The Ultimate Summer Book List for Families: Our Top Picks
Looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during the summer? Check out our family’s favorite books! These selections are perfect for readers of all ages and levels, including those who might need a little extra encouragement to pick up a book.
1. For Toddlers: “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle
This charming book with its rhythmic text and delightful story about friendship and helping others is perfect for bedtime stories.
2. For Preschoolers: “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by Eric Litwin
Pete the Cat teaches colors and resilience in the face of setbacks, all while keeping a song in his heart.
3. For Early Readers: “Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey
A comic book series that blends humor with heroics, ideal for encouraging hesitant young readers with its engaging and accessible format.
4. For Emerging Readers: “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty
Inspiring curiosity and scientific thinking, this book is great for kids who love to ask “why” and “how.”
5. For Ages 6-8: “The Princess in Black” by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale
An action-packed series that breaks stereotypes, perfect for young readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy.
6. For Ages 8-10: “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown
A heartwarming tale that combines elements of technology and nature, sparking imagination in young minds.
7. For Preteens: “El Deafo” by Cece Bell
A graphic novel that offers a window into the life of a girl growing up with a hearing impairment, celebrated for its humor and honesty.
8. For Middle Schoolers: “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds
An engaging story about a track star with a troubled past, ideal for discussions about resilience and personal growth.
9. For Young Teens: “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander
A novel in verse that beautifully mixes basketball with family dynamics, appealing to sports fans and poetry lovers alike.
10. For Advanced Middle Graders: “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart
This series is filled with puzzles and mysteries, perfect for kids who love problem-solving and adventure.
11. For High School Freshmen: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon
Offers a perspective from a protagonist with autism, blending mystery with an insightful look into different ways of seeing the world.
12. For Teens: “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
A lyrical exploration of friendship and identity that resonates deeply with older teens.
13. For the Family: “Swallows and Amazons” by Arthur Ransome
A delightful adventure tale that can be read aloud to the whole family, filled with exploration and imagination.
14. For Neurodiverse Readers: “The London Eye Mystery” by Siobhan Dowd
This mystery novel features a protagonist with Asperger’s syndrome, making it a great choice for fostering understanding and empathy.
15. For Nature Lovers: “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly
A historical novel that encourages exploration of the natural world and scientific discovery.
16. For Historical Fiction Fans: “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson
An intense, gripping story about the American Revolution, offering a unique perspective on freedom and independence.
17. For Fantasy Enthusiasts: “Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor
A thrilling tale that introduces readers to magical worlds influenced by African mythology.
18. For Everyone Needing a Laugh: “The Terrible Two” by Mac Barnett and Jory John
A hilarious series about pranks and friendship, perfect for light summer reading that will keep everyone giggling.
Happy Reading!
This list promises to bring new worlds and adventures to your family’s summer, catering to diverse interests and expanding horizons beyond the well-trodden paths of popular literature. Enjoy the journey!
Banned in the USA: 14 Everyday Items We Can’t Have
Ever feel like America’s rulebook was written by someone with a dartboard? Across the pond or down under, things get even wackier. Let’s take a walk on the wild side of global “Do’s” that are definite “Don’ts” in the Land of the Free. Are you ready to find out just how bizarrely different the world can be? Banned in the USA: 14 Everyday Items We Can’t Have
Gone From the Shelves: Why 18 American Staples Vanished
Over the years, various foods that were once staples in American kitchens have been banned or are no longer allowed to be sold due to health, environmental, or ethical reasons. Here’s a list of 18 such items, detailing why they’ve been pulled off the market. Do you remember any of these? Gone From the Shelves: Why 18 American Staples Vanished
Eat & Drink at Your Own Risk: 20 Foods to Keep Away From Your Family
When it comes to food and drinks, not all choices are created equal. Some items on the shelves are so bad for your health that they’re almost legendary. Here’s a list of some of the absolute worst food and drink products—specific brands included—that you might want to avoid at all costs if you care about your nutritional intake. Eat & Drink at Your Own Risk: 20 Foods to Keep Away From Your Family
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evgeny Atamanenko.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
