Is it really December? I feel like I've blinked and half of the school year has passed, and it is time to share a set of December novel studies. As we wrap up Thanksgiving and start looking toward holiday break, book clubs can be a great way to keep students engaged and learning as the long winter break approaches.
Here are a few great books that engage students with December themes.
What you'll find on this page:
10 Best Books for Book Studies in December
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
A classic story that is perfect for the holidays, this book is the story of a group of children who discover a magical world hiding inside an old wardrobe.
The text is a little more challenging and suitable for upper elementary and middle school readers, but there are so many levels of analysis that can be done with the story.
Perfect for a classroom or small group novel study.
Get the Book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Get the novel study unit: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Novel Study
Stone Fox
This is a story of courage, adventure, and standing up for family.
This story always makes me cry…but it is a memorable story with such great opportunities for conversation.
It is truly perfect for your classroom in the winter.
Buy the Book: Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
Get the novel study unit: Stone Fox Novel Study
Little House in the Big Woods
Set in the big woods of Wisconsin, a great deal of this book covers how early settlers prepared and enjoyed winter.
A great historical fiction novel (that is actually based on a true story) that will fascinate your students while giving them an excellent opportunity to compare life today to life in the 1800s.
Buy the Book: Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Get the novel study: Little House in the Big Woods Novel Study
The Long Winter
Another great Little House book, this story is set around an unexpected blizzard that falls in early winter.
With the storm raging for four long days, the family must figure out how to survive.
With freezing temperatures and a dire prediction of a long winter, the Ingalls family must brave the cold to survive.
Buy the Book: The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Family Under the Bridge
The story of a man who loves to be alone…but discovers that family, even one you happen upon accidentally, makes life worthwhile.
After befriending the children living under the bridge, Armand realizes he must do everything he can to help them find a better home.
Their adventures around Paris, including an encounter with Santa, are sure to delight.
Buy the book: The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
I can still remember reading this book as a child.
This story is a hilarious look at the ever-popular Christmas pageant experience through the eyes of a child.
With a great cast of characters that provides hours of great discussion, this book is sure to be a winner with your students.
Buy the Book: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Get the novel study unit: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Novel Study
The Last Holiday Concert
If you've read an Andrew Clements book, then you know that kids love his work. This is the story of a popular 5th grader forced to take on the role of choir director when his classmates vote for him because the real director loses his job due to funding issues.
Stuck with preparing the choir for their holiday concert, he also has to show the school board why his teacher should stay at the school.
Buy the Book: The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements
Get the novel study unit: The Last Holiday Concert Novel Study
Horrible Harry and the Holidaze
If you've never used this book, then today's the day to start. This text offers a look at several commonly celebrated winter holidays through the lens of a fictional story about a group of classmates.
A super easy read, this text is accessible and perfect for a unit of study for social studies.
Buy the Book: Horrible Harry and the Holidaze by Suze Klein
Get the novel study unit: Horrible Harry and the Holidaze Novel Unit
Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Polar Bears & the Arctic
Want a great nonfiction read that is easy and supports great nonfiction mini-lessons?
Teach all those essential nonfiction reading skills while learning about Arctic animals and their adaptations.
Perfect for those cold December days!
Buy the Book: Polar Bears and the Arctic by Mary Pope Osbourne
Polar Bears Past Bedtime (Magic Tree House)
The fictional companion to the Fact Tracker, Magic Tree House is always a favorite for young readers.
This great fantasy takes your students into the Arctic, where Jack and Annie encounter polar bears and learn a few things along the way!
Buy the book: Polar Bears Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Osbourne
Looking for more great books for your students?
Check out these other articles to find more great novels for your classroom library, literature circles, or book clubs.
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