Elementary Summer Reading List: Books to Read with Your Children by Genevieve Monthie

Where the Wild Things Are

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:38 UTC

A timeless classic about Max's wild imagination and journey to where the wild things are. Perfect for developing emotional intelligence and creativity.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:39 UTC

A beloved story following a caterpillar's journey through various foods before becoming a beautiful butterfly. Great for counting and days of the week.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:41 UTC

A fun, musical story about staying positive no matter what happens, featuring the cool cat Pete and his white shoes.

Dragons Love Tacos

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:42 UTC

A hilarious story about dragons who love tacos but hate spicy salsa. Perfect for summer reading and encouraging humor in reading.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:43 UTC

Leonardo is truly a terrible monster—terrible at being a monster, that is. Despite his best efforts, he can’t seem to frighten anyone. But when Leonardo discovers the perfect nervous little boy, will he finally scare the tuna salad out of someone? Or will he think of something even better?

Magic Tree House: High Tide in Hawaii

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:45 UTC

Jack and Annie's summer-themed adventure in Hawaii, perfect for seasonal reading and learning about Hawaiian culture.

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:46 UTC

Join Judy Moody in her quest to have the most thrilling summer ever, despite her best friends being away on vacation.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:47 UTC

Follow the adventures of the spirited Ramona as she navigates third grade, family life, and growing up.

Wonder

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:48 UTC

A moving story about August Pullman, a boy with facial differences attending school for the first time. Teaches empathy and acceptance.

Because of Winn-Dixie

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:49 UTC

A heartwarming summer tale about a girl and her dog, perfect for discussing themes of friendship and belonging.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:49 UTC

Shel Silverstein opens WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS with an invitation to dreamers, wishers, liars, and more to gather round and spin "flax-golden tales." What follows is a charming collection of wittily subversive poems and line drawings: There's a fed-up boy trying to sell his sister, a child who hoards wishes, a boy who uses his magical eraser to handle a skeptic, a lazy girl who just waits for it to rain so she can have something to drink, a warning about the sharp-toothed snail that lies in wait for nose-pickers. The 30th anniversary edition published in 2004 includes an extra dozen poems

The Hobbit

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:50 UTC

Brilliantly written, inventive pre-LOTR tale. It makes a great read-aloud for kids 8 and up and read-alone for 10 or 11 and up. Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit, never asked for adventure. It literally came knocking on his door -- 13 dwarves (Tolkien's spelling with the \"v\") and Gandalf the wizard show up to tea to hire Bilbo as a thief in their quest to reclaim a hoard of treasure. It's stashed far away and guarded by a fierce dragon, Smaug. Bilbo will have to cross the Misty Mountains -- troll and goblin country -- and the untamed wilds of Mirkwood, where straying from the path can be deadly. In exchange, he gets an even share of the treasure and quite a story to tell. But is one little hobbit really up for such a big adventure? (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-hobbit).

Island of the Blue Dolphins

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:32:52 UTC

A survival story about a Native American girl living alone on an island. Great for developing resilience and appreciation for nature.

Dragon Masters Series: Rise of the Earth Dragon

gmonthie — 2025-05-08 00:58:03 UTC

#1 Rise of the Earth Dragon: Eight-year-old Drake is taken to King Roland's castle to be trained as a Dragon Master. He is joined by three other young trainees: Ana, Rori, and Bo. They must learn how to connect with and train their dragons. Does Drake have what it takes to be a Dragon Master?