Luck of the Irish to ya; it’s St. Patrick’s Day! Today is the day to wear green, pick a shamrock, and find a leprechaun at the end of a rainbow. Students are bound to be excited about this fun holiday, so why not indulge their joy a little and choose a Big Universe book for independent, group, or whole-class reading? For younger students, focus on the holiday and traditions, but older ones will appreciate learning about Ireland or even immigration.
Traditions like St. Patrick’s Day open a window of opportunity to learn about and discuss more serious topics with older students. Our country’s history is deep rooted in immigration and debates about such topics still happen today. Involve your students in reading about struggles and triumphs of coming to a new country.
You’re in luck! There’s a little something for everyone.
St. Patrick’s Day Inspired e-Books for Grades K-2:
Fiona’s Luck 
by Teresa Bateman (author), Kelly Murphy (illustrator) (illustrator) © 2009
ISBN: 9781570916434 AR: Book Level 4.5 / Quiz 112701
The greedy Leprechaun King has locked away all the luck in Ireland and the whole country has fallen in to despair. Through clever charades, Fiona outwits the Leprechaun King and restores luck to the land. Luminous illustrations add to the magic and wonder of this original folktale.
Teacher’s Tip: Older kids love picture books just as much as younger kids. Give your upper elementary and even middle school students a brain break by reading this e-book aloud to them. You’ll captivate their ever-changing attention!
St. Patrick’s Day Inspired e-Books for Grades 3-5:
Ireland 
by Colleen Sexton © 2011
ISBN: 9781600144837 AR: Book Level 4.7 / Points 0.5 / Quiz 140232 / Interest Level LG
A country of open fields, Ireland is known for its agriculture. It is also known for its unique step dancing and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This book teaches children about life in a country of lush, green land and lively, laid-back people.
Landing at Ellis Island
by Holly Karapetkova © 2010
ISBN: 1606945521 AR: Book Level 4.0 / Points 0.5 / Quiz 132488 / Interest Level MG
Read graphic history to experience immigrating to America through Ellis Island.
Famous Immigrants 
by Debra J. Housel
Many talented and skilled immigrants came to America from various places in the world and brought with them their own cultures and traditions to enrich the American culture and way of life. Among the famous immigrants whose lives have impacted the twentieth century are Elijah McCoy, Irving Berlin, Father Edward Flanagan, and I. M. Pei.
St. Patrick’s Day Inspired e-Books for Grades 6-8:
Irish Potato Famine 
by Joseph R. O’neill (author) © 2009
ISBN: 9781617851773 AR: / Points 3.0
This title examines an important historic event, the Irish Potato Famine. Readers will learn the history of Ireland leading up to the famine, key players and happenings during the famine, and the event’s effect on society. Color photos and informative sidebars accompany easy-to-read, compelling text. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Events is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company. Grades 6-9.
St. Patrick’s Day Inspired e-Books for High School:
United Kingdom
by Kimberly Dillon Summers (author) © 2012
ISBN: 9781617878299
Explore diverse landscapes, travel back in time, and discover unique populations, all without leaving your chair! Start your international tour in the United Kingdom, land of Buckingham Palace, the Rosetta Stone, Arthur’s Seat, Mount Snowdon, William Shakespeare, the River Thames, Harry Potter, and so much more. This colorful, informative book introduces the history, geography, culture, climate, government, economy, and other significant features of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Sidebars, maps, fact pages, a glossary, a timeline, historic and full-color photos, and well-placed graphs and charts enhance this engaging title. Countries of the World is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.
St. Patrick’s Day Inspired Books in the Classroom
Make books your pot of gold at the end of a reading rainbow today, and engage students in discussions regarding folktales, traditions, immigration, and even the divide between southern and northern Ireland. Use holidays as a platform for discussion; you never know what golden nugget you might find.
Looking for other books for March? Engage students in reading about famous women in our history in celebration of Women’s History Month!