In addition to read-aloud picture books, I also encourage my students to read history-themed chapter books.
Fortunately, we have a wide variety of chapter books available to upper elementary students.
I am thrilled to share my favorite history-based chapter books with you but if you are more interested in social studies read-aloud books (picture books for upper elementary students), click here.
Three Ways I Use These Books in My Classroom:
First, I frequently read aloud to my students.
Some say that reading aloud to upper elementary students is a waste of time but that’s not true at all!
As a reading specialist, I can tell you that when we read aloud to students of any age, their comprehension skills improve, they internalize reading patterns, build background knowledge, and learn to love reading.
Second, I use History Book Clubs with my students to integrate social studies and reading.
In addition to the ELA benefits, putting students in charge of managing their own book clubs builds independence, communication, and cooperative work skills.
Third, I place lots of history-themed chapter books in my classroom library.
I want my students to always have access to great literature even when they can’t visit the school library or participate in history book clubs.
Without further ado, here are my best recommendations for history-based chapter books:
Colonial America Chapter Books
American Revolution and Early Government Chapter Books
Civil War Chapter Books
If you’d like to share another amazing history-themed chapter book that’s not listed here, please leave a comment!
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* Please note that Thrive in Grade Five (Jenifer Bazzit) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. *
4 Comments
Thanks for sharing this. I thought of a book that is a great read that upper elementary teachers and students would enjoy. The book is titled : Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes.. It is a great read for all.
Hi Dan! I love that book 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer,
I use Shades of Gray by Carolyn Reeder during our fifth grade Civil War Unit.
Thank you, Judith! That’s a great book!