Spring is the perfect time to refresh your classroom read-alouds. It’s a great time to add books that celebrate growth, renewal, creativity, and poetry. As flowers bloom and the weather warms, here are some fantastic spring read-alouds for upper elementary students. Plus, ideas for bringing them to life in your classroom!
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Gardening and Growth
Spring is about new beginnings. These books highlight gardening, community, and nature’s renewal. Adding these spring read-alouds for upper elementary can encourage students to connect with nature and personal growth.
1. The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
The Gardener tells the story of a young girl is sent to live with her uncle in the city during the Great Depression. She transforms a dull space into a beautiful rooftop garden.
Why it’s a great pick: Sparks discussions on perseverance, kindness, and bringing joy to others.
Discussion Prompts:
- How does gardening help the main character express herself?
- What impact does she have on her new home?
Follow-Up Activity:
Have students write a letter that Lydia Grace might write to Uncle Jim when she returns home.
2. Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery
Harlem Grown is a true story about an abandoned lot turned into a thriving community garden. It inspires young readers to see the power of teamwork.
Why it’s a great pick: Connects to lessons on urban gardening, sustainability, and community efforts.
Discussion Prompts:
- Why was the abandoned lot important to the community?
- How can small changes create a big impact?
Follow-Up Activity:
Have students brainstorm and design their own community improvement projects.
3. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Miss Rumphius wants to make the world more beautiful. She does so by planting lupines everywhere she goes.
Why it’s a great pick: Encourages students to think about leaving a positive mark on the world.
Discussion Prompts:
- Why does Miss Rumphius want to make the world more beautiful?
- How can we each make a difference in our own way?
Follow-Up Activity:
Have students create an illustration of one way they would make the world more beautiful.
4. I LOVE Strawberries! by Shannon Anderson
I LOVE Strawberries! is about a young girl who adores strawberries and learns about planting and patience.
Why it’s a great pick: Introduces gardening, responsibility, and the rewards of hard work.
Discussion Prompts:
- What challenges does the main character face while growing strawberries?
- Why is patience important when growing plants?
Follow-Up Activity:
Have students research a fruit or vegetable they would love to grow and present their findings.
Stories of Friendship & Change
Spring represents transformation, making it a great time for stories about friendship and personal growth. These read-alouds explore how friendships and self-discovery shape our lives.
5. Birdsong by Julie Flett
Birdsong tells the story of a young girl moves to a new home and forms a friendship with her elderly neighbor.
Discussion Prompts:
- How does the main character’s friendship with her neighbor change over time?
- What do you think the title “Birdsong” represents?
Follow-Up Activity:
Have students write about a time they formed an unexpected friendship.
Why it’s a great pick: Encourages discussions on empathy, intergenerational friendships, and change.
6. I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall
I Worked Hard on That! is a relatable story about putting effort into projects and handling feedback.
Discussion Prompts:
- How does the main character handle feedback on their work?
- Why is perseverance important in learning new skills?
Follow-Up Activity:
Have students write about a time they worked hard on something and how they felt about the outcome.
Why it’s a great pick: Supports discussions about perseverance, growth mindset, and creativity.
Celebrate Poetry Month (April)
April is National Poetry Month! Spring is a perfect time to introduce poetry with engaging picture books. This book make poetry fun and accessible.
7. Poetree by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds
Poetree tells the story of a girl who writes a poem to a tree—and receives a poetic response!
Discussion Prompts:
- How does the main character’s poem connect her to nature?
- What do you think poetry adds to storytelling?
Follow-Up Activity:
Have students write their own nature-inspired poem and display them around the classroom.
Why it’s a great pick: Encourages creativity, poetry writing, and appreciation for nature.
Quick Poetry Activities:
- Have students write nature-inspired poems.
- Create a “poetry tree” where students attach poems to branches.
- Use Poetree to inspire creative writing exercises.
Wrapping Up
These spring read alouds for upper elementary engage students in stories that reflect renewal, growth, and creativity. Whether celebrating Poetry Month, exploring gardening books, or discussing friendship, these picture books inspire young minds.
Looking for more ways to celebrate reading this season? These Reading Response worksheets include engaging activities to promote literacy all month long!
Want to plan ahead for the End of the School year? Find a list of some of the best end of the year read alouds for 4th and 5th grade.
Which books will you add to your springtime read-aloud list? Let me know in the comments!
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