3 Reasons Why Number the Stars is the BEST Historical Fiction Read Aloud

Are you on the hunt for the PERFECT Historical Fiction Read Aloud? No need to keep looking. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is the best historical fiction read-aloud for upper elementary classes. HANDS DOWN!

1) Symbolism

One of the trickiest reading skills for grade 4 and grade 5 students to master is understanding symbolism. Number the Stars is filled with symbols. Students will get a TON of practice finding symbols and analyzing them. Plus, the symbols tend to repeat throughout the book, providing even more opportunities for analysis.

2) Themes

Number the Stars has many complex themes. Students will enjoy delving deep into this novel and learning from its messages. They will be able to compare and contrast themes that they have determined for the story with those that their peers have come up with.

3) Characters

Annemarie and Ellen are incredibly easy to relate to. Students will see themselves in the characters as well as in their friendship. Annemarie changes a TON throughout the story which provides students with an excellent opportunity to practice analyzing how characters change.

So there you have it, 3 reasons why Number the Stars is the best Historical Fiction Read Aloud. Need help teaching this incredible book? Click HERE to check out my Interactive Read Aloud resource. It has everything you need to create an amazing Historical Fiction reading comprehension unit for your upper elementary students.

Want to try out one of my reading units before buying? Click HERE to have a Swashby and the Sea Interactive Read Aloud Unit sent straight to your inbox!

Looking for some more historical fiction book club books? Click HERE to check out my list!