Sharing meaningful read-alouds with our 4th and 5th graders is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and connect learning to real-world events. With Labor Day around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce students to the history and significance of this important holiday. Here are some wonderful picture books that will captivate your students and bring the story of Labor Day to life.
Labor Day Picture Books & Read Alouds for 4th & 5th Grade
Provide students with knowledge about the holiday through the use of read aloud picture books. From the inspiring tales of Frances Perkins and Cesar Chavez to the brave actions of Clara and the mill children, these books offer rich, engaging stories that highlight the contributions and struggles of workers throughout history.
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1. Who Started the Labor Day Celebration
Don’t let the “Baby Professor” on the cover fool you. This book is a great introduction to the holiday for upper elementary students. Who Started the Labor Day Celebration provides the details that led to the celebration of this holiday.
2. Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve in a U.S. President’s cabinet. As Secretary of Labor for President Roosevelt, she helped bring about many of the labor reforms we benefit from today.
In Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights, the reader learns what motivated her to fight for workers’ rights. This book tells Perkins’ story. It also introduces early concepts of financial literacy, the Social Security Act, and the New Deal.
The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America contains beautiful images throughout the book. It is an inspiring biography about she used her voice and position to help others.
3. Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez was an American labor leader and civil rights activist. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association along with Dolores Huerta.
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez is a “teacher’s pick” on Amazon. This book tells the story of Cesar Chavez, who led a 340-mile peaceful protest through California. He improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers. But Cesar wasn’t always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family worked hard in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar knew things had to change. He thought that maybe he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened.
Side by Side/Lado a Lado the Story of Dolores Huerta & Cesar Chavez introduces Dolores and Cesar as children. It connects their early experiences to their future decisions.
4. Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 tells the story of nine-year-old Lorraine Jackson lived through the 1968 Sanitation Strike in Memphis. She marched with her father, boycotted stores with her mother, and was deeply moved by Dr. King’s final sermon.
After Dr. King’s tragic death, Lorraine and her community stayed hopeful, showing that dreamers never give up. Alice Faye Duncan’s story blends poetry and prose to share this inspiring chapter in history.
5. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 tells the story of Clara. When Clara arrived in America, she faced tough labor conditions and quickly learned the need for change. Despite language barriers and poor treatment, Clara organized a major women’s workers’ strike. Her courage showed that everyone deserves a fair chance and that standing together can lead to real change.
6. Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children
Mother Jones, an Irish immigrant, fiercely fought against child labor and changed America. Jonah Winter and Nancy Carpenter reveal her inspiring journey in Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children. It includes the powerful march to President Roosevelt’s home. Her efforts earned her the title “the most dangerous woman in America” and rallied thousands for children’s rights.
7. Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A.
Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A. is a bilingual story about a janitor’s strike in L.A. Carlitos wants to help his mother during the strike but needs inspiration. His teacher’s story about her grandfather’s fight for better wages leads Carlitos and his classmates to join the march with a special sign.
8. Keeping the City Going
Keeping the City Going shows us a world viewed through our windows during a quiet city moment. Streets once full of activity are now mostly empty, but essential workers keep everything running smoothly. Brian Floca’s tribute highlights their vital role in maintaining safety and supplies as we shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
9. A Day’s Work
In the fictional story A Day’s Work, a young Mexican-American boy helps his English-challenged grandfather connect through gardening. Francisco finds a way to bond with his grandfather while learning about gardening together. Their journey not only teaches them about plants but also about each other.
By sharing these engaging read-alouds, you can bring the history and impact of Labor Day to life for your students. Use them to spark meaningful discussions and deepen your students’ understanding of this important holiday.
