Well it’s finally summer, and the kids are out of school and needing something to do. Some kids are in summer sports like soccer and swimming, and maybe there is camping, but there is always a need for kids to settle down sometime during the day, and reading is a good reason.
Not all books are readable for all ages, so I’ve done some research for you parents and grandparents so you have an idea of titles available for specific age groups. You are welcome. I’m a parent, too, and I remember trying to find something age-appropriate before vacation trips and just for down time, so here are some suggestions with a very short look at what the story is about.
Early readers, 4-8
“Brave Enough for Two” by Jonathan D. Voss
This story is about comfort zones, trust, bravery and, most importantly, friendship. Perfect for those that liked “Winnie the Pooh” and “The Velveteen Rabbit.”
“Dad by My Side” by Soosh
The love between a father and daughter is very special, and this picture book depicts this perfectly. In this book, the larger-than-life father does everything from cooking to cuddling his little girl, and this book gives the reader so many smiles.
“Grumpy Monkey” by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
When a boy named Jim is in a grumpy mood for apparent reasons, his jungle friends offer him advice. However, even if doing what they suggest doesn’t make him feel better, what’s next?
Pre-teen, 9-12
“The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle” by Christina Uss and Jonathan Bean
This story is funny, heartwarming and very imaginative. It is about a friendless 12-year-old girl who wants to ride across the country to befriend her hero, a Polish bicycling champion named Zbigniew Sienskiwicz.
“The Boy from Tomorrow” by Camille Deangelis
This is a tale of friendship and loyalty that crosses the boundaries of time. It engages the reader from the first page by relaying some information about seances, psychics and Ouija boards, and creates a setting both mystical and possibly a little dangerous.
“The Cardboard Kingdom” by Chad Cell
The kids in this fictional neighborhood spend the summer creating elaborate costumes, including an evil sorceress, an alchemist, a banshee and a gargoyle, and secret hideouts all from cardboard boxes.
Teens
“From Twinkle, with Love” by Saandhya Menon
This story explores the moment at the movie theater when your date touches your hand in the dark while knocking the popcorn over in the loudest way possible. This story is cute, exciting and maybe even a little bit embarrassing.
“My Plain Jane” by Cynthis Hand and Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
A stunningly imagined version of pre-Victorian England that includes charming ghosts and laugh-out-loud humor in this retelling of Jane Eyre. Adults will enjoy this re-visit to Jane Eyre, too.
Look for these book at your local library, local bookstores or online.
Quote for today: “A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.”
— Neil Gaiman
— Donna Lee Anderson teaches writing and is the author of two novels and a reference book for writers. Contact her at welltold tales@aol.com.
