Summer Reading Picks for Kids
by Lora Shinn

Early Elementary
Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore by Jim Arnosky. This nonfiction book extols the pleasures of beachcombing, and includes lush illustrations of seashells, crabs and seaweeds. It’s a great identification guide for “special finds” such as a mermaid’s purse, sea beans, and broken teeth or tusks.

Summersaults by Douglas Florian. With poem titles like “What I Hate About Summer,” Florian applies his famous wit to summer ups and downs. Other topics include bees, tennis, double dutch and dandelions: “The dandelion doesn’t roar/it’s quiet as a closet door.”

No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks! by Diane deGroat. Leaving behind first grade isn’t easy for Gilbert and friends, as they prepare for summer break. When Mrs. Byrd hands out awards, everyone discovers they’re good at something — even Gilbert.

Earth to Audrey by Susan Hughes. Wild child Audrey turns Ray’s ho-hum summer days upside-down. Whether communicating with the mother ship (viakite) or training grasshoppers to follow her command, Audrey demonstrates innovative ways to resolve the “I’m bored!” battle cry.

Grades 3 - 6
What Lives Under the Carpet? by John Woodward. Nothing says summer like a kid shrieking, “What is that?!?” The older child inspired by spiders, ladybugs, crane flies and other summer insects will enjoy this nonfiction guide to our buggy world.

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen. He’s just your average 12-year-old boy, making thousands of dollars over the summer by mowing lawns, and sponsoring his own prize fighter. Mature readers will enjoy riding along, as one very lucky young man discovers thepower of a buck.

Holes by Louis Sachar. Stanley “Caveman” Yeltnats knows he didn't steal that basketball player’s shoes. But here’s Stanley – digging hole after hole in the hot Texas sun – paying for a crime he never committed. Before this humorous story for older readers is over, Stanley will discover the dirty secret behind all these holes at Camp Green Lake.

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford. Nine-year-old Moxy devises increasingly ridiculous excuses to avoid reading Stuart Little before school starts, including starting a peach farm (naturally). Very funny, brisk writing and photos make this a great summer pick.

~ Lora Shinn is a mother, freelance writer, and ex-children's librarian.