20 Picture Books for the Secondary English Classroom

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Picture books aren't just for early readers! Many fantastic picture books concisely teach a concept, portray a literary device, or fill in background knowledge in a way that can not only fit into one class period but also keep teenagers' attention.

I recently asked several English teachers to share worthwhile picture books for a middle or high school English class, and here are the results. Many of these would be great read-alouds!

Click on the hyperlink of the person recommending the book to read her book review.

#1: The Wall

Recommended by @secondarysara. Link to Amazon.

#2: Thanks for the Feedback

Recommended by @mrsspanglerinthemiddle. Link to Amazon.

#3: The Good Egg

Recommended by @readingandwritinghaven. Link to Amazon.

#4: After the Fall

Recommended by @elaeveryday. Link to Amazon.

#5: Officer Buckle and Gloria

Recommended by @thedaringenglishteacher. Link to Amazon. 

#6: B is for Breathe

Recommended by @elaclassroom. Link to Amazon. 

#7: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Recommended by @addiewilliams_tpt. Link to Amazon. 

#8: Malala's Magic Pencil

Recommended by @theclassroomsparrow. Link to Amazon. 

#9: January's Sparrow

Recommended by @literarysherri. Link to Amazon. 

#10: The People Could Fly

Recommended by @readitwriteitlearnit. Link to Amazon. 

#11: Gross as a Snot Otter

Recommended by @hansonhallway. Link to Amazon. 

#12: The Top of the World

Recommended by @elabuffet. Link to Amazon. 

#13: Be Kind

Recommended by @thecaffeinatedclass. Link to Amazon. 

#14: Fly Away Home

Recommended by @mrssclassroomcraziness. Link to Amazon. 

#15: Crow Call

Recommended by @kasey_kiehl. Link to Amazon. 

#16: Goodnight iPad

Recommended by @mmwithmelissa. Link to Amazon. 

#17: Be Quiet!

Recommended by @ela_today. Link to Amazon. 

#18: Islandborn

Recommended by @mudandinkteaching. Link to Amazon. 

#19: Pop-Up Shakespeare

Recommended by @mrsorman. Link to Amazon. 

#20: What Do You Do With An Idea?

Recommended by @englishteacherbookrecs. Link to Amazon. 

Do you have additional recommendations?

Tell us in the comments!