November is a time for elections, veterans, turkey, and thinking about all you are grateful for. It is hard to fit all that in while also teaching required content. The best way I know to enjoy all things November is to explore the various topics through books. I compiled a list of some of my favorite November read alouds for you. If you click the photos it will take you directly to the amazon page for it.
Election Day Read Alouds
Duck for President
Farmer Brown has a problem: his animals haven’t been pitching in around the farm. Well, Farmer Brown is putting his foot down. When he announces that all the animals have to help out and do more chores, Duck decides to take matters into his own hands and run for Farmer! Duck for President is a fun read aloud and a great way to introduce the power of voting. After reading the book with your students, check out these FREE RESOURCES from the National Parks Service.
If I Ran for President
If I Ran for President is a multicultural cast of children imagines what it would be like to run for president. It runs through the fun ideas when thinking of being center stage, but then goes through the hard parts of being in the spotlight. The entertaining yet informative text is a good conversation starter for discussions on the election process.
Grace for President
A fresh, fun, and “thought-provoking” New York Times bestseller about the American electoral college and why every vote counts. Grace for President is a great read aloud that leads to though-proving questions and great discussions!
Veterans Day Read Alouds
The Poppy Lady
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today. Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts, primary documents, and Moina’s great-nieces to better understand Moina’s determination to honor the war veterans. After reading The Poppy Lady, you can pass out these poppies to students so they can share the meaning of the symbol.
Thank You Veterans
Sami is excited to join his community in saying “thank you” to the heroes who served. From waving flags to joining a Veterans Day parade, Sami learns how important it is to honor veterans with gratitude and respect. Thank You Veterans is a heartwarming story that introduces children to the meaning of Veterans Day in a gentle and inspiring way.
Thanksgiving Read Alouds
Turkey Trouble
Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving…and you’re the main course. But Turkey has an idea–what if he doesn’t look like a turkey? Turkey Trouble is a fun read aloud that all students love. After reading this fun story with students, try this FREE RESOURCE with your class!
Last Stop on Market Street
This is a delightful book about a bus ride. It really is as simple as that, and yet it is so much more. Last Stop on Market Street is a story about observation, perspective, and finding beauty. This read aloud will lead to deep discussion and thoughtful inquiry.
Balloons Over Broadway
Meet the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet brings to life the inspirational story of the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons floating in the sky during the annual parade celebrating Thanksgiving. After reading Balloons Over Broadway, your students can complete this pack and participate in a forever-memory STEM activity.
How to Catch a Turkey
A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it so the show can go on? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). After reading How to Catch a Turkey, your students can complete this FREE writing craftivity!
A Little Thanksgiving Spot
Is it really possible to be THANKFUL ALL YEAR? Not just on Thanksgiving!!! Join A Little Thankful SPOT in a very funny book about Thanksgiving!
I hope you enjoy these great read alouds! Let me know in the comments if I missed anything!
