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My Favorite Books to Read to and with My Kids (Elementary and Middle School)

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These are the books that I love to read to my kids over and over again.  With three kids, I get to enjoy reading these stories time and time again. Some are heartwarming, some tell a lesson and some are just plain silly.  We usually get our books from the library, but these books are bought and in our home forever!
 
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A heartwarming holiday story about a boy who sets off on a magical journey to rescue his most beloved toy. Along the way, he learns about love, loss, and what it truly means to cherish what we have. I read this to my 8 year old and we were both cryin...
The Christmas Pig
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A sweet story about a giraffe who learns to believe in himself and dance to his own rhythm.  A quick read, great for younger kids, but I'll still pull it out for my 8 year old.
Giraffes Can't Dance
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The whole Harry Potter series is so great, but the illustrated versions are so much better! They really bring the story to life for the younger kids.
Harry Potter Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Ed.
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A fun, fast read for little ones and even ones that are starting to read.  With only a few sentences in this book, there is a lot of room for improvisation and sillyness!
Good Night, Gorilla
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A classic for many reasons! A heartwarming adventure story that the kids can't wait to read night after night.  As an added bonus we then watch the movie after finishing.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Classic Fantasy
 
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A timeless story about a young girl who discovers a family living forever and must decide what it truly means to live a full life. Better for late elementary school readers and some great conversation starters.
Tuck Everlasting
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This was my favorite book growing up and I get a thrill over sharing it with my kids now too.  It is a science-fantasy adventure about a girl who travels through space and time to rescue her father and discover her own strength. Great for middle to late elementary school and even into middle school.
A Wrinkle in Time: (Newbery Medal Winner)
 
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A touching story about a proud porcelain rabbit who learns the meaning of love after being lost and passed from one owner to another.  Another heartwarming (and sad at times) book that I could read over and over again.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
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A quirky, heartwarming story about a comic-loving girl and a superpowered squirrel who discover friendship, hope, and a little everyday magic.  Another great one by Kate DiCamillo!  It's silly and imaginative!
Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures
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Another favorite of mine growing up and now my kids love it too.  A very hands on book where you can read the actual letters (and take them out of the envelopes) that the postman is delivering.
The Jolly Postman
 
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A thoughtful adventure about a robot who learns to survive in the wilderness and discovers what it means to belong.  A newer book with now 2 sequels this adventure story never gets old.  Added bonus is the new movie as well.
The Wild Robot (Volume 1)