Read-alouds boost listening and reading comprehension skills and bring subjects to life in a way that textbooks cannot. This article presents three literature-based social studies units, which offer some fresh choices to invigorate lessons. For each unit, a recently published novel is highlighted as a read-aloud or group reading selection and paired with two supplementary picture books or nonfiction titles. These additional titles will provide context as well as pictures or photos to introduce, and offer other points of view for contrast and comparison. While at first glance the three topics--immigration for elementary grades, Japanese internment for middle school, and Nazi Germany for high school--may seem disparate, all three featured works share themes of prejudice, family, and friendship. Not surprisingly, the gravity and intensity of the themes increases with the audience's age.