Stories allow us to travel to new worlds, even when we are stuck at home. And while reading can be a solitary experience, it’s a wonderful way to bond with children, no matter how old they are. This summer reading list features books that will take readers to the depths of their imaginations to spark quality time and insightful discussion.
One Alley Summer
by Anne Ylvisaker
A coming of age novel in verse, “One Alley Summer” by Anne Ylvisaker is relatable story that can introduce young readers to poetry. The novel follows Phee in a the summer before she begins middle school as she begins a friendship with her new neighborhood, Mercy Jones.
Recommended for ages 9-12.
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody: The Hat of Great Importance
by Patrick Ness and illustrated by Tim Miller
“Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody: The Hat of Great Importance” by Patrick Ness is the second installment in his Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody series. This imaginative chapter book with illustrations is about the monitor lizards Zeke, Daniel, and Alicia and a hawk named Meil in their not-so-normal school days.
Recommended for ages 8-12.
The Incorruptibles
by Lauren Magaziner
In a world where sorcerers rule over humans, Fiora Barrowling joins the human resistance and enrolls in the Incorruptibles Academy. “The Incorruptibles” is a fantasy book by Lauren Magaziner about resistance and magic.
Recommended for ages 9-15.
The Wild Robot on the Island
by Peter Brown
Based on Peter Brown’s original trilogy that inspired the movie “The Wild Robot,, “The Wild Robot on the Island” is a picture book about a robot named Roz that learns to adapt to her new island home.
Recommended for ages 4-8.
Fern’s School for Wayward Fay: The Grim Adventure
by Fern Forgettable and as told by Piper CJ
The second book of the series Fern’s School for Wayward Fay, “The Grim Adventure” follows a school with students part magical and part human as they fight against Death itself. Written by Fern Forgettable as told by Piper CJ.
Recommended for ages 8-12.
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel
by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson
“Stich Head: The Graphic Novel,” written by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson, is a spooky coming of age story about family and acceptance.
Recommended for ages 8-12.
Kitty Vs. Kindergarten
by Martha Freeman and illustrated by Eda Kaban
The picture book “Kitty vs. Kindergarten,” written by Martha Freeman and illustrated by Eda Kaban, follows Kitty as he is forced to adapt to an unfamiliar environment: the kindergarten classroom.
Recommended for ages 3-7.
Ash Wang is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent. Born and raised in Irvine, they will attend Pitzer College this fall. Wang is a member of @the309collective, and their writing has been featured in @CulturalDaily and the anthology “Home is a Hope.”
