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TIPS FOR PARENTS
encouraging your child to read
| tips on reading aloud | chapter
books for reading aloud
All of these novels have passed the test of being read to potentially
restless groups of children with good results. Either I have read
them aloud myself to classes, or friends of mine have read them
in their classrooms.
These are arranged by the ages they are suitable for reading to, from
youngest to oldest. A “G” indicates they are described in more
detail in Great Books for Girls, and a “B” for Great
Books for Boys. A few are not in either book.
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
An old favorite about a boy named Elmer Elevator who seeks adventure
in another world where he escapes from wild animals and rescues
a dragon. B
The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron
Each chapter tells an appealing story about an African-American
boy named Julian, his family, and his friends. Lyrical writing combined
with child-oriented humor. B
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
Popular in any elementary school grade, this is a timeless fantasy
about a friendship between a pig and a spider. Everyone should read
or listen to this. Also try the wonderful Stuart Little (B)
by E.B. White. G
Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
Everyone should meet the irrepressible Ramona. Her trials and joys
ring true with many listeners because Ramona seems so very real.
G/B
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
A girl makes friends in a small town, aided by the dog she meets
at the grocery store.
Bunnicula by James Howe
In this combination of humor and mystery, a dog describes the consequences
of having a new pet in the family, a rabbit that might just be a
vampire. Great fun. B
Frindle by Andrew Clements
A wonderful, short book about a boy who invents a new word for “pen,”
and persuades his classmates to adopt it, despite his teacher’s
opposition. B
The Not-Just-Anybody Family by Betsy Byars
In this first book in a great series about a likable family, Junior tries
to fly off a barn, Pap ends up in jail, and Vern and Maggie try to break
into jail to find him.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
A hilarious book about a traditional Christmas pageant that is disrupted
when the worst kids in town decide they’d like roles in it.
Lots of laughs and a few touching scenes. B
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede
The princess Cimorene runs away from her boring life at the castle
and gets a job working for the King of Dragons. A clever and funny
fantasy. First in a series of four. G/B
Dog Friday by Hilary McKay
In this British novel, ten-year-old Robbie finds a stray dog and
hopes to keep it, but must wait a week for others to claim ownership.
His crazy neighbors provide humor and several adventures. B
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
This gripping story, set in Denmark during World War Two, tells
of the efforts to help the Jewish family of ten-year-old Ellen Rosen
escape to Sweden. Children love this tale of friendship and courage.
Be prepared to cry at the end. G/B
Granny the Pag by Nina Bawden
Cat’s grandmother, a leather-clad psychiatrist who drives a
motorcycle, has made Cat’s life safe and happy, so when the
girl’s negligent parents suddenly want her back in their house,
she fights with all her strength against it. G
Anastasia Again by Lois Lowry
A hilarious read-aloud, this is the second book in a series about
Anastasia Krupnik. In this installment, she and her family move
from the city out to the suburbs, a fate she dreads but which turns
out to have its good points.
Behind the Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil
War Spy by Seymour Reit
For children who want to hear “real” stories, try an exciting
biography like this one about a woman who disguised herself as a
man to serve in the Union Army for two years during the Civil War.
Some of the time she acted as a spy, “disguised” as a
woman! G/B
Yolonda’s Genius by Carol Fenner
Yolonda is a big, strong, smart African-American girl who is convinced
that her younger brother is a musical genius. While she schemes
and fights to help him realize his dream, her own genius for planning
and accomplishing her goals is revealed. G/B
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This 1962 fantasy has lost none of its appeal or magic. Children
still love to hear about the three children who take a journey into
another dimension to rescue the father of two of them and save their
world from disaster. G/B
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© 2003, Kathleen Odean, all rights reserved.
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