First Chapter Friday: A Simple Way to Get Upper Elementary Students Excited About Reading
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Looking for a simple way to get your students excited about reading? If you're looking for a way to build a stronger reading community in your classroom, First Chapter Friday is a routine you'll want to try.
It's one of my favorite classroom routines because it's easy to implement, takes very little prep, and gives students the chance to discover books they might never have picked up on their own.
In this post, I'll explain what First Chapter Friday is, share five of my favorite chapter books for upper elementary students, and link my list of 100+ chapter book recommendations to help you plan First Chapter Friday all year long.
What Is First Chapter Friday?
First Chapter Friday is exactly what it sounds like! Once a week you read the first chapter of a chapter book aloud to your class.
The goal isn't to finish the story. Instead, you're giving students just enough of a preview to hook their interest and leave them wanting more.
After reading the first chapter, students decide if it's a book they'd like to continue reading independently. Some students check it out from the classroom library, others borrow it from the school library, and many add it to their growing "want to read" list.
I love that this routine introduces students to a wide variety of genres, authors, and characters while helping them discover books they may never have chosen on their own.
Why I Love First Chapter Friday
There are so many reasons this has become one of my favorite classroom routines.
It builds excitement for reading.
It introduces students to new authors and genres.
It encourages independent reading.
It helps students discover books they truly enjoy.
It only takes about 10–15 minutes each week.
It creates a classroom community centered around books.
Another unexpected benefit is that students begin recommending books to each other. As the year goes on, my students often ask if they can share one of their favorite chapter books with the class by reading the first chapter aloud themselves. I love watching them become so excited about books that they want to introduce their classmates to a story they enjoyed. It helps create a classroom where students don't just read—they talk about books, recommend them, and inspire each other to read more.
Five Chapter Books I Recommend for First Chapter Friday
There are so many amazing books for upper elementary students, but these are five that I think make fantastic First Chapter Friday read-alouds.
Restart by Gordon Korman
This was one of those books I couldn't put down. The story begins with Chase Ambrose waking up in the hospital after an accident with no memory of who he is.
Students are hooked almost immediately, and the story naturally leads to conversations about second chances, identity, and whether people can truly change.
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom by Louis Sachar
This classic has stood the test of time for a reason. Bradley Chalkers isn't exactly the easiest student to like, but readers quickly discover there's much more to his story.
It's funny, heartfelt, and opens the door to meaningful discussions about friendship, kindness, and believing in yourself.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
If you're looking for a book that encourages empathy and kindness, Wonder is always a great choice.
Students quickly become invested in Auggie's journey as he attends school for the first time. It sparks thoughtful conversations about inclusion, compassion, and choosing kindness every day.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
This beautifully written story follows Edward, a china rabbit who experiences love, loss, and growth throughout an unforgettable journey.
It's an emotional story that encourages students to think deeply about character development, resilience, and the importance of human connection.
Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli
This is a fun choice for younger upper elementary students, especially near the beginning of the school year.
George "Suds" Morton is determined to become the first student in his class to earn a halo by doing enough good deeds. It's humorous, relatable, and always gets a few laughs while still sharing meaningful lessons.
Looking for More Chapter Book Recommendations?
These are just a few of my favorites! I've put together a list of 100+ chapter books for upper elementary students that are perfect for First Chapter Friday, classroom libraries, literature circles, or independent reading.
Whether you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, this list is filled with books that have been recommended by teachers and loved by students.
Browse my list of 100+ Upper Elementary Chapter Book Recommendations here!
Pair First Chapter Friday with a Simple Reading Response
While listening to a great story is valuable on its own, I also like giving students a chance to reflect on what they've heard.
That's why I created my First Chapter Friday Book Review Worksheets. They're a simple way to keep students engaged while giving them an opportunity to think about the story before deciding whether it's a book they'd like to continue reading.
These worksheets provide students with a simple way to reflect on the first chapter and record their thinking. It's a quick, meaningful activity that encourages students to engage with the story and decide whether they'd like to continue reading.
One feature I especially love is that the resource includes both a "First Chapter Friday" title and a "First Chapter Review" title, so you can use the worksheets any day of the week.
Whether you're reading aloud every Friday, introducing a new book at the beginning of a reading unit, or simply looking for a meaningful reading response activity, these worksheets make it easy for students to stay engaged with every story.
Check out my First Chapter Friday Book Review Worksheets here!
Ready to Get Started?
First Chapter Friday has become one of my favorite classroom traditions because it's simple, meaningful, and genuinely gets students excited about reading. It's amazing how one chapter can turn into a waiting list at the classroom library or spark conversations about books throughout the day.
Watching students recommend books to one another, and volunteer to share their own favorite books with the class, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the routine. It transforms reading from an individual activity into something your entire class can enjoy together.
If you're looking for your next read aloud, be sure to browse my list of 100+ upper elementary chapter book recommendations. And if you'd like an easy way for students to reflect on each story, don't forget to check out my First Chapter Friday Book Review Worksheets to pair with your weekly read-alouds.
