Each Friday I share the first chapter of a book perfect for middle-school readers. Today’s pick comes from New York Times bestselling, three-time Newbery Honor author Jennifer L. Holm, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Mysterious, emotional, and thought-provoking—any guesses? It’s Outside!
Stick around for the whole video to catch the mystery quote reveal (one word at a time!) and an exclusive interview with Jennifer L. Holm, where she shares the inspiration behind this haunting new story.
About the Book: Razzi has always been told one thing: Don’t go Outside. The world beyond the Refuge walls is dangerous—filled with creatures and people who can’t be trusted. But when curiosity (and a mysterious dog with a deep connection to her) start tugging at Razzi’s heart, she begins to wonder… what if the real danger isn’t what’s outside the walls, but what’s inside them?
Perfect for readers who love dystopian adventures and survival mysteries, Outside asks powerful questions about courage, trust, and the meaning of freedom.
Teachers: Use this read-aloud to spark classroom discussions about fear vs. curiosity, rule-following vs. independence, and how authors build suspense and mystery.
Learn more about Jenni and her books here: https://www.jenniferholm.com/
Find classroom resources and printable discussion guides inside the Word Nerd Collaborative or on my TpT store!
TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Word Nerd Collaborative: www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
👇 Comment below:
Would you stay safely inside—or risk everything to discover what’s waiting Outside?
Get your copy of Outside from your school library, local indie bookstore, or right here → https://amzn.to/4og9HIU
Check out all my other First Chapter Friday videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
✨ Grab a FREE First Chapter Friday Start Up Kit here → www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup and …then explore the Word Nerd Collaborative, my membership jam packed with engaging ELA resources → www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
☕ Wanna say thanks and fuel future creations? Buy me a virtual cup of coffee for making these (and many other!) free classroom resources → https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
And finally… don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more First Chapter Friday videos, teacher tips, and bookish fun! Click here → https://bit.ly/wordnerdonyoutube
These videos were created to:
✨ help teachers and students discover high-quality, engaging books
✨ promote incredible authors and celebrate stories
✨ inspire a lifelong love of reading
Huge thanks to Scholastic for sending me a copy of this book and for sponsoring this video!
** Videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA.
#FirstChapterFriday #Outside #JenniferLHolm #ReadAloud #MiddleGradeBooks #DystopianReads #MGLit #BookTalk #AuthorInterview #ReadingMotivation #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #BookRecommendations #MiddleSchoolELA #ClassroomReadAloud #ReadersGonnaRead #MysteryQuote
Stick around for the whole video to catch the mystery quote reveal (one word at a time!) and an exclusive interview with Jennifer L. Holm, where she shares the inspiration behind this haunting new story.
About the Book: Razzi has always been told one thing: Don’t go Outside. The world beyond the Refuge walls is dangerous—filled with creatures and people who can’t be trusted. But when curiosity (and a mysterious dog with a deep connection to her) start tugging at Razzi’s heart, she begins to wonder… what if the real danger isn’t what’s outside the walls, but what’s inside them?
Perfect for readers who love dystopian adventures and survival mysteries, Outside asks powerful questions about courage, trust, and the meaning of freedom.
Teachers: Use this read-aloud to spark classroom discussions about fear vs. curiosity, rule-following vs. independence, and how authors build suspense and mystery.
Learn more about Jenni and her books here: https://www.jenniferholm.com/
Find classroom resources and printable discussion guides inside the Word Nerd Collaborative or on my TpT store!
TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Word Nerd Collaborative: www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
👇 Comment below:
Would you stay safely inside—or risk everything to discover what’s waiting Outside?
Get your copy of Outside from your school library, local indie bookstore, or right here → https://amzn.to/4og9HIU
Check out all my other First Chapter Friday videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
✨ Grab a FREE First Chapter Friday Start Up Kit here → www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup and …then explore the Word Nerd Collaborative, my membership jam packed with engaging ELA resources → www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
☕ Wanna say thanks and fuel future creations? Buy me a virtual cup of coffee for making these (and many other!) free classroom resources → https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
And finally… don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more First Chapter Friday videos, teacher tips, and bookish fun! Click here → https://bit.ly/wordnerdonyoutube
These videos were created to:
✨ help teachers and students discover high-quality, engaging books
✨ promote incredible authors and celebrate stories
✨ inspire a lifelong love of reading
Huge thanks to Scholastic for sending me a copy of this book and for sponsoring this video!
** Videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA.
#FirstChapterFriday #Outside #JenniferLHolm #ReadAloud #MiddleGradeBooks #DystopianReads #MGLit #BookTalk #AuthorInterview #ReadingMotivation #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #BookRecommendations #MiddleSchoolELA #ClassroomReadAloud #ReadersGonnaRead #MysteryQuote