You need 4th grade read alouds to start your year off right. Luckily we’ve got nine titles that are the bee’s knees. And they’ll make your kids hungry to read more!
Frindle
Andrew Clements knows how to pull kids in. And honestly? All his books make outstanding 4th grade read alouds. An author with lots of titles under their belt is a good bet. ‘Cause if the kids love the book? Then they have lots to choose from for independent reading.
In Frindle, Nick is a good-hearted troublemaker who meets his equal in his teacher, Mrs. Granger. When he decides to get kids to call a pen a “frindle,” his joke takes on a life of its own. The ending made me tear up a bit (in a good way.)
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Prepare for silliness. This 4th grade read aloud has so much to offer. It’s got Star Wars, origami, and some harmless toilet humor. I purposely pick this as my first read-aloud of the year. Why? Because it pulls kids in and gets so many of my reluctant readers digging into a series.
The book is a set of case files by Tommy, our protagonist. His friend Dwight makes an origami Yoda and insists it’s the real Yoda. The paper Yoda sits on his finger and gives advice to kids who ask it questions. Each case file examines the eerie way Yoda’s advice is spot on.
Origami Yoda is great for interactive read-alouds. At the end of each chapter, for example, you can take an informal poll asking if Origami Yoda is real or not. And why.
Despite the silliness, there’s a lot to infer: Why did the character do that? What are they really thinking? How do you know? There’s a lot going on below the surface!
The ending is too cute to be believed. And the audiobook, with its multiple narrators, is outstanding!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
This most classic of the 4th grade read alouds will provide a year’s worth of independent reading material, given the 7 increasingly hefty volumes.
J.K. Rowling’s books have a noticeable effect on strengthening vocabulary, as she wrote the book for people of all ages.
The audiobooks read by Jim Dale are lovely and engaging!
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
This is THE classic 4th grade read aloud, right? I remember my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Ryan, reading this aloud to our class and us kids cracking up on every page!
What appeals to fourth graders (beside the title) is that Peter is frustrated with his younger brother Fudge and often feels misunderstood. Judy Blume (the author) gets kids and knows how their minds and feelings work! Which is why her books have such lasting power.
The gender roles are dated, but this provides a great opportunity open up a discussion around it.
There are more books in this series, which keep your kids reading!
Because of Winn-Dixie
Because of Winn-Dixie is a short but powerful 4th grade read aloud. This is the book that made Kate DiCamillo famous. Its language is simple, but the messages are beautifully layered. The spunky main character Opal finds a homeless dog in the Winn-Dixie supermarket and takes him home.
The animal changes everyone’s lives – especially Opal’s – and is the catalyst for new friendships between lonely people.
Other great read alouds from Kate DiCamillo include The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The Tale of Despereaux.
The War that Saved My Life
Gorgeous gorgeous book. The story takes place during World War 2, when children from London were sent to the countryside. Ten year old Ada is one of the few kids who is actually happy to leave home, as her mother is unkind.
There is SO much to this story. Layer upon layer. In a word, it’s delicious.
And the sequel The War That I Finally Won was even better. (I didn’t think it was possible to top the first book.)
The Wild Robot
Every year I hear several students — often boys — say to friends, “This is the best book I’ve read in my life. You have to read it!” Often, it’s my reluctant readers who sing its praises. Isn’t that fascinating? It is an incredible story.
This one is about a robot that lands on a deserted island and becomes part of the community of animals. Beautiful. Funny. Heartbreaking at moments. If you order it, better get the sequel too — The Wild Robot Returns. When you reach the end of book 1, you’ll want to know what happens next.
The City of Ember
The City of Ember is part of a four-book series. It’s best to dive into this without knowledge of the story. (You’ll see why at the end.)
It’s a terrific novel that shows the importance of setting.
Consider having multiple copies of Book 2, The People of Sparks. Because once you are done reading this book aloud? The kids will race each other to get the second one.
Because of Mr. Terupt
Because of Mr. Terupt follows the year a new teacher arrives. It’s told from the perspectives of seven students and is an excellent way to explore point of view!
Some call it edgy because of the varied background of the students, but that’s one of the things I love about it.
If your students like this, they can go on to read
Now It’s Your Turn!
Tell us in the comments below:
- Which of these books will you read aloud this year?
- OR … Do you have a title you recommend for 4th grade read alouds?
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