Welcome to First Chapter Friday! This week, we’re diving into the inspiring true story of one of the most influential and fearless artists of our time—Taylor Swift. In this read-aloud of Who Is Taylor Swift? by Kristen Anderson, we learn how a determined teenager with a dream became a global superstar.
About the Book: Before the Grammys, sold-out stadium tours, and chart-topping albums, Taylor Swift was just a girl with a guitar and a big dream. At 13, she convinced her family to move to Nashville so she could chase a future in country music. Told she didn’t belong, she wrote her own songs, performed wherever she could, and never gave up. This biography traces her journey from small-town open mic nights to becoming one of the most powerful voices in music today.
Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie, a curious reader, or a teacher looking to connect students to real-life role models, this book is a fun, fast, and inspiring look at Taylor’s rise to fame, her reinventions, and how she uses her voice for good.
Perfect for:
Middle school biography units
First Chapter Friday read-alouds
Lessons on perseverance, identity, and personal growth
Students interested in music, pop culture, and strong female role models
Swifties (and future Swifties!) in your classroom
Use this video to:
✅ Hook students with a high-interest nonfiction text
✅ Explore the connection between music and storytelling
✅ Show how grit and creativity can lead to incredible success
First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheets:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Grab your copy of Who Is Taylor Swift? from your school library, local indie bookstore or via Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4nqegAy
For tons of First Chapter Friday freebies, head here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
Subscribe for weekly First Chapter Friday read-alouds, author interviews, and engaging book talk videos!
Love this free classroom content? Buy me a virtual coffee and help fuel future resources: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #TaylorSwift #WhoIsTaylorSwift #TaylorSwiftBiography #BooksForSwifties #MiddleGradeBiography #BooksFor6thGrade #ReadAloud #WordNerdReads #BooksForMusicLovers #PopCultureInTheClassroom #WomenInMusic #ClassroomReadAloud #MiddleSchoolELA #InspiringBooksForKids #BookHook #amandazieba #wordnerd
About the Book: Before the Grammys, sold-out stadium tours, and chart-topping albums, Taylor Swift was just a girl with a guitar and a big dream. At 13, she convinced her family to move to Nashville so she could chase a future in country music. Told she didn’t belong, she wrote her own songs, performed wherever she could, and never gave up. This biography traces her journey from small-town open mic nights to becoming one of the most powerful voices in music today.
Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie, a curious reader, or a teacher looking to connect students to real-life role models, this book is a fun, fast, and inspiring look at Taylor’s rise to fame, her reinventions, and how she uses her voice for good.
Perfect for:
Middle school biography units
First Chapter Friday read-alouds
Lessons on perseverance, identity, and personal growth
Students interested in music, pop culture, and strong female role models
Swifties (and future Swifties!) in your classroom
Use this video to:
✅ Hook students with a high-interest nonfiction text
✅ Explore the connection between music and storytelling
✅ Show how grit and creativity can lead to incredible success
First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheets:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Grab your copy of Who Is Taylor Swift? from your school library, local indie bookstore or via Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4nqegAy
For tons of First Chapter Friday freebies, head here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
Subscribe for weekly First Chapter Friday read-alouds, author interviews, and engaging book talk videos!
Love this free classroom content? Buy me a virtual coffee and help fuel future resources: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #TaylorSwift #WhoIsTaylorSwift #TaylorSwiftBiography #BooksForSwifties #MiddleGradeBiography #BooksFor6thGrade #ReadAloud #WordNerdReads #BooksForMusicLovers #PopCultureInTheClassroom #WomenInMusic #ClassroomReadAloud #MiddleSchoolELA #InspiringBooksForKids #BookHook #amandazieba #wordnerd