To me, September has always meant Back to School time! It’s when kids are heading back into the classroom and a fresh new year has begun. It’s my favorite time of the year! To celebrate, I’ve pulled together my favorite read aloud books for September.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Read Aloud Books for September on my Youtube channel.
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Read Aloud Books for September
National Read a Book Day – September 6th
As teachers, we probably don’t need another excuse to read a book. But, if we did…National Read a Book Day would be it! I have two different books to share for this day, How to Read a Book and How to Read a Story.
How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander is such a fascinating book! It truly highlights the joys of getting lost in a good book. The collage illustrations are amazing and I could stare at them for hours! I will caution you, however, that it isn’t the best read-aloud book. Since the words and pictures are collages, it makes it difficult to read while holding it up. I definitely recommending adding it to your classroom library though!
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner, is one of my favorite books! It provides advice for how to read a book and fully appreciating it with others. How to Read a Story gives step-by-step instructions for settling down with a good book (such as “find a comfy reading spot”). It is silly, but full of great reminders! This is also a great book to jumpstart Reader’s Workshop at the beginning of the year.
School Picture Day – September 9th
In Amira’s Picture Day, Amira is excited because it is finally time to celebrate Eid! She can’t wait to take the day off of school to spend time with her family. But…then she realizes that it’s school picture day. Can she participate in both? This book is a welcome mirror for American Muslims and a great way to introduce students to different cultural traditions. It would pair well with In My Mosque.
Patriot Day – September 11th
As the 20th anniversary of September 11th approaches, it is important to share this impactful day with students. It can be hard to talk about or explain, but picture books help. I have a full list of September 11th read alouds here.
Download the free September 11th lesson plan to go along with the book, This Very Tree.
International Dot Day – September 15th
International Dot Day began in 2009, after a teacher read the book, The Dot, aloud to his class. Since then, it has become a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration. The Dot is about a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.”
This book will spark some important conversations having confidence. This interactive read-aloud will help you guide that discussion with your students.
Guacamole Day – September 16th
Celebrate Guacamole Day with the book, Avocado Asks. Ok, it’s not necessarily a book about guacamole, but avocados count! In this story, Avocado is confused. Is he a fruit? A vegetable? Then he meets a wise tomato, who tells him it is okay to just be himself. A great new book about struggling to fit in.
Constitution Day – September 17th
A More Perfect Union is the best book to read aloud to help teach students about the U.S. Constitution. This book, full of accurate information, breaks it down in a way that is easy for students to understand. It explains how and why the Constitution was created. To take it a step further, grab this FREE interactive read aloud lesson plan.
Dance Day – September 18th
September 18th is a great day to have a dance party in your classroom! And to read aloud the picture book, Boys Dance! This story was created in partnership with the American Ballet Company. And it subtly address the prejudice towards boys and ballet. It illustrates the skill, hard work, strength and smarts that it takes to be a dancer. Truly inspirational for all students!
First Day of Fall – September 22
September 22nd is the first official day of Fall! Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is beautiful picture book to share on this day. A young girl takes a walk and interacts with nature as it changes seasons. The illustrations in this book are truly beautiful and encompass all that fall celebrates. This is part of a series of books that highlight the changing of all the seasons throughout the year.
National Lobster Day – September 25
There Might Be Lobsters is a great read aloud for National Lobster Day! In this story, a young girl brings her dog to the beach. The dog, however, is very nervous about this. Find out how he does in this wonderful book.
There Might Be Lobsters will start some great conversations about strengths and challenges. This interactive read aloud lesson plan is perfect for expanding these discussions!
What are your favorite books to read aloud in September?
