Great Read Alouds for the Last Month of School

It's that time of year...the countdown has begun; everyone has that end of year itch.  Here are a few read alouds (or audiobooks) that sing of summer.


1. A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck.

Set during the great depression, the book tells the story of Joey, his sister Mary Alice, and  and their outside of the box grandmother: Mrs. Dowdel.  The book chronicles nine summers spent with Grandma Dowdel, with each chapter representing a new summer.  Please Note; This book requires  deep inference as much of the humor is indirect.  It also contains some "questionable" content, such as when the children and their grandmother come across the town sheriff and his buddies on a fishing trip.  The men are drunk, in their underwear, and acting obnoxious - you might want to avoid if you think your students are not mature enough for this or they will find this offensive.

2. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit.

Set during one HOT August week, Tuck Everlasting tells the story of a family that lives forever.  This book is sure to get your students thinking even if they are already have "checked out" for the year.

3. No Talking by Andrew Celements 

Andrew Celements just gets school politics, student-teacher relationships, and student to student interactions, and he proves this best in No Talking.  This book tells the story of two smart kids, a exceptionally talkative fifth grade class, and a boys vs. girls no talking competition that turns into so much more.  This book is GREAT if  you have a 5th grade class preparing to graduate to middle school.  Also, it is lighter reading than numbers 1 and 2 on my list if  you are looking for something not quite so heavy.

4. Bud, Not Buddy
Bud, from Bud, Not Buddy, is in my opinion one of the most enduring child characters in the great hall of children's/young adult literature.  Bud's story is told through humor, emotion, and beautiful figurative language. The story is set in the summer months and is usually well received by students.

"You are almost there, the light is at the end of the tunnel, deep breath, finish strong."  I told that to my students daily during May and that first week of June, but little did they know I was really telling myself that too!   I hope you dig into a book or two from this list as you round out your year.