Summer reading is important for kids. Reading at least five books over the summer can help kids keep their reading skills up for the new school year. There are some hot days ahead and if you are going on vacation, books are a great way to keep kids occupied in the car, at the airport, or on board a plane.
We have recommendations for all ages including young adults.
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang – Jim is in a terrible mood, but his friends don’t understand how he can be grumpy on a lovely summer day. Jim has no idea why he’s so grumpy, but he learns it’s okay to not always feel happy and cheerful. Kids learn about expressing their feelings and learning to move on from them. For ages 2-5
Patrick Picklebottom and the Penny Book by Mr. Jay. Patrick Picklebottom is at the bookstore looking at his favorite book, but he thinks he can’t buy it because he only has a penny. To his surprise, the store owner offers to sell it to him for one penny. As Patrick rushes home to read his treasured purchase, he runs into friends with fancy new video games who tempt him to stop and play. Will he ever get home to read? For ages 3-9
Fairy Tales From Around the World by Teja Evans - Your kids will love these ancient fairy tales. For ages 5-7
Fun With 50 States by Nicole Claesen - Kids will have fun learning about the 50 states by doing fun activities. For ages 6-9
Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald – Judy’s summer looks like it’s going to be b-o-r-i-n-g . Her parents are going to California and leaving Judy and her brother Stink with Aunt Awful (Opal). Everything seems hopeless until Judy comes up with a plan. For ages 7-9
Secrets of Storytelling: A Creative Writing Workbook for Kids by Natalie Rompella – 100 short story prompts for kids and tips to help them develop their creativity. For ages 8-11
Sports Biographies for Kids by James H. Jordan – Learn how kids like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Lionel Messi grew up to become superstar athletes. For ages 8-12
Long Shot by Mike Lupica – (Comeback Kids Book 3) Pedro is the perfect point guard who makes everyone on his team better especially Ned, the team’s star forward. When Pedro wants to make his father proud by running for class president he learns Ned is also running. To Pedro’s surprise, Ned is not happy to have competition and wants Pedro to stay out of the limelight. For ages 9-12
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – (Book 1 in a 3-book series) Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song has loved five boys in her life and she’s poured her heart out to them in letters meant for her eyes only. What happens when her secret letters get mailed? It’s now a major motion picture available on Netflix. For ages 9 & up
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – Even if they’ve watched the series on Amazon, the books are always better! Belly lives for summer when she and her family visit her mom’s best friend and her family at the beach. The boys have been her best friends and her summer crushes, but this year everything changes. For ages 12 and up