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Student Book Club Reads (Elementary Education)
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items Having book clubs in your classroom is one of the best ways to differentiate amongst your students. Book clubs allow students to create connections, have deeper level conversations, and interact with peers. These are some of the best books for book c...
Holes is a great book for comparing and and contrasting the book and the movie!
Holes (Holes Series)
The One and Only Ivan is an easier read for students who may be at a lower reading level. Great to compare the book with the movie.
The One and Only Ivan: A Newbery Award Winner
When the substitute for Mr. "Fab" Fabiano never shows up and his sixth-grade students are on their own, they set out to prove that they can run the class by themselves. This book shows how different characters get through different struggles througho...
Flying Solo
Such a great and emotional book to share with students.
Because of Winn-Dixie
One of my favorite books from Kate DiCamillo. This book is great for focusing on character development and different perspectives. A Kate DiCamillo author study would also be amazing!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
A book club aimed more towards primary grade levels! Such a fun read that has a variety of books within the series to continue throughout the year.
Mercy Watson Fights Crime
A great book to have conversations about inclusion and compassion. Also a great book to compare to the movie.
Wonder
Restart is the spectacular story of a kid with a messy past who has to figure out what it means to get a clean start. This books theme is bullying and it does a great job at addressing the issue.
Restart|Hardcover
A quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words that will have readers inventing their own words.
Frindle
Such a fun and silly read that will have your students giggling.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Another great book to compare the book to the movie to which focuses on friendship.
The BFG
Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigratio...
Inside Out and Back Again: Newbery Honor Winner
Wish is a novel about a girl who, with the help of a true-blue friend, a big-hearted aunt and uncle, and the dog of her dreams, unexpectedly learns the true meaning of family in the least likely of places.
Wish
Alone tells the story of a young girl who wakes up one day to find herself utterly alone in her small Colorado town. She is left to survive all alone.
Alone
A story of three sisters who travel to Oakland, California, in 1968 to meet the mother who abandoned them.
One Crazy Summer: A Newbery Honor Award Winner
You cannot go wrong with Charlotte's Web for a book club book. There are so many themes in the book which make it perfect for a book club.
Charlotte's Web|Paperback
This book is not only hilarious but is perfect for a book club because of the different perspectives this book has. Plus, it's part of a series that you can do all year long. Your students will remember Fudge!
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing|Paperback
Such an incredible book that discusses the topic of bullying. This book is told from multiple points of view. Linked explores how the symbols of hate affect students, and how they come together to fight back and understand who is behind them.
Linked|Paperback
This book will bring great conversation with themes such as family, sacrifices, and personal growth. This book is an inspiring immigration tale set in the 1930s about a wealthy young girl who is forced to flee Mexico with her mother after her father'...
Esperanza Rising (Scholastic Gold)|Paperback
Such a unique book in which life for Nollopians drastically changes when the tile containing the letter “z” topples from the statue and island authorities interpret the fall as a message from Nollop from beyond the grave. They waste no time in bannin...
Ella Minnow Pea: 20th Anniversary Illustrated Edition|Hardcover
A robot wakes up on a remote island and learns to survive—and care—through the help of wild animals. This book encourages conversations on nature vs. technology, adaptation, and the meaning of family.
The Wild Robot (Wild Robot Series #1)|Paperback
A girl with dyslexia hides her struggles until a teacher helps her see her true potential. Its great for book clubs because it promotes powerful discussions on learning differences, identity, perseverance, and teacher impact.
Fish in a Tree|Paperback
An unlikely hero—an outcast mouse—goes on a brave quest involving courage, love, and forgiveness. This book is a rich fantasy with deep themes, vocabulary, and layered storytelling perfect for chapter-by-chapter talk.
The Tale of Despereaux|Paperback
Two boys from very different backgrounds form an unexpected friendship during a tough week at school. This book offers dual perspectives, making it great for group discussion on cultural identity, bullying, and empathy.
Save Me a Seat (Scholastic Gold)|Paperback
A humorous and heartfelt graphic memoir about growing up deaf and learning to be your own kind of hero. This book is easy to engage with, sparks deep conversations about differences, acceptance, and confidence.
El Deafo|Paperback
Mia Tang helps her immigrant parents run a motel—and hides a few big secrets while trying to fit in at school. Great book that can be used to discuss racism, poverty, family sacrifice, and finding your voice. Real and relatable
Front Desk (Front Desk #1)|Paperback
A quiet but meaningful story of a second-grader navigating school, friendships, and growing up. Great for younger readers. Simple moments spark big talks about identity, responsibility, and relationships.
The Year of Billy Miller|Paperback
Maggie just wants a pet, but she’s allergic to everything furry! Navigating disappointment, family, and new friendships. Great SEL tool—discuss disappointment, boundaries, and being different in a safe, visual format.
Allergic|Paperback
Siblings battle it out with competing lemonade stands—plus miscommunication and math along the way. This book combines entrepreneurship, sibling rivalry, and emotional growth. Great for discussing fairness and conflict resolution.
The Lemonade War (The Lemonade War Series #1)|Paperback
Jordan transfers to a private school where he’s one of the only kids of color. He’s stuck between two worlds. Great book that brings diversity, identity, belonging, and visual storytelling all come together. Deep and funny!
New Kid (Newbery Medal Winner)|Paperback