# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you heard of the "summer slide"? Unfortunately, it's not the fun kind of slide you'll find at a water park or playground. This slide is different. It's a slide that no mom wants her child to ride.

What Is the Summer Slide?

The summer slide is a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months when school isn't in session.

Numerous studies show that kids who don't read during summer vacation actually slip in reading ability by the time autumn rolls around.

But as parents, we don't need studies to tell us this, do we? It's evident in all sorts of situations. For example, if your child plays the violin but stops practicing for three months, his skills will decline more than the skills of a child who continued to practice and play the violin over the summer, right? So what can we do to avoid this common problem?

How to Prevent the Summer Slide

Here's the secret to preventing the summer slide: Keep learning all summer long. (Now, don't panic, I'm not talking about year-round schooling, although for some homeschool families, year-round schooling may be a good solution.)

I'm talking about consciously striving to provide learning opportunities throughout the summer to keep kids' academic skills sharp. Check out the infographic below for a big list of ideas to help you put an end to the summer slide!

Beat the Summer Slide with These Helpful Resources!

Want to keep your child's reading and spelling skills sharp over the summer? Check out the blog posts, free downloads, and review materials below and say goodbye to the summer slide forever.

Reading Resources

Skills Review for Reading and Spelling

Vocabulary-Building Resources

Additional Resources

What do you plan to do with your children to beat the summer slide? Share in the comments below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Beat the Summer Slide (+ FREE Infographic)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have you heard of the "summer slide"? Unfortunately, it's not the fun kind of slide you'll find at a water park or playground. This slide is different. It's a slide that no mom wants her child to ride.

# data[].attributes.body
READ for FUN!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Captain Underpants author Dav Pilkey has a special message for kids, and it's all about summer reading! Join the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge on May 9th! scholastic.com/summer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This post may contain affiliate links.

It's time for summer reading lists, reading programs, and reading challenges! Get your kids, ages 5 to 18, reading with book recommendations from these up-to-date summer reading lists. These summer reading book lists are for every grade level, preschool, early elementary school, upper elementary school, middle school, and high school!!

Over the summer months, choose summer books from the grade level list the child will be entering in the fall. (Unless you know that your child needs modifications. Meaning- if your child is below or above grade level, check different grade level lists - lower or higher. The grade level isn't as important as helping children read daily, so they grow in their reading skills. Just as long as their reading, am I right?)

Reading-lots and lots of reading-is the only way to keep kids growing as readers...unless a learning disability is interfering. But kids need lots of good books. That's why I've made these summer reading book lists.

You'll find both familiar favorites and newly published children's books, as well as a variety of genres and subjects from which to choose. Not only that, many of these recommendations are books in series. (Because aren't book series the best!?)

I've read all the books on the elementary and middle school lists - and recommend them based on my experience as a former teacher, a parent, and a book blogger. The lists do not include book reviews, but you can find all books with reviews elsewhere on Imagination Soup. Either search the title using the search bar on the top left side of Imagination Soup or search for the book to see which grade level list it's on.

2023 Summer Reading Lists of Books for Kids

What are the best summer reads for your children or students to read during the long, hot days of June, July, and August? These summer reading lists include familiar favorites, newly published titles, and popular book series of the best books for kids organized by age, genre, and including a topic/theme label.

Summer Reading for Preschoolers (Ages 3, 4, and 5)

If you're like me, you always want to read aloud new picture books to your preschool-age children- whether nonfiction or fiction. That's why I've also made a summer book list with fun summer reads for your preschoolers. (And you! Because as the adult reading aloud the book, it helps so much if you love the book you're reading.)

Get read aloud tips here.

Remember, young readers at this pre-reading stage can "read" the sequence of the story by retelling what happens in the pictures. This is an important literacy skill-building foundational strategy!
Picture Book List for Pre-Readers
Summer Reading for Kids in Elementary School Grades
(Kindergarten, Grade 1 - 6)

These book lists for elementary school books share the most engaging chapter books and middle grade books for every reader, no matter what genre or interest they have.

When you visit each elementary school book list, you can download a printable list of books to read for each grade level. (Free!) NOTE: If you don't see the printable sign up, clear your cache and try again.
Pre-Reader Book List 1st Grade Reading List (age 6 - 7) 2nd Grade Reading List (age 7 - 8) 3rd Grade Reading List (age 8 - 9) 4th Grade Reading List (age 9 - 10) 5th Grade Reading List (age 10 - 11) 6th Grade Reading List (age 11 - 12)

Summer Reading for Middle School Kids and Students
(Grades 7 and 8)

Download a list of books to read for your middle school children and students. These summer book recommendations range from realistic to graphic novels to historical fiction - with a variety so every reader has options.
7th Grade Reading List (age 12 - 13) 8th Grade Reading List (age 13 and up / teen)
P.S. Are you doing a summer reading program? Find good summer reading programs through your local library, Scholastic, or Barnes and Noble. Some schools offer incentives for summer reading, as well! Click here to see the 2023 free summer reading programs.

Tips to Make Reading Reading Happen

1. CHOICE

Let your kids choose the books that they read. Simple as that.

KIDS NEED TO PICK OUT THEIR OWN BOOKS! Whether or not you think their choices are the best summer reads, PLEASE give your child choices of books. Picking out a chapter book or middle grade book will give the reader ownership and motivation. Use the list of books I'm providing you to allow your kids or students to pick what they want in their pile of summer books.

That being said, if your reader isn't making book choices that are comprehensible, choose some just-right books for them from which they can decide. Maybe show them six books and ask them to pick the one they want to start with first.

2. BOUNTY

Fill your house with lots of books. More books = more chances for your children to find a fantastic, amazing, very good book that they can't put down.

Recently, we set a new money-spent record at the bookstore. Gulp. I shouldn't tell you, but it was well over $300. There's something magical about your mom taking you to the bookstore where you can pick all the books you want to read. (Magically expensive. But worth it.)

Of course, we visit the library weekly, and it's much more economical.

3. LIBRARY

Visit your local library as often as you can. Let your kids go WILD and check out lots of books! Bring a big book bag and fill it up. (Because why limit books?!)

4. TIME

Kids need chunks of time and opportunities for reading. So, make sure they're not filling all their time with TV, video games, and iPad time.

5. TECHNOLOGY

Don't forget about audiobooks, Kindles, iPads, and Nook reading. Ebooks and audiobooks count as reading, too. (See: audiobooks for tweens & audiobooks for teens.)

6. READABILITY

Make sure your child is reading books that he or she can comprehend. When choosing a book, use the 5 finger test to decide if it's a just-right book and not too hard or too easy.

Ask your child to tell you a little about the story during and after reading. If you haven't read the story, read the back cover blurb and ask questions related to that back cover summary.

Make sure your child understands what he or she reads - and that he KNOWS IF HE DOESN'T. For more clarity about reading comprehension, visit this post about reading strategies or this post about reading comprehension.

7. COZY READING SPACE

Kids LOVE a cozy book nook. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does need to involve the kids. Find a corner - those work best. Let your child help you to add pillows, lamps, books, stuffed animals, a headlamp, or flashlight, to create a special reading space.

Read more tips on how to make a kid-friendly book nook.

8. DOWNTIME

Kids need margins (time) just like we do. We all need unscheduled time to rest and relax. Kids especially.

Remember to make time during the day for rest and for summer reading. That means you'll probably need to monitor screen time, so the screens don't compete with books. (Unless your child is reading online books or in a book app.)

9. MORE SUMMER READING TIPS FROM AUTHORS, LIBRARIANS, & TEACHERS

NEXT STEPS FOR SUMMER READING

1. Go to your child's grade level list. Order or check out as many books as you can!

2. Use the free printables on Imagination Soup to support your young readers' summer reading.

What else can you do for summer reading?

Try this Reading Bucket List. Add your own bucket list ideas in the notes section.

More Summer Reading Book Lists by Genre and Topic
Adventure Books for Kids Fantasy Books for Kids Funny Books for Kids Graphic Novels for Kids Magazines for Kids Mystery Books for Kids Nonfiction Books for Kids Science Fiction Books for Kids Short Middle Grade Books Summer Vacation Themed Chapter Books

You Might Also Like

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2023 Summer Reading Lists of Best Books For Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get your kids reading with summer reading book lists recommendations for kids at every grade level: preschool, elementary, middle school and up.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I love a good adventure book - do your kids? The action zips along to keep readers entertained throughout. The plots range from curious to peculiar to crazy. Try one of these best adventure books. I think they'll keep your kids reading good books. (Reviews for beginning readers up to teen readers.)

Adventure Books

The premise is a boy playing a game where evil King Viking and his robot army are trying to ruin everyone's fun. Super Rabbit Boy must level up to save the town. Colorful cartoons show the pixelated game with simple text good for new readers. Boys and girls are going to love this video game adventure.

Battle Bugs #1: The Lizard War by Jack Patton (ages 6 - 8)
Max LOVES bugs - but he never expects to become one! Not that he's a bug, he decides to help his new bug friends fight the invading lizards who want the bug's island. Adventure, battles, and bugs make this a fun first read in a new early chapter book series.

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot The Voodoo Vultures from Venus by Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Dan Santat (ages 6 - 8)
Kudos to Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat for creating such an action-packed, engaging new series for young readers. And the illustrations are marvelous. It's not often you see a book in full color - love that!

Ferno the Fire Dragon (Beast Quest #1) by Adam Blade (ages 7 - 9)
This is a short, early chapter book about a young boy, Tom, who gets to go on a quest just like his father before him. Tom quest is to free the dragon from the enchanted collar which is making him destroy the kingdom. It's a decent story -short, adventurous, and features a kid-hero. What could be better than that!?

Catnapped! Puppy Pirates by Erin Soderbergh (ages 6 - 8)
Calling all dog lovers! Read about the most awesome pirate puppies who due to an unfortunate prank one pulled, are now prisoners on the pirate kitten's ship -with no escape. This is a charming and funny rollicking adventure and #3 in the new Puppy Pirate series. See also: Puppy Pirates #1 Stowaway and Puppy Pirates #2 x Marks the Spot.

Dio-Mike and the T.Rex Attack by Franco (ages 6 - 8)
Michael travels with his paleontologist dad. On this particular trip, Mike wanders off and meets a girl who is trying to trap a REAL dinosaur to send it back in time from where it came. I think kids will enjoy this first book in a new dinosaur adventure series. It's a simple adventure book with kid-appeal.

Ivy and Bean (ages 6 - 8)
This daring duo seems an unlikely pair which makes their adventures all the more entertaining. Addicting reads.

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones by Will Mabbitt (ages 6 - 8)
Caught picking her nose . . . and eating it . . . means Mabel Jones gets taken by animal pirates to another world of animals. This is a fun adventure filled with crazy characters, a dramatic narrator, and goofy illustrations.

Nanny Piggins and the Runaway Lion by R. A. Spratt, illustrated by Dan Santat (ages 6 - 8)
I can't believe I missed this series until now! It's totally charming and entertaining. This is another adventure about a family with children whose dad detests the children and tries to get rid of them (to Nicaragua in this case) but their amazing nanny (who is a pig) always figures out how to outsmart the dad. I love Nanny Piggins!

by Giada De Laurentiis (ages 6 - 8)
Time-travel back to Naples, Italy with siblings Emilia and Alfie where they discover a world of pizza and help a new friend and his family with the important missing ingredient. Plus, 2 recipe cards. A great cooking adventure for 8-year olds!

by Richard Peck, illustrated by Kelly Murphy (ages 6 - 8)
This is a simple but charming story about a mouse grows up at Buckingham Palace longing for an identity. Not only does he not know his parents, he doesn't even know his name! Happily, his adventures lead him to a very satisfactory conclusion.

I wanted to read this to see if it was a good series to recommend - and I really liked it. Sam's adventures on the pirate ship of his ancestors are action-packed and entertaining. It's a series with lots of books!

Race the Wild series by Kristin Earhart (ages 7 - 9)
Starting with #1 Rain Forest Relay and now with the latest, #4 Savanna Showdown, this adventure series is quick to read and constant action. Plus, each book is filled with interesting facts about the ecosystem the the creatures who live there. Savanna Showdown ends the reality adventure race with Team Red winning on the last leg in Africa.

The Gumazing Gum Girl! by Rode Montijo (ages 6 - 8)
When Gabby Gomez pops her enormous gum bubbles, the gum envelops her and gives her superpowers which she uses to help others. Fun and entertaining!

Killer Species by Michael P. Spradlin (ages 7 - 10)
I loved this fast-paced adventure series about a mad scientist who creates a hybrid crocodile-dinosaur-bird killer creature to stop visitors from entering the Everglades. Emmet and his father arrive to investigate but when his father is kidnapped, Emmet and his friend, Calvin, know it's up to them to find where the kidnapper is holding Emmet's father. GREAT for reluctant readers - and anyone who loves a crazy sci-fi who-done-it!

Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior by Cube Kid, illustrated by Saboten (ages 7 - 12)
Runt is a 12-year old with real problems. He doesn't want to be a typical villager with the typical boring life. He wants to be a warrior like Steve. So he's excited when his school finally agrees that the villagers might need warriors to fight back against the nightly attacks. When Steve loses everything and moves in with Runt's family, Runt hopes that Steve will help with warrior training. But it's a guy named Mike whose in the village jail that helps because Steve is too depressed. Runt's a relatable, mostly serious, character who just wants a different life - like most kids his age and is competing for a dream opportunity.

Steve Wolfhard (ages 7 - 10)
The Zombie Chasers by John Kloepfer and
Filled with cartoon illustrations, this early chapter book series highlights the bravery of a group of friends (and siblings) who will save the world from zombies. A fun adventure of kid-power.

Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown by Bob Pflugfelder, Steve Hockensmith (ages 7 - 10)
I LOVE this series. This is a great wrap up (sad, I know) of the Nick and Tesla STEM adventures. The twins must rescue their parents and believe it or not, Uncle Newt will help. Of course this action-packed story includes directions for creating your own projects such as a hot-dog cooker and alarm.

Lost is a riveting retelling of a soldiers' plane crash and weeks of thirst and starvation in the perilous south seas on precarious life boats. The fast-paced writing moves the story along with purpose and the photographic evidence is fascinating. Readers will be hard pressed to put this intense true-story down. (Next in the series: Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13.)

I enjoyed this quick, entertaining story about another Hero the rescue dog adventure. In this story, Ben's dad is captured by escaped convicts. Ben and Hero set off to find Ben's dad. Ben's already injured and Hero's too emotional to track the scent so they're going to need help if they're going to find his dad. Action from the first page to the last. Kids who love adventure and animals will love this book and series.

While on a whale watching trip, their boat capsizes and Travis and another girl are adrift in the icy, stormy waters off the coast of Washington state. Kids will devour this fast-paced, short (112 pages) adventure that not only is entertaining but will teach kids basic survival skills, both in the story itself and afterwards in the notes. It's a fantastic little book and I look forward to more in the series.

Edge of Extinction The Ark Plan by Laura Martin (ages 8 - 12)
Action from the first page! This is a crazy good story about a dangerous world where cloned dinosaurs have taken over the world. Sky and her fellow humans live below ground in safety with Noah as their supreme ruler. Sky discovers that her missing (maybe traitor?) father left her a secret note with cryptic instructions on how to find him. She leaves the underground city in search. Barely outside a day, she and her friend Shawn are rescued from hungry dinosaurs by a boy who lives in a treetop enclave. When his enclave is attacked by Noah's soldiers looking for her, Sky realizes that everything she believed about Noah is wrong and is even more determined to find her father. LOVED it!

by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller, illustrated by Karl Kwasny (ages 8 - 12)
So you may know that I'm a scaredy cat but I did it - I read a slightly scary book. (It would only be scary to young kids I think.) And I was impressed! Not only is this story compelling and interesting, the symbolism and life lessons were stunning. So, the plot . . . Charlie's dad has remarried and moved Charlie and his younger brother into the stepmother's frightening purple mansion. There Charlie begins to have the most horrible nightmares - nightmares that blur between reality and dream. And when the witches steal Charlie's brother into the nightmare world, he goes to rescue his brother. Charlie and his friends must learn to face their fears in order for the nightmare world not to have access to the real world. I think this book would be great in a book club for discussion about fears, real and perceived.

These smart orphan kids live on their own under the subway. They use their brilliance to help others by stealing from crooks and redistributing the wealth. In this adventure, they steal a super spy computer that if in the wrong hands would be terrifying. This is a very entertaining and action-packed chapter book for kids.

Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson (ages 8 - 12)
I thought this was not just a great story but I loved that it's written in combo of text and comics.

by Dan Gemeinhart (ages 8 - 12)
Sent to an isolated boy's prison, Jonathan has little time to adjust before all the prison's adults are killed in a freak lightening accident. Soon a Lord of the Flies scenario develops, Jonathan's friend is banished from the group, and a mysterious old librarian gives Jonathan books to read that strangely seem perfect for his situation. When a dangerous storm threatens the entire island, Jonathan must decide if he will abandon his guilt and step up to help the other boys. Moral dilemmas, suspense and action, plus good writing make this an engrossing adventure.

The Outcasts: Brotherband Chronicles, Book 1 by John Flanagan (ages 8 - 12)
I'm a new John Flanagan fan - this was such a well-written story of a young, fatherless boy named Hal whose mom was an Araluen slave. To survive the town's prejudice against him, he is helped by another outcast, his dead father's former shipmate, a one-armed recovering drunk. When it's time for his Brotherband training, he becomes the leader of a rag-tag group of boys. They'll compete against better, stronger teams who don't always play fair. The stakes are high and Hal must win even with his group of misfits.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Libraryby Chris Grabenstein (ages 8 - 12)
Kyle and a few classmates win a sleepover at the new town newly created library by game-creator Mr. Lemoncello. The silly Mr. Lemoncello devises a fun way to get OUT of the library - you can only get out if you solve the puzzles around the entire library. Will the kids work together or will it be every child for himself? (Next in the series: Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics.) Book clubs, this would be a fun book to read especially paired with the downloadable activities on Grabenstein's website.

Masterminds by Gordon Korman (ages 8 - 12)
This is is a fantastic series that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Eli and his friends discover that their utopian town is all a big science experiment to determine if kids with bad genes, cloned from criminal masterminds, can be "good" when raised in the so-called right environment. The cloned kids know they can't stay in the town anymore but how can they escape when the minute they reach the border, they feel violent pain and guards quickly surround them? And if they do escape, what will they do next?

The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz (ages 8 - 12)
This is the story of three children and one dog in medieval France on the run from the King. It tackles big issues such as faith, God, prejudice, friendship, and family. The writing, the story, the characters, and the themes all pack a big punch adding up to a compelling novel that will make you think deeply and leave you changed.

Tunnels series by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams (ages 8 - 12)
In pursuit of his missing father, Will finds a crazy, cult-like subterranean group controlled by frightening leaders who will stop at nothing to maintain control and order in their colony below the surface. I couldn't put this book down and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Written like an adult suspense novel, this is one of the best edge-of-your-seat mystery books for middle grade that I've ever read. The author jumps around showing various incidents and people. You'll have no idea what is going on or what will happen next. A boy with no memory is found at the National Gallery staring at a Degas sculpture. Strangely, this boy does know a great deal about art and artists. Soon we learn he's being hunted by a team of professional bad guys. The boy, Art, and his foster sister escape from several kidnapping attempts and begin to unravel who he is and what's going on. Absolutely fantastic plot plus I love the QR codes throughout the book showing the artwork mentioned. An enthralling adventure.

by Gordon Korman (ages 8 - 12)
Aidan and Meg Falconer are their parents' only hope. The Falconers are facing life in prison - unless Aidan and Meg can follow a trail of clues to prove their innocence. The problem? Right now they're trapped in a juvenile detention center. Until they escape one night - and find themselves on the run, both from the authorities and from a sinister attacker who has his own reason to stop them. The Falconers must use their wits to make it across the country ... with plenty of tests along the way.

by Scott Westerfeld (ages 8 - 12)
First of seven in the series written by different authors, Scott Westerfeld of Uglies fame, kicks us off with this first book about a plane crash over the Arctic Circle with only 8 kid survivors. The wrecked plane lands in a sinister jungle filled with attacking vines, shredder birds, and two moons in the sky. What happened to the Artic? When the kids find an anti-gravity tool, they use it to help them fly so they can locate water and eventually, hunt for answers to where they are. Because they suspect someone engineered this dangerous world and more importantly, they need their help -Molly is getting sicker from the glowing green bird bite on her shoulder and they don't want another death. (Yes, there is the death of the adults and one kid who dies in the story, too.)
PLAY the Horizon video game on the Scholastic site.
Read an excerpt here.

by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Jen Hill (ages 8 - 12)
Even before their parents disappeared, Jaundice and Kale Bland loathed excitement and adventure. But their boring existence is rudely disrupted when they are kidnapped by all-female pirates. Who would have thought they could adapt to pirate life, search for their long-lost pirate parents, and return home with the exact same desire for boring as when they left? Funny and very entertaining!

The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides (ages 9 - 12)
If you like goofy stories with magic and adventure, you're going to love this story. It's about a foster kid named Ace who opens a peanut butter jar only to release a genie named Ridge. Ridge tells Ace that Ace is a Wishmaker and now he must complete a mission in seven days OR ELSE all dogs and cats will turn into zombies ... and destroy mankind. So begins a wild quest across America. And even though Ace has unlimited wishes, every wish has a (usually weird) consequence. So if he gets his wish to fly, his consequence is that any bird near him will poop on him. One big wish made his arm fall off for a day. It's a goofy, entertaining story that ends with another Wishmaker being kidnapped by an ancient, evil genie setting it up for the next book in the series.

Theodore Boone The Scandal by John Grisham (ages 8 - 12)
This is my first Theodore Boone novel and I enjoyed it. I picked this book because it's about teachers cheating on standardized tests. I think students, teachers, and parents can all relate to hating standardized tests so you'll find this plot relatable and intriguing. Theodore, a helpful kid known for his burgeoning lawyering skills, learns his friend wrote an anonymous letter to turn in the cheating teachers. Both he and his friend are conflicted, especially when the teachers lose their jobs and are prosecuted.

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas by Jonathan W. Stokes (ages 8 - 12)
I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed adventure story. Addison and Molly's archeologist aunt and uncle are kidnapped for their specialized knowledge about the Incas and their famed, hidden treasure. But the kidnappers have underestimated the persistence and brilliance of Addison and Molly who, with their friends, pursue the treasure and their aunt and uncle.

Classy Crooks Club by Alison Cherry (ages 8 - 12)
AJ's parents are leaving on a research trip so she must stay with her very strict grandmother Jo who doesn't approve of AJ's soccer and skateboarding, and other non-ladylike pursuits. After hearing strange sounds, AJ discovers a room filled with exotic, talking birds and learns that her proper grandmother has "rescued" these birds from bad environments. In fact, grandma Jo and her old lady friends are a team of crooks, a heist club. And they want AJ's help. Well-written and interesting, this is an excellent mystery and coming-of-age story.

Johnny Hangtime by Dan Gutman (ages 8 - 12)
He's a real stuntkid, the take-all-the-risks, get-no-credit kind and Johnny loves it. This is a high-octane adventure where Johnny will face the same stunt that killed his father. Will he do it or is it time to quit the business? And wait until you get to the plot twist . . . !

Welcome to Wonderland Home Sweet Motel by Chris Grabenstein (ages 8 - 12)
P.T. (named after the other P.T.) tells the most creative stories - and it's his creativity that hopefully will save his family's motel from the bank. With only a month to raise $100,000, he and his new friend, the math whiz, Gloria Ortega, think they can do it with some unique promotions that include a talking frog and a pirate's buried treasure. Unfortunately, they come up short only to discover that there might be REAL buried treasure somewhere at the motel.

Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes (ages 8 - 12)
Now that I've read this book, I can't wait to read all of Jewel Parker Rhodes other books - this was amazing! We follow the youngest daughter of sisters as she visits her grandmère in the bayou for the first time. There, she discovers that she's inherited her grandmother's special connection (magic, if you will) with nature. Maddy loves everything about the bayou, including her new best friend, Bear, who has a father with severe alcohol issues. Trouble comes to the bayou when the big rig spills oil and makes it way towards them. Maddy calls upon her magical connection with the river goddess to stop the spill and save the Bon Temps bayou.

Loot by Jude Watson (ages 10 - 13)
Once I opened this chapter book, I couldn't put it down! When March's dad falls off a building in his last jewel robbery (accident or not?), March is sent to foster care where he meets the twin he didn't know he had. With the help of two friends at the foster home, they decide to escape and finish March's dad's plan to steal all the cursed Moonstones. One of the best adventures of 2014 - I loved it!

Extreme Adventures series by Justin D'Ath (ages 8 - 12)
I read Shark Bait in the Extreme Adventure series and though it was a fantastic book, especially for kids who love action, danger, adventure, with some cool environmental focus thrown in for extra pizazz.

Stranded by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts (ages 8 - 12)
Honestly, I was totally surprised that I liked this book. It's a great adventure with real-life conflict between new step-siblings who are on a sailboat trip with their uncle. A storm sinks their ship and they barely make it to a deserted island. They'll have to work together to survive. And hope their parents can find them. Great reading for anyone who loves action and adventure.

Crime Travelers by Paul Aertker (A Lucas Benes Novel) (ages 8 - 12)
This action-packed adventure of teenage spies proves that kids are totally capable, smart, and able to handle anything - even brainwashing, crime, and a stolen baby. All in Paris!

The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz (ages 8 - 12)
Alex's parents raised him in their secret society of super villains, training him all his life for a life of villainy. He surprises himself in a battle when he saves the life of his enemy, a Ranger of Justice girl named Kirbie. They secretly become friends making Alex question his entire life and the next big mission to wipe out all of the Rangers. Very adventurous and interesting!

The Mechanical Mind of John Coggin by Elinor Teele (ages 8 - 12)
John and his sister are orphans who live with their mean, coffin-maker Great-Aunt Beauregard, who wants them to permanently sign on to the family coffin making business. Determined to have a different life, the siblings run away. Their adventures are wild (joining a circus) and heart-warming (living a kind-hearted baker). Throughout the story, John grows to realize that his fear of failure is holding him back from being a great inventor. This is a quirky, fun story with lovable characters. I especially loved the character of Boz, a wordsmith that will remind you of Captain Jack Sparrow for his uh, elocutions ramblings.

Hypnotistsby Gordon Korman (ages 8 - 12) Mix the action-packed writing of Korman with a boy who can hypnotize others - and who is recruited to be in a "special" school to save the world. But is that really what the school does? Another hit for the talented Gordon Korman!

Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson (ages 8 - 12)
My daughter loved this series but I have to admit it had too many main characters for me so I didn't enjoy it. However, if you like Disney and non-stop adventure, you'll love these books. Our main characters, teenagers, protect the park agains the Disney villains. At least they will try. Because catching the bad guys isn't always easy.

Surrounded by Sharks by Michael Northrop (ages 8 - 12)
Davey gets swept out to sea. He finds an empty water container to help him stay afloat but he's getting tired. And sharks are circling. Meanwhile, his family is frantically looking for him and don't even realize he went to the secluded beach. Great action and suspense throughout this adventure.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMHby Robert C. O'Brien (ages 8 - 12)
This is a must-read, excellent Newbery winning book about amazing lab rats with intelligence who escape from the lab and form their own community. This was always one of my fifth graders favorite read-alouds.

To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson (ages 8 - 12)
Someone is trying to frame Jackson for a prank he didn't even commit - and they're doing a great job of it! It will take months to prove the video is falsified and by then Jackson will have missed the robot contest due to his punishment. Jackson and his friends are determined to prove their innocence but it won't be easy. This is a great adventure filled with twists and turns. I very much enjoyed it.

Seaborne: The Lost Prince by Matt Myklusch (ages 8 - 12)In this well-written, fantastic action and adventure novel, Dean Seaborne grows up on a pirate ship as their best spy and con-artist. But when he messes up the latest mission, he must pass himself off as the long-lost prince of the mysterious island of Zenhala. Once there, he must find and steal the treasure for the pirates. But strangely, Dean really might be the long-lost prince and he's not sure he wants to rob the island anymore.

Crossing the Line (The Raven Files) by Meghan Rogers (ages 8 - 12)
This is a captivating, action-packed adventure about a former teenage North Korean spy and assassin, Jocelyn. Now she's in the U.S. and is working with her parents' previous spy agency. She's supposed to feed North Korea intel but she's giving them garbage because she's loyal to the U.S. Life is complicated. No one trusts her. And there's still the problem of her missing father. Cliff-hanger alert and some language.

Pilfer Academy: a School So Bad It's Criminal by Lauren Magaziner (ages 8 - 12)
Mischievous George is kidnapped from home and forced to attend a school for crooks - where the teachers are criminal and also not very familiar with words and pronunciation (this will make you laugh!) George goes along with his new program and classes but he feels awful when he's bored to steal a child's teddy bear. He realizes that maybe he is not cut out for a life of crime. The problem is how to escape? Because if kids who don't make it at the school disappear. For good. Excellent!

Beneath by Roland Smith (ages 9 - 12)

You'll be hard-pressed to set this book down once you start reading, it's such a compelling adventure. It's about a boy named Pat whose parents are checked out and brother is missing. Pat spends his Christmas vacation tracking his brother, Coop's, last movements. His search leads him to an underground community but Coop isn't there anymore, he's gone deeper under the ground. And he is in terrible danger. Book 2 is Above.

The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (ages 13+)
I enjoyed this fast-paced adventure and mystery book but if your child reads it, it requires some background knowledge of the U.S. political structure because the story takes place in D.C. with all the movers and shakers. So, learn what the Whip is. That kind of thing. But, I really liked the overarching themes of friendship, forgiveness, and redemption and found it to be a thrilling adventure story.

I Am the Mission by Allen Madoff (ages 13+)
The second book in the Unknown Assassin series, this fast-paced adventure will keep your kids (advanced readers and teens) hooked until the last page. At least it did for me. (The first book was just as good and the third comes out June 2015.) So we pick up after the last assignment where our teenage assassin had doubts, botched the job initially, and then finished it. This assignment is to kill the leader of a radical militia camp for teenagers. Only everything goes wrong. Like maybe his handlers want him dead, too!

Rick Yancey (ages 13+)
The 5th Wave by
Basically, this is a survival story that happens after an alien invasion. It's good but I wasn't hooked enough to read the rest of the series. However, the rest of the world thinks this is awesome . . . so you decide for yourself.

by Richard Paul Evans (ages 12+)A fantastic sci-fi adventure series about a boy with electrical powers, and an evil group who wants to control him and others like him.

Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling by Tony Cliff (ages 13+)
This exciting adventure YA graphic novel is about a kick-butt heroine whose world travels are cut short when she returns home to England to get revenge, clear her name, and save the British army, even if she has to be her alter-ego, proper lady while she's there.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Adventure Books for Kids | Imagination Soup

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I love a good adventure book - do your kids? The action zips along to keep readers entertained throughout. The plots range from curious to peculiar to crazy. Try one of these best adventure books. I think they'll keep your kids reading good books. (Reviews for beginning readers up to teen readers.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
New research offers compelling evidence that suggests we should make more use of podcasts, while a podcast search engine makes it easy. Here are three curated lists that dovetail with this year's summer reading theme.

Imagine traveling with your students to the Moon or the Milky Way. Through stories, our imaginations can bring us to the far reaches of the cosmos-to discover what zero gravity would be like, to consider what it would take to build an outpost on Mars, and perhaps, to better understand how it might feel like to be a stranger in a strange land.

Stories, whether grounded here on Earth or in imaginary realms, are essential for learning and for building community. When we read about or listen to the experiences of others, we are empathizing; and as we learn about ourselves and others, we build narratives that propel us to act collectively and to solve complex problems.

This year's Collaborative Summer Library Program reading theme, A Universe of Stories, offers unlimited opportunities to connect with students and to build community. This summer is also the 50th anniversary of the July 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing. As you include related fiction and nonfiction titles on your summer reading lists, consider adding a listening guide that explores the theme and anniversary through podcasts. New research provides compelling reasons to recommend them, and our curated lists will get you, your students, and their families started.

Listening together

Unlike oral storytelling, or the radio programs of the past, podcasts can be delivered on-demand. According to a March 2019 Edison Report, the number of people who have listened to a podcast just topped 50 percent, and podcast content for kids continues to grow as creators are learning more about the way kids and families listen. In a survey conducted by Kids Listen, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting high-quality audio for kids, responses indicate that when kids listen to podcasts, they listen to them over and over again. (Eighty percent reported listening more than once to an episode, while 20 percent listened to the same episode more than 10 times, vs adults who generally listen only once to an episode.)

But the most exciting findings are that 75 percent of the kids start a discussion about what they listened to, 58 percent quote or reenact a portion of the episode, and more than half request more information about what they learned.

Students interested in science, and particularly, space science, have hours of listening available to them. They can tune in to astronauts, scientists, and engineers talking about space exploration or listen to myths surrounding the Moon. Pique their and others' interest by sharing a podcast episode or two. For example, try introducing middle school students to "Margaret Hamilton - Apollo Mission" from Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli's Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls. When they ask for more information, point them to the library shelves for Dean Robbins's Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing or Dominica Di Piazza's Space Engineer and Scientist Margaret Hamilton, then encourage them to find out if their public library or community offers summer coding classes.

Curated playlists

While more people are becoming familiar with podcasts, another recent Edison report revealed that 65 percent of non-listeners don't know where to start. As teachers and librarians, we can help. A new search engine, Listen Notes, designed specifically for podcasts, is making it easier to create, curate, and share playlists for on-demand listening on topics from fictional stories and science to history and biography. Anyone can now put together and share a playlist based on topics covered in class or suggestions for summer (or anytime) listening .

Here are three curated playlists we've created using Listen Notes, inspired by this year's summer reading theme.

Elementary -This playlist contains 13 shows and approximately four hours of listening. Specific episodes include "How Was the Universe Created?" (But Why); "Earthrise: The Picture of Our Planet That Changed the World" (Brains On!); "Space Junk with John Crassidis" (The Show about Science); and "Curious About the Moon" (Curious Kid Podcast).

Middle School-History, literature, music, science, and storytelling are some of the subjects featured on this list, which includes such offerings as "Kennedy Announces Plan for Manned Moon Landing" (HistoryPod); "Jupiter's Moon Total Hits 79" (60-Second Science); "UFOs: What the Government Covered Up" (Science Vs.); and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Book Club for Kids). The full playlist contains 13 shows and approximately four hours of listening.

High School
Eight shows and seven hours of listening are offered on topics ranging from design and economics to history and technology. Episodes include "Apollo 8," Parts 1 & 2:" (NASA's Houston We Have a Podcast); "A Conversation with Dr. Mae Jemison" (StarTalk Radio); "Building 29" (Orbital Path); and "DIY Space Suit" (99% Invisible).

The importance of summer reading and learning can't be overestimated, and podcasts offer a powerful platform to help build bridges of interest and motivation for students that can guide their own learning after they leave the classroom. Step-by-step instructions on using Listen Notes, and tips on curating quality playlists follow.

Feel free to share our lists or to create lists of your own. Playlists can be created by teams or by students by using the "Contributors" function in Listen Notes. Enjoy exploring, curating, and sharing a Universe of Listening with your community.
Youth Technology Integration Consultant, Anne Bensfield, helps libraries and schools implement new models for innovation. Librarian and Buttons & Figs podcast creator, Pamela Rogers, inspires creative expression from elementary school kids by reading, writing and playing with words.
illustration iStock / Getty Images

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
podcasts 
a universe of learning 
collaborative summer library program

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Universe of Podcasts: A Summer Listening Guide for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New research offers compelling evidence that suggests we should make more use of podcasts, while a podcast search engine makes it easy. Here are three curated lists that dovetail with this year's summer reading theme. Imagine traveling with your students to the Moon or the Milky Way.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Summer Reading Challenges to Hook Kids on Books over the Break

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Motivate your family to hit the books this summer with some friendly competition, and take on one of these reading challenges for kids. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Staff Spotlight: Julie Marshall

The TLA Staff Spotlight series is an occasional series where we highlight different members of the TLA staff. It's part of our effort to make sure you know who the [...]

Statement Opposing HISD Elimination of Librarian Jobs and Library Services

In early June, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) took over Houston ISD, installing state-appointed managers in place of the elected school board and appointing Mike Miles as superintendent. Superintendent Miles [...]

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please accept the use of cookies. Review our privacy policy if you have any questions. Accept Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Current List - Texas Library Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
2023 List Annotated List A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis (Neal Porter Books, 2022) Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts (Chronicle Books, 2022) Bear [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

UNT Student Shares Insight & Lessons Learned from her First TLA Conference

The wonder of TLA was phenomenal and completely changed my perception of possible professional career options. As a distant learning student, I felt that there seemed to be difficulty truly connecting with members of my cohort. I am a school librarian and was under the incorrect notion that I was limited to remaining at the [...]

TALL Texans Class of 2019

The Texas Library Association is proud to announce the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute Class of 2019. These individuals were selected from a pool of dynamic Texas library leaders to study strategic planning, risk-taking, conflict negotiation, persuasion, coaching, ethics, personal career planning, and more. Nationally-known leadership experts Maureen Sullivan and Jack Siggins will lead the [...]

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please accept the use of cookies. Review our privacy policy if you have any questions. Accept Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Current List - Texas Library Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
2019-2020 List 2019-20 ANNOTATED LIST Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre (Alma and How She Got Her Name) by Juana Martinez-Neal (Candlewick Press, 2018) Amor (Love) by Matt De La Peña, illustrated by Loren Long, translated by Teresa Mlawer (G.P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC, 2018) Los deseos ...

# data[].attributes.body
Texas Library Association K-5

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Statement Opposing Restrictions on Education Related to Racism and History

The Texas Library Association Executive Board approved the following statement related to efforts to restrict education related to racism and history on August 10. The Texas Library Association's (TLA) core values include diversity and inclusiveness, equity of access to information, ethical responsibility and integrity, intellectual freedom, literacy and lifelong learning, and social responsibility and the [...]

Between the Lines: August Member Spotlight

Lynda Infante Faculty Librarian and Assistant Professor Austin Community College What inspired you to become a librarian? I had an unusual journey to the library. I have biology and clinical laboratory science degrees and spent seven years as a clinical microbiologist before transitioning to the library. As I realized I didn't want to stay in [...]

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please accept the use of cookies. Review our privacy policy if you have any questions. Accept Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Current List - Texas Library Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Important Dates Nomination deadline: September 30th List release date: Early December Selection Requirements Eligibility: Books published in the year prior to and the year of the publication of the list. Books with published scholarly reviews or peer reviews are preferred; however, books for which there are no reviews available may be considered at the discretion [...]

# data[].attributes.body
Grades 6-8

# data[].attributes.body
Grades 3-5

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children’s books. According to the Notables Criteria, “notable” is defined as: Worthy of note or notice, important, distinguished, outstanding. As applied to children’s books, notable s…

# data[].attributes.body
Grades 3-5

# data[].attributes.body
Grades 6-8

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Happy Monday! Just One Flake , written and illustrated by Travis Jonker, releases tomorrow. I'm grateful Travis stopped by to finish my sentences. We discussed Just One Flake 's book trailer, Liam, Pete's a Pizza , and more. I wrote the words in purple, and Travis wrote the words in black . Thank you, Travis ! Just One Flake' s book trailer fulfills my life goal of using the 2001: A Space Odyssey music for a completely silly purpose. Design Credit: Heather Kelly Just One Flake tells the story of a boy named Liam who has one goal: to catch a snowflake on his tongue. His attempts get increasingly ridiculous, with no success. In the end, Liam doesn't get exactly what he wants - he gets something even better. The whole story came out of a spontaneous drawing I made on February 6, 2021: Just One Flake's illustrations were made with a brush pen on watercolor paper, scanned, and then painted digitally. This is my author/illustrator debut, and before I began, I made a list of

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Exploring Children's Literature through Interviews and Book Trailers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Visit with our editorial team from our trade imprints as they reveal the new books Scholastic will be publishing in the upcoming season!