I love teaching students to think about different points of view! This is such an essential skill - not only academically, but also behaviorally. When students are able to look at things from different points of view, they become more empathetic and kind.
Books that offer multiple perspectives are a great way to expose 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade students to this skill! The books listed below (that are affiliate links) are some of my favorite books that help teach point of view and make great examples. You can also find more ideas for teaching point of view here!
Fiction Books That Have Multiple Perspectives
In this book, 
This is a great book to get upper elementary kids thinking about how people in very similar situations can have very different points of view.
In this book,
Although this book does not have the most interesting plot, students will enjoy getting to hear how each character has their own unique perspective.
In this book,
The boy tries to convince his mom that the iguana will be quiet, that he will take care of it, and that it will be good for him to have a friend. The mom counters each of his arguments from her point of view.
This Caldecott Medal Winner was introduced to me by elementary teacher Nicolie LaLone. It follows a cat that is walking through the world - and all the different people and animals that see this cat.
The words are simple, but there is a reason this book is a Caldecott Medal Winner! Each of the illustrations shows a different perspective - how a child sees the cat, how a bird sees the cat, how a snake sees the cat, etc.
In this book,
For example, the boy says that the ants steal food and crumbs from people, while the ant counters explaining that ants need to eat, and one little chip can feed his entire "town."
As an added bonus, the entire book rhymes.
This point of view freebie is another no prep way to help students think about multiple perspectives.
Or, check out these ideas for a POV writing unit using the book Wonder.
Familiar Fairy Tales Told From a Different Point of View
The fiction picture books listed below are all based on well known fairy tales. The books tell the same story as the original fairy tale, only from somebody else's point of view.
Although most 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will be familiar with the original fairy tale, some of your students might not be. It can be helpful to read the original story before reading the versions below.
My personal favorites are the stories told from the "bad guy's" point of view. After reading these, have students write their own fairy tales from a different point of view, using one of the books below as an example. You might also like these other point of view writing prompts and ideas.
This is the story of The 3 Little Pigs
The wolf explains his side of the story, trying to convince the reader that he was really just trying to borrow some sugar from the 3 little pigs, and the whole thing was just a big misunderstanding.
This book
In order to fully appreciate this story, students must be familiar with the original fairy tale. Since this story is not as common as other stories like The 3 Little Pigs and Cinderella, all of your students might benefit from reading the original version before reading the twist.
The Three Little Pigs as told by the Wolf, Hansel and Gretel 
as told by the Witch, Jack and the Beanstalk as told by the Giant 
and more! You can find a complete list of books in the series here.
A List of Books Told From an Interesting Point of View
This story is told from the perspective of 2 ants. The ants journey to someone's house, climbing a "mountain" (the side of a house).
They spend the night in a sugar jar, and in the morning are scooped up and fall into a "boiling brown lake" (coffee).
The adventure continues until the ants eventually make it back home. Students will enjoy hearing about everyday items told from an ant's point of view.
This story 
Throughout the day, the school shares his perspective on the things that happen, including lunch, a fire drill, and what happened in a kindergarten classroom.
This story
When reading this book with students, it would also be good to discuss bias and exaggeration. This dog was clearly biased against going to obedience school, and his letters make that evident.
After you are done with your fiction point of view lessons, check out these tips for teaching point of view and author's perspective in nonfiction!
Or, check out these other must have books for your classroom library!
Never Stress Over Sub Plans Again!
Make copies, find a fiction book, and you'll be ready for any emergency that comes your way!
Comments 1
Love your ideas for Point of View use them with my second graders!