20 Chapter Book Read-Alouds Your Family Will Love 📚 Inbox Homeschool Compass Unsubscribe 5:20 AM (9 hours ago) to me Hello friends! I started reading chapter books aloud to my kids as infants, before they could even hold their heads up on their own, let alone comprehend what I was saying. I figured they needed to hear my voice, so they might as well hear me saying something interesting. Over the next fifteen years we've spent hours upon hours reading aloud together. I read to toddlers in high chairs as they strained to pick up Cheerios one by one, preschoolers who played on the floor with Legos and Magna-Tiles, and now tweens and teens whose bigger-than-me bodies sprawl across the couch. Reading aloud has become an invaluable part of our family culture, and though our read aloud times now have to flex to take into account sports practice and job schedules and youth group activities, I have no plans to let go of our read-aloud habit anytime soon. I recently asked my teens which of the more than 150 books we've read aloud together stand out as their favorites. I've compiled their answers below sorted by age group. If you are in the process of building your own family read-aloud culture, here are some of my favorite resources for you as you build your home library and your read-aloud rhythms: Honey for a Child's Heart and Honey for a Teenager's Heart by Gladys Hunt The Redeemed Reader by Janie Cheaney, Betsy Farquhar, Hayley Morell, and Megan Saben Soul School by Amber O'Neal Johnston Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson Favorite Read-Alouds for Littles Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne: Years later we continue to reminisce about these charming stories of Pooh and his friends. The tender, soothing tales make a wonderful wind-down read-aloud before bed. Mr. Popper's Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater: When Mr. Popper decides to welcome 12 penguins into his family, hilarious hijinks ensue. This book will keep you smiling from beginning to end! The Illustrated Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor: Joe Sutphin's captivating illustrations make this faithful retelling of John Bunyan's classic work even more impactful. As you read, you will be inspired to greater faith in Christ right alongside your kids. Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes: This lesser-known story by the author of The Hundred Dresses is our family's ultimate comfort read. When Jerry's clever dog, Ginger, mysteriously disappears, the family must work together to track Ginger down. After months of fruitless searching, the story ends with a joyful reunion. The sequel, Pinky Pye, is also adorable. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder: My children spent countless hours re-enacting these endearing stories of life growing up on the American frontier. The cozy vignettes of family togetherness and hard work make for an engaging and memorable read-aloud. Charlotte's Web by E. B. White: Personally I think all of E.B. White's children's books are must-reads for every family, so please don't miss The Trumpet of the Swan and Stuart Little, but Charlotte's Web is the one my kids both chose as core to their childhood. Get your tissues ready for the ending! The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: A glorious picture of Christ and his sacrificial love, the whole series is a must-read. We journeyed to Narnia for the first time when my kids were tiny, but worth waiting if your children are sensitive to violence and suspense as some parts can be intense. You might also enjoy: Favorite Read-Alouds for Early Elementary Book List Favorite Read-Alouds for Elementary-Aged Kids Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou: The Restorationists series is a favorite of every member of our family! Written by a homeschool mom and with a prominent homeschooled character, my kids adored this mix of fantasy and art heist adventure where children travel through classic paintings. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: This may be controversial to say, but I find the rest of the Lord of the Rings series to be difficult to get through as a read aloud. The Hobbit, however, is a wonderful read-aloud experience with its shorter chapters and more action-packed pace. My advice is to read this one aloud to your kids, and then hand them the books that follow to read independently if they can't get enough of Middle Earth. Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome: This delightful story centers around the four Walker children who spend their summer holiday sailing around England's Lake District, camping out on a deserted island, and doing battle with a rival sailboat captained by two spunky sisters. We had to learn a whole new nautical vocabulary to enjoy this story fully, but we were all enthralled by the way it captures the wonder of childhood and the magic of a summer day. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien: My science fiction-obsessed teen credits this as the book that first made him fall in love with the genre. Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse searching for help for her sick son, discovers a colony of escaped lab rats who possess super-intelligence. Mrs. Frisby and the rats must work together to escape the dangers that threaten their survival. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart: A motley crew of gifted children unite to complete a secret mission that requires every bit of their intelligence and resourcefulness. This clever story filled with mind-bending puzzles kept us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor: When eleven-year-old Marty discovers a sweet beagle being mistreated by its owner, he will stop at nothing to rescue the dog. He must then wrestle with whether to keep the dog hidden but safe, or return him to his cruel owner. In the end, a compromise is reached, and Marty learns important lessons about honesty and integrity. Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan: I was surprised when both my teens immediately cited this story as one of their top favorites. Set in World War II, it tells the story of Norwegian children who use their ingenuity and their sledding skills to outwit the Nazis and save their country's treasure. A gentle first introduction to the genre of World War II historical fiction. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein: The perfect read for library lovers everywhere, a group of children attend a lock-in at their local library only to discover that they are contestants in an elaborate game in which they must use the library's resources to solve puzzles and find clues. A whimsical and clever read with just the right amount of suspense! The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford: Animal lovers will adore this winsome tale of an inquisitive Labrador retriever, a friendly bull terrier, and a courageous Siamese cat who set off through the Canadian wilderness to reunite with their owners. The animals' bravery in the face of adversity and their unending loyalty make this an inspiring read. You might also enjoy: Clean, Captivating Books for Your Homeschooled Middle Schoolers Favorite Read-Alouds for Tweens + Teens The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom: You could hand this book over to your big kids to read independently, but I highly recommend reading it as a family to take full advantage of the opportunities for rich discussion. As you explore the themes of forgiveness, courage, and what it looks like to cling to Christ in the face of unspeakable suffering, you will all be inspired to greater faith together. Little Britches by Ralph Moody: This series was unfamiliar to me, but it has turned out to be an unexpected hit with my tweens and teens. It's an inspiring true story of a frontier family who bands together to carve out a living on their barren ranch. Despite the brutality of frontier life, Father is unwavering in his integrity, making it all the more heart-wrenching when he dies of pneumonia at the end of book 1 and young Ralph must take his place as the man of the family. The Call of the Wild by Jack London: Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, this gripping story of a dog who must fight to survive in the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness kept us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Coming in at just over 100 pages, this action-packed adventure offers a quick win if you are introducing family read-alouds to older kids. Unbroken (Young Adults Adaptation) by Lauren Hillenbrand: An epic true story of a World War II pilot shot down over the Pacific who survives 47 days at sea in a raft before then suffering years of torture in a POW camp, Louie Zamperini's life is a compelling story of redemption, faith, and forgiveness. You might also enjoy: 50+ Living Books for High Schoolers Thank you for being here! We're so glad you're a part of the Homeschool Compass community. We love hearing from you, so please don't hesitate to reply to this email or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We hope you have a wonderful week!

20 Chapter Book Read-Alouds Your Family Will Love 📚 Inbox Homeschool Compass Unsubscribe 5:20 AM (9 hours ago) to me Hello friends! I started reading chapter books aloud to my kids as infants, before they could even hold their heads up on their own, let alone comprehend what I was saying. I figured they needed to hear my voice, so they might as well hear me saying something interesting. Over the next fifteen years we've spent hours upon hours reading aloud together. I read to toddlers in high chairs as they strained to pick up Cheerios one by one, preschoolers who played on the floor with Legos and Magna-Tiles, and now tweens and teens whose bigger-than-me bodies sprawl across the couch. Reading aloud has become an invaluable part of our family culture, and though our read aloud times now have to flex to take into account sports practice and job schedules and youth group activities, I have no plans to let go of our read-aloud habit anytime soon. I recently asked my teens which of the more than 150 books we've read aloud together stand out as their favorites. I've compiled their answers below sorted by age group. If you are in the process of building your own family read-aloud culture, here are some of my favorite resources for you as you build your home library and your read-aloud rhythms: Honey for a Child's Heart and Honey for a Teenager's Heart by Gladys Hunt The Redeemed Reader by Janie Cheaney, Betsy Farquhar, Hayley Morell, and Megan Saben Soul School by Amber O'Neal Johnston Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson Favorite Read-Alouds for Littles Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne: Years later we continue to reminisce about these charming stories of Pooh and his friends. The tender, soothing tales make a wonderful wind-down read-aloud before bed. Mr. Popper's Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater: When Mr. Popper decides to welcome 12 penguins into his family, hilarious hijinks ensue. This book will keep you smiling from beginning to end! The Illustrated Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor: Joe Sutphin's captivating illustrations make this faithful retelling of John Bunyan's classic work even more impactful. As you read, you will be inspired to greater faith in Christ right alongside your kids. Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes: This lesser-known story by the author of The Hundred Dresses is our family's ultimate comfort read. When Jerry's clever dog, Ginger, mysteriously disappears, the family must work together to track Ginger down. After months of fruitless searching, the story ends with a joyful reunion. The sequel, Pinky Pye, is also adorable. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder: My children spent countless hours re-enacting these endearing stories of life growing up on the American frontier. The cozy vignettes of family togetherness and hard work make for an engaging and memorable read-aloud. Charlotte's Web by E. B. White: Personally I think all of E.B. White's children's books are must-reads for every family, so please don't miss The Trumpet of the Swan and Stuart Little, but Charlotte's Web is the one my kids both chose as core to their childhood. Get your tissues ready for the ending! The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: A glorious picture of Christ and his sacrificial love, the whole series is a must-read. We journeyed to Narnia for the first time when my kids were tiny, but worth waiting if your children are sensitive to violence and suspense as some parts can be intense. You might also enjoy: Favorite Read-Alouds for Early Elementary Book List Favorite Read-Alouds for Elementary-Aged Kids Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou: The Restorationists series is a favorite of every member of our family! Written by a homeschool mom and with a prominent homeschooled character, my kids adored this mix of fantasy and art heist adventure where children travel through classic paintings. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: This may be controversial to say, but I find the rest of the Lord of the Rings series to be difficult to get through as a read aloud. The Hobbit, however, is a wonderful read-aloud experience with its shorter chapters and more action-packed pace. My advice is to read this one aloud to your kids, and then hand them the books that follow to read independently if they can't get enough of Middle Earth. Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome: This delightful story centers around the four Walker children who spend their summer holiday sailing around England's Lake District, camping out on a deserted island, and doing battle with a rival sailboat captained by two spunky sisters. We had to learn a whole new nautical vocabulary to enjoy this story fully, but we were all enthralled by the way it captures the wonder of childhood and the magic of a summer day. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien: My science fiction-obsessed teen credits this as the book that first made him fall in love with the genre. Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse searching for help for her sick son, discovers a colony of escaped lab rats who possess super-intelligence. Mrs. Frisby and the rats must work together to escape the dangers that threaten their survival. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart: A motley crew of gifted children unite to complete a secret mission that requires every bit of their intelligence and resourcefulness. This clever story filled with mind-bending puzzles kept us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor: When eleven-year-old Marty discovers a sweet beagle being mistreated by its owner, he will stop at nothing to rescue the dog. He must then wrestle with whether to keep the dog hidden but safe, or return him to his cruel owner. In the end, a compromise is reached, and Marty learns important lessons about honesty and integrity. Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan: I was surprised when both my teens immediately cited this story as one of their top favorites. Set in World War II, it tells the story of Norwegian children who use their ingenuity and their sledding skills to outwit the Nazis and save their country's treasure. A gentle first introduction to the genre of World War II historical fiction. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein: The perfect read for library lovers everywhere, a group of children attend a lock-in at their local library only to discover that they are contestants in an elaborate game in which they must use the library's resources to solve puzzles and find clues. A whimsical and clever read with just the right amount of suspense! The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford: Animal lovers will adore this winsome tale of an inquisitive Labrador retriever, a friendly bull terrier, and a courageous Siamese cat who set off through the Canadian wilderness to reunite with their owners. The animals' bravery in the face of adversity and their unending loyalty make this an inspiring read. You might also enjoy: Clean, Captivating Books for Your Homeschooled Middle Schoolers Favorite Read-Alouds for Tweens + Teens The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom: You could hand this book over to your big kids to read independently, but I highly recommend reading it as a family to take full advantage of the opportunities for rich discussion. As you explore the themes of forgiveness, courage, and what it looks like to cling to Christ in the face of unspeakable suffering, you will all be inspired to greater faith together. Little Britches by Ralph Moody: This series was unfamiliar to me, but it has turned out to be an unexpected hit with my tweens and teens. It's an inspiring true story of a frontier family who bands together to carve out a living on their barren ranch. Despite the brutality of frontier life, Father is unwavering in his integrity, making it all the more heart-wrenching when he dies of pneumonia at the end of book 1 and young Ralph must take his place as the man of the family. The Call of the Wild by Jack London: Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, this gripping story of a dog who must fight to survive in the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness kept us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Coming in at just over 100 pages, this action-packed adventure offers a quick win if you are introducing family read-alouds to older kids. Unbroken (Young Adults Adaptation) by Lauren Hillenbrand: An epic true story of a World War II pilot shot down over the Pacific who survives 47 days at sea in a raft before then suffering years of torture in a POW camp, Louie Zamperini's life is a compelling story of redemption, faith, and forgiveness. You might also enjoy: 50+ Living Books for High Schoolers Thank you for being here! We're so glad you're a part of the Homeschool Compass community. We love hearing from you, so please don't hesitate to reply to this email or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We hope you have a wonderful week!