Some of my most vivid childhood memories of school were the novel studies I read for various subjects. It was my favorite way to learn skills, history, and any topic! I love books, and being allowed to read an entire book from cover to cover as a school assignment put me in heaven! I am sure this is a major reason why, as a teacher, my passion is to create and teach novel studies! I love introducing new books to my class, and as a community, being immersed in the book together. I love it when a student pulls us off the schedule with a question or comment from something they read and leads the class into a lively discussion. That’s where the real memorable learning takes place, after all!
I create novel studies more than any other product line simply because I like to focus on what I love. I want to work with my passion! I often get questions from readers asking how I would set up novel studies in my classroom. I decided to write a small series explaining my methods. For the most part, my novel studies include comprehension questions, vocabulary/grammar skill work, extension activities, and assessments. Today’s post, part 1, deals with the comprehension aspect of the novel studies.
Novel Studies Part 1: Comprehension
One of the most compelling reasons to use whole novels in your reading instruction is to boost comprehension skills. A complete novel allows the student to delve deep into the characters’ minds and work through the plot from a detailed beginning to an end. You can’t achieve this level of deep understanding and thinking using short passages only. Students should be exposed to all methods of reading instruction, and complete novel studies fulfill a critical piece of the puzzle.
For students to dig deep into comprehension, they need the time to get lost in the narrative. Complete chapters will help them fall into the world of their book. The goal here is for students to think at the higher levels of the analysis and evaluation levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
To achieve this, I only use narrative questioning for my novel studies. The student needs to write out a complete statement in order to answer the question. Multiple-choice questions are not adequate to get the student to move beyond the lowest level of knowledge questioning of Bloom’s. You don’t want students doing quick guessing games to show what they’ve learned as they move through the book!
You can see that the questions will not allow the student to quick-skim the book. They can only answer if they’ve read, and the questions force them to think through what the character is thinking and put themselves into the character’s shoes. This type of questioning will take the student to the highest levels of both the cognitive and affective domains of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
You can also see that there are only five questions for the chapter. The questioning I use in my novel studies is usually only 1-6 questions per chapter. Students shouldn’t be inundated with questions in order to dig deep and show an understanding of what they’ve read. If the questioning is thorough, only a few questions are needed. I try to have at least one question per chapter, no matter how small it is. Of course, sometimes it is not necessary to assign a question just for the sake of assigning work if the chapter is too short.
Another reason for not overburdening the students with questions is to minimize the disruptions as they read. The more often they have to stop to answer questions, the less likely they are to get lost in the story. You want them to go all in!
All of my novel studies offer a Google Drive™ format, in addition to the printable format, shown above, to use with your students. This allows you to use novel studies in a 1:1 classroom, save paper, and easily engage students who are absent. Here’s an example page from the Google Drive™ format of my Esperanza Rising Novel Study.
Going through a story in this manner in regard to comprehension has worked very well for me. It forces those reluctant readers to put forth the effort to let themselves read deeply. The non-reluctant readers will be thrilled to be reading a complete book, so you’ve already hooked them!
Join me for part 2 in my series to learn the methods I use to try to turn my students into book detectives with vocabulary/grammar skill work using novel studies.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Looking for a Genesis Begins Again novel study, lesson plans, and activities for your upper elementary or middle school ELA classroom? Alicia D. Williams’s Genesis Begins Again is a powerful middle grade novel that gives students opportunities to explore identity, self-acceptance, family relationships, friendship, bullying, colorism, and resilience while strengthening reading comprehension and critical-thinking skills.
Genesis Begins Again is an especially meaningful choice for a 5th–8th grade novel study because it gives students much more than an engaging story. It opens the door to important conversations about how we see ourselves, how others influence our self-image, and what it means to learn to accept and value yourself.
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About Genesis Begins Again
Written by Alicia D. Williams, Genesis Begins Again was published in 2019 and received both a 2020 Newbery Honor and the 2020 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent.
The novel follows Genesis, a middle school girl who struggles with her skin color and the way she sees herself. She is dealing with difficult circumstances at home, challenging friendships, bullying, and the painful effects of colorism.
As Genesis navigates these challenges, she begins to discover that the way she sees herself does not have to be determined by other people’s opinions or by society’s expectations of beauty.
That makes Genesis Begins Again an excellent novel for helping students explore identity, self-esteem, resilience, empathy, and self-acceptance.
Why Teach Genesis Begins Again?
There are many reasons to include Genesis Begins Again in your classroom library or middle school ELA curriculum.
1. Explore Identity and Self-Acceptance
One of the central themes of Genesis Begins Again is identity.
Genesis struggles with her appearance and desperately wants to change the things she dislikes about herself. Her journey allows students to think about their own identities and consider how family, friends, media, and society can influence the way people see themselves.
This makes the novel a natural starting point for discussions about self-esteem, identity, beauty standards, and self-acceptance.
2. Discuss Colorism and Representation
Genesis Begins Again provides an age-appropriate opportunity to introduce students to the concept of colorism and discuss how prejudice based on skin tone can affect individuals and communities.
Genesis experiences colorism from people around her, including peers and family members, but perhaps the most painful effects are the ones she begins to internalize herself.
Students can examine how Genesis’s experiences affect her choices, relationships, and perception of herself throughout the novel.
3. Build Empathy Through Diverse Literature
One of the most valuable things we can give students through literature is the opportunity to experience a perspective different from their own.
Genesis Begins Again features a Black female protagonist and a Black author, giving students the opportunity to see a different experience represented in the literature they read.
But diverse literature isn’t only important for students who identify with the characters.
Reading about experiences that differ from our own can help students develop empathy, understanding, and greater awareness of the experiences of others.
4. Examine Family Relationships
Genesis’s home life is complicated, and her family relationships have a significant impact on her experiences.
The novel gives students opportunities to analyze how family members influence Genesis’s thoughts, emotions, decisions, and development as a character.
These relationships also provide excellent opportunities for students to practice character analysis and citing text evidence.
5. Explore Resilience and Personal Growth
Despite everything Genesis is dealing with, she continues to move forward.
Her journey is ultimately one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Students can track Genesis’s character development throughout the novel and examine how her experiences change her perspective and help her begin to see herself differently.
Themes in Genesis Begins Again
Many themes and discussion topics can be explored while reading the novel, including:
Identity and self-acceptance
Colorism
Racism and prejudice
Beauty standards
Bullying
Friendship
Family relationships
Resilience
Self-esteem
Poverty
Moving and instability
Alcoholism and its effects on families
Personal growth
Empathy
Finding your voice
These themes make Genesis Begins Again an excellent choice for whole-class novel studies, small-group reading, literature circles, or independent reading.
Genesis Begins Again Novel Study Activities
Because Genesis Begins Again addresses so many meaningful themes, it provides plenty of opportunities to incorporate reading skills and deeper thinking into your ELA instruction.
Students can work on:
Reading comprehension
Character analysis
Theme
Vocabulary
Grammar
Text-based evidence
Critical thinking
Written responses
Literary analysis
Discussion and reflection
Rather than overwhelming students with worksheets, I recommend using thoughtful questions that encourage them to slow down, think about what they have read, and support their ideas with evidence from the text.
Make Teaching Genesis Begins Again Easier
If you’re looking for ready-to-use Genesis Begins Again lesson plans and activities, I’ve created a complete novel study to make teaching this book easier.
My Genesis Begins Again Novel Study is designed for grades 5–8 and includes both printable and Google Drive™ versions, making it flexible enough for traditional classrooms, paperless classrooms, small groups, or homeschool instruction.
The complete unit includes:
Detailed daily lesson plans
Pacing and standards guide
Chapter/section guide
Vocabulary and grammar activities
Comprehension questions for every chapter
Vocabulary word wall cards
Writing activities
Critical-thinking questions
Assessments
Answer keys
Story Elements Interactive Notebook activities
End-of-the-book activities
Common Core standards alignment
The unit is designed to be no-prep or minimal-prep, so you can spend your time teaching and discussing the novel instead of creating dozens of activities from scratch.
Try a FREE Sample
Want to see exactly what is included?
Try a FREE sample of the Genesis Begins Again Novel Study before purchasing. It’s a great way to preview the format, activities, and level of rigor.
Get the Complete Genesis Begins Again Novel Study
If you’re ready to teach Genesis Begins Again without spending hours creating comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, writing assignments, and assessments, check out the complete novel study.
It includes both printable and Google Drive™ formats, so you can choose the format that works best for your classroom.
Genesis Begins Again is more than a book about a middle school girl struggling with her identity. It is a story about learning to see your own worth, confronting the messages that make you feel “less than,” and finding the courage to become comfortable with who you are.
For teachers, it provides a meaningful way to combine reading comprehension and literary analysis with conversations about identity, empathy, resilience, and self-acceptance.
If you’re looking for a middle school novel that will give your students plenty to think about—and plenty to discuss—Genesis Begins Again is an excellent choice.
And with a ready-to-use novel study, you don’t have to create all of those lessons and activities yourself!
Connect with Fellow Educators!
Are you teaching Genesis Begins Again this school year?
Join our free community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to share ideas, grab freebies, and connect with 3rd–8th grade teachers using novels in the classroom!
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The reality of educational research is this: if you look hard enough, you can find support for almost any teaching strategy. Rarely is there a clear-cut answer about what works best. In most cases, effective teaching comes down to a teacher’s professional judgment, their students’ needs, and the flexibility they are given in the classroom.
Unfortunately, in today’s test-driven educational climate, teachers are often given less freedom than ever before. Rigid curriculum guidelines and scripted programs can make it difficult to adapt instruction, leaving little room for meaningful engagement or enrichment.
My Experience Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
I experienced this challenge firsthand while teaching 4th grade in a high-poverty, low-performing school. Many of my students entered my classroom reading at a 1st–2nd grade level, and very few were on grade level.
The biggest obstacle wasn’t just skill; it was motivation.
Our district relied heavily on a basal reading program that felt unrelatable and uninspiring to students. The stories lacked emotional connection, and students saw reading as a chore rather than something enjoyable or rewarding.
I knew something had to change.
How Read-Alouds Spark a Love of Reading
I started small by implementing a daily read-aloud time. My goal wasn’t rigorous analysis; I simply wanted students to enjoy a story.
This shift made a huge difference.
Upper elementary students are often overlooked when it comes to being read to, yet they benefit tremendously from it. By choosing high-interest, often humorous books, I was able to create a positive reading experience. Soon, read-aloud became one of the most anticipated parts of our day.
Why Novel Studies Work Better Than Basal Readers
Once I saw the impact of read-alouds, I began incorporating novel studies alongside our required curriculum.
Instead of limiting students to short excerpts, I introduced full novels connected to the themes in our basal program. The results were immediate and powerful:
Students reading below grade level began attempting more challenging texts
Engagement and participation increased dramatically
Discussions became deeper and more meaningful
Students started choosing to read independently
It became clear that reading an entire book provides a richer, more rewarding experience than isolated passages.
Improved Critical Thinking Through Deeper Reading
One of the biggest advantages of novel studies is the ability to promote higher-order thinking.
With a full-length text, students can:
Analyze character development
Explore complex themes
Make predictions and connections
Engage in meaningful discussions
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy becomes far more natural when students are immersed in a complete story rather than a short excerpt.
Building Real-World Connections and Empathy
Perhaps the most powerful benefit of novel studies is their ability to build empathy and awareness.
Through literature, students can explore real-world issues in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. For example:
These stories stay with students far longer than any worksheet ever could.
Do Novel Studies Improve Test Scores?
While I didn’t conduct formal research, I can confidently say this: My students’ test scores did not decline, and their love of reading increased significantly.
And that matters.
Because when students enjoy reading, they read more. And when they read more, their skills naturally improve.
Key Benefits of Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
Incorporating novel studies into your curriculum offers numerous advantages:
Improved Reading Skills: Students build comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency through sustained reading.
Increased Student Engagement: Novels capture interest and create emotional investment in learning.
Stronger Critical Thinking Skills: Students analyze, infer, and evaluate as they explore complex texts.
Enhanced Writing and Communication: Discussions and written responses deepen understanding and expression.
Greater Cultural Awareness: Literature exposes students to diverse perspectives and experiences.
Development of Empathy: Students connect with characters and better understand others’ experiences.
Encouragement of Independent Reading: Engaged students are more likely to read on their own.
Final Thoughts: Why Novel Studies Matter
Using novel studies in the classroom is one of the most effective ways to transform reading instruction.
While standardized programs may check boxes, novels create meaningful learning experiences. They engage students, deepen understanding, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
And ultimately, that’s what great teaching is all about.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
If there is one novel that consistently transforms how upper-elementary and middle-school students see the world, it’s Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper.
The story introduces readers to Melody, a brilliant fifth-grader with a photographic memory. Melody has cerebral palsy and cannot speak, write, or walk—leading most people to underestimate her intelligence. When technology finally gives Melody a voice, her journey challenges readers to re-examine how they view ability, inclusion, and human connection.
Whether you are teaching this novel to a full class, leading small literature circles, or looking for a safe, high-interest book for homeschool that meets rigorous ELA standards, Out of My Mind is an essential addition to your 4th–6th grade curriculum.
Here is why this novel is a classroom powerhouse—and how you can teach it with zero prep time and total confidence.
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🌟 Why Out of My Mind is a great book to use in a novel study.
1. Builds Deep Social-Emotional Empathy & Inclusion
In upper elementary, students are rapidly developing social awareness. Melody’s perspective gives students a front-row seat to the frustration of being unheard and the power of perseverance. It naturally opens up conversations around kindness, disability awareness, and standing up for others.
2. Rich in Literary Analysis
Draper’s writing style is packed with vivid figurative language, metaphors, similes, and rhythmic repetition. It provides a seamless entry point for teaching literary devices, character development, and point of view without overwhelming reluctant readers.
3. High Engagement Across All Reading Levels
Because the plot is fast-paced and emotionally gripping, even reluctant readers stay hooked from chapter one. The accessible language structure makes it equally effective for general education, inclusion settings, and learning support classrooms.
🛡️ Navigating Today’s Classroom Climate with Confidence
In today’s educational landscape, many teachers feel cautious when selecting whole-class novels. Out of My Mind is a safe, age-appropriate, and deeply enriching text that builds empathy while remaining focused on fundamental literacy skills.
To help you teach with complete peace of mind, The Teaching Bank’s Novel Study Unit includes proactive Parent and Administrator Communication Letters.
These ready-to-send letters outline:
The educational and literacy standards addressed in the unit.
The positive social-emotional goals of the book (empathy, inclusion, resilience).
Clear context on how sensitive classroom discussions are facilitated responsibly.
📦 Inside the Out of My Mind Complete Unit (Print + Google Apps)
Teaching a comprehensive novel study shouldn’t mean spending your weekends grading and formatting worksheets. This 199+ page complete unit is designed for instant plug-and-play instruction—both in print and digitally via Google Slides™ and self-grading Google Forms™.
Ready to save hours of prep time while giving your students an unforgettable reading experience?
👉 Download a FREE Sample of the Out of My Mind Novel Study Unit Here
👉 Purchase the Complete Unit
💬 Join the Discussion!
Are you planning to teach Out of My Mind this school year? How do you approach teaching empathy and disability awareness in your classroom?
Come join us in our free Facebook community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to collaborate, swap lesson ideas, and connect with fellow 3rd–8th grade educators!
*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
Looking for an engaging The Magic Finger novel study to use with your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students? The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl is a fun, unusual, and thought-provoking book that gives elementary readers plenty to discuss while providing excellent opportunities for reading comprehension, character analysis, vocabulary, writing, and critical thinking.
With its short chapters, imaginative storyline, and trademark Roald Dahl humor, The Magic Finger works especially well for a whole-class novel study, small-group reading unit, literature circle, or independent book study.
And if you want to teach the book without spending hours creating your own materials, a ready-to-use The Magic Finger book unit can make planning much easier.
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About The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl
The Magic Finger follows a young girl who has a very unusual ability. When she becomes angry, her “magic finger” takes over—and the results are both funny and surprising.
The story is entertaining enough to keep young readers engaged, but it also gives teachers opportunities to explore meaningful ideas about empathy, consequences, perspective, choices, and how we treat others.
Because the story is short and accessible, The Magic Finger can be a great choice for an upper-elementary novel study.
Why Teach The Magic Finger in Your Classroom?
1. It Keeps Students Reading
Roald Dahl’s books are known for their humor, imagination, and memorable characters. The Magic Finger is no exception.
The unusual events and unexpected twists can encourage students to keep reading to find out what happens next. That makes the novel a natural choice for building engagement during a reading unit.
2. It Provides Great Reading Comprehension Practice
The Magic Finger reading comprehension unit gives students opportunities to think beyond simply remembering what happened.
As students read, they can practice:
Identifying important details
Making inferences
Analyzing characters
Determining cause and effect
Summarizing
Making predictions
Thinking about character choices
Supporting answers with evidence from the text
These skills can be incorporated naturally into daily reading discussions and written responses.
3. It Encourages Critical Thinking
There is plenty to question and discuss in The Magic Finger.
What causes the main character to become angry? Are the characters’ actions justified? What happens when people experience the consequences of their choices?
Questions like these encourage students to explain why they think something rather than simply identify what happened in the story.
4. It Opens the Door to Meaningful Discussions
Although The Magic Finger is funny and imaginative, it also provides opportunities to talk about empathy, perspective, consequences, and treating others with respect.
These discussions can help students connect the events of the story to their own experiences and the world around them.
5. It Inspires Imagination and Creative Writing
The magical premise of the story is also a natural springboard for creative writing.
Students can imagine what they would do if they had a magic finger—or create their own magical ability and write about what would happen if they used it.
This makes The Magic Finger useful not only for reading instruction but also for writing activities and creative thinking.
The Magic Finger Novel Study for Grades 3–5
If you’re teaching The Magic Finger as a class novel, you’ll probably want more than a few comprehension questions.
A complete The Magic Finger novel study can help you turn the book into a structured ELA unit while saving you the time of creating every activity yourself.
The Teaching Bank’s The Magic Finger Novel Study Book Unit is designed for students at the 3rd–5th grade reading level and can be used for whole-class instruction, small groups, literature circles, or independent study.
The unit is also designed to require little to no preparation, so you can spend less time creating materials and more time teaching.
What’s Included in the Novel Study?
The complete The Magic Finger book unit includes:
Teacher lesson plans and pacing guide
Chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions
Extension activities
Printable student activities
Google Drive™ digital activities
Assessment materials
Writing assessments
Answer keys
Story Elements activities
Common Core Standards alignment for grades 3–5
Having the materials organized in one resource makes it much easier to plan and teach a complete The Magic Finger novel study.
Printable AND Digital Options
Need paper activities? They’re included.
Prefer a digital classroom? The unit also includes Google Drive™ resources, making it easy to use with Google Classroom or other digital learning environments.
Having both formats gives you the flexibility to use The Magic Finger novel study in the way that works best for your students.
Not sure whether this The Magic Finger book unit is right for your classroom?
You can try a free sample first!
The free sample gives you a look at the types of activities included in the complete novel study, including the printable and digital formats.
Make The Magic Finger an Engaging ELA Unit
The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl is much more than a funny story. It gives students opportunities to practice important reading skills while discussing characters, choices, consequences, empathy, and perspective.
Whether you’re planning a 3rd grade, 4th grade, or 5th grade novel study, this book can provide an engaging foundation for reading comprehension, writing, discussion, and critical thinking.
If you’re looking for a no-prep The Magic Finger novel study with printable and digital activities, the complete unit can save you valuable planning time while giving your students purposeful work to complete as they read.
Connect with Fellow Educators!
Are you teaching The Magic Finger this school year?
Join our free community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to share ideas, grab freebies, and connect with 3rd–8th grade teachers using novels in the classroom!
*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
Novel Studies Part 1: Comprehension
All of my novel studies offer a Google Drive™ format, in addition to the printable format, shown above, to use with your students. This allows you to use novel studies in a 1:1 classroom, save paper, and easily engage students who are absent. Here’s an example page from the Google Drive™ format of my Esperanza Rising Novel Study.
Join me for part 2 in my series to learn the methods I use to try to turn my students into book detectives with vocabulary/grammar skill work using novel studies.
You can find my Fish in a Tree Novel Study and Esperanza Rising Novel Study that are mentioned above here in my store or at my TpT store. I also offer over 100 titles ranging from grades 1 to 8 where I am sure you’ll find something to engage your class in some deep reading.
Connect with Fellow Educators!
