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Favorite Family Read Alouds
Getting caught up in a good story as a family…not much is better than that! Finding a good read aloud the whole family will enjoy can be a challenge. Don’t worry! I put together a list of read alouds our family has enjoyed.
My favorite is when the kiddos beg for “one more chapter.” We often reference stories we have read together and have family “inside jokes” because of something we read and discussed. My hope for you is that you have the same enjoyment reading together!
Take a look at some of our favorites…
(Click on the book title for the Amazon link)
by Elizabeth George Speare
Do not let the title freak you out. This book has nothing to do with witchcraft and everything to do with false accusations, prejudices, and a great deal of courage. Watch as Kit, the main character, grows and develops throughout the story and makes some tough decisions to do what’s right. Even adults will enjoy this Newberry Award Winner.
If you ask my kids, they will tell you this is one of their favorite family read-alouds.
…But don’t stop there. The Sign of the Beaver by the same author tops our reading list as well. Absolutely one of our favs!! Check out The Bronze Bow if you finish those!
by Jean Lee Latham
Another Newberry Award winner, I found my children completely wrapped up in the story and talking about it later. It follows Nat Bowditch from his mathematical childhood and excitement for learning on to adventures on the seas. Because of the realistic deaths of people in his life, I would limit this read aloud to children over 11-12 years old.
by Irene Hunt
Set during the civil war, we watch as Jethro comes of age as the people around him face the war in different ways. He makes tough decisions and is faced with moral dilemmas all while helping his family keep the farm going.
by Carol Ryrie Brink
A brave and feisty tom boy gets caught up in adventures with her brothers. Set in pioneer days, she makes her own place in the world by making courageous decisions. The backdrop of the loving family gives the story an added bonus.
by Armstrong Sperry
I will forever remember reading this to my children. During an underwater scene with a shark, my six-year-old, captivated by the suspense, crept closer and closer to my face as I read aloud. The kids begged for the next chapter each time we read.
Mafatu, a boy named for courage, seems to have anything but, and is taunted by others in the village. He faces his fears and many challenges along the way. His story later becomes legend.
Truly a great family read-aloud.
by Clyde Robert Bulla
Read everything by Clyde Robert Bulla. He has wonderful stories for beginning readers including Daniel’s Duck. The Chalkbox Kid works well as a chapter book for reluctant readers. You will also find many historical books like A Sword in the Tree, Squanto, Viking Adventure and others that are perfect historical family read-alouds. If it has Bulla’s name on it, get it! A Lion to Guard Us will engulf you in the exciting story of children who must endure a trans-atlantic crossing to find their father.
by Cynthia Rylant
This nostalgic book depicts life growing up in the Appalachian mountains.
Cynthia Rylant is a treasure to children’s literature.She has books for every age of childhood. Try to get your hands on Thimbleberry Stories and The Blue Hill Meadows. Gooseberry Park will have your kids laughing. Missing May will have them in tears. Be sure to check out Rylant’s picture books as well.
by Jean Fritz
A quick read about a pioneer family settling west. Wonderful descriptions set the stage for the notable life event of the little girl in the story. Courage shines through in this tale based on true events.
by Walter D. Edmonds
Another short read that is worth it. A boy left to protect his family during the French and Indian War when his father got called away. Will he have the courage to do what he has to? Our family was engrossed until the very last page.
by Pam Munoz Ryan
A beautiful story about a girl who had everything she could ever want living in Mexico with her wealthy land-owning family. That is, until tragedy strikes. One blow after another finds her in California and destitute. She finds ways to overcome, learn, and press on despite her circumstances. My children cried real tears at some of Esperanza’s misfortunes, but her hope and overcoming spirit inspired us all.
by Rachel Field
We had many discussions about indentured servitude after we read Marguerite’s story. Living in isolated Maine, she learns hard lessons about life, courage, friendship, fear, and loss. Some parts of the book dealing with death and loneliness might be too advanced for younger readers.
by Robert McCloskey
If you haven’t read McCloskey with your kids, it’s time to start. He has written a treasury of picture book classics and this is no exception. Homer Price transports us to a simpler time in a town called Centerburg. You may find your kids laughing out loud as they hear the story of Homer and his pet skunk.
by Kate DiCamillo
My oldest daughter read this to the other children. Yep, try it. It’s pretty amazing. Kids reading aloud to kids. It improves their fluency and flow, helps reading skills, and not to mention, the bonus of bonding as kids read together. This sweet story of Opal and her new-found dog is really more about the lessons of forgiveness, loss, friendship, and relationships. Don’t miss this one!
by Marguerite Henry
Based on a true story about a truly exceptional horse and his boy, this is a book for all ages. You may be able to get your hands on the illustrated version.
The story is about a runt of a horse that grew up beloved by a boy to become his own breed. Engaging for all even if you aren’t a horse person. You will find some sweet lessons and history thrown in as well.
If you want to read more of Henry’s horse books, check out King of the Wind, Misty of Chincoteague, and Brighty of the Grand Canyon.
by Alice Dalgliesh
A Newberry winner and great story for younger (and older) children. It is a quick read about overcoming and dealing with your fears. Built on a Pennsylvanian folk tale, the story has a rhythm and repetition that young children will adore. Are their bears on Hemlock Mountain? You are about to find out.
byWilliam Pène du Bois
This was not my favorite, but my kids LOVED it. A fantasy-adventure story about a professor’s trip and subsequent crash on a hidden island made of diamonds and creative contraptions. My kids were laughing a lot and begging for the next chapter.
by Eleanor Frances Lattimore
The story of a mischievous little boy in a small village in China. His antics make for a loveable adventure story that little listeners will find delightful.
by Joyce Lankester Brisley
My oldest daughter read this aloud to my younger daughters and they loved it! I would catch them giggling together and talking about the story. They didn’t want to stop reading! We ended up purchasing the whole set.
Sweet, wholesome stories about a little girl and her adventures.
I hope you find this family read-aloud list helpful!
Also, check out my list on best free audiobooks on Librivox and amazing audiobooks for kids.
We love reading aloud as a family, I am sure it won’t be long before I add more of our favorites to this list.
Did I miss anything? Feel free to leave me a comment or send me a message.
Until then, enjoy reading together!
♥ Melanie
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