10 Upper Elementary Novels that Inspire GRATITUDE

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    One of the best ways to inspire gratitude in young readers is through shared stories. By opening ourselves up to the lives/hardships of others, it can leave us grateful for our own experiences. 

    The following books have resilient characters who are born into circumstance they can’t control. These character are also easy to connect with. They are sure to inspire gratitude in your classroom!

Cover image of A Long Walk to Water, Refugee, I Am Malala, A Night Divided, and The War that Saved My Life

1. A Long Walk to Water by: Linda Sue Park

A Long Walk to Water weaves the stories of 2 characters: Nya and Salva. Nya walks miles each day to fetch water for her family and Salva is one of the Sudanese "lost boys." Throughout the novel you'll see their stories connect in a thoughtful way!

2.  Refugee by: Alan Gratz

This book tells the story of three different refugee children. Josef (1930s Nazi Germany), Isabel (Cuba 1994), and Mahmoud (Syria 2015) all fight for survival in unimaginable ways. Their stories intertwine in an emotion yet hopeful way. 

3. I Am Malala by: Malala Yousafzai

This memoir is the best-selling story of Malala Yousafzai. After the Taliban placed major limitations on women's rights, young Malala decided to fight back. This true story is personal and eye-opening for students. 

>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<

4. The War that Saved My Life by: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This Newbery Honor book is set during the turbulent time of WWII. Young Ada is hidden away by her cruel mother because of a "twisted foot." Ada overcomes so much: a physical disability, parental abuse, moving and meeting new people, and war. 

>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<

5. A Night Divided by: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Gerta's family wakes up one morning to be divided by the Berlin Wall. For the next few years, the family risks their lives to find a way to reunite. This is an engaging historical fiction book about the Cold War. 

>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<

Cover image of Esperanza Rising, Inside Out and Back Again, Brown Girl Dreaming, Freak the Mighty, and Wish

6. Esperanza Rising by: Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza is a young Mexican girl who loses everything: her family, her friends, her home, and her country. She becomes an immigrant worker and faces hardships for which she's not prepared. But as her name suggests, she grows and learns to have hope for the future. 

>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<

7. Freak the Mighty By: Rodman Philbrick

Making friends is hard, especially if students feel like they'll never fit in. This novel is about looking for friends in unlikely places. It is a tear-jerker and will cover some tough themes. But it is powerful!

>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<

8. Inside Out and Back Again by: Thanaa Lai

This novel is inspired by the author's childhood experiences as a refugee. The main character, Ha, is growing up in Saigon during the Vietnam War. As her family flees the city, they yearn and hope for peace. 

9. Brown Girl Dreaming by: Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson tells her story in verse, making it very different from the other selections. She shares her experiences as an African American child in the 1960s/70s. You'll find her feelings are still relevant and inspirational for students today. 

10. Wish by: Barbara O'Connor

Charlie is very familiar with making wishes, as she makes the same wish every day. But as her hope begins to fail, she creates unlikely bonds with a stray dog and a neighbor boy. This coming of age story teaches us to be careful for what we wish.  



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