Fifth Grade Read Alouds

A Saturday isn't complete without a little online shopping!!!  I'm currently looking for the perfect pair of brown riding boots for this winter, so far no luck. But I did score some finds at my second favorite shopping venture Amazon.com. Have I mentioned yet that I'm obsessed with books!

I'm in the search for new read alouds this year because I retained a student for the first time. I usually switch them up every year or two anyway, I get bored quickly.  This year, with my district adopting the CCSS, I'm looking for read alouds that address perspective/point of view.  Here are some of the books I'm considering that I hope will help us notice, discuss, and analyze how perspective can shape a story.

http://www.amazon.com/Wonder-R-J-Palacio/dp/0375869026/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348359118&sr=1-1&keywords=Wonder

This book was recommended to my by our literacy coach as a great read aloud to address perspective. This story about acceptance begins from the main character's point of view, but then switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others.

http://www.amazon.com/The-View-Saturday-E-Konigsburg/dp/B002VK3LYE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1348358816&sr=8-4&keywords=the+view+from+saturday

This one I read aloud a few years ago based on a recommendation from Frank Serafini (Around the Reader's Workshop in 180 days). It also changes perspective from chapter to chapter.  It's a fun book about friendship and accepting differences.

Here are some quicker reads to address perspective. The first two are picture books that my district purchased as part of our Making Meaning comprehension program. But all three can be found on Amazon.com.  

http://www.amazon.com/One-Only-Ivan-Katherine-Applegate/dp/0061992259/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348359305&sr=1-1&keywords=ivan+the+great

I think this one might be interesting to discuss why an author would choose to write a story from a non-human perspective. The author blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.

http://www.amazon.com/Racing-Rain-My-Life-Dog/dp/0062015761/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348359494&sr=1-3&keywords=the+art+of+racing+in+the+rain

Another non-human perspective.  I read the adult version of this story and loved it. The kid's version story involves a guy who is an amateur racer - SCCA and that type - but still has a day job. He dreams of hitting the big time, and shares his thoughts and dreams with Enzo, his dog. The two share life's trials and tribulations, through Denny's marriage and what comes afterwards. All through Enzo's eyes

There are so many great read alouds, choosing is the hardest part!  This is just a short list of what I've come across (you should see my Amazon.com wishlist LOL).  Maybe I'll post about those next pay day!  

Anyone tried any of these yet, or have any other suggestions?