The Big List of Children's Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds
Course Description
These authors are offering read-alouds of their books and books by their favorite authors.
Roda Ahmed
The author will be doing read-alouds on Instagram Live of her book Mae Among the Stars.
Diane Alber
Reading one of her books each day on Facebook!
Mac Barnett
The author will be reading a book a day on Instagram Live. It does not appear that he will be adding the videos to his website at this time.
Helene Boudreau
She is hosting DRAW ME MORE: a Read-Along/ Draw-Along activity on her website. She’s already shared an 11 chapter, chapter book (reading level grades 2-4) called MASON & THE MEGA-NAUTS.
Ben Clanton
Author and illustrator of It Came in the Mail; Rot, the Cutest in the World; and upcoming Rot, the Bravest in the World. He has scheduled two read-aloud sessions on Facebook. March 18 (2 PM EST) and March 20 (5 PM EST).
Julia Cook
Julia Cook, bestselling children’s author, will be doing Monday and Friday readings on Facebook Live at 9:00 AM CST!
Fabien Cousteau
He is the grandson of famed sea explorer Jacques Cousteau, and a third-generation ocean explorer and filmmaker. He is the author of the Fabien Cousteau Expeditions, a series of graphic adventure novels for kids, the latest of which is JOURNEY UNDER THE ARCTIC. He will be doing a live Shark Story Time reading on March 23rd at 3:00 PM and will have a live Q&A on March 24th at 10:00 AM.
James Dean
The author reads various Pete the Cat books daily at 12 PM EDT
Julie Falatko
Enjoy a reading of Falatko’s book, Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book), by Stranger Things actor, David Harbour. This read-aloud comes with a teacher’s guide.
Thelma Godin
Oprah Winfrey reads Godin’s book, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, which is accompanied by a handy teacher’s guide.
Monique Gray Smith
The author has added a collection of videos of herself reading from her picture books on Instagram. You may also learn more about her books on her website.
Dan Gutman
Reads 3 chapters from “Miss Blake is a Flake” each day at 2:00 PM EDT, but you can also view archives!
Bruce Hale
Bruce has posted a series of writing tips videos on this page of his website and a read-aloud of my book, BIG BAD BABY, on YouTube, with more to come.
Oliver Jeffers
The author will be reading one book every day on Instagram Live. Can’t make it? He’ll also be posting the videos to his website.
Susan Katz
Award-winning author and illustrator, Susan is reading books aloud on her YouTube channel. This one is the first chapter of her new book, THE STORY OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG.
Tara Lazar
Live every day at noon EDT on Instagram Live. Her stories stay up each day for 24 hours.
Melinda Long
Activities and videos from the New York Times bestselling author of How I Became a Pirate and other amazing books.
Tony Medina
Upcoming author Brittany Thurman reads aloud Medina’s book, Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy.
Kate Messner
A former classroom teacher, Messner has written more than three dozen books for kids. She’s put together a library of distance learning resources for students, families, teachers, and librarians.
Peter Reynolds
Author, illustrator, and founder of FableVision. Find Peter’s weekday read-aloud events on Facebook at noon EDT, Monday through Friday.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Young kids will enjoy this great read-aloud of Where Are My Books? The author also provides a teacher’s guide, drawing demos and shares a crowd-sourced music video based on the book.
David Shannon
Follow the story of A Bad Case of Stripes as read by Lord of the Rings actor, Sean Astin. Then, work through the helpful teacher’s guide.
Tanya Lee Stone
Learn the story of The House That Jane Built as read by The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina actress, Kiernan Shipka. You may access activity guides for teachers or for parents.
Jennifer Trafton
She is reading a chapter a day from her book Henry and the Chalk Dragon on Facebook live!
Virtual Author Activities for Middle School
Read-alouds and reading activities from favorite authors.
Peter Butzl
The author has put together reading activities around his Cogheart Adventures. He’s even created Q&A videos on YouTube.
Sarah Darer Littman
Sarah is adding readings, mini-lessons, and prompts to her page! Follow along and get inspired to get reading and writing.
Tony DiTerlizzi
Find Daily live drawing sessions on Facebook! Tony DiTerlizzi is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator who has been creating books for twenty years. He created The Spiderwick Chronicles with Holly Black, which has sold millions of copies around the world. His highly anticipated sequel to Kenny and the Dragon, KENNY & THE BOOK OF BEASTS, releases this fall.
Leah Henderson
Listen to a read-aloud of Henderson’s The Magic in Changing Your Stars and then work through the writing challenge (with hints!) listed on author Kate Messner’s site: Who is Ailey Benjamin Lane named after?
Jeff Kinney
This official PDF teaching guide is a great learning resource for your middle schooler to think about and discuss the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series!
Jo Knowles
Watch Knowles read the first chapter of her middle grade novel, Where the Heart Is, while giving students a fun writing exercise. She’s also created guides for teachers and book groups on her website.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Author of the Lunch Lady graphic novel series, Krosoczka will be hosting a daily drawing webcast on YouTube at 2 PM EDT. You can also find videos on his website. Be sure to also check out his National Book Award Finalist, Hey Kiddo.
Jarrett Lerner
The author behind Enginerds has created some cool worksheets that will be updated every few days to keep kids entertained and engaged. These activities may be a good addition to your distance learning resources.
Grace Lin
The author and illustrator has taken to YouTube to provide a glimpse into Chinese culture and a guide for drawing Chinese dragons.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Author of One for the Murphys, Fish in a Tree, and Shouting at the Rain, she has put together several videos for readers and teachers online.
Andrew Peterson
He is reading a chapter a day from Book 1 of the Wingfeather Saga, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.
Madelyn Rosenberg
You may have to change the season or specific circumstances, but this collection of writing prompts is a great way to help your student build literacy skills, while giving them a chance to express themselves.
J.K. Rowling
What better series for middle schoolers than the famous Harry Potter books? You probably loved them, and now you have the chance to introduce your children into the Wizarding World. Use this handy discussion guide that covers the first four books to bring an academic approach to your own little wizards’ education.
Neal Shusterman
Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including the Arc of a Scythe series. “With so many people working and learning from home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to give you all something special. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be doing some readings from my short story collections: MINDQUAKES and MINDSTORMS.” Available on Youtube.
Melissa Stewart
The nonfiction science book author has created engaging video mini-lessons including a similes worksheet, researching skills, and more.
Mo Willems
Mo Willems invites you into his studio every day for his lunch doodle! Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together while he chats about his characters Pigeon, Piggie, and Elephant.