best books for family read-alouds

Oh, friends.

So many of you have asked for book lists that I’m going to make it a summer of book lists for you.

Brace yourselves.

One each week.

For the most part, I’ll keep them short and sweet– ten books max– because I know we’re all busy, and I know that’s sometimes all we can handle.

But the coolest part? I’ll have my kids helping.

That’s right.

Maddy, who’s 12, Owen, who is 10 now but who will be 11 by the end of the summer, and Cora, who is 9, will be helping me to curate lists. Straight from their nightstands to this lil ole blog.

Of course, I’ll weigh in as well with my two cents’ worth. Because I’m doing what I can to keep up with their reading as well.

So you’ll get a bit from the tweens, and you’ll get a bit from an educator mama.

Here we go!

Best Books for Family Read-Alouds:

Reading as a family is hard. I get it.

We’re all doing different things, and especially as the kids get older, it’s tough to find books that everyone is interested in on top of a time that works for everyone.

Listen, friends.

I’ll give you the books the kids will like. You find the time that works.

These books are some of our favorites. I am betting that soon they’ll be yours, too.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
Follow Charlie’s adventures through the chocolate factory after he finds the last golden ticket!

Hoot, by Carl Hiassen
Readers will learn to look for the silver lining after seeing how Roy’s experience with a school bully allows him to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Wonder, by R. J. Palacio
August Pullman is not your ordinary 5th grader; in fact, he’s nothing short of extraordinary. This book is one that every, single child should read.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling
Harry is an underdog from the beginning. Readers will love to watch his confidence grow as he learns how to navigate life inside–and outside–the walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo
One of the most beautiful tales about appreciating the journey instead of the destination, Edward Tulane’s adventures will be unforgettable for young readers.

Grab all of the books here: (click on a book and get it this week with your Amazon Prime!)
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And you want to take the read-alouds even a bit further?

You can.

Here’s how you can take your family read-aloud a bit further:

Grab Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie and do a post-read comparison!
Go for the four-book set by Carl Hiassen and do a mini-author study!
Have your kids keep a Wonder journal this summer to really help them appreciate what they have!
Read the gorgeous illustrated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — you will absolutely love it.
Have a Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone movie viewing party after you finish the book. Discuss what was done well and what you wish was different.
Listen to an audio book of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on your own family’s journey to summer vacation!

Cheers, and happy reading during this incredibly exciting journey!

fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy.