Hi, I’m Lisa Robles from LisaTeachR’s Classroom. I’ve been teaching 26 years (yikes!). I’m super excited to be blogging about this, because I am a book fanatic. My favorite time in my class is read aloud time! These are my top 10 favorite read alouds!
Here are my top 10 read alouds for fourth grade:
A Diamond in the Desert by Kathryn Fitzmaurice
It’s about: This is about 12-year-old Tetsu and his family, who are sent to an internment camp in the Arizona Desert after Pearl Harbor because they are Japanese-Americans. When his father is sent to a different camp, Tetsu must decide between his love of baseball and his responsibilities as the oldest son.
Why I love it: I love historical fiction. It is engrossing and teaches the kids about important historical periods. This book has won a ton of awards, and the author is really nice. She’ll do a free Skype interview with you class if you tweet her!
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
It’s about: This story is told from the point of view of Ally Nickerson. Ally is a really smart girl. She’s so smart she’s been able to fool a lot of people. One day, however, Mr. Daniels comes to substitute for Ms. Hall. He figures out Ally when no one else could.
Why I love it: This book covers some really important themes: dyslexia, friendship, family, bullying, overcoming adversity, identity, perseverance, and the power of asking for help. It really packs a punch! It’s a great discussion starter!
Flor and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
It’s about: The story is about Flora, a self-described cynic, who witnesses a tragedy/miracle in her neighbor’s backyard. She is able to revive the squirrel and names him Ulysses. Adventure ensues!
Why I love it: It’s part graphic novel, part narrative. It really catches the kids’ attention. It also covers some serious issues, such as divorce and abandonment.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
It’s about: This book is written in free verse, chronicling Ha’s journey from war-torn Vietnam to Alabama and her subsequent problems as a second language learner and with bullying. She is 10 years old.
Why I love it: This is great for our students from Vietnam to see a book about someone like them. It’s written in free verse, which I love because it’s more accessible to struggling readers. Beautifully written.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
It’s about: This is about Ivan the gorilla. He lives in the Big Top Mall. He’s content with living in his domain until a new resident comes.
Why I love it: This is another book written in free verse. Very short poems that really pack a punch! Kids love to read books about animals. I cry every time I read it.
Rain, Reign by Ann M. Martin
It’s about: Rose Howard is a girl who loves homonyms. She even named her dog Rain (get it, Rain, Reign?). Rose is on the autism spectrum and sometimes is not quite understood by her father or teachers. She has a special bond with her uncle and her dog. But one day, her dog disappears…
Why I love it: We have so many students on the autism spectrum these days, I think it’s important for students to understand it and be empathetic. This helps them see that they are just like them.
The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales
It’s about: This book is about Sofia, who lives in Texas. She’s really smart and is one day offered a scholarship to a fancy school…
Why I love it: This book was honored by the Pura Belpre award, which is given to Latino writers that celebrate the Latino experience. This book shares so many cultural experiences: Easter cascarones, Dia de los Muertos, the Christmas nacimeiento and, of course, the tequila worm. My students are all Latino, and every time we read this, it connects to them in ways that other books don’t. I love it.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
It’s about: This book is about August Pullman, Auggie to his friends and family. He was born with a facial deformity and has had a lot to deal with because of it. But he’s growing older now, and his parents feel it might be time to go to school instead of being home schooled. This book talks about his adjustment to school and the students’ adjustment to him.
Why I love it: If you haven’t read this, read it now! It’s told from different points of view, which make it great to teach perspective/point of view. How what may be true in your eyes, may look different in someone else’s eyes. Discussion points: empathy, friendship, family–so, so many things!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
It’s about: Alice, of course! Alice goes on an adventure, but not just any adventure: It’s an adventure in Wonderland! She meets the white rabbit, the Cheshire cat, and the Red Queen along the way.
Why I love it: This is the first time my kids really come upon word play. It’s considered one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre. We love talking about the symbolism. It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s part of the suggested Common Core readings.
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
It’s about: This book is about Phillip, who lives in Curacao with his mother and father. The time period is WW2, and German subs are surrounding the island. His mother decides they should go back to the States. On their way, however, their boat is torpedoed.
Why I love it: This book really appeals to my boys. It’s set during the war, and it’s about racism and survival. It’s short and a pretty fast read. You’ll like it.
If you’re looking for some close reading units, go to my store, click here!
Well, I hope you learned about some new options for your read alouds. What do you enjoy reading to your kids?
Please note that Amazon affiliate links were used for this post.
Thanks for the opportunity to guest blog for you, Rachel! I enjoyed meeting you at the Pacific Coast Meet Up and talking books! Thanks again!
Lisa
LisaTeachR’sClassroom
Awesome list, Lisa! It’s so helpful having recommendations from someone who knows the book. I’m looking for my next read aloud (which hasn’t been read by a lower grade level), and there are several on your Top Ten that fit the bill! Thank you.
Awesome list, Lisa! Read aloud is one of my favorite times of the day. It’s so helpful having recommendations from someone who knows the book. I’m looking for my next read aloud (which hasn’t been read by a lower grade level-although those can still work), and there are several on your Top Ten that fit the bill! Thank you. Watsons Go to Birmingham is up there for me, as are Out of My Mind and I love the Three Times Lucky series. I’ve read the original Wizard of Oz several times as well.
Great resource of wonderful books. Thanks for sharing these.
Thank you for sharing! I only know Alice Adventure in the Wonderland. Although I’m not a teacher but I have kids so some read aloud books may help me. I often see my kids read Nicholas and some comedy books. I will suggest them these ones 🙂
Thank you,
I really loved your reasoning for each of the books. Right now, we are reading Serafina and the Black Cloak. It has captured the hearts and minds of ALL my students. We literally can’t stop reading! It is historical fiction and there is a heroine who is fascinating! Every chapter leaves you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book. Another book in the series (so exciting) will be coming our way this July.
Thanks for this list! Some of them I already know and love, the others are in my Amazon cart right now!
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Thanks for the list! I’m always looking for new read alouds! Some of my favorites infuse history/social studies. By the Great Horn Spoon! Is a fun Gold Rush story. And Island of the Blue Dolphins and Esperanza Rising are perfect for teaching California history. Happy reading!
Really like your book list. My two favorite read alouds are “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” and “.Poppy”
My fourth-grade kid also have “Alice in the Wonderland”. Thank you for the list! Gonna buy some of these books for her.