Studies show that kids who read throughout the summer maintain their literacy skills at a higher level than those who do not. Having your child participate in a summer reading program will help them maintain these skills during the summer months as they are encouraged to read purely for the enjoyment of it.
Summer Reading Tips
Here are some tips on making summer reading a positive experience:
- Help your child set a realistic book goal.
- Create a regular time for reading for all members of the family.
- Show genuine interest in the stories your child discovers during the summer.
- Encourage all books the child chooses, even the ones that look ‘too easy.’
- Read to your child.
- Read yourself!
Below are a few suggested reads from Macaroni Kid:
Picture Books
- LEGO HARRY POTTER, by the DK staff. Building the magical world, from Hogwarts Castle to Hagrid’s hut. (Ages 6 to 14)
- A SICK DAY FOR AMOS McGEE, by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Animals care for an ill zookeeper. (Ages 2 to 6)
- I SHARE MY ICE CREAM?, (AN ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE BOOK), written and illustrated by Mo Willems. Gerald has a big decision to make. (Ages 4 to 8)
- STELLAR STARGAZER!, by Jane O'Connor; illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Fancy Nancy sleeps under the stars. (Ages 4 to 7)
- WE ARE IN A BOOK!, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. Gerald and Piggie ponder their existence on the page. (Ages 4 to 8)
- CHARLIE THE RANCH DOG, by Ree Drummond; illustrated by Diane DeGroat. A basset hound’s bucolic day. (Ages 4 to 8)
- GOODNIGHT, GOODNIGHT, CONSTRUCTION SITE, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld. As the sun sets, hard-working trucks get ready to say good night. (Ages 4 to 8)
Chapter Books
- THE THRONE OF FIRE, by Rick Riordan. The Kanes seek the sun god, Ra; Book 2 of the Kane Chronicles. (Ages 10 and up)
- THEODORE BOONE:THE ABDUCTION,by John Grisham. The“kid lawyer” uses his legal skills to find a missing friend.(Ages 8-12)
- THE LOST HERO, by Rick Riordan. A return to Camp Half-Blood and semi-divine characters. (Ages 10 and up)
- STAR WARS CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA, by the DK staff. Profiles, movie stills and more. (Ages 7 to 17)
Children’s Series
- DORK DIARIES, by Rachel Renée Russell. Nikki Maxwell navigates the halls of middle school. (Ages 9 to 13)
- FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. Fallen angels and forbidden love through the centuries. (Ages 12 and up)
- DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12)
- HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. A wizard hones his skills while fighting evil. (Ages 10 and up)
- JUDY MOODY, by Megan McDonald. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. A girl with an abundance of individuality and attitude.(Ages 6-9)
- BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12)
