Here are some of the best chapter books to use in an elementary book club – with reading extension activities for elementary students.
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Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd
Why we love it
Mallie’s life is not looking great. As part of a poor mining town, she has to work in a horrible, low-paying job in an attempt to support her family. Her dad was injured in the mines, and her younger brother could be taken to work there any day. A bit of hope does appear for Mallie, but will the mystery she uncovers cause more damage than the hopeless life she’s already living?
This magical book is stunning. It’s full of hope and new beginnings, friendship and family, and bravery fueled by love. Kids will love the adventure and mystery!
Extend the reading
*The idea for this task was inspired by Meri Cherry. Her idea is unicorn process art, while we modified it to a flying horse activity for older children.
Have each child create a flying horse collage. Use a Cricut or scissors to cut out silhouettes of flying horses. Encourage the kids to use art supplies to decorate a canvas or canvas panel and stick the flying horse silhouette on. Each child can also choose which color “binds” him/her with the horses!
I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Why we love it
Michael Collins is not as well-known as Buzz Aldrin or Neil Armstrong, but to Mamie – Michael Collins is the best one. As Mamie deals with a lot of turmoil at home, she writes letters to Michael Collins, all while the 1969 moon landing is taking place.
While Mamie’s story is being uncovered letter by letter, kids will absorb some really amazing moon landing information in a relatable way.
Extend the reading
A lot can be done to extend the reading of I Love You, Michael Collins because there is so much to learn about the 1969 moon landing. But, to provide you with a place to start, do what Mamie’s teacher did – have each child write a letter to an astronaut. They can write to a current astronaut or one of the three from the book, and they can write about anything – space, personal lives, anything.
Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres
Why we love it
There is also a Spanish edition. Known as the “Taco Queen” by her classmates, Stef is not the biggest fan of her family’s taco truck or her parents’ strict rules. All she wants is shake off her nickname and for her parents to trust her. Everything changes when her taco truck’s future is in jeopardy.
This story is about family, friendship, responsibility, and what matters in life. I love it.
Extend the reading
Make tacos! Look up fun recipes and try them out.
Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Why we love it
Taking place during the Great Migration, Finding Langston is a wonderful peek into history. Langston and his father have moved to a 1946 Chicago. Langston feels lonely and misses home. But, when he comes across a library that welcomes everyone, he also finds Langston Hughes.
This is an interesting story for kids who may relate to some of the things Langston faces – a bully, feeling lonely, losing a parent. It also ties historical fiction and poetry together. There’s also a companion novel from the perspective of Langston’s bully. I haven’t read it, but I linked it here in case you’re interested.
Extend the reading
Write poetry! Have the kids each find a favorite Langston Hughes poem and then have them write a poem about: what it means to them, summarizing the poem, talking about a favorite part of the poem, etc. Let them get creative.
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
Why we love it
All about friendship, this magical realism story is set in Victorian London. Nan, one of the best child chimney sweeps (and a girl!), is living a miserable life working for a horrible master. That is until she almost dies in a chimney fire and finds an unexpected friend, a golem.
This book is a peek into the life of a child chimney sweep in Victorian London – a part of history that is sometimes overlooked in curriculum. This story uses magical realism to help kids dive into the world many children faced. It’s a heart-warming story. I do want to say: it’s written for 8-12 year old children, but it is a little over 300 pages.
Extend the reading
Using any craft supplies you can find, have the kids create their own golems. They can design them however they’d like – whatever their imaginations can come up with!
The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz
Why we love it
Baking fanatic Tristan feels uprooted when his family moves from New York City to a small upstate town. But, when he gets to start his own business – a doughnut stand – he finds that he doesn’t have to be gifted like his sister to do really cool things.
Extend the reading
This book is amazing for introducing business concepts to kids. Have the students come up with a business idea and flesh it out, using the concepts in the book.
There is also a sequel so the fun can continue! Tristan is on a kids cooking show, so after reading it, the kids can put together their own cooking contest! *Supervised of course!