Connect Books to Real-World Context with ReadWorks Book Studies

ReadWorks Book Studies are ready-to-use text sets that help students connect with the themes, topics, and real-world context of the books they read. These text sets support any ELA curriculum and are available for elementary through high school. Each Book Study includes interactive vocabulary practice and comprehension questions to reinforce key ideas and concepts.

Choose from three types of Book Studies:

• Knowledge Text Sets build background knowledge on historical and geographical topics in the book
• Theme Text Sets deepen class discussion by offering additional examples of the central ideas
• Deeper Dive Text Sets connect the novel to broader issues or real-world themes

Download the Book Studies Kick-Off Plan

"I love using novels with my reading instruction and having ReadWorks Book Studies allows me to integrate more nonfiction type texts with fictional stories! Students are making real-world connections that are enhancing their reading skills!" 

-Wesley, Library Media Specialist, Kentucky

​Background Knowledge Builds as Connections are Made

​Book Studies are grounded in research on building background knowledge and vocabulary. Students gain context for what they’re reading and make stronger connections to key ideas. Every passage includes supports that promote engagement and comprehension.

How to use Book Studies

Getting started

1. Choose a Book Study that matches the novel you are teaching.
2. Preview the passages and select the ones that align with your instructional goals or decide to do the whole Book Study. We have hand-curated many passages so that you can add as much additional reading as you have time for in your unit!
3. Digitally assign, print, or project your chosen passages.
4. Use built-in vocabulary and comprehension tools to guide discussion and check understanding.

Get Started

differentiation

Differentiate by enabling audio support when assigning Book Studies digitally.

list of books with Book studies on ReadWorks

3rd Grade
Because of Winn Dixie
Charlotte's Web
Coming to America: The Story of Immigration
Frindle
Grandfather’s Journey
My Name Is Maria Isabel
Sarah, Plain and Tall
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Chocolate Touch
The Keeping Quilt
The World According to Humphrey

4th Grade
Because of Winn Dixie
Frindle
Hatchet
Love That Dog
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Hope Chest
The One and Only Ivan
The Tiger Rising
The Wild Robot
Walk Two Moons
Wonder

5th Grade
A Wrinkle in Time
Bud, Not Buddy
Esperanza Rising
Garvey's Choice
Holes
Number the Stars
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The One and Only Ivan
The Phantom Tollbooth
The Wild Robot
Wonder

6th Grade
A Wrinkle in Time
Bud, Not Buddy
Hidden Figures (Young Reader's Edition)
The Lightning Thief
The One and Only Ivan
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
Two Roads
Walk Two Moons

7th Grade
A Long Walk to Water
Animal Farm
Farewell to Manzanar
One Last Word
The Giver
The House on Mango Street
The Outsiders
Walk Two Moons

8th Grade
Animal Farm
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
Farewell to Manzanar
Persepolis
Summer of the Mariposas
The Crossover
The Giver
The Omnivore's Dilemma (Young Reader's Edition)

9th/10th Grade
Of Mice and Men
In the Time of the Butterflies
Born a Crime

Download the Book Studies Kick-Off Plan