Three Books I'm Considering Reading Aloud to 5th Graders
This is one of the hardest parts about reading aloud: Selecting the title! One of the 5th grade classrooms invited me to read aloud in their classroom in November. As a former 5th grade teacher, I've scoured past and present titles. Here are my top three candidates, listed in order by author's last name:
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The Secret School by Avi (Harcourt, 2001)
This story takes place in a one room schoolhouse in 1925. Fourteen-year-old Ida Bidson wants to graduate from high school. Unfortunately, the teacher leaves and the school is set to close for the remainder of the year. While the rest of the students seem resigned to this fate, Ida's determination to continue her education takes her from student to teacher, secretly taking over the classroom represented by many age levels and personalities.
Why I'm considering it: School has become an entitlement in the present day. What if school meant more to students that something compulsory? How might students today rethink these opportunities if public education was no guarantee? I would look forward to having these conversations with 5th graders if this book were selected.
The Landry News by Andrew Clements (Simon & Schuster, 1999)
A once-effective and now jaded educator, Mr. Larson, is going through the motions as a 5th grade teacher. Cara Landry is not settling for less regarding her learning, so she creates a classroom newspaper that highlights the issues in her classroom. As you can imagine, humor and drama ensue. The principal, Dr. Barnes, looks to use Clara's reporting as a way to oust Mr. Larson from his current position.
Why I'm considering it: Freedom of speech is at the forefront of conversations today, especially with social media and other ways to communicate online. Tweens and teens need to have deep discussions about the importance of balancing "truth with mercy". Stories like The Landry News, along with thoughtful questions and a teacher's guidance, can facilitate this type of classroom talk.
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998)
Joey has ADHD, and his medication isn't working like it used to. The title for the story reveals an example of his situation: During class, Joey kept swallowing his house key, then bringing it back up via the string it was attached to...until the string broke. Gantos tells this story through Joey's perspective, which includes living in a single-parent family. His situation at home, including a father who "doesn't believe in meds", makes life for Joey a challenge.
Why I'm considering it: As another educator once told me, you could throw a ball in the hallway at school during passing time and probably hit someone with ADHD. But what is school life like for someone with this condition? If I were to read aloud this book, I would look to build empathy and understanding for learners with all sorts of challenges.
Whichever book is selected, I am confident it will be well-received by the 5th grade class. Maybe you can help. Leave a comment on this post that includes the title we should enjoy in November and why. I'll share your opinion with the class on November 3rd, when we vote on which one to read. Better yet, join us next month by reading aloud the same text to your intermediate/middle level classroom. Maybe we can connect online and share our thoughts with each other as a larger learning community of readers and thinkers.