The challenges - to appeal to both boys and girls; to appeal to a higher order of thinking; to keep a whole spectrum of students engaged; to be short enough that we finish within a reasonable amount of time...
Tuck Everlasting, our last read aloud, did just that. It was a rocky start with a first chapter that would knock most adults into confusion, but we kept going, and the book rewarded our eager listening ears. Predictions were made, questions were posed, and most students remained attentive.
But what do we do now? Adventure or Fantasy? Mystery or Historical Fiction? Serious or Light-hearted?
My gut instinct is to go with Zorgamazoo (a book where the style of Roald Dahl meets Dr. Seuss) - only a few students have read it (as per my recommendation), and it's been a favorite of my previous fourth graders as a read aloud. Hmm... Guess I'll sleep on that.
If that's the biggest dilemma right now, then I think we're doing pretty well...
Edward Tulane (Kate DiCamillo) is another excellent choice- it was a little high for my kids but they loved it- might be too low for your kids... just saying- love her books!!!
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