Fabulous Read Alouds for Boys AND Girls

Looking for a great read aloud that your entire family or class will enjoy? Need it to appeal to both boys and girls? Check out these titles:

Lawn Boy  By Gary Paulsen

A 12 year-old boy is given a riding mower for his birthday and turns this random gift into a booming business. Very funny and quick read.

No Talking By Andrew Clements

The 5th grade boys and 5th grade girls have a contest to see who can speak the fewest words in this funny school story.

Obi - Gerbil on the Loose! By Michael Delaney

Obi the gerbil is left home alone when her owner goes away on vacation. This story is about her break from the cage and all the interesting adventures she has along the way.

Extra Credit By Andrew Clements

When 6th grader Abby Carson discovers she is at risk for failing, her teacher offers her an extra credit opportunity to save her social studies grade.  Abby writes to a boy in Afghanistan and learns through these letters about their cultural differences but also how much they have in common.

Dear Max By Sally Grindley

Max writes a letter to his favorite author DJ Lucas and she writes back to him. This story is told in their letters back and forth and eventually Max shares some secrets along the way about school bullies and the loss of his father. Great book for prompting discussions.

Leaving the Bellweathers By Kristin Clark Venuti

This quirky family lives in a lighthouse and has a pet alligator. Their butler Benway is sick of being mistreated and is writing his memoirs and planning to leave the family, but when the kids find out about his plans they band together to make sure he sticks around. Bizarre and funny book.

The Tilting House By Tom Llewellyn 

Josh's family moves into a strange new house filled with secrets and even talking rats!

 Everything for a Dog By Ann M. Martin

The kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished it. This book is actually two parallel stories about a boy who desperately wants a dog and a boy dealing with a terrible loss. Eventually you discover how these two boys' stories entwine.

The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children By Keith McGowan

A scary and modern version of Hansel and Gretel. Not for the faint of heart.

Because of Winn Dixie By Kate DiCamillo 

Opal and her father move to a new town and meet a host of interesting characters along the way. A touching book that won the Newbery Honor award.