Books With Alternating Narrators

You need to hear both sides of the story.  Here are a few books that are told from different points of view.

The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman
Four unlikely friends get involved in a crazy scheme to get out of doing their homework.  The chapters rotate between each of the four fifth-graders telling their part in the crime as it's told to the police during their interviews.  The machine was Brenton's idea, and at the first the others were skeptical.  Judy, Kelsey and Sam think Brenton and his homework machine are weird, but once they see it in action, they're all true believers.  Everything is going great: the machine does their homework, they get As, and they have extra time for fun!  Until it goes too far, of course. This is a moving plot and a great choice for reluctant readers and kids who would do anything to get out of doing their homework.  Recommended for grades 4-6.





Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
First year teacher, Mr. Terupt, brings some interesting new techniques to his fifth grade class. This book tells the story of seven students and their experiences.  The students aren't really friends, but because of interactions in and out of the classroom, they become close.  In the end, a tragic event helps all of them learn a valuable lesson.  Recommended for grades 4-6.







Wonder by R.J. Polacio
Auggie Pullman has never been to school before.  He's been home schooled because he's had
numerous surgeries and medical problems from his facial abnormalities.  But in fifth grade, his parents have decided it will be good for him to be around kids his own age.  The chapters are short and each narrator is a realistic, believable character.  The reader enjoys the perspective of Auggie, his sister, Via, his friends, his classmates, his parents, and Via's friends.  This is also an excellent audio book with three readers playing multiple parts in the story.  Recommended for grades 4-7.



Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Juli and Bryce have been neighbors for years.  But now, in eighth grade, Juli is starting to see that handsome and popular Bryce isn't as great as he seems.  At the same time, Bryce realizes that eccentric earth-loving Juli is much more amazing than he ever expected.   The story "flips" back and forth between the two of them,  It's an adorable story of first love and seeing that there's always more to a person than what you see on the outside.  This book was adapted into a major motion picture, and it is fantastic.  Great for a family movie night.  Recommended for grades 6 and up.



--Angie RH, Headquarters