Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco

Another great Patricia Polacco book to read to upper elementary students is called Mr. Lincoln’s Way.  In this story a boy, nicknamed Mean Gene by his peers, learns through the help of his principal how to be nice and get along with others.  This book opens up discussions about bullying, helping your school community, child abuse, different interests, and friendship.  A must read that is enjoyable!

Thank You, Mr. Faulker by Patricia Polacco

Thank You, Mr. Faulker is my favorite Patricia Polacco book because Patricia tells her life story of struggling to learn to read.  This book is very powerful when it is read to upper elementary school students because it gives those who struggle with learning some hope that one day they can be successful too.

The book is autobiographical, yet the students do not realize that until the end of the story when Polacco mentions that the story is true because it is her tale.  She grows up to be a writer and illustrator of children's books even though she didn't learn how to read until the fifth grade.  What a remarkable book to open up discussions about bullying, struggling with school, moving, family support, death, mentors, and hope to become what you love to do.

Blood On The River by Elisa Carbone

A great historical fiction book that I love to read to my fifth graders is Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone. This novel tells the story of the settling of Jamestown through a young boy’s perspective.  The story starts off in England where the main character who is an orphan is sent to work on the boat that is headed for the New World.  The boy is assigned to be the indentured servant of Captain James Smith.

Elisa Carbone starts off each chapter of her book with a historical excerpt from the actual journals of people who were on the ship and settled Jamestown.  The old English is hard to read, but fascinates students as they learn how words and spelling have changed in the last 400 years.  The excerpts are only a paragraph or two long, and they add to what the chapter will be about.

The story includes the stormy torments of passing across the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the stopping at the Caribbean Islands which adds to the story and stays historically accurate.  Carbone has included at the end of the book a response as to what was actually historical and what she decided to add based on different views and perspectives when she researched the book.

While the book does start off a little slow for some students, all students are eventually mesmerized by the tale.  This is definitely a great book to add some history and adventure into your child’s life!

Fig Pudding by Ralph Fletcher

Fig Pudding by Ralph Fletcher is one of the realistic fiction books that I start the school year off reading aloud to my students.  Most kids have siblings and can relate to the main character that is around their age and the oldest of six kids.  Each chapter of the book tells a story about a different child in the family.  This book has funny tales, sad tales, and thoughtful lessons just like any other family may experience!

Please Note

Please note that I have read all of the books mentioned on this site.  I taught Upper Elementary (grades 4 and 5) for six years, so most of the books on this site were also read by students in this age bracket.  Of course everyone is an individual and has unique tastes.  Hopefully, you can find a book that will interest your child and help build or continue a love of reading!  Enjoy!