Summer break is the perfect time to help your child develop a lifelong love of reading. With more freedom in their schedules, children have the opportunity to explore stories that inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and enhance their literacy skills. A well-planned summer reading list tailored to your child’s interests and age level can make a big difference.
Here’s how to build a summer reading list your child will be excited to tackle – organized by age group with some great suggestions to get you started.
Ages 4–6: Beginning Readers
At this stage, it’s all about building reading confidence with engaging stories, repetition, and strong visuals. Choose books that are easy to follow, offer rhymes or predictable patterns, and feature characters your child can connect with.
Tips:
- Pick books with vibrant illustrations
- Look for beginner-level phonics
- Incorporate read-aloud time to help build comprehension
Suggestions:
- Pete the Cat by James Dean and Eric Litwin
- Why it works: Catchy songs, fun illustrations, and simple storylines make reading feel more like play than work. Great for early phonics skills.
- The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach
- Why it works: A funny take on patience and metamorphosis with lots of expression and silliness. Great to read aloud and discuss.
- Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems
- Why it works: These books use repetitive, simple dialogue and expressive illustrations to help children develop fluency, expression, and confidence.
Ages 7–9: Independent Explorers
Children at this age often begin reading more independently, making it a great time to introduce series and books that feature adventure, fun, and friendship. Encourage them to explore different genres, such as graphic novels and mysteries.
Tips:
- Let them choose from a few options of different genres
- Mix in some non-fiction titles about animals, space, or sports
- Set small reading goals with rewards
Suggestions:
- Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
- Why it works: A blend of adventure and history wrapped in easy-to-follow chapter books. Very good for early independent readers.
- Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
- Why it works: A high-energy graphic novel series that appeals to reluctant readers with silliness, illustrations, and positive themes. You can also watch the movie adaptation with the whole family after reading the books.
- The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty
- Why it works: Each book features a curious, STEM-focused character who solves problems using science and creativity. These books are great for inspiring young thinkers.
Ages 10–12: Middle Grade Minds
This age group is ready for more complex narratives and characters with depth and nuance. Look for books that introduce big ideas while still being entertaining. Series are still a good choice, but individual novels with strong plots can work well too.
Tips:
- Choose books that align with your child’s interests, for example, sports, fantasy, or mysteries
- Discuss books together to boost comprehension
- Encourage journaling or creative responses after reading
Suggestions:
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
- Why it works: Fast-paced mythical adventures that blend fun and heart. Percy is a relatable underdog, which appeals to young readers as they begin to navigate their own identity.
- Front Desk by Kelly Yang
- Why it works: A compelling story about an immigrant family running a motel, this book mixes real-world issues with a strong young heroine.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Why it works: An emotional story about kindness, empathy, and acceptance, it’s an excellent choice for encouraging discussions or family reading.
Ages 13–15: Early Teens
Teens often gravitate toward stories with relatable characters and real-world themes. They may prefer choosing their own books, but some thoughtful suggestions for building a well-rounded list can help expand their horizons.
Tips:
- Offer a mix of fiction and non-fiction
- Include some books tied to current events or topics they’ve studied at school recently
- Support book-based social time such as a mini book club with friends
Suggestions:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Why it works: Dystopian excitement meets social commentary. The fast-paced plot and strong lead character will hook in even the most hesitant readers.
- Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
- Why it works: An impactful, teen-friendly introduction to history and social justice written in an accessible, conversational tone.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Why it works: Beautiful writing, emotional storytelling, and a unique narrative perspective make reading this a thought-provoking and rewarding experience.
Ages 16+: Upper Teens
Older teens benefit from books that challenge their thinking, stretch their vocabulary, and prepare them for post-secondary studies. Encourage a combination of pleasure reading and more academic or classic works.
Tips:
- Offer books that tie into future goals or passions (science, art, history)
- Consider audiobooks for added flexibility
- Suggest memoirs or biographies for real-world insight
Suggestions:
- Educated by Tara Westover
- Why it works: This memoir tells the powerful story of a woman who escapes an isolated childhood to pursue education. It’s an inspiring and thought-provoking book.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
- Why it works: A practical and relatable guide that helps teens develop leadership, time management, and self-confidence.
- 1984 by George Orwell
- Why it works: A classic novel that sharpens critical thinking and discussion skills. Excellent preparation for high school, college, or university English.
Making It Fun: Set a Summer Reading Challenge
To keep your child motivated, create a simple reading challenge:
- Track completed books on a chart or app
- Offer small rewards or milestones
- Celebrate progress with a “reading celebration” at the end of summer
Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a bookworm, a personalized reading list can make reading one of the highlights of the summer break and give them a boost heading into the new school year!