![James Patterson discusses his ReadKiddoRead Program and the importance of summer reading.]( "James Patterson discusses his ReadKiddoRead Program and the importance of summer reading.")
[Editor's note: Author James Patterson's ReadKiddoRead Foundation provided this list of great summer books for kids.]
Great Advanced Reads
(For tweens and teens, ages 12 and up)
The Diviners
By Libba Bray
For ages 12 and up
A series of occult-based murders in 1920s New York City put Evie O’Neill and her uncle, curator of what’s known as “The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies,” center stage in investigating the crimes. The tightly woven plot and palpable setting combine with supernatural elements, rich themes, and terrific storytelling to make a compelling read.
On the Day I Died
By Candace Fleming
For ages 11 and up
Scary is always in season, and summer is an especially good time to welcome a shivery chill. On appropriately dark and moonless nights, kids will find themselves scaring friends with the stories in this collection, whether examinations of pure evil, ancient curses, alien encounters, or psychological dramas.
The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green
For ages 13 and up
Hazel Lancaster, a teen with cancer, dropped out of school at 13 to concentrate on getting well. Now 16, she meets Augustus Waters, a former basketball player who’s lost a leg to cancer. Their connection is instantaneous. Green skillfully uses their lives to ask the big questions: Why me? Why now? Why risk love? What does being alive mean?
Scarlet: Lunar Chronicles, Book Two
By Marissa Meyer
For ages 12 up
Another fresh view of a classic fairytale—with another stop-you-in-your-tracks cover. Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood) and her street fighter boyfriend, Wolf, are in search of Scarlet’s grandmother. Their quest runs right into Cinder’s story as the three race to keep ahead of the evil Lunar Queen Levana.
Or start with the first book in the series: Cinder: Lunar Chronicles, Book One
The False Prince
By Jennifer A. Nielson
For ages 13 and up
Carthya is on the brink of civil war. Conner, one of the noblemen, has a treacherous plan to install an imposter on the throne. But first he must find just the right young man to play the part: Could Sage win the role? As in any high stakes game, all is not as it seems. Amid layers of deception and manipulation, readers are in for surprises as Sage draws closer to the goal.
Shadow on the Mountain
By Margi Preus
For ages 12 up
Espen, a 14-year-old Norwegian boy whose country is occupied by the Nazis, joins the Norwegian resistance with his friends. Margi Preus reveals his story in an engrossing text that combines spy thriller with a teen coming-of-age story, enhanced by photographs, maps and brochures from the time.
Eleanor & Park
By Rainbow Rowell
For ages 14 and up
In 1980s Omaha, Eleanor, quirky and new to town, and Park, half-Korean, are outsiders in their high school. It’s worse for Eleanor, who has an abusive stepfather and bullying classmates—so bad that she accepts Park’s father’s invitation for her to stay with their family. In small steps, Eleanor and Park’s friendship grows into love. But Park realizes that the solution to Eleanor’s troubles means that she will have to move away.
After Eli
By Rebecca Rupp
For ages 12 up
Since his older brother was killed in Iraq, Danny Anderson has been keeping a “Book of the Dead” where he chronicles how people from the past have died. It’s his way of understanding loss. But it is not until three years later that Danny begins to pull away from grief: He falls for a girl, finds a new friendship, and works on a farm. A crisis at the end of that summer pushes Danny and his parents toward healing in this moving and emotionally rich novel.
Out of the Easy
By Ruta Sepetys
For ages 14 and up
“The Big Easy” has been anything but easy on Josie. She’s tried distancing herself from her mother—an addict, prostitute and thief. Josie dreams of escaping Easy altogether, but doesn’t believe she can make that happen—until she meets a tourist who offers her the encouragement she needs. Ruta Sepetys vividly describes the sights, sounds, and smells, as well as the shady underbelly of New Orleans in 1950, and breathes life into her cast of characters. Teens will be pulling for Josie as she moves ahead, learning that some decisions are anything but easy.
The Raven Boys
By Maggie Stiefvater
For ages 12 and up
For as long as Blue Sargent can remember, she’s been told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. And in her family—one filled with bona fide psychics—predictions are never taken lightly. Now 16, Blue befriends three Raven boys from the posh private school nearby and gets caught up in their quest and adventures. Blue fears that one of them just might be her true love. A compelling story from the outset, Stiefvater’s first installment in a planned four-part cycle will have readers on the edge of their seats.
The Cay
By Theodore Taylor
For ages 12 and up
When World War II threatens the Dutch island of Curacao where 11-year-old Philip lives, he and his mother decide to return to the U.S. But on the journey, their boat is torpedoed, and Philip is stranded on a life raft with a cat and Timothy, a black man. Later, when Philip becomes blind, he has no choice but to overcome his prejudices and trust Timothy. Their friendship develops beautifully in this exciting survival story.
5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!)
National Geographic Kids
For ages 11 and up
From 15 peanut butter facts that stick and 50 furry facts about bears, to 100 facts about oceans that will make your head swim, this big, colorful, packed-to-the-brim compendium is sure to fascinate, entertain, and be a source of great conversations for everyone who takes a look. Photographs illustrate the great variety of information, a playful design makes every page inviting, and a ticker at the bottom of each spread counts the facts kids learn as they go through the book. You’ll find your teen dipping in and out of this book all summer long.
EXTRA CREDIT:
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann
Great Pageturners
(For ages 9-12)
The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee: An Origami Yoda Book
By Tom Angleberger
For ages 8 and up
In the third of the Origami Yoda books, Sara brings a paper fortune teller in the form of Star War’s Chewbacca (a Fortune Wookiee) to school to fill in while Dwight and Origami Yoda are suspended.
Or start with the first book in the series: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Never Say Die
By Will Hobbs
For ages 8 up
Nick Thrasher, a 15-year-old Inuit hunter, and his older half-brother Ryan, a wildlife photographer, are off in search of caribou. Soon into their travels they are thrown into the frozen Firth River. Back on land, their struggle to survive continues as they are pursued by animals, including a half-grizzly, half-polar bear. An exciting wilderness survival tale set in Canada’s arctic is the perfect read to cool down a hot summer day.
Dog Days (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 4)
By Jeff Kinney For ages 8 and up
This is not the newest in the series, but it might be the right book to begin with since it’s all about summer vacation. The weather’s great, and all the kids are having fun outside. But not Greg Heffley! He’s in his house playing video games and enjoying himself, thank you very much. But Greg’s mom has other ideas about outdoor activities and “family togetherness.” Whose vision will win out? Will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything?
On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s
By Barbara O’Connor
For ages 8 and up
When we remember summers, there’s often a single event that stands out. For the folks in Meadville, South Carolina, this summer will be recalled as the one when a one-legged pigeon named Sherman flew into town. Where did Sherman come from? Only Mr. Mineo seems to know. For many young readers, this summer may be remembered as the one they met Stella and Amos and Sherman in the pages of this wonderful novel.
Hades: Lord of the Dead: The Olympians, Book 4
By George O’Connor
For ages 9 and up
Welcome to the Underworld. A mix of action, comedy, superheroes and Greek mythology, this graphic novel introduces Hades and Persephone.
Or start with the first book in the series: Zues: King of the Gods
Wonder
By R.J. Palacio
For ages 9-12
August Pullman, 10, was born with a deformed face. Even though he’s been protected and homeschooled, he’s felt the stares and heard the whispers when the boldest jerks called him Freak or Freddy Krueger. Now his parents have decided that it’s time to enroll Auggie in school. The world he finds doesn’t only test his courage; it also takes the measure of everyone he meets. A rare book that just might open a closed heart.
Middle School: My Brother is a Big Fat Liar
and Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill
By James Patterson and Lisa Papademetriou, Illustrated by Neil Swaab
For ages 9-13
Two great new stories in the wildly popular Middle School series. When Georgia Khatchadorian heads off to her first day at Hills Village Middle School, everyone she meets immediately brands Georgia a problem child just like Rafe! When Rafe sneakily signs the band up to play at Georgia's first middle school dance, she's terrified she'll embarrass herself. Will she be able to overcome her fears?
Meanwhile, in How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill, Rafe is excited about summer camp—but he’s in for a letdown when he realizes it’s summer school camp. Luckily, Rafe quickly makes friends with members of his “Loserville” cabin. And they need all the help they can get as they battle off against the “Cool” cabin all summer long.
Or start with the first book in the series: Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
Where the Red Fern Grows
By Wilson Rawls
For ages 8 and up
In an informal survey, I asked a bunch of grown-ups which childhood summer read they remembered most. Where the Red Fern Grows was the most frequent answer. Set in the Ozarks, the adventure tale of a boy, Billy, and his two hunting dogs, Little Ann and Old Dan, is recalled not only for the trio’s triumphs, but also for the story’s tenderness. Give your kiddos this classic book this summer.
The Egypt Game
By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
For ages 8 and up
Before role-playing computer games became so popular, Zilpha Keatley Snyder took young readers to an antiques store in California where Melanie and April, and later four other friends, create and play “The Egypt Game.” With costumes, secret codes and elaborate stories, the kids become more and more involved—until strange things start happening. It just might be time to stop playing. Readers, too, will find themselves caught up in the game and in this characterful novel.
Hokey Pokey
By Jerry Spinelli
For ages 9 and up
This is an allegorical tale where childhood is not just a stage, it is a place called Hokey Pokey. The readers meet Jack, who, like many of them, is starting to “age out” of Hokey Pokey. Spinelli’s novel is sure to help them celebrate and cope with all that is the past and all that is to come.
Navigating Early
By Clare Vanderpool
For Ages 9 and up
Jack is adrift after his mother dies, so his dad, just back from WWII, enrolls him in a boarding school in Maine. There he befriends Early Auden, a loner who rarely attends classes and whose brother, a soldier serving in France, is presumed dead. Early believes otherwise and so begins the two boys’ quest along the Appalachian Trail.
Angry Birds Playground: Animals: An Around-the-World Habitat Adventure
By Jill Esbaum; Illustrated with photographs
For ages 8-11
Those popular Angry Birds are tour guides on this photo-filled exploration of habitats including rainforests, deserts, oceans, grasslands and polar regions. The birds, who are on a worldwide search for their stolen eggs, introduce readers to five major habitats and the animals that thrive in each. With animal vital statistics in sidebars, descriptions in text, and funny asides from the birds on every page, this is the kind of book that gives nonfiction a good name!
Great Beginner Reads
(For ages 6-9)
Cam Jansen and the Graduation Day Mystery #31
By David A. Adler; Illustrated by Joy Allen
For ages 7-10
Cam Jansen, elementary school detective, is up to her 31st mystery. She’s got to be doing something right! Children making the transition from picture books to chapter books have found Cam Jansen books a great help and motivator. In her latest case, Cam must use her skills and her photographic memory to catch the thief who stole Eric’s father’s graduation present.
The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate, Illustrated by Patricia Castelao Costa
For ages 8-10
“The Ape at Exit 8” is Ivan, a mighty silverback gorilla who lives in a circus-themed shopping mall. Based on a true story, this novel tells how Ivan uses his talent for drawing to rescue the other animals. Winner, 2013 Newbery Medal.
Ivy and Bean Make the Rules
By Annie Barrows; Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
For ages 7-9
Nancy, Bean’s older sister, is going to camp, but Bean can’t go: You have to be eleven to go to camp. Never one to accept defeat, Bean and her best friend Ivy create a camp of their own. A triumph of friendship, ingenuity, and fun!
Or start with the first book in the series: Ivy and Bean
Hello Nebulon!
By Ray O’Ryan; Illustrated by Colin Jack
For ages 5-8
It’s 2120, and Zack Nelson and his family are leaving Earth to move to the planet Nebulon. Their space-aged house has all kinds of awesome gadgets that Zack will be using every day, but still Zack worries that he and his twin sister won’t have any friends. But then he meets a fellow student and slowly starts to realize that things on Nebulon might just be alright after all. Young readers will zoom through the story to find out what happens to Zack, entertained and delighted along the way!
Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers
By Dav Pilkey
For ages 7 and up
For once, the critics agree with what children have been saying for years: USA Today tells us: “Call Pilkey…the savior of the ‘reluctant reader.’” Newsweek says Captain Underpants is “a triumph of irreverence." And young readers say: “They are funny and crazy!” Now, in the newest book in the series, everything is threatened. Could it be the end for Captain Underpants?
Or start with the first book in the series: The Adventures of Captain Underpants
Green Eggs and Ham
Horton Hatches the Egg
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
By Dr. Seuss
For ages 3-7, 4-8, 4-9
When it comes to new readers, we’ve got two words for you: Dr. Seuss. His beginner books (like Green Eggs and Ham) are not only comical adventures, but also great confidence-builders as brand new readers master them and can read them on their own. And what proud reader wouldn’t want to know Sam-I-Am (who definitely, absolutely, never wants green eggs and ham)?
As kids improve their reading skills, they’ll find reward in Seuss’s classic picture books. Yes, the language is often complicated, but it is always silly and fun. Horton Hatches the Egg is a great place to start because there are loving lessons in the values of persistence and kindness in this story of the elephant who is faithful, 100 percent.
If you want to give a child a pat on the back—along with a gentle push to move on—try Oh, the Places You’ll Go! It is wise, optimistic, filled with encouragement, and great fun to read.
Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse
By Tamera Will Wissinger; Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
For ages 6-9
Nine-year-old Sam and his dad are going to the lake: “For fishing tomorrow/it’s just us two. Not Mom, not Grandpa/not Lucy…” In a series of engaging poems that narrate the day, they prepare their gear; plans change (Lucy does tag along); fish get caught; siblings get along; and all ends deliciously at dinner. We’re guessing that this delightful excursion will lead lots of kids to try their luck at fishing—and to try their hand at poetry!
Nic Bishop Snakes
By Nic Bishop; illustrated with photographs
For ages 5 and up
Super-sharp photographs show a great variety of snakes, sometimes at rest but often in action, while equally clear text presents basic facts about each. The handsome design welcomes curious (and maybe even some fearful) children to get up close and learn more.
Great Illustrated Books
(For ages 2-6)
Llama Llama Time to Share
By Anna Dewedney
For ages 2-5
While Mama Llama and Nelly Gnu have tea, their two toddlers are left with a boxful of toys to share. All goes well, until that Gnu girl decides to play with Llama’s treasured Fuzzy Llama doll. Llama’s not ready for that much sharing.
Or start with the first book in this series: Llama Llama Red Pajama
Olivia and the Fairy Princesses
By Ian Falconer
For ages 3-6
Olivia is one best-selling pig—and with good reason. Strong-willed, high-spirited and, in this book, in search of her true identity—Olivia’s been keeping young children smiling (and recognizing themselves) for a dozen books now. She’s sure to please.
Or start with the first book in this series: Olivia
This Moose Belongs to Me
By Oliver Jeffers
For ages 4-7
For the “Can I keep him?” would-be pet owner, this story of Wilfred and Marcel the Moose is a great fit. Wilfred and Marcel make a happy pair, but it isn’t long before Wilfred notice little things about the very big moose. It seems he has some secrets, like the neighbor who greets Marcel as “Rodrigo,” and the fact that he prefers apples to, well…Wilfred. Still their friendship is real, their story is charming, and every page of this picture book is a visual treat.
Yes, Let's
By Galen Goodwin Longstreth; Illustrated by Maris Wicks
For ages 3-5
Preschoolers will happily follow one family’s day in the country, from the dedication page with its maze-like roads leading three cars through the woods to a stream-side destination, right to the evening return trip with the happily exhausted parents and children barely making it up the stairs to their bedrooms. The short rhythmic text is simple, fast, and fun to read aloud, while the detail-filled cartoon-like illustrations invite long looks at every spread.
Creepy Carrots!
By Aaron Reynolds; Illustrated by Peter Brown
For ages 4 and up
Jasper Rabbit loves to eat carrots—especially the ones that grow at Crackenhopper Field…until the day the carrots start following him. This slightly spooky book will please youngest fans of scary tales while it delivers a subtle message about being greedy.
Pete’s a Pizza Board Book
By William Steig
For ages 4-8
Pete’s dad turns a rainy day into lots of fun when he makes Pete into a pizza: Pete’s kneaded and tossed; covered with tomatoes (checkers) and cheese (bits of paper), put into the oven (the couch) and soon is ready to slice and be nibbled. But the sun comes out and the pizza runs out to play with his friends. Absolutely silly and great fun!