Book Clubs in the Upper Elementary Classroom
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Wanna know what I enjoy most about teaching fifth graders?
Book Clubs!
Okay, yes I am a bit of a Daily 5 junkie, but that’s not the only reason why I love book clubs.
It was because of the conversations and being able to foster strong connections with my students, and if you teach upper elementary students like I do, then you understand how important building relationships is.
Incorporating Book Clubs in the upper elementary classroom is a powerful way to engage students and ensure that their instructional needs are being met. It’s so common for students who wouldn’t dare raise their hand during a whole-group lesson to speak up during the small group reading instruction with questions and insights about the text we are reading.
There’s a big curricular jump from early elementary to upper elementary, and book clubs provide teachers with the time and space to nurture critical thinking, communication, and comprehension skills so students can continue to be successful.
Which is why having a strong plan and engaging books is crucial!
Why Are Book Clubs Important for Upper Elementary Students?
If you’ve taught upper elementary students before, then you understand the unique developmental needs of this age group.
Being stuck in the middle of no longer being early elementary students but not yet middle schoolers poses a challenge in addressing the needs - both academically and socially - of upper elementary students.
But through incorporating Book Clubs using the Daily 5 framework, you can create a fun yet educational environment that will continue to grow strong literacy skills for all your students.
And how do book clubs do that?
During this small group reading instruction, students can create a deep understanding of the storyline, characters, and themes of the text they are reading through guided discussions. These discussions give students the to opportunity to “mull over” tricky parts of the text talking through parts of the story that confused them and expressing their opinions of important moments of the text.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of these discussions is the opportunity for students to listen to the different perspectives offered by their peers. Being immersed in these various perspectives opens up an entirely new layer of understanding that is driven by empathy and genuine curiosity.
On more of a “practical” lens, bringing book clubs into the upper elementary classroom attends to the social needs of older students while also providing them with a structured time to practice and strengthen their communication skills and gain confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
This all sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
BUT - there’s a catch…
Recommended Books for Upper Elementary Book Clubs
Not to sound too “dooms-dayish”, but the best-planned lesson can fall apart if students aren’t engaged in the text.
If you’re constantly battling the “This book is boring…” complaint, then you are never going to get anywhere with your small group discussions.
But choosing a book is SO hard! There are so many things to consider…
Reading level…
Connection to content…
The skills you want to teach kids…
Not to mention that kids have to actually like it!
Finding the “right” book can seem like an impossible task, but over the years I’ve been able to create a list of books that kids love year after year.
Here are a few of my (and my students) favorite book recommendations for Book Clubs in upper elementary…
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is such a fun and imaginative book, perfect for upper elementary students. I love how Beverly Cleary uses rich descriptions throughout the story, and the vocabulary and plot are just challenging enough to stretch students without being too difficult.
The story itself is fast-paced and full of adventure. Ralph, a little mouse living in a hotel, discovers a toy motorcycle and goes on all sorts of exciting adventures that are sure to capture your students’ imaginations.
The themes presented in this book are super relatable, so students can easily make connections between Ralph’s journey and their own lives. Plus, it opens up some great conversations about bigger topics like kindness and cooperation.
The dual-perspective narrative is another fun element that makes this book stand out. I’m sure it’ll quickly become a favorite in your classroom!
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Need the perfect book to captivate your students - especially boys - in a book club?
Hatchet is the answer!
This action-packed survival story will have your students on the edge of their seats.
Brian, a 13-year-old who finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. With only his instincts - and a hatchet - he has to figure out how to survive. Upper elementary students will relate to Brian’s journey of self-reliance, problem-solving, and resilience as he transforms from a scared boy into a capable survivor.
Hatchet is a goldmine for discussions on character development and personal growth. Plus, the survival-themed vocabulary connects perfectly to science and social studies, making it a fantastic cross-curricular choice.
The thematic possibilities are endless!
Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Looking for a book that will keep your students engaged and laughing? (yes, I said laughing…)
Tales of Fourth-Grade Nothing is a great pick!
This story is super relatable with its focus on sibling rivalry and family. The story focuses on Peters's struggle with his mischievous little brother, Fudge, which is something that A LOT of students can relate to!
Beyond the humor in the book (which we can all appreciate), Peter’s growth in the story offers a chance to discuss responsibility, empathy, and handling challenges. Plus, it’s simple language and timeless appeal make it accessible for all reading levels.
This is a classic with the perfect balance of laughs and heart.
Books for Upper Elementary Book Clubs
These are just a few of my favorite book choices for elementary book clubs.
For more book recommendations for upper elementary book clubs, check out my Amazon Favorites list!
Get Started with the Daily 5
Looking for help getting the Daily 5 up and running in your literacy block?
Check out my Daily 5 Toolkit for Grades 3-5
In it, you’ll get everything you need to get started with easy-to-use resources.