TeachThought Elementary School Reading List
The Bossy Gallito
Summary
The Bossy Gallito is a lively folktale about a proud and boisterous little rooster who struts around demanding respect from all the other animals. His arrogance leads him to challenge a series of creatures, but he ultimately meets his match when he encounters a hungry fox. The story highlights themes of humility and the consequences of overconfidence.
Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock
Summary
Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock is a tale about Anansi the spider who finds a magical rock that makes anyone who says a certain phrase fall asleep. He uses this trick to steal food from other animals, showcasing themes of deception and selfishness. Ultimately, the animals outwit Anansi, highlighting themes of justice and the consequences of trickery.
The Story of Ferdinand
Summary
The Story of Ferdinand tells the tale of a gentle bull who prefers smelling flowers over fighting in the bullring. Despite his peaceful nature, he is mistaken for a fierce bull and is taken to the arena. The story highlights themes of individuality and staying true to oneself, illustrating that true strength lies in embracing who you are rather than conforming to others’ expectations.
Flossie and the Fox
Summary
Flossie and the Fox tells the story of a clever young girl named Flossie who meets a cunning fox in the woods. The fox tries to trick her into thinking he’s harmless, but Flossie uses her quick thinking to outsmart him and stay safe. The tale emphasizes bravery, intelligence, and the value of trusting one’s instincts when dealing with deception.
Mabela the Clever
Summary
Mabela the Clever is a tale about a resourceful girl named Mabela who uses her wits to overcome challenges posed by a powerful chief. When the chief demands that she accomplish seemingly impossible tasks, Mabela cleverly devises solutions to meet his demands and outsmart him. The story showcases themes of ingenuity, resilience, and the power of cleverness in overcoming adversity.
Precious the Boo Hag
Summary
Precious and the Boo Hag follows the story of Precious, a brave young girl who encounters a mythical creature known as a Boo Hag. This creature preys on people while they sleep, but Precious uses her intelligence and bravery to outwit the Boo Hag and protect her family. The tale illustrates themes of courage, resourcefulness, and the importance of confronting fears with cleverness.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Summary
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs presents a humorous twist on the classic tale, told from the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf. According to the wolf, he was simply trying to borrow a cup of sugar from his neighbors, the pigs, but his attempts were misunderstood, leading to accusations of wrongdoing. The story explores themes of perspective, misunderstandings, and the importance of considering different viewpoints before passing judgment.
George and Martha
Summary
George and Martha tells the delightful story of two best friends, George and Martha, who are hippos with very different personalities. As they navigate various amusing and touching situations together, their deep friendship and mutual support shine through. The book emphasizes themes of friendship, acceptance, and the happiness that comes from sharing life’s moments with a loved one.
We are in the Book
Summary
We Are in the Book! is a playful story featuring Elephant and Piggie, who discover that they are characters in a book being read by a child. Realizing they can interact with their reader, they engage in a humorous and interactive conversation, breaking the fourth wall in delightful ways. The book highlights themes of engagement, imagination, and the joy of reading–encouraging children to see books as interactive and fun experiences.
Abracadabra: Magic with the Mouse and Mole
Summary
Abracadabra: Magic with Mouse and Mole follows the adventures of Mouse and Mole as they experiment with magic spells and potions. When their magical efforts lead to unexpected and humorous results, they learn important lessons about the consequences of their actions and the value of friendship. The story illustrates curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork, while engaging children with its whimsical approach to magic.
Lon Po Po
Summary
Lon Po Po is a Chinese retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood,” featuring three sisters who are visited by a cunning wolf disguised as their grandmother. The wolf’s deception and attempt to devour the sisters is thwarted by their cleverness and bravery. The story underscores themes of caution, resourcefulness, and the importance of staying alert in the face of danger.
Africa is my Home
Summary
Africa Is My Home tells the inspiring true story of a young girl named Aminah, who was captured and sold into slavery in the 19th century. Despite the hardships she faces, Aminah’s resilience and determination lead to her eventual freedom and return to her homeland. The story highlights themes of bravery, the enduring strength of the human spirit, and the importance of cultural heritage.
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table
Summary
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table follows the journey of Will Allen, a farmer who transforms an abandoned lot into a vibrant urban farm. Through his efforts, he creates a thriving community garden that provides fresh produce and educational opportunities for local residents. The story underscores themes of community, sustainability, and the impact of hands-on learning in improving lives and fostering environmental stewardship.
Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing
Summary
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing centers on Peter Hatcher, a fourth-grader who feels overshadowed by his mischievous younger brother, Fudge. As Peter navigates the challenges of school and home life, he faces numerous predicaments caused by Fudge’s antics. The story highlights themes of sibling rivalry, the quest for individuality, and the humorous yet relatable trials of growing up.
The Boy on the Wooden Box*
Summary
The Boy on the Wooden Box is a memoir by Leon Leyson, recounting his experiences as one of the youngest Jews to be saved from the Holocaust by Oskar Schindler. The book details Leyson’s harrowing journey from childhood in Poland to his eventual rescue and survival, illustrating both the horrors of war and the profound impact of Schindler’s bravery. The story emphasizes themes of courage, resilience, and the power of one person’s actions to change many lives.
Giants Beware!
Summary
Giants Beware! follows the adventurous Princess Serena, who sets out on a quest to slay a giant and prove her bravery. Along with her friends, the clever and courageous princess faces various challenges and encounters unexpected obstacles. The story highlights themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery, all while delivering humor and excitement through Serena’s daring journey.
Tortilla Sun
Summary
Tortilla Sun tells the story of a young girl named Rebecca who visits her grandmother in New Mexico after her mother’s passing. While there, she uncovers family secrets and learns about her cultural heritage through the stories and traditions of her grandmother. The novel highlights themes of family, cultural identity, and healing, as Rebecca connects with her roots and finds comfort in her grandmother’s tales.
Frindle
Summary
The Boy Who Loved Math*
Summary
Poppy
Summary
Martin and Mahalia*
Summary
Miracle Mud*
Summary
Courage has no Color*
Summary
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Matilda
Brick by Brick*
The Year of the Dog
How Big Were Dinosaurs?*
The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street
The Toothpaste Millionaire
Pluto’s Secret*
Sidekicks
Daredevil*
Better Nate than Ever
The Boy who Swam with Piranhas
Ask my Mood Ring How I Feel
Counting by 7s
Doll Bones
Handbook for Dragon Slayers
The Other Side of Free
How to Catch a Bogle
One Came Home
A Girl Called Problem
The Frog who Croaked
The Real Boy (Ursu)
The Screaming Staircase
Salt (Frost)
Serafina’s Promise
Sky Jumpers
The Spotted Dog Last Seen
Strike Three You’re Dead
Wild Boy (Jones)
The Water Castle
Will In Scarlet
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp
Written in Stone
The Year of Billy Miller
Bluffton (Phelan)
Hilda and the Bride Parade
Jane, The Fox, and Me
Star Wars: Jedi Academy
Donner Dinner Party
The Silver Six
Monster on the Hill
Nikki and Deja
The Magical Ms Plum
Freckle Juice
Bink and Gollie
Sadie and Ratz
Toys Go Out
Henry’s Freedom Box
Lunch Lady
Alvin Ho
Clementine
Hamster and Cheese
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Ellray Jake’s is not a Chicken
The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees*
These books are all classic children’s books that are perfect for kindergarten students. They are engaging, fun, and educational. They will help your child learn about the world around them and develop their love of reading.
There are numerous wonderful books available for children in kindergarten. Here are some classic and popular choices that are loved by both children and educators.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Winnie the Pooh
The Wonky Donkey
Be You
Kindness is my Superpower
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
I Will Always Love You
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The Book with No Pictures
The Rainbow Fish
The Day the Crayons Quit
How to Catch a Dinosaur
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Dragons Love Tacos
Grumpy Monkey
Corduroy by Don Freeman
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
I Love You to the Moon and Back
Patrick Picklebottom and the Penny Book
I Wish You More
Hot Dog
The Pout Pout Fish
What Do You Do With An Idea?
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
All of a Kind Family Family
Robot Dreams
Frog Song*
Charlotte’s Web
Little House on the Prairie
Ick! Yuck! Eew!
Locomotive!
Master George’s People!
On a Beam of Light*
A Splash of Red*
Volcano Rising*
Aseop in California
Can’t Scare Me
The Tree Lady*
Wild Animal Neighbors*
To Dare Mighty Things*
Grim, Grunt, and Grizzle Tail
Old Yeller
Prizefighter en mi casa
Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes
The Cricket in Times Square
The Great Brain (Fitzgerald)
Grandma and the Great Gourd
Demeter and Persephone
Theseus and Minotaur
Porch Lies (McKissack)
How Much is a Million
Day of Tears
Hansel and Gretel
Orpheus and Eurydice (Lupton)
Whiskers, Tails, and Wings
Homesick (Fritz)
Nasreddine
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Tulip Sees America
The Giving Tree
No Talking (Elliot)
The Ugly Duckling
Sneetches
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Bud, not Buddy
Jumanji
James and the Giant Peach
The Indian in the Cupboard
Shiloh
Zlateh and the Goat and Other Short Stories (Singer)
The Underneath
Inside Out & Back Again
Chronicles of Narnia
Elijah of Buxton
The 13 Clocks
The Lemonade War
The Lightning Thief
The Hobbit
Superfudge
Tethered (Davis)
http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/4th-grade-reading-list
http://kids.nypl.org/book-lists/third-grade
http://kids.nypl.org/book-lists/NYPL-Children’s-Books-2013:-Older-Chapter-Books
http://kids.nypl.org/book-lists/NYPL-Children’s-Books-2013:-Folktales-and-Fairy-Tales
http://kids.nypl.org/book-lists/NYPL-Children’s-Books-2013:-Nonfiction