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Not Just Books... My favorites!
I am really excited to share this list of books with you! These books are not random pickings from best seller lists. These suggestions are books my family and I have read and LOVE. I have included a suggested age range for each book, but please know they are just my personal suggestions based on length, difficulty, and content. All the books on this list (with the exception of the high school pick) has been read to my children in or before elementary school.
I hope you enjoy these books as much as we do! I have included my thoughts on each book as well as a brief synopsis to help you learn more about each title. I would love to hear your thoughts on these books in the comments!
Preschool & Kindergarten
My pick for preschool and kindergarten is an old favorite of my family! Dr. Seuss’s ABC (Beginner Books, I Can Read It All By Myself) is how my children have learned to read and recognize their letters (and its the same book my mother used with me). Children quickly pick up on the repetition of phrases and can practice recognizing their letters and simple words.
Using this as a co-reader (where the child reads some phrases and the parent reads the others) helps build confidence in your young reader while strengthening the bond between you and your child. Plus co-reading keeps even the littlest of readers engaged through the whole book!
Lower Elementary
Have you met Gooney Bird Greene? She is an odd 2nd grade girl who is totally happy with being herself and tells the absolute BEST stories! Each chapter is complete with one of her incredible tales and a little tip for your own budding writer.
This book can be simply enjoyed by the reader or used to create writing lessons without textbooks! Gooney Bird Greene is a MUST read for all elementary students.
Upper Elementary
House of Robots is my pick for upper elementary, but I read this to my son when he was in kindergarten and he LOVED it! Now that he is starting third grade in the fall, he is rereading it on his own (by choice) and enjoying every minute.
Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez’s home is FULL of robots, but when his mom insists he brings her latest invention to school, things go awry. Why? Because this robot isn’t for show and tell. This one is a walking, talking, thinking robot who believes he is Sammy’s brother. Will Sammy learn the amazing secret E holds or will he be embarrassed for the rest of his life? There’s only one way to know…
Middle School
For our Middle Schoolers… I’ve chosen Elizabeth Goes to Mars!
You probably have not heard of this book, but I have had the amazing opportunity of connecting with Betty R. Robinson and I am just so blown away by her work! This book is enjoyable AND educational which is what I look for in my favorite books!
Elizabeth is a middle-school-age student who loves science. In Elizabeth Goes to Mars! she is watching a TV interview on going to Mars and falls asleep. She starts dreaming of an actual trip to Mars. Her adventure with her mom and her dog, Rigel, reflects just a few of the challenges we will face if we want to live on Mars. The book is aimed at grade 6 students studying space, and the content also works for grade 9 space students.
High School
I’ve chosen The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time for our high schoolers.
I read this book when I was in high school as part of a creative writing class and I still have my copy on the shelf. It is an enjoyable story, but not necessarily an easy read.
When a neighborhood dog mysteriously dies, 15 year old Christopher takes it upon himself to investigate. Christopher lives with Autism and while some may think it makes being a detective more difficult, this book, written in first person perspective, highlights how his “difficulties” really work to his advantage.
This book is not only enjoyable but it brings awareness into the mind of one living with Autism and any book that helps us see life from a different perspective is a win for me!
Bonus Pick for ALL AGES!
While this isn’t the typical “feel good” summer reader you might find on other lists, I’ve included Someone I Love Has Gone to Heaven because we never know when someone we love may pass.
This book, while written with young children in mind, is a great way to explain the relationship between the spirit and the body for all ages. I HIGHLY recommend you grab a copy and read it to your family before you actually need it. Death is always a difficult subject, but Karen Carmody has done an excellent job of sharing clearly and beautifully.
You can find more from Karen at www.lovetolaughandlearn.com
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these titles in the comments or over on Facebook and Instagram! Come connect with me there and be sure to follow along for more tips, tricks, and resources!