Ahh, a new year! For many, this means a resolution and promise to improve or reach a goal. Last year, one of my resolutions was simple: read more books! It ended up being the most successful resolution of all time.
I accomplished this goal by following people on IG and Facebook who share their book recommendations, and making sure to utilize my library card as much as possible! I read 15 chapter books and countless picture books. I’m excited to share some new finds with you today that are perfect for the new year! Click on any of the titles to purchase on Amazon*.
Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas
by Gail Piernas-Davenport
This is one of my favorites! I absolutely love this story about a girl and her family’s new year traditions. Along the way, she discovers her neighbor’s different traditions, too! It’s perfect for discussing the similarities and differences between cultures and customs. I created a free worksheet for after reading!
I Promise
by LeBron James
The inside cover of this book describes it as full of “encouraging and boosting reminders that success starts with YOU.” This book will help your students make those new year goals and strive for greatness motivated by the words of LeBron James and inspired by his I PROMISE school.
A Loud Winter’s Nap
by Katy Hudson
A Loud Winter’s Nap is about a tortoise who normally sleeps through the winter. He doesn’t really feel he’s missing anything by doing this. This year, his friends are trying to convince him to stay awake. This one is so cute and perfect for discussing how characters change or a lesson on sequencing a story. It would also be a great book to pair with a nonfiction text on animals in winter. I’ve included this one in my January virtual library which is available in Google Slides or Seesaw! I’ve got 10 ideas for using these libraries in the classroom you can read about here.
The Magic Ball of Wool
by Susanna Isern
While this one doesn’t have a distinct “new year” theme, it’s another book with sweet animals. This story follows a hedgehog as he grants wishes for his animal friends using a magic wool. It is a tale of kindness and helping others which we could all use a little more of.
Your Future is Bright
by Corey Finkle
Another motivating read, Your Future is Bright is a great reminder of all of the possibilities of the future. This is perfect to pair with hopes and dreams for the new year. It highlights the idea that we all have something special and a unique path ahead of us. This is such a positive book to focus on the good ahead even in these challenging times.
I hope you have found a new read aloud that would work well for your class! If you are looking for some additional *free* resources for planning your first week after winter break, I have created/curated a week’s worth of New Year’s themed activities. Click here or on the picture below to get a free copy!
Happy New Year!
*This post includes Amazon affiliate links. This means I earn a very small percentage of your purchase as no extra cost to you!
