alan Gratz
—————————
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
by Dusti Bowling
The Bridge Home
by Padma Venkatraman
Ban this Book
by Alan Gratz
Oh, but what about The Barren Grounds? Or A Thousand Questions?
The Barren Grounds
by David A. Robertson
A Thousand Questions
by Saadia Faruqi
Perhaps a title change is needed.
7 Read Alouds Your Grade 6’s will LOVE!
What was so special about these read alouds?
My criteria for a great middle school read aloud include:
1. Diverse characters – culture, setting, gender, ability, etc.
2. Strong plots that promote deep thinking conversation about inequalities, justice, power and advocacy
3. Serious with a side of wit – who doesn’t love a funny line right in the middle of some dramatic action?
4. Cliff hangers – chapters that leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat. These authors really know what they are doing! Stopping the moment right before it’s about to happen. Genius. This leaves kids (and teachers) wanting more!
5. Brilliant word choice – the best books are ones that don’t need pictures because the author paints the picture in your mind with words.
Now it is your turn
With my criteria for a great classroom read aloud in mind, what great read alouds should I add to my list? P.S. I am teaching grade 5 next year. I would love to hear your grade 5 ideas too!
