As children get older, I think it becomes more and more important to give them access to entertaining books that are going to help grow their love of reading and keep their brains engaged over the summer. For this reason, I’ve included a variety of genres of stories that my children and I couldn’t get enough of.
Choice is so important when it comes to getting kids to read especially over the summer. I highly recommend getting your child involved in picking which books to dive into this summer.
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Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
This exceptional story is from the point of view of Melody, a girl with a photographic memory whose genius goes unnoticed due to her cerebral palsy. Unable to walk, talk, or write, Melody has not been able to share her intelligence until now. This deeply moving story about a girl who refuses to be defined by her disability is a must-read!
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Considered the world’s most famous game creator, Mr. Lemoncello has quite a reputation in his home town. When he decides to build a brand-new local library filled with more than just mesmerizing stories, a group of twelve year-olds eagerly volunteer to be the first ones in. They spend the night completing challenge after challenge attempting to escape from the library and win the grand prize. Filled with puzzles, puns, and lots of fun, this book is such a joy!
Finally Heard by Kelly Yang
While attempting to bring more attention to her homemade bath bomb business, Lina’s mom accidentally creates a viral video. Feeling inspired, Lina and her friends embark on a tumultuous journey navigating the ins and outs of social media. With challenging group chats, perceived reality, and online safety issues, this book is a must-read for conversations on the pitfalls of social media.
Keeper of the Lost Cities (series) by Shannon Messenger
Sophie has never felt like she fit in and for good reason. Sophie is a Telepath and has the ability to read minds. When she meets Fitz and discovers that she is actually an elf, her whole world is turned upside down and she sets off to uncover the secrets to her true identity and her past. My son was initially intimidated by the length of this book, but after giving it a try, he immediately devoured the entire series.
The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Dwight may be a goofy six-grade boy known for his quirky behavior, so when he creates an origami Yoda finger puppet that can predict the future and offers shockingly helpful advice, his classmates are mystified. This comical story is a fun look at trying to navigate the varying social aspects of sixth grade.
City of Spies (series) by James Ponti
This action-packed series follows five pre-teens with exceptional talents who are recruited to attend a special boarding school that trains them to become elite spies.
Greenwild by Pari Thomason
Daisy Thistledown has been living an incredible life of adventure travelling the world with her mother. When her mom disappears, however, Daisy is thrown into a secret world full of magic hidden within elements of nature. She must work with the inhabitants to protect Greenwild from those who want to destroy it. Fantasy lovers won’t be able to resist this well-crafted story.
The Swifts by Beth Lincoln, illustrated by Claire Powell
Filled with mystery, murder, quirky characters, and hidden treasure, this delightfully clever book is an absolute gem! When the Swift family gathers for their reunion, the matriarch of the family is pushed down the stairs. Now it is up to Shenanigan Swift and her sisters to discover the criminal and find their family’s legendary buried treasure in the process.
The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman
When a group of students invent a machine that can do their homework for them, they have no idea the power they have unleashed. Told through narrative interviews to the police, the diverse group of students must do their best to stay out of jail and save the world from their own invention. My fifth-grade son absolutely loves this book and its sequel The Homework Machine Returns.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
This quirky story is such an entertaining read! After completing a series of tests, orphan Reynie Muldoon is selected to join a group of super talented kids charged with saving the world! With its unique plot line and engaging writing, this one is a real winner.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
This award-winning story is one of my absolute favorite books from childhood. When Jess and new girl Leslie become best friends at the beginning of 5th grade, they explore the woods behind their homes and invent an enchanted land where anything is possible. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, this is a book that stays with you long after closing the pages.
A Tale Dark and Grimm (series) by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hugh D’Andrade
Not for the faint of heart, this clever and creepy twist on Hansel and Gretel is oddly compelling. My kids also loved Adam Gidwitz’s podcast Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, which shares classic Grimm fairy tales.
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series) by Rick Riordan
Full of humor and action, this exciting series about Greek mythology has remained popular for years for good reason. When Percy Jackson is attacked by a harpy at a museum, his mother reveals that he is actually a demi-god and he is sent to Camp Half Blood to be with other children of Greek gods. He is quickly accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt and embarks upon a quest to clear his name and stop a war among the gods. This is an exciting series that is perfect for reluctant readers.
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