Halloween Read Alouds
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 3, 2023
Halloween Read Alouds for Upper Elementary
Halloween is right around the corner. This makes it the perfect time to pull out some favorite Halloween read alouds to capitalize on the excitement students are already feeling about this spooky holiday. I have curated some of my very favorite Halloween read alouds below – read on for some tried and true story suggestions that are sure to be hits in your upper elementary classroom.
Looking for some COMPLETE read aloud units to use with your learners? Click on the image or button below to see all of the read aloud units available in the Creative Classroom Core shop!
Why is it important to read aloud to students?
Reading aloud to students in upper elementary grades is incredibly important. To start, it fosters a love for literature and storytelling – and isn’t that our overall goal as ELA teachers?
Also, reading exposes students to complex vocabulary, sentence structures, and literary styles that they might not encounter in their independent reading. When read aloud, students are able to comprehend text that is much higher than their independent reading level. This allows us to expose students to rich texts that would typically be too complex for them to tackle on their own. Through this, reading aloud also helps improve listening skills and comprehension, as students can follow along and ask questions, clarifying their understanding.
Moreover, reading aloud provides an opportunity for students to engage with diverse perspectives, cultures, and historical contexts. This helps to promote empathy and broads their understanding of the world. Great read alouds allow students to explore worlds that are both similar and different than the ones they already know.
For more information on the benefits of reading aloud to students, check out this post.
Favorite Halloween read alouds for upper elementary – Picture Books
Below is a list of some of my very favorite picture books for Halloween read alouds – I hope you are able to find some new classroom favorites.
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The Dark by Lemony Snicket
This beautifully illustrated picture book explores the concept of fear and darkness, helping children confront their fears in a gentle and imaginative way. The “dark” itself is personified throughout the story, making it a great way to introduce this literary element.
The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
A mysterious broom with magical powers falls into the hands of a widow and her neighbors, leading to an enchanting and thought-provoking story. This story is worth the read aloud simply for the illustrations – like all of the stories by Chris Van Allsburg, the illustrations are absolutely stunning.
See the story on Amazon by clicking here.
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
This comical book tells the story of a rabbit who becomes convinced that creepy carrots are following him. It’s a fun and unexpected twist on a Halloween theme. Aaron Reynolds is one of my all time favorite authors for upper elementary, and this story is one of his best.
Looking for a COMPLETE unit to use along with this silly story? Click on the image or button below to grab a copy for your learners. It comes with a fun Halloween STEM challenge!
Grab a copy of the story on Amazon here.
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
This story is a heartwarming tale of a lonely scarecrow who finds companionship in a small crow. This book beautifully captures the essence of fall and the importance of friendship. The vivid language used by Ferry to tell the story makes it great mentor text for lessons on imagery and figurative language.
Pick up a copy of this story on Amazon by clicking here.
Favorite Halloween read alouds for upper elementary – Novels
Novels make great Halloween read alouds for the month of October. Check out some of my favorites below!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
“Coraline” is a captivating dark fantasy novel written by Neil Gaiman. The story revolves around a young girl named Coraline Jones who moves into a new apartment with her neglectful parents. Bored and feeling ignored, Coraline discovers a hidden door that leads to a parallel world that seems perfect at first glance, with parents who pay her the attention she craves. However, she soon realizes that this “Other” world holds eerie and sinister secrets, and she must summon her courage to rescue her real parents and confront a malevolent, button-eyed Other Mother. The novel explores themes of bravery, family, and the allure of escapism in a beautifully eerie and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Grab a COMPLETE novel study to use along with this creepy and engaging story by clicking on the image or button below. It comes with detailed comprehension questions, graphic organizers, creative projects, and more!
Pick up a copy of the novel on Amazon by clicking here.
The Witches by Roald Dahl
“The Witches” by Roald Dahl is a thrilling children’s novel filled with dark humor and suspense. The story follows a young boy who encounters a secret society of witches led by the terrifying Grand High Witch. These witches despise children and have a wicked plan to turn them all into mice using a special potion. When the boy is transformed into a mouse himself, he must outwit the witches and thwart their evil scheme with the help of his resourceful grandmother. Dahl’s signature wit and vivid storytelling make “The Witches” a timeless classic that explores themes of bravery, cleverness, and the enduring bond between family members. It’s a tale of courage in the face of danger and the triumph of good over evil, all wrapped up in Dahl’s unique and entertaining narrative style.
For more information on using the works of Roald Dahl in the classroom, check out this post.
Grab a copy of the story on Amazon by clicking here.
Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe
This humorous mystery follows the misadventures of a pet rabbit named Bunnicula, who may be a vampire bunny. It’s a perfect blend of humor and mild spookiness, making it a great fit for upper elementary learners.
See the novel on Amazon by clicking here.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
While not a traditional Halloween story, this story definitely gives “Fall on the farm” vibes. Also, one of the main characters is a spider, and I don’t think you can get more Halloween than that! This heartwarming tale tells the story of a friendship between a young girl named Fern, a clever spider named Charlotte, and a kind-hearted pig named Wilbur. As Wilbur faces the possibility of becoming dinner, Charlotte uses her web-spinning skills to save him, teaching important lessons about friendship, empathy, and the cycle of life.
Grab a COMPLETE novel study to use along with this captivating story by clicking on the image or button below.
Pick up a copy of the story on Amazon by clicking here.
If reading aloud is an important part of your classroom routine, you want want to miss our guides to Christmas Read Alouds, September 11th Read Alouds, Back to School Read Alouds, Indigenous Read Alouds, and St. Patrick’s Day Read Alouds!
Interested in reading more about Halloween Activities you can use in your classroom?
Check out these related blog posts!
Spooky Short Stories for Middle School
More Spooky Short Stories for Middle School
Halloween Activities for Upper Elementary
Favorite Fall Projects and Activities
Interactive Read Alouds: Tips and Tricks
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