Teaching fourth grade in pandemic, I spend a lot of time quarantining books, wiping down books, and helping students choose books in a way in which they don’t all touch them at once. It can be a challenging balance, but it’s given me a lot of insight as to what the “favorites” are in my fourth grade classroom library.
- Wonder: This should come as no surprise! Most of my students love either reading this book on their own or having it read to them. It’s relatable, while also teaching empathy and kindness. Personally, my favorite part is that each chapter is written from a different perspective. It gives students the opportunity to look at the same situation through different lenses!
- Amulet: Personally, I’m wishing I had three copies of each book in this series, because we are constantly quarantining them! Graphic novels have become increasingly popular and, honestly, they’re really good for kids. Most graphic novels have more challenging vocabulary than your typical grade level text, and the students get the added bonus of reading complex illustrations to help them understand the situation. My students just love this series! If only I didn’t have to quarantine each time they took it out…!
- Out of my Mind: Since we are doing Realistic Fiction, I will most likely have this as my next classroom read aloud despite some of the students already reading it. This book is one of my all time favorites, to be honest. It’s from the perspective of a girl with a disability that prohibits her from walking or talking on her own, giving you a glimpse into her thoughts and life. It gives students a feeling of gratitude as well as understanding. I have some students who have read this book several times, they love it so much! It’s hard not to fall for the main character, Melody.
- The War that Saved My Life: I read this book myself for the first time last year and, I have to say, it really affected me. I thought about it for weeks! I had one student read it recently and now everyone wants it! It’s a historical fiction book taking place in World War II England, from the perspective of a 10 year old girl who has never left her apartment because her cruel mother is too embarrassed by her twisted club foot to let her outside. Her little brother is sent to the country to escape the war in London, where she finds opportunity to start over. This book stays with you, and the students just love it.
- “I Survived”series: I can’t have enough of these on hands! I have students flying through this series. Each book takes place in a different major event in history. 9/11, The Japanese Tsunami,The Battle of Gettysburg…there are 24 books in the series and, truthfully, I wish I had them all! The students really enjoy them and they are definitely the most popular series I have on the shelf.
- The Lightning Thief: Another one of my favorites that I’m thrilled the students are discovering! The lightning thief is about a boy who is half human/half god who must follow a dangerous quest. If you have any interest in greek mythology, it’s definitely the series for you. This is a true adventure novel that keeps students on the edge of their seat. Plus, it’s a series! When I first read this a couple years ago, I read all the books in a couple weeks, it was so addicting! Luckily, I have a few copies of this one in my room!
- Harry Potter: Surprise, surprise! The students know just how much I love Harry Potter, which I’m sure has some influence, but it’s obviously been a popular series since I was younger than they are. It can be a challenging series for younger students, but it can also be a great series to read along with an adult.
If you’re a teacher, what books are your students drawn to in your library?
I think that The War That Saved My Life is one of the best books I’ve ever read. The sequel is right up there too. Wouldn’t it make a great movie or series?