Kids Picks
Summer always seems to fly by, especially when you are having fun! Make sure you take time to relax before the school year starts up again and you are busier than ever. When it’s too hot to run around outside, consider picking up a good book and reading in the shade. If you don’t already have a summer reading list from school to tackle, here are some suggestions I think you will enjoy!
Ages 3-5
“The World Needs More Purple People” by Kristen Bell, Benjamin Hart
The world needs a lot of things, but more purple people? Apparently so! Purple people are just good people. They find ways to bring everyone together and they stand up for what is right. They work hard, are kind, and absolutely love to laugh! Do you want to be a purple person? It isn’t as hard as you’d think. Penny Purple will take you through step by step on how to become the best purple person you can be! In a world that feels divided, it’s the Purple People that will help unite us again.
“I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!” by Tony Ross
Washing your hands over and over again can be a drag and lately, we are all doing a whole lot of it. Well, the Little Princess has no interest in washing her hands, either. She had to wash them before she ate and when she was done playing outside. She had to wash her hands after she sneezed and again after she went to the potty. But there are a lot of germs out there, and most you can’t even see. They can make you super sick, and princesses have no time for that!
Ages 6-8
“It’s Not My Fault!” by Jory John
A boy does not want to take responsibility for anything. He just keeps blaming everything on his pen, his backpack, his comb, his pillow — whatever happens to be around. This works for a while at home and school, but then the objects he blames come to life and rebel! Now what is he going to do with all of these talking objects? Best-selling picture-book author Jory John encourages kids to accept responsibility while still finding the humor in everything.
“Ways to Make Sunshine” by Renée Watson
Middle school isn’t easy and, so far, it’s been pretty hard on Ryan Hart. She has so much to think about with school and her family. Her dad finally got a new job but that didn’t solve their money problems. They’ve had to make adjustments that included moving into a not-so-new house. But none of this is going to get Ryan down. She has a way of seeing the good in people and making the best of even the worst situations. She brings sunshine everywhere she goes, even to her annoying big brother! Ramona Quimby lovers will love this first volume of a new series.
Ages 9-12
“Annie’s Life in Lists” by Kristin Mahoney
Annie is in fifth grade. She is very shy but has an incredible memory and an obsession with making lists. When things feel out of control in her life, her lists help her keep track of things and they keep her grounded. Annie’s brother is mad at her because he thinks she is the reason they had to move. They are starting off at a new school with some nice and some not-so-nice people and Annie is trying to find her place in their new home. Anyone who has experienced middle school knows that life can get a little crazy, and if making lists helps sort things out, then so be it!
“Shouting at the Rain” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Delsie has always loved everything about the weather, especially tracking it. Lately it seems she is busy dodging the storms in her own life. She has always lived with her grandmother but sometimes she finds herself yearning for a “regular family.” To make things worse, a
good friend seems to have outgrown her and Delsie can’t get past the hurt. She meets Ronan, who instantly becomes a new friend. He is brave and kind, but also troubled over the losses that he has experienced. Ronan and Delsie explore Cape Cod together and begin to learn the differences between being angry and sad, whole versus broken and lonely versus loved. The bond they form is strong enough to help them weather anything that comes their way.
