Top Ten Read Alouds for 3rd Grade

You can find similar posts for 5th grade read alouds and 4th grade read alouds at these links!

It's no secret that read alouds enrich your classroom. (If you're not convinced of that, check out this post!) I love taking the time to choose the perfect novel. But since there are SO many great options out there, it's hard to narrow it down. So now what? How do you choose the read aloud that's best for you?

1. Typically, I do a new read aloud every month. Dragging a book on for too long will cause a loss of interest. Plus students begin to forget details from the beginning of the book before we even finish. 
2. I also consider the needs of my class. Are we studying something in Social Studies I can reinforce? Are we experiencing a social problem (i.e. the need to build empathy)? Choosing a book that my students need will ALWAYS make the read aloud more meaningful. 

After these considerations, I head to my list of favorite novels! You can find those below:

These are my TOP 10 novel choices for 3rd grade 

Wonder: In this realistic fiction text, August has a medical condition called Treacher Collins syndrome which affects many things, including his facial features. He begins a new school year and navigates fitting in and making friends. >>View my read aloud companion<<

The BFG: Sophie is shocked to be “kidsnatched” by a giant one night, right out of her bedroom window! But she soon learns that the giant means her no harm, he is the Big Friendly Giant. >>View my read aloud companion<<

The One and Only Ivan: This story is told from the perspective of Ivan, a silverback gorilla. He is living in a stationary circus, but promises his dying friend that he will help move himself and another animal friend from captivity. >>View my read aloud companion<<

The True Gift: This sweet holiday story is sure to get your class in the giving spirit. Liam and Lily are visiting family for the holidays when they notice a cow in need of a friend. >>View my read aloud companion<<

Mr. Popper’s Penguins: Mr. Popper is a bored house painter who is given 12 penguins from the South Pole. As his house is turned into a winter haven for these penguins, he comes up with a plan to help pay for their upkeep. >>View my read aloud companion<<

Pax: The main character of this story is forced to abandon his pet fox (Pax) when his father goes to war. When he decides to find and rescue Pax, Peter must go on a coming of age journey. >>View my read aloud companion<<

Ramona Quimby Age 8: Ramona is a third grader with a big heart and a lot of spunk. She often finds herself in humorous situations that celebrate childhood and growing up. >>View my read aloud companion<<

Charlotte’s Web: This classic is told from the perspective of Wilbur, a farm pig saved by his beloved Fern. Throughout the novel, Wilbur befriends the other barn animals, including a spider named Charlotte. >>View my read aloud companion<<

Superfudge: In this humorous novel Peter (Fudge) deals with a lot of changes that are relatable for your students. His parents have a new baby, his family moves, and his new school is not what he hoped for. >>View my read aloud companion<<

Because of Winn Dixie: This novel is the perfect book to lead into summer. It follows a summer with Opal as she moves to a new town in Florida. She finds an unexpected friend in a dog named Winn Dixie. >>View my read aloud companion<<

When I use these novels as read alouds, I've developed a bookmark and journal system for each book. 

As I read, I keep my students thinking with 2 questions. One question is asked before I read, the second is asked after. Sometimes we do these orally, sometimes in journal format. That's it! See below!

                    

You can find a read aloud companion for EVERY novel on my list in my TpT store. Click here to view all 10 novels for 3rd grade!