Two children discover an abandoned house that’s anything but empty. Is there only one way to be a lion? Examine themes of bias, individuality, and friendship.īuy it: How To Be a Lion on Amazon 6. A House That Once Was by Julie Fogliano The best picture books are so much more than they appear. Encourage students to find their voices and connect with one another.īuy it: The Day You Begin on Amazon 5. We just can’t stop reading this one again and again. We love this story for discussing characters’ emotional responses to events, and as a writing mentor text when studying narrative voice.īuy it: Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away on Amazon 4. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson Daniela narrates their final moments together in heart-wrenching detail as she lists all the reasons she’ll miss her friend. It’s moving day for Daniela’s best friend and neighbor, Evelyn Del Rey.

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina There are so many concrete examples to which all students can connect, and the language is guaranteed to leave readers energized and inspired. This inspirational book exudes Black joy as it celebrates black boys’ resilience, creativity, perseverance, and kindness. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. Use it as a writing mentor text.īuy it: Going Down Home With Daddy on Amazon 2.

This touching narrative explores the concept of family. Lil’ Alan anticipates a grand family reunion at Granny’s house down home every summer, but he worries about how he’ll contribute to the annual celebration of family history. Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons We only recommend items our team loves!) 1. (Note: WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. Here are 60 recent 3rd grade books we think are worth adding to your shelves. Keeping your classroom library updated ensures that you have diverse representation and lots of appealing choices for reading aloud, mentor texts, and students’ independent reading. Third graders are capable but sweet, and it’s such fun to share books with them.

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