Summer Reading Ideas 2018

I've had a bunch of people asking about books to read with kiddos this summer...whether it's long car rides or summer reading programs or just wanting to get them away from the "screen time"...I've got a list for you, from which I'm sure you'll find something that will suit your littles (and yourself!)

This is by no means exhaustive...these are just books that I've used with my own daughters over the years...and we've tried MANY...

We've done read alouds, audiobooks, quiet reading time...If you missed my PICTURE BOOK post from awhile ago, it gives not only some good ideas for those (learning ones too!) but also WHY reading is sooo important!  You can check it out HERE

I am in the middle of about 5 other books right now, once I finish them up, I'll have some more to add to this list AND to an Adult Book List (post coming soon!)

Be sure to let me know your opinion of these picks as well! ...AND if you have any to add!!! 


Let's start off with READ ALOUDS!
These are the books that are just fun to read TO the kids...it might be before bed, or maybe in the morning while everyone is eating breakfast.  These are the books that typically have a bit more of the "rich vocabulary" and hearing it roll off the tongue of a parent often makes it easier to comprehend than trying to sound out words on their own...(it's also pretty fun to do voices when appropriate...so soak it up!)

Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
*The Adventures of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
Wonder byR.J. Palacio
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Half Magic by Edward Eager
*Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
*Clementine by Sara Pennypacker


*denotes "series" books...you can either keep reading into the next book in the series, or use it as a launching pad to keep them reading on their own once they get the gist of the plot.

If you want to keep them reading all summer, sometimes a series is just what you need!  I've often used the app "Overdrive" to give them Audiobooks alongside the actual books...then they can read along with the narrator...

Juvenile Novels for those quiet reading times:



Princess Academy (series) by Shannon Hale
The Penderwicks (series) by Jeanne Birdsall
Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling
Clementine (series) By Sara Pennypacker
Ramona (series) by Beverly Cleary
American Girl (series)


ANY Audiobook by E.B. White as he reads them himself:
Trumpet of the Swan, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little

Frindle by Andrew Clements
The Vanderbeekers by Karina Yan Glaser
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl


For "younger elementary...1-3rd graders"
*please note that most of these are geared more toward girls, as I have daughters...but I've heard Magic Tree House series and Big Nate series have been fun for boys, along with BoxCar children.


Kylie Jean (series) by Marci Peschke
Meghan Rose (series) by Lori Scott
Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

For "older elementary...4-6th graders"


The Unwanteds (series) by Lisa McMann
Inkheart (series) by Cornelia Funke
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

I'm adding this one quickly and I realized that Laura Schaefer has a TeaShop series of books...you can check them out HERE on goodreads.  I'm interested in her style for my youngest daughter, especially.

Littler Women: a Modern Retelling by Laura Schaefer

for teens:



The Selection (series) by Kiera Cass
Ruby Red (series) by Kerstin Gier *this one is fun to listen to because of the British accent*
Between Shades of Gray or Salt to the Sea both by Ruta Sepetys
Duels and Deception by Cindy Anstey
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Veronica Roth had a new book come out in 2017 similar to her Divergent series, I'll be picking that up soon to check it out.  It's entitled, Carve the Mark. I've also been reading some other adult fiction that could easily work for Teen reads as well...I'll compile a list for that soon too!


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