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Must-Read Books for Summer


Summer is for camps, beach days, and family vacation adventures, right? But summer is also a great time for students to keep their minds active by using those extra hours outside of the classroom for reading.

We talked to teachers, librarians and parents and gathered some recommendations for great books to include on the summer reading list.

A few of the top contenders for children of elementary school age:

  • Junie B Jones series
  • Jigsaw Jones series
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
  • Wonder by R. J. Palacio

For middle schoolers and teens, teachers recommend both contemporary, young-adult novels, and classic literature.

  • Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
  • Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • The Red  Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
  • The Last Mission by Harry Mazur
  • Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury (8th only due to mature topics)
  • Legend by Marie Lu
  • Everlost by Neal Schusterman
  • The House of Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
  • Roar by Emma Clayton

The Association for Library Services also offers a great annual compilation for various grade levels and even birth to preschool. And 2015-16 Florida Prepaid partner Scholastic.com offers a Summer Reading Challenge intended to keep students reading through the hot months leading to the new school year. This year’s theme is “Be a Reading Superhero.” The Challenge features a lengthy reading list with titles including:

  • Hey, Seymour! by Walter Wick
  • Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
  • Batman’s Dark Secret by Kelly Puckett & Jon J Muth
  • Sit, Stay, Love by J.J. Howard
  • Public School Superhero by James Patterson
  • The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson

Do you have a favorite summer read that you are also recommending to your young reader? We would love to know!

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