Summer Reading Ideas

Did you ever, as a child, just grab a book and start reading during downtime? I know when my parents asked me to read, it was a time I dreaded. Reading was not only difficult for me, but I never found a book that caught my interest. It is crucial for your child to find the right book, one that matches their level and their enjoyment. Sometimes we simply need to find a book to read to them to help engage their interest, especially in grade K-2.

When I need my children to find a new book, we always go to the bookstore. Hicklebee's is their favorite, of course. When we find the right book, I always have them read the first couple of pages to me out loud. This not only allows me to see how they are doing with the reading level, but also helps to gauge their interest. I ask them questions about the first few pages to see if the book sparks their interest.

Below, I have a few suggestions of books and series based on grade level. Please remember that just because it matches their grade level, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the right level for them.

K-1: Piggy & Elephant Series, Pigeon Series, Dr. Seuss, Cornbread and Poppy, Henry and Mudge, and Poppleton

2nd: Mercy Watson, Captain Awesome, Super Turbo, Dory , Junie B. Jones, and Magic Tree House

3rd: Kate DiCamillo, Ronald Dahl, Judy Blume, The Hardy Boys, and Geronimo Stilton

4th: Lemons, Dragon in a Box, Percy Jackson, Epic Zero, The Wild Robot, Land of Stories, and The Book Wanderers