Top 5 Books to Keep Your Child Entertained During the Summer
Reading has so many benefits, including expanding vocabulary, improving concentration, developing writing skills, and reducing stress. Because of this, it’s important your child is reading regularly, even over summer vacation. Here are the books we recommend to keep your child entertained during the summer.
Little Ones
At this age, it’s best to have books with limited text and more illustrations. The colorful graphics will help them understand the plot and concepts of the story. Singing nursery rhymes and playing word games will also assist in building phonemic awareness. The top five books we recommend include:
“Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind” is a best-selling picture book and follow-up to “Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave.” It’s a sweet reminder to always be kind, and will inspire your child to be more compassionate.
“Just Like Me” by Vanessa Bratley-Newton is considered an ode to the unique girls of the world, and teaches them to accept their differences.
“The Bear and His Scarf” is an interactive storybook website by Lucy Agency that includes important messages about racism and violence in soccer.
“No More Naps!” is a humorous take on stubborn toddlers who don’t want to nap! The picture book is a debut from a number “New York Times” bestselling author.
“¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat!” follows Little Lobo and his love for food. Bonus: Your child will learn some Spanish words in this book!
Middle Schoolers
In middle school, you can start introducing your child to content that is a little mature. For instance, novels about space and mystery, that your younger child may find scary. Here are the ones we recommend for your middle schooler:
“We Dream of Space” is a novel for middle schoolers about family, friendship, science, and exploration.
“The Oracle Code” is a graphic novel by Marieke Nijkamp that tells the origin story of a future superhero named Barbara Gordon, who eventually becomes known as the Oracle, and her experience with a crippling injury.
“The Beast Player” is a fantasy novel that tells the story of an orphaned girl who learns how to train beasts in Japan.
“Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes” is about a war between demons and devas. The Pandava sisters are held captive by the Sleeper. The twins’ friends launch a mission to find and rescue them.
“Tweet Cute” tells the story of a Twitter rivalry that turns into a romance.
High Schoolers
If your child is in high school, topics can range from mature to academic. Focus on topics that will get their brains flowing, inspire who they want to be, or introduce the classics you grew up reading. Our recommendations include:
“Femme Magnifique” is a comic book anthology dedicated to 50 magnificent women who changed the world.
“The Balad of Songbird and Snakes” is a part of the “Hunger Games” series, for the student who loves all things science fiction and adventure.
“The Catcher in the Rye” is a brilliant novel by J.D. Salinger that stands the test of time.
“We Used to be Friends” discusses the heartache when two childhood friends drift apart.
“Clap When You Land” is a number one release about devastation, loss, and forgiveness.
The top schools located in Polk County foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.