This summer reading log is a must have! Summer reading is a family favorite in our house. It’s the perfect time for my kids (and me) to catch up on the books we want to read. And it’s a great time to utilize your local libraries reading program. My kids are already reading, might as well earn some free tacos and books while we are at it. Our program is available online for my kids to input their reading minutes. But to make things easier I made these simple sheets for my kids to fill out. Later we can have them transfer their minutes online.
And don’t forget to pickup some timers. Each kid has their own timer to track their reading and also screen time. That’s probably the hardest part, training your kids to track their minutes.
But if your kid needs some help with reading suggestions I am happy to share what my kids are reading and their favorite reads. Some of these books have movies out which is a fun family activity you can do after they read the book. I have books that work for lots of reading levels. I have some kids who are very advanced and some who are reading at their level. If you are reading aloud to your family I find you can stretch the levels a little easier. Older kids love being read to and younger kids can learn as they listen to you discuss and answer questions with your other kids. Remember the most important thing we can do as parents is to help them learn to LOVE to read. The reading level is just a suggestion. The * means there is a movie available. I always suggest watching the movie when finished reading the book. It’s a great memory maker. Especially if you make popcorn to enjoy.
Magic Tree House Series
(1st- 4th Grade) Great books for boys and girls who are being introduced to chapter books. I’ve purchased sets of them because I knew all my kids would be reading them. As an extra incentive I have told my 7 year old that if he reads all our books (30+) I’ll take him out for ice cream. This also helps him read at his level because he is trying to catch up with his older brothers but really isn’t ready to read those books. Also we picked up some audio books for my 4 year old daughter to listen to while she colors or plays. She has already had her older brother read her the first one. And I love when he reads to her.
Stink: The Super Incredible Book Series
Judy Moody’s little brother has some pretty amazing adventures. Super kid friendly chapter books that are light and funny.
Anything by Ronald Dahl*
(3rd-5th Grade) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, BGF, and Witches are all awesome books. (None of my kids want to read witches. My husband already told them that movie scarred him as a child. So bummed! I loved that movie!) These books are easy reads (also great audio books for the road) and have great lessons. You can read aloud as a family or have the kids read them on their own. There are still a couple my 7 year old needs to read.
Charlotte’s Web*
(3rd- 5th Grade) Heart warming story that’s a classic. My sons love it! We still need to watch the movie together. And remember audio books aren’t just for the road. I put them on while my kids are painting, playing legoes, or coloring.
American Girl Series*
(2nd- 5th Grade) A couple thoughts about these books. First of all they aren’t just for girls. My 10 year old likes the Molly series. And my 4 year old daughter loves them so don’t feel like you have to wait till 2nd grade. My client years ago told me about these books. The are a perfect way to teach about history. Each book has a 9 year old who faces challenges in their time, whether they are a pioneer or living in America during different war times. My daughter asks so many questions and is learning so much. She can totally comprehend the story and loves when we read them together. We even started a new Christmas tradition last year because of these books. I never read them as a girl but I’m loving them as an adult.
Harriet the Spy*
(3rd-5th Grade) My kids love the idea of being a spy. This book is a a great read while teaching an important lesson. And can I just say that I love books with female leads. I think it’s great to have your sons read books with female main characters. I was telling my reluctant son I wanted him to read (I am Malala) and he wasn’t happy. (He doesn’t like it when I give reading suggestions) My husband asked if it was because she was a girl. My heart was happy when he replied, “Why would that matter?”. It ends well with reading about Malala and liking it. Truth: I may have rewarded him with screen time for reading a book I suggested. Check out this book and remember to have your sons read books with girl characters when they are young.
Superfail
(2nd-4th Grade) All my kids love this one! It’s a perfect way to get kids into chapter books because of fun illustrations. It’s written like the Diary of a Wimpy kid. (Truth: not crazy about those books) But this book is funny and has a great message. You can click here to read an interview with the author. It’s about an superhero who also has some super flaws. My kids love quoting this book to each other. A must if you are trying to get your kid into reading chapter books.
How to Train Your Dragon*
(3rd -5th Grade) We usually do these as audio books and they are the best! I don’t know who reads them but his voices are amazing. The audio has fun sound effects and there are so many burping and fart jokes that this is a really fun read. Especially a kid you are trying to get excited about reading. One road trip my husband didn’t want to listen to them. But as soon as we were finished he wanted me to play the next book in the series. We have been listening to them out of order, but we need to reread them in their proper order. They say you don’t have to read them in order, but be prepared for some spoilers for Hiccup. I love the messages of family, belonging to a tribe, embracing your own talents, and doing what is right. I really love these books. (Note: the movie doesn’t really follow the same story line, but it’s fun)
Indian in the Cupboard*
(3rd -5th Grade) A favorite when I was younger. A fun classic filled with imagination. A young boy places toys in a special cupboard and they come to life. This would be great as a bedtime read. I loved this one as a child.
Wings of Fire
(3rd -5th Grade) I haven’t actually read these books but my kids love them! They are written from the perspective of the dragons and my kids and all their friends love them. Not as funny as the dragons in the How to Train your Dragon series, but they really enjoy them. And that’s what’s really important. If your kids like dragons or fantasy you might give them a try. And unlike Harry Potter series (that also has dragons) the reading level stays the same.
The Chronicles Narnia*
(3rd-6th Grade) We still have two Narnia books left to read or listen to while we drive. My kids really love this series. I love the symbolism of Aslan as Christ. Beautiful messages in these books. And my kids love reading about kids who do extraordinary things. The world of Narnia is magical. They only have movies for the first 3 movies but I believe they are making a 4th this next winter.
Fablehaven
(3rd-6th Grade) This is another series I still need to read. I’ve been told by other moms that this series is a keeper. Two kids find their way into a magical world that is filled with adventure. I love books that are written in a series as it helps kids know what to read next. My older kids are really enjoying this series.
Wonder*
(4th -6th Grade) This book is a must read!!! It teaches kids to be kind and compassionate as you meet Auggie, a good kid with a face that’s a little different. I love that it changes perspective to really help kids understand how each character feels and to learn to empathize. My second son was reluctant, but I promised him some extra screen time if he stuck with it. Turns out he loved it. We are planning a movie night, but just for our older kids who have read it already.
Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
(5th-8th Grade) I found this series at the library a couple of years ago. My 13 year old son and I love it! We have been patiently waiting for the last book (pre-order here) to come out. They kept pushing back the release date and we’ve been trying to be patient. The main character is a governess who takes on three young children who have been raised by wolves. She is working on domesticating them and their adventures are seriously funny. In addition to some funny mishaps there is also a mystery that leaves you in suspense. Great read! And another great book with a strong female lead that is great for boys and girls.
Mysterious Benedict Society
(5th- 8th Grade) My oldest has read and reread this series. Clever, witty, and full of suspense. Extraordinary children are picked to help with a special project. As a mother of someone on the specturm I love when stories have quirky characters who feel like they don’t fit in. We come to see their talents and strengthens that help them overcome problems. I think it helps kids feel better about what makes them different. A great series that I really love too! I might just reread them myself this summer.
Percy Jackson*
(5th-8th Grade) Really any of Rick Riordan’s books are going to be a winner. But if you haven’t started reading them start with Percy Jackson. His books are all about mythology. Percy Jackson finds out he’s the son of Poseidon and ends up at camp half-blood. We had a Percy Jackson party years ago (still a favorite). I love the humor (audio books are great too) and the strong female character Annabeth. (Note: the movie version of Annabeth is more helpless) It’s a great story that I love. It’s easy to get into the story and their is a lot of humor.
Harry Potter*
(5th-8th Grade) Pretty much our favorite books ever. We did Harry Potter for our Halloween theme last year. Our family LOVES these books. My oldest has read them all several times over. And I’m reading the second one with my 3rd son and the 1st one with my daughter. My second son, Draco, is on the 4th one. The earlier books are shorter and not as dark. Once you reach the 4th book they get longer and each book gets darker. An amazing story filled with great lessons. Most of them on friendship, moral courage, and love. If you child is younger I would suggest reading them together or reading the first few and switching to a different series. But there is a chance they will be like my friend’s son, who took them upstairs and read them anyway. Which if that happens then they are probably ready to read them.
GameKnight 999
(4th-8th Grade) Draco loves these books! Birthday party here. It’s about a gamer who gets sucked into an actual minecraft world. I’m not really into video games so they aren’t my personal favorite, but my kids love them. And they are perfect for helping kids, who love to play video games, get excited about reading. This book has girl characters but the main one is a guy. There are tons of these books so it would be easy to keep your kid reading. What kid doesn’t like Minecraft?
Number the Stars
(3rd-5th grade) We listened to this book on the way to California. It takes place in Denmark where German troops are “relocating” Jews. It’s told from the perspective of 10 year old Annemarie who takes in her best friend Ellen and says she’s part of their family. I love books that teach our children about history without being a history book. We learn about the Danish Resistance and the courage of their people. After reading take time to talk about the unfair treatment of our Jewish brothers and sisters. I love teaching my children about important parts of our past through stories. My kids really like this book.
False Prince
(6th-8th grade) I haven’t read this series but my son loves it. And we have “Getting to Know You Sheets” for the kids at church and I see this book listed as a favorite book for lots of boys and girls. Their grabber is “choose to lie… or choose to die” as Sage has to decide to impersonate a prince even though it’s a risky game. My son has been begging me to read it so I need to read it this summer. There are three books and apparently they keep you on the edge of your seat.
Heroes of Olympus
(9th-12th) The next series in the Percy Jackson series. You’ll find Percy in some of these books along with some other hilarious characters. I really love this series. Lots of adventure. A total page turner. But it’s good to know that there are some gay characters in the some of the latter books. So if your kids don’t know what that means you might want to have that talk before they read these books. The rest of the series The Kane Chronicles (Egyptian Mythology), Magnus Chase (Norse Mythology), and The Trials of Apollo are also great choices. My oldest loves all of them.
Ranger’s Apprentice
(6-8th Grade) These books are like a cross between King Arthur and The Lord of the Rings. Naturally my oldest loves them. We learned about them from friends who have older readers. Perfect for middle schooler’s and even high school kids.
Hobbit*
(6-8th Grade) The prelude to Lord of the Rings. Perfect if you kids like fantasy. Middle school is a great time to start transitioning to some adult classics. Especially if they are advanced readers. My son loves this book and I’m sure the rest of my kids will read it someday. Especially since this was our Halloween theme years ago.
I hope this list of books and free summer reading printable makes summer reading a breeze in your home. I would love to hear what books your kids are excited about. Please share them in the comments below.
Happy Reading
Some of these items are affiliated links. You are welcomed to buy from anywhere. But I don’t mind if you buy them from here. I only share items I really like or use. Thanks for your support!
