The Best Read Aloud Chapter Books for Elementary
Read aloud books are a fantastic way to help grow the love reading in our children.
From classrooms to bedrooms, read aloud fiction books give our children the opportunity to get lost in their imagination.
When finding a good book to read aloud to your children or students, you want to use books that are engaging from start to finish.
Here is my list of the best and most engaging read aloud chapter books for elementary students.
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Classic Chapter Books
You can’t go wrong with these classic novels. They are relatable, fun and each offer a wide range of characters.
Charlotte’s Web (grades 3-5): This is a classic story that we all can probably remember reading or listening to as a child. From talking spiders to pigs, this story is a story that will lead your child on a fun and memorable adventure.
Anne of Green Gables (grades 4-6): This story was an all-time favorite of mine as a young girl and I LOVE when I get the chance to this story as a read aloud. Anne is a relatable character who goes against the norms of being a “proper” young lady while adjusting to her new life as an adopted child. This story is full of humor, a little drama, and a lot of relatable adventure.
Little Women (grades 4-6): This is another classic, that although takes place in the mid-1800’s, is relatable to young girls and families. This story follows the lives of 4 sisters and the different paths they take as they grow.
The Cricket in Times Square (grades 2-4): This story is full of adventure and is for the animal lovers out there. The Cricket in Times Square is an engaging read aloud for young readers of all kinds.
The Secret Garden (grades 3-5): This story has a bit of mystery to it which makes it exciting for readers. Get lost in the gardens with main character Mary, as she discovers a giant secret within them.
Imaginative Read Alouds
My elementary aged sons love imaginative read aloud chapter books. I love them too! We love going on adventures before bed by reading a chapter out of one of these incredible books.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (grades 2-6): This is a favorite read aloud for my family. Every bit of this story is descriptive and engaging. You can’t go wrong with any book by Roald Dahl!
Matilda (grades 2-6): Another Roald Dahl favorite that is full of magic and adventure. After you are finished, compare the book to the movie! What was the same? What was different?
The BFG (grades 2-6): This story is full of fantasy but also is easily relatable to elementary aged students. Follow main character Sophia, as she embarks on an adventure with a Big, Friendly Giant.
Holes (grades 4-6): I still have memories of my 5th grade teacher reading aloud Holes when it was released in 1998. This is another one that pulls you in with the mystery, humor and everything in between.
Bridge to Terabithia (grades 4-6): This book is recommended for the earlier elementary grades because of the topic of death and grief. This book also includes themes of friendship and imagination. Overall, it encompasses multiple themes that are relatable for children of this age.
Relatable for Elementary
Children are engaged when they can relate to the content. Choose a book that relates to something your child or students may be going through.
These books all have school aged characters with relatable themes for elementary to middle school aged students.
Ivy and Bean (grades 1-4): This series of books follows two friends and the adventures they go on together. Follow Ivy and Bean to learn that friends don’t always have to be the same or have the same interests to get along. Check out book one and you’ll be dying to read the rest of the series!
Beezus and Ramona (grades 2-4): The themes of this story are sisterhood, friendship, and problem-solving. A relatable and classic story that all readers would enjoy! Check out Henry Huggins too, another fantastic story with overlapping characters.
Henry Huggins (grades 2-6): This book is a great one for dog lovers. Follow Henry Huggins and his new dog Ribsy, and the fun adventures they go on together.
Completely Clementine (grades 1-4): This chapter book series is another one that will keep you coming back for more. Clementine is technically the last book of the series but in my opinion, one of the best. Elementary students (especially third graders) will love Clementine and the relatable experiences she goes through while anticipating the summer before fourth grade.
Fudge A Mania (grades 2-5): This book takes you on summer vacation and is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. This story is a great read aloud for second grade through fifth and can be read alongside the other books in the Fudge series.
The Boxcar Children (grades 2-5): This series follows the adventures of 4 orphaned children. Each chapter book takes you on a different journey to solve a mystery. You can’t go wrong with The Boxcar Children.
Wonder (grades 3-6): This story is geared toward mature students as it includes topics such as facial deformities, bullying, etc. While this story includes heavy topics, it has a great message of inclusion and empathy.
Turtle in Paradise (grades 3-6): This story is a relatable novel, following the life of a young girl visiting her mother’s hometown..
Science Fiction/ Fantasy Books
Both science fiction and fantasy books are wonderful genres for a read aloud. These books capture the attention of the reader with their descriptive scenes and adventurous spirit.
Harry Potter (grades 3-6): While everyone knows this name, many don’t realize the story of Harry Potter began as a book series. Each Harry Potter book takes you on a magical adventure with engaging descriptions and likable characters.
The Chronicles of Narnia (grades 3-6): This series of books was one of my favorites as a child and continues to be still to this day. The story is so far-fetched yet feels so real. Travel to Narnia and explore a world that is unlike any other.
The Magic Tree House (grades 1-3): Go on an adventure with Jack and Annie as they discover a tree house full of magical books. Each chapter book of the series takes you on a different adventure.
The Phantom Tollbooth (grades 3-6): This story is full of magic, wisdom and healing. A classic story all young readers should experience.
Concluding Thoughts on the Best Read Alouds
Read aloud chapter books are a sure way to engage the students in your classroom or the children in your home!
Researchers have found that read alouds are just as effective in teaching children to read as systematic instruction. Read alouds not only model fluency, they increase vocabulary and overall comprehension.
How can you include read aloud books for your elementary students throughout your day?
Related posts: Social Emotional Learning Books; How to Get Your Child to LOVE Reading
