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Shop My 50 Favorite Books For Family Read Alouds
Reading is Epic and the Holidays are coming!
Do you wish your child loved to read as much as you do? Unfortunately, many kids do not love to read these days.
There are many reasons why, but the best way to get them to love reading is to read a great book aloud to them.
We are so focused on getting our kids to read on their own that we have forgotten how much pleasure they get from listening to a good story.
But what book to read?
Look no further than this list I curated from teachers’ and students’ favorite books for read alouds or for kids to read on their own.
Shop My Favorite Books For Family Read Alouds
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1905
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden.
My favorite book ever! Ages 8 and up.
A Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1911
From the author of The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett, comes another beloved children’s classic – now in its original edition with authentic illustrations, a fun character quiz, and more!
So magical! Ages 9 and up.
Heidi
by Johanna Spyri, 1922
Simple yet captivating, Heidi is a beautiful tale of finding one’s way back home, of friendship, and of the majestic Alps. Discover the importance of kindness and the healing power of nature and the mountains in this nostalgic read for adults filled with sweet lessons for children.
Uplifting! Ages 8 and up.
Ann of Green Gables
by Lucy Maud Montgomery, 1908
Spirited orphan Anne charms her adoptive family and community despite initial troubles, excelling academically while navigating life’s tragedies.
Meaningful! Ages 8 and up.
The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
by Astrid Lindgren, 1945
The escapades of the incomparable Pippi, the girl with upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, have delighted boys and girls alike.
Exciting! Ages 5 and up.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
by Elizabeth George Speare, 1958
A sixteen-year-old girl arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687, alone and desperate, and is forced to join a family she has never met.
Inspiring! Ages 10 and up.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O’Dell, 1960
A young girl survives alone on an island, battling wild animals and hunters, showcasing remarkable resilience and self-reliance.
Captivating! Ages 10 and up.
Where the Red Fern Grows
by Wilson Rawls, 1961
A young boy and his two hunting dogs become the finest hunting team in the valley, but tragedy awaits these determined hunters-turned-friends.
Powerful! Ages 8 and up.
Matilda
by Roald Dahl, 1988
A young girl with extraordinary powers faces a menacing headmistress and discovers her ability to fight back.
Engaging! Ages 8 and up.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo, 2006
Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost…
Miraculous! Ages 7 and up.
Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Patterson, 1977
Heartwarming tale of two friends who create an imaginary world, until tragedy strikes, testing one’s resilience through grief.
Touching! Ages 9 and up.
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame, 1908
Mole and Ratty’s friendship is tested by Mr. Toad’s antics and the Wild Wood’s dangers in this classic children’s book, “The Wind in the Willows.”
Whimsical! Ages 5 and up.
A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L’Engle, 1962
Three otherworldly creatures appear and sweep Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe away on a mission to save Mr. Murray, who has gone missing while doing top-secret work for the government.
Fantasy! Ages 9 and up.
Flowers for Algernon
by Daniel Keyes, 1958
A man undergoes surgery to increase his intelligence, but his lab mouse companion deteriorates, raising concerns about his own fate.
Fascinating! Ages 14 and up.
Old Yeller
by Fred Gipson, 1956
A timeless American classic and one of the most beloved children’s books ever written, Old Yeller is a Newbery Honor Book that explores the poignant and unforgettable bond between a boy and the stray dog who becomes his loyal friend.
Deeply moving! Ages 9 and up.
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
by Betty MacDonald, 1947
Meet Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle! She lives in an upside-down house with a kitchen that is always full of freshly baked cookies. She was even married to a pirate once! Best of all, she knows everything there is to know about children.
Hilarious! Ages 5 and up.
Henry Huggins
by Beverly Cleary, 1950
Boys and girls alike will be charmed instantly by an average boy whose life is turned upside down when he meets a lovable puppy with a nose for mischief.
Charming! Ages 6 and up.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by E.L. Konisgsburg, 1967
A girl runs away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with her brother, and they discover a beautiful statue that baffles the experts.
Mystery solving! Ages 8 and up.
The Dollhouse Murders
by Betty Ren Wright, 1983
Sinister secrets unravel as Amy gets closer to revealing the mystery of the dolls in this haunting novel that combines complicated family relationships with a bone-chilling mystery.
Suspenseful! Ages 9 and up.
The Pink Motel
by Caorl Ryrie Brink, 1959
It isn’t long after the Mellens arrive at the motel that things go even more off kilter with regulars (and some irregulars) taking up residence in the cottages.
Delightful adventure! Ages 8 and up.
The Hoboken Chicken Emergency
by Daniel and Jill Pinkwater, 1977
When Arthur Bobowicz is sent out to bring home the family’s Thanksgiving turkey, he returns instead with Henrietta — a 266 pound chicken with a mind of her own.
Hilarious! Ages 8 and up.
Black Beauty
by Anna Sewell, 1877
Written in a first-person narrative, the book takes readers through the story of a horse named Black Beauty, who experiences joy and tragedy in his life.
Exquisite! Ages 8 and up.
Half Magic
by Edward Eager, 1954
It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen.
Funny and gentle! Ages 5 and up.
Treasure Island
by Robert Louis Stevenson, 1883
Open seas and endless adventure await in this classic tale that inspired so many movies and novels and continues to capture the imagination of young and old readers in every page!
Adventure! Ages 8 and up.
The Watsons Go To Birmingham
by Christopher Paul Curtis, 1963
A family road trip during the civil rights movement leads to a powerful exploration of history, family, and resilience.
Deeply moving! Ages 10 and up.
Poppy
by Avi, 1995
In the second book in the Tales of Dimwood Forest by Newbery Medal-winning author Avi, a tiny deer mouse named Poppy dares to stand up to a tyrannical owl.
Exciting and suspenseful! Ages 7 and up.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson, 1971
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, and swear. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.
Outrageous! Ages 7 and up.
A Taste of Blackberries
by Doris Buchanan Smith, 1973
Jamie isn’t afraid of anything. Always ready to get into trouble, then right back out of it, he’s a fun and exasperating best friend. But when something terrible happens to Jamie, his best friend has to face the tragedy alone.
Deep and emotional! Ages 8 and up.
Charlotte’s Web
by E.B. White, 1952
A pig’s life is saved by a spider who weaves words into her web to prevent his slaughter. A tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death.
A proven favorite! Ages 5 and up.
The Westing Game
by Ellen Raskin, 1978
A group of strangers gather for a millionaire’s will reading, only to find themselves caught up in his final, elaborate game filled with twists and wordplay.
Suspenseful and humorous! Ages 9 and up.
The Cricket in Times Square
by George Selden, 1960
The timeless children’s classic featuring a business-savvy mouse, a kind alley cat, and a talented country cricket.
Adventures and friendship! Ages 7 and up.
Johnny Tremain
by Esther Forbes, 1943
Johnny Tremain, winner of the 1944 Newbery Medal, is one of the finest historical novels ever written for children. As compelling today as it was fifty years ago, to read this riveting novel is to live through the defining events leading up to the American Revolutionary War.
Riveting historical fiction! Ages 10 and up.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
by Ian Fleming, 1964
Ian Fleming, best known for his James Bond novels, wrote only one children s book and it is a classic! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the name of the flying, floating, driving-by-itself automobile that takes the Pott family on a riotous series of adventures as they try to capture a notorious gang of robbers.
Humor and adventure! Ages 6 and up.
Harry Potter series
by J.K. Rowling, 1997
A box set containing all seven Harry Potter books, featuring bold and graphic cover illustrations by renowned Scottish artist Clare Melinsky and a new photo image of JK Rowling on the inside rear cover.
Spellbinding saga! Ages 9 and up.
Peter Pan
by J.M. Barrie, 1902
In pursuit of his lost shadow, a young boy named Peter Pan dashes into the bedroom of three children named Wendy, Michael, and John. After much blundering about, Wendy manages to reattach Peter’s frenetic shadow, and in return, Peter propositions the three siblings to accompany him back to his home in a place he calls Neverland.
Fantasy and fun! Ages 4 and up.
The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien, 1937
A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible… All those, young or old, who love a fine adventurous tale, beautifully told, will take The Hobbit to their hearts. – NYT
Fantasy and adventure! Ages 5 and up.
Julie of the Wolves
by Jean Craighead George, 1972
The thrilling Newbery Medal–winning classic about a girl lost on the Alaskan tundra and how she survives with the help of a wolf pack.
Wilderness adventure! Ages 8 and up.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
by Judy Blume, 1972
Exasperated older brother seeks attention from parents distracted by mischievous younger sibling’s antics involving turtle theft.
Highly amusing! Ages 8 and up.
Harriet the Spy
by Louise Fitzguh, 1964
It’s no secret that Harriet the Spy is a timeless classic that kids will love! Every day can be an adventure if you just look carefully enough!
Adventure! Ages 8 and up.
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate, 2012
This unforgettable novel celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself.
Humor and poignancy! Ages 8 and up.
The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
by Margaret Sidney, 1881
A favorite of children, parents, and teachers for generations, this heartwarming classic first appeared in 1880. Since then, it has inspired countless young imaginations with its tender tales of the ways in which courage and good cheer can overcome adversity.
Courage and good cheer! Ages 8 and up.
Shiloh
by Phyllis ReynoldsNaylor, 1991
When Marty Preston comes across a young beagle in the hills behind his home, it’s love at first sight—and also big trouble.
Moving and powerful! Ages 9 and up.
A Season of Gifts
by Richard Peck, 2009
With a storyteller’s sure tone, Peck has once again created a whole world in one small Illinois town, a place where the folksy wisdom and generosity of one gruff old woman can change lives. – School Library Journal
Humor and strong characterization! Ages 9 and up.
The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown, 2016
A newly awakened robot stranded alone on a wild island must adapt, befriend animals, and unravel her mysterious past.
Action and thought provoking questions! Ages 7 and up.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
by Mildred D. Taylor, 1977
Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family’s struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie’s story.
A moving novel! Ages 10 and up.
The Twenty-One Balloons
by William Pene du BoBois, 1947
Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.
Fantasy Adventure! Ages 9 and up.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
by Mark Twain, 1884
Witty and poignant, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is often cited as the preeminent “Great American Novel.” So join this willful vagabond as he sails down the Mighty Mississippi and discovers one thrilling adventure followed by another.
Classic Adventures! Ages 10 and up.
The Little House books
by Laura Ingallls Wilder, 1930
The nine books in the timeless Little House series tell the story of Laura’s real childhood as an American pioneer, and are cherished by readers of all generations.
Heartwarming Stories! Ages 6 and up.
Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry, 1989
Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden.
Historical Fiction and Heroism! Ages 9 and up.
Sounder
by William H. Armstrong, 1969
The Newbery Medal–winning classic novel about the courage and faith—and the love of a dog—that give a family strength in the face of inhumanity.
Powerful and emotional! Ages 9 and up.
Next Steps
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