7 Books I Like to Read with Students Before We Check Out Books

A few years back I shared a batch of books that I like to read with students before we check out for the first time. You know, books about books that can lead to a conversation about the checkout process in my K-3 elementary school library.
Those book choices have shifted a bit, and I’ve added a couple more to the mix. So here’s the update:
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
With kindergarten students, I like to read . . .


With first grade students, I like to read . . .

With second grade students, I like to read . . .


With third grade students, I like to read . . .

What are your before check out go-to read alouds? If you have one, share it in the comments?
Filed under: Articles
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
Lane Smith Cover Reveal: Recess!
Morgana & Oz, Vol. 1 | Review
Goodbye for now
When Book Bans are a Form of Discrimination, What is the Path to Justice?
Take Five: February 2025 Middle Grade Graphic Novels
ADVERTISEMENT
TRUMAN by Jane Ready is good. The fact that the girl is going to school for the first time is central to the plot, but the book never feels like bibliotherapy. It’s Truman the turtle who takes risks and aspires to new things. The book is comforting without being pushy, and it makes the children laugh.
I love that book! Thanks for your suggestion.