Add the excitement of literature circles to your classroom! An easy-to-follow guide to setting up and implementing literature circles in your classroom, this comprehensive book covers grouping; book selection; roles; mini-lessons; projects; higher-level open-ended questions; and assessment. 


Sample lessons and activities are provided as well as practical, reproducible forms and extensive bibliographies for grades 3–4, grades 5–6, and grades 7–8. 



The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*: 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.10 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.10 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 7.6, 6.10 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.10 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 7.6, 8.10 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 



Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. 

Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. 

Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot). Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. 

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 

Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion. 

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles. 

Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others. 

Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion. 

Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. 

Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker provides to support particular points. 

Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. 


*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 

Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 

Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 

Copyright Date: 2010