First Chapter Friday
Read the opening pages of a book aloud, and watch a room full of upper elementary and middle school readers get hooked. No new unit, no extra prep pressure, just a great first chapter and ten minutes of your Friday.
First Chapter Friday Resources on Lisa’s Blog
Everything Lisa has written about running First Chapter Friday, from book-by-book picks to the research behind why reading aloud works at every age.
First Chapter Friday Books & Resources for Upper Elementary & Middle School
The complete rundown: what First Chapter Friday is, why it works, and nearly twenty book-by-book picks with the exact chapters (and pages) worth reading aloud.
Read the Guide →First Chapter Friday for Fifth Grade Students
Tried-and-true fifth grade picks — from Frindle to Nevermoor — plus a running list of titles Lisa is excited to try next.
Read the Guide →Great Books for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary
FYI: I only endorse things that I've personally used or have come highly recommended from my teacher friends and family and think they may be helpful to you. If you buy anything mentioned using my Amazon referral links, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
High-interest, lower-barrier titles that work beautifully as a first chapter read-aloud for students who need an easier way in.
Read the Guide →Teachers Reading Aloud Improves Reading Comprehension for All Students
The research behind read-alouds — and why they benefit every student in the room, not just your emerging readers.
Read the Guide →The Magic of the Teacher Read-Aloud
Why reading aloud shouldn’t stop after elementary school — and how to make it a pressure-free, purely-for-pleasure part of your week.
Read the Guide →Visit the First Chapter Friday Hub
New picks get added throughout the year. Bookmark the hub page for the latest First Chapter Friday posts, booklists, and freebies.
Go to Hub →
Free Printable Booklist
Grab Lisa’s First Chapter Friday booklist PDF and start building your own read-aloud rotation this week.
Watch a First Chapter Friday clip
Quick tips and inspiration for teachers: which pages to read, a fast overview of the story, and why each pick makes a great First Chapter Friday read.
Follow along for weekly picks
Lisa shares First Chapter Friday picks, classroom moments, and read-aloud inspiration across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube every week. Follow along so you never miss a new title.