As summer begins to fade and the school year quickly approaches, now is the time to begin refreshing the skills your child learned in the classroom last year. Chances are, the summers days were filled with picnics, trips to the water park, cookouts and memories to last a lifetime, but as fewer days stand between now and the first day of school, it’s important to exercise the brain and get your child back into school mode little by little. An engaging and creative way to prepare your little one for another year of learning is to simply read! Reading a book allows your child to go on an adventure, explore new lands, learn about new people and create worlds beyond anything he or she could imagine. You can keep your child engaged and make reading even more fun by using voices, acting out the scenes or watching a movie based on the book you’ve just read. There are millions of books out there for your child to discover, but to make it a bit easier we’ve created this list of recommendations, separated by age group, that we think you should add to their reading list:
(BONUS: Books in bold italics are recommendations for children in foster care from our Foster In Texas team.)
Infant/Preschool
- Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
- Beautiful illustrations in Vashti Harrison’s book showcase women of color who changed the world and accomplished extraordinary things
- Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard
- This comedic picture book features a grumpy little bird who learns to how to giggle his grumpies away
- Giraffe Problems by Jory John
- Edward the giraffe discovers how to accept and celebrate one of the physical features he previously tried so hard to hide, his extremely long neck
- I Need A Hug by Aaron Blabey
- This sweet story about a tiny porcupine who is looking for a cuddle is sure to warm your heart
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
- Alexandra Penfold’s story follows a diverse group of children during an average school day who, although they are very different from one another, are welcomed with open arms
- FOSTER RECOMMENDATION: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
- The Kissing Hand tells the story of a young raccoon who is hesitant to leave his mother as he attends his first day of school. His mother shares a family secret that helps the raccoon feel loved even when they’re apart
Elementary School
- The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk
- Nick Seluk’s comic-style artwork demonstrates all the amazing things that the sun does for our solar system
- Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
- Originally published in 1970, this classic story features best friends Frog and Toad who learn vital lessons about friendship
- Stuart Little by E.B. White
- This imaginative classic follows Stuart, a little mouse on a big quest to find a lost friend. The story would be an excellent choice for readers somewhere between chapter books and full-length novels
- Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
- In this collection of hilarious poems, Shel Silverstein provides a charming introduction to poetry with detailed drawings that will captivate your child
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
- If your young reader is looking for a fantasy series, this would be a great choice as it is the first of seven novels in Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia collection
- FOSTER RECOMMENDATION: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw
- Love You Forever is a beloved children’s book that shares the story of a mother’s love for her child as he grows each and every day
Middle School
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake to serve his juvenile detention sentence after he is mistakenly accused of stealing. He soon finds that his job of digging holes each day may not actually be for building character
- Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O?Dell
- This story of resilience features Karana, who learns to survive on her own when she is left on a deserted island off the coast of California for eighteen years
- Wonder by R. J. Palacio
- Auggie, about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, has never attended a mainstream school before due to a facial deformity. In addition to the hardships that come with being the new kid, Auggie must also learn how to make friends and show others that even though he looks a little different, he is just like them
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- Leo, the main character in this novel, struggles with peer pressure and must decide whether he will shun Stargirl like the rest of the students at his high school
- Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins
- Naima, a Bangladeshi girl whose family has fallen on hard times, challenges the traditional role of women in her village and uses her artistic talents to help provide for her family
- FOSTER RECOMMENDATION: Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
- Far from the Tree tells the heartwarming story of three siblings separated within the foster care system and their journey to discovering the true meaning of family
By crossing a few of these books off your child’s list, he or she will surely be ready to dive back into learning and all the excitement the new school year will bring. Reading is a great way to spend time together, encourage learning all year long and have fun. Providing opportunities for your child to learn and grow will build a firm foundation of success for years to come. What are some of your favorite books to read with your child? Let us know below in the comments!