Great novel studies for February: A Guide for Busy Teachers
If you’re a teacher or homeschool parent looking for the best books to read in February, I’ve got good news! There are so many great holidays that can create cross-curricular connections, and by now the kids have developed their reading competencies and independence to the point that they are ready to take on more responsibility for their learning.
This makes February the absolute best time to start a great new read-aloud or transition your students into literature circles, book clubs, or even independent novel studies. Today I wanted to share a collection of my favorite novels and nonfiction texts that I’ve put together to help you get started in February novel studies or book clubs. To ensure there’s something for everyone, I’ve pulled from various genres and topics.
My Favorite Books for February Read Alouds, Book Clubs, and More
As I mentioned in my post on planning book clubs for maximum impact, don’t be afraid to make your novel studies serve dual purposes…or even delve into a non-traditional genre!
There are many great ways to build reading skills and cross-curricular connections through these authentic literature experiences, but it takes some purposeful planning.
George Washington’s Socks
George Washington’s Socks is the perfect book for Presidents Day in February. A combination of science fiction and historical fiction, this story follows a boy who travels back in time to meet George Washington while being pursued by British forces trying to capture him!
Faced with danger around every corner, the main character is likable and relatable to students. This book has plenty of excitement to capture even more reluctant readers, making it a great choice for February book clubs for 4th-grade readers.
Get the novel study unit: George Washington’s Socks Novel Unit
Magic Tree House: Abe Lincoln at Last
Looking for an easier read that is still perfect for February? Magic Tree House has it! This book (and its nonfiction companion) is another great option for February book clubs. In this book, Jack and Annie travel back in time to meet Abraham Lincoln.
The novel study unit for this book is a must! This novel study takes roughly two weeks to complete and incorporates higher-level thinking skills.
The multiple lessons included in the unit are perfect for pairing with any Presidents Day learning you plan or can easily be repurposed throughout February. This is a great choice for 2nd or 3rd-grade learners.
Get the nonfiction unit study: Magic Tree House: Abraham Lincoln
Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
By now, most teachers are familiar with the Who Was… series. They are a staple resource in my classroom library and allow easy differentiation. The illustrations and fun facts are a great bonus, and they have amazing examples of text features.
I love using these biographies in my reading groups to support and engage students who need more practice with comprehension skills. Pair this one with Magic Tree House: Abe Lincoln at Last for book club options perfect for Presidents Day!
Get the Biography Study: Who Was Abraham Lincoln? Biography Unit
The Chocolate Touch
Valentine’s Day brings out the chocolate lover in everyone. Students LOVE book clubs themed around candy. If you are looking for a great book to include in your February novel unit, consider The Chocolate Touch. This fun tale follows a boy who is gifted with the power to turn anything he touches into chocolate.
The Chocolate Touch is perfect for use as part of an art unit or science unit focusing on food or candy since it gives kids many opportunities to imagine what chocolate would look like as it turned into other things.
It’s also a great addition to a chocolate-themed February book club. This book centers around a boy who turns all he touches into chocolate and contains a great lesson about being unselfish.
Get the Novel Study: The Chocolate Touch Novel Unit
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Thinking about that chocolate-themed book club? This one is a must-have!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the story of a poor boy who wins a tour of the world’s most famous and amazing chocolate factory (of course, with some twists and turns along the way).
This is a great book for a little more challenge during book clubs. It has a rich vocabulary, a strong model for the author’s craft, and lots of great opportunities to delve deep into characters.
Get the Novel Study: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Novel Unit
Chocolate Fever
Another great chocolate-themed book for your February novel study is Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel Smith. The story is about a boy who only eats chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One day, he ends up with a strange illness. As his body gets covered in brown spots, he finds chocolate is the only thing satisfying his cravings.
This book has a great surprise ending and surprising characters. It’s also a quick read (perfect for those who dislike reading). The protagonist in the novel is particularly relatable to students, and they will enjoy reading about his adventures.
Get the Novel Study: Chocolate Fever Novel Study Unit
Stone Fox
One of my favorite books for winter novel units, Stone Fox, is about a boy and his grandfather struggling to stay afloat financially. When a sled race is announced with a grand prize, the stakes get even higher for him and his grandfather!
This book is a great story of teamwork. If you’re teaching about the Iditarod, it would be a good addition to your February novel units or book clubs.
Get the Novel Study Unit: Stone Fox Novel Study
Wonder
If you’d prefer to go with a friendship theme, Wonder is a great choice. This book explores new friendships and how they can change your life. The main character, August, has a facial deformity and feels alienated.
This book is especially great for an independent reading project that brings in a mentor reader or book buddies to work with students as they read. Add it to your February novel units or book clubs for an engaging read!
Along with a great message of friendship, this novel study incorporates many thinking skills perfect for February!
Get the Novel Study Unit: Wonder Novel Study
Planning Your Own February Novel Unit?
The process of planning a novel study can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created this free Novel Unit Planning Guide. Just enter your info below to have it delivered right to your inbox.
