15 Strong picture books for grades 3-5

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Picture books? In grades 3-5?

You bet! Many teachers find strong picture books to use as interactive read alouds – and you can, too. In fact, I wrote a post all about how using picture books to build comprehension in the intermediate grades – you can read it here.

Today I’m sharing 15 strong picture books that you can use in your third, fourth, or fifth grade classroom; many of them would certainly work in primary classrooms, as well. Some of the texts are long, and some are short. Some have simple vocabulary, and some use more complex language. But here’s one thing they all have in common: they’re excellent for promoting discussion and building comprehension.

When available, I’ve included the guided reading level for each book. If you’d like, grab a printable book list here.

Strong picture books for grades 3-5

The Junkyard Wonders, by Patricia Polacco
guided reading level: P

Patricia Polacco is a go-to author for strong picture books for kids in the intermediate grades. Her books are long but engaging, and they often address difficult topics. This is a story from Polacco’s own childhood, in which she is placed in the “junkyard” classroom because she is not a strong reader. But with the help of her inspiring teacher and her brilliant classmates, Trish learns that she and her classmates are true wonders. HIGHLY recommended.

Emmanuel’s Dream, by Laurie Anna Thompson & Sean Qualls
guided reading level: N

This is the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who was born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg. In a country where people with disabilities are expected to become beggars, Emmanuel reached for his dreams. As a boy he hopped more than two miles each way to school – on one foot! Years later, he cycled 400 miles around Ghana – spreading the message that disability does not mean inability, and that people with disabilities are entitled to the same rights as other citizens.

The Sweetest Fig, by Chris Van Allsburg
guided reading level: P

Monsieur Bibot is a cold-hearted dentist who cares only for himself. When a patient pays him with two figs “that will make your dreams come true,” he angrily sends her away without pain medication. But Bibot soon discovers that when he eats a fig in the evening and wakes up the next day, his dreams from the night before do come true! Marcel has great plans for the second fig, but someone else gets to it first. Kids will love how justice is served in this engaging story.

Star of Fear, Star of Hope, by Jo Hoestlandt

This is a powerful, yet gentle book about the Holocaust. Told from an old woman’s perspective, Helen regrets her last interaction with her childhood best friend. She was angry that her friend left her birthday party early, only to discover the next day that her friend’s family was rounded-up and arrested in a Nazi raid. The book will definitely provide opportunities for deep conversations.

Thank You, Mr. Falker, by Patricia Polacco
guided reading level: M

I’m sure my kids would not enjoy me reading this book to them because it makes me cry every time. It’s the beautiful true story of its author, Patricia Polacco. School was torture for Patricia as she struggled to make sense of letters and numbers. She was horribly teased and would hide in a dark stairwell rather than be subject to the other children’s cruelty at recess. But her kind fifth grade teacher discovered that she had dyslexia – and with his help and dedication, she became a reader.

The Wall, by Eve Bunting
guided reading level: P

This is a moving book about a boy who visits the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with his dad. Together, they look for the name of the boy’s grandfather, who died many years ago when the boy’s father was young. A powerful, mesmerizing story.

Knock Knock, by Daniel Beaty
Guided reading level: N

This is a very powerful, inspiring and very simple book. It’s about a boy who loves his father very much, only to be devastated when his father doesn’t come home. As he laments all the things he won’t learn from his father, he receives a letter from his dad encouraging him to lead a beautiful life.

We learn at the end of the book that the author’s father was incarcerated when he was a young boy.

Freedom Summer, by Deborah Wiles

This is a book about two boy who are friends in 1964; one is black, and one is white. The boys are excited when an anti-segregation law means that the town pool will finally be open to everyone. Sadly, the town fills the pool with concrete rather than allow integration. An honest yet hopeful book.

Wilma Unlimited, by Kathleen Krull
Guided reading level: Q

This book tells the unbelievable story of Wilma Rudolph, the twentieth child born to a poor black family in 1940. At five years old, Wilma was stricken with polio. Her busy mother took a 50-mile trip with her each week to the nearest hospital that would treat black patients. After years in braces, Wilma learned to walk again. Then, at age 20, Wilma became the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympics – for running! Reserve this book right now – it’s too good to miss!

Brothers at Bat, by Audrey Vernick

I include this book as a break from the deeper topics in this list. It’s the amazing true story of an all-brother baseball team (there were 12 of them!). The book takes us from their childhood, through their years as a baseball team, their service during World War II, and finally their return to baseball and the having families of their own. An attention-keeper for sure!

When Jessie Came Across the Sea, by Amy Hest
Guided reading level: S

This is an unforgettable story about a young girl from a poor village in eastern Europe. She is devastated when she learns that she has been chosen to leave her grandmother and travel to America. But while there, she finds purpose and love.

Fly Away Home, by Eve Bunting
Guided reading level: P

This is a beautiful, simple story about a boy who lives with his father in the airport – always trying to avoid being noticed until they are able to get a home of their own. A wonderful book for teaching compassion and empathy.

Pink and Say, by Patricia Polacco
Guided reading level: V

In this true Civil War story, passed down through generations, Polacco shares tells of the friendship between two Union soldiers – one black and one white. I highly recommend this book for older listeners – but be prepared for the tragic ending.

The Cats in Krasinski Square, by Karen Hesse
Guided reading level: V

Based on a true story, this book tells of a brave young Jewish girl who smuggles food to hungry Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto. It’s very hard to write about the Holocaust for children, but Hesse has done a masterful job.  This is a great book to introduce children to a very dark period of history.

The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins, by Lester L. Laminack
Guided reading level: Q

This is a gentle book that tells the story of a young boy who visits his great-grandmother in a nursing home. Miss Olivia Wiggins doesn’t speak and hardly moves, but she lived a rich and full life. Read this book to teach your students about dementia and to build compassion and empathy for the elderly.

Look for more posts in my series about
reading comprehension in grades 3-5!

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