November is the perfect time to bring read-aloud books into your classroom or homeschool, and these November read alouds for 5th grade are a great way to connect literature with important themes like history, kindness, and gratitude. Whether you’re in the classroom or homeschooling, read-alouds spark meaningful discussions, build empathy, and help students make real-world connections. From Veterans Day to World Kindness Day to Thanksgiving, these books will keep your learners engaged and inspired all month long.
We are never too old for a good read-aloud book!
Veterans Day Read-Alouds for 5th Grade
1. The Poppy Lady by Barbara Walsh
This beautifully illustrated biography tells the story of Moina Belle Michael, the woman who inspired the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for veterans.
Teaching Tip: After reading, have students create paper poppies to honor veterans or write thank-you notes to local service members.
2. Honoring Veterans by Robin Johnson
A straightforward, kid-friendly introduction to Veterans Day that explains why we honor those who served.
Teaching Tip: Pair this read-aloud with a class discussion about freedom, service, and sacrifice.
World Kindness Day Read-Alouds for 5th Grade
3. Kindness Is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
A fun, colorful book that teaches children how simple acts of kindness can make the world better.
Teaching Tip: Launch a “Kindness Challenge” in your classroom or homeschool—students can track daily acts of kindness for a week.
4. CindaYella and the Fairy Wordmother by Becky Cummings
A fun take on Cinderella! Can Cindy change her words and ways to become kinder?
Teaching Tip: Use this book to introduce a gratitude journal. (Don’t forget to download my free Thankful Journal here!)
Thanksgiving Read-Alouds for 5th Grade
5. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
A fascinating true story of how Tony Sarg brought the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons to life.
Teaching Tip: Have students design their own parade balloons on paper and write a short story about them.
6. Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
The inspiring story of Sarah Hale, who campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Teaching Tip: Pair this with an opinion writing activity—ask students what tradition they would “save” if it were at risk of being forgotten.
These November read-alouds for 5th grade are perfect for starting conversations about history, kindness, gratitude, and tradition.
Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, these books will add meaning to your November lesson plans.
👉 Want even more inspiration? Check out my post on November Lesson Plan Ideas for upper elementary—it’s filled with seasonal activities you can use all month long.
You’ll also find plenty of ready-to-use resources in my TpT store, including Veterans Day activities, World Kindness Day projects, and Thanksgiving writing.
And don’t forget your FREE Thankful Journal—a simple, printable way to bring gratitude into your home or classroom this month. Grab it here.
💡 Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
