Holiday Read Alouds for Big Kids

Christmas is one of my favorite times to teach. I especially love sharing holiday picture books with my students. The challenge, though, is that by 4th or 5th grade, many of them have already read all of the classic Christmas favorites. Don’t get me wrong, I love The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas as much as the next girl, and I definitely believe in rereading books. But, if you’re looking for some Christmas read alouds for your upper elementary class that they might not have seen before, you’re in the right place. Here are some Christmas picture books that just might be new to you and your students…

(This post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that Amazon sends me a little pocket change, at no cost to you, if you purchase through one of these links. This helps keep my site running and funds giveaways for you!)

A World of Cookies for Santa

by M. E. Furman – This book follows Santa around the world as he eats Christmas treats from different cultures. Santa visits the Philippines, France, Malawi, Russia, and more. The book even includes nine cookie recipes to try!

Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama

by Selina Alko – This is the story of Sadie, who celebrates a beautiful mix of Christmas and Hanukkah traditions with her family each year. When her relatives gather, everyone shares the story of their holiday traditions.

Grace at Christmas

by Mary Hoffman – Grace is unhappy about having to share Christmas with strangers after her Grandmother invites a family friend to spend the holiday with them. Written by the author of Amazing Grace, Saving Grace, and more.

 

Too Many Tamales

by Gary Soto – Maria is so proud to help make tamales for her family’s Christmas dinner. When her mother leaves the room, Maria plays with her diamond ring and loses it. After a desperate attempt to find the ring, Maria learns a valuable lesson about telling the truth instead of trying to cover up a problem.

 

Christmas Truce

by Aaron Shepard – This fictional letter from a British solider to his sister recounts the story of the Christmas Truce during World War I. The soldier tells his sister about spending Christmas Eve singing carols and laughing with German soldiers during the night and into Christmas Day. (Recommended for older readers, as references to the war are included.)

 

I’m always looking to add new books to our collection… What are your favorite Christmas books for big kids?