Having trouble getting your kids unglued from the television or their DS this summer? Here’s a list of books recommended by Tara (a.k.a. Baby Mama) that are great for mid-elementary school kids to read on their own or younger ones to have read to them at bedtime. (Isn’t it so fun to try to put kids to bed when the sun is still out?)
We’re going to select one at a time and enjoy them as part of our “family book club.” Each person will get their own copy to read and we’ll set a date for meeting time. I was inspired to this because I saw how much excitement my oldest daughter had to read, To Kill a Mockingbird with her Dad. They set a date to finish reading before it hit the movie theatre that features old movies. It’s been great to see her stretch herself and her brain.
Here’s the list. Enjoy! Thank you Tara.
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Person
This is a retelling of Peter Pan that is very exciting but kid friendly.
Perloo the Bold by Avi
Avi is a very famous author who has written tons of books. Anyway this one is about a timid bookworm, who ends up saving the day.
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman
A Newbury Winner! About an orphan in the middle ages who doesn’t have a name (if I remember right). Also very short.
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Or any other Roald Dahl book, they are all perfect for Sydney’s age.
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
An amazing fantasy story about a book that comes to life, but it is very very long. However very worth it.
Redwall by Brian Jacques
The first of a very long series. (I ate them all up when I was her age.) They are about mice and other small creatures who live in an abbey called Redwall and they are always battling the baddies.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery
This is a French book, that is very fun, and cute, but very telling. It is also very short and illustrated by the author, there are some beautiful color versions. I would definately recommend this one, you would get a lot out of it, more than just the story.
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
A Newbury Winner! It’s a very short book about a boy who switches places with the prince.
The Voyages of the Doctor Dolittle by Hugo Lofting
A Newbury Winner! I haven’t read this since I was little but I remember really liking it. It’s on the long side.
Any Mrs. Piggle Wiggle book by Betty Macdonald (There are a few and they don’t really have to be in order.)
She is a nanny who helps naughty children behave — like a happier version of that nanny show that is on tv now.
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
A Newbury Winner! It’s about an Indian girl who lived on an island all by herself.
Holes by Louis Sacher
Amazing amazing book, and after you read it you can compare it to the movie, which was also created by the author. They are a pretty close match and it’s just a good movie.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sacher
Funny stories about an even funnier school that was built sideways. Hilarious!! One of my favorites.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
I loved this book when I was younger. It is a classic, and I think it has been made into a movie a couple of times.
Pathki Nana by Kenneth Thomasa
This is a very exciting read about an Indian girl.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingells Wilder
Stories from Laura’s childhood on the frontier, during the 1800’s I think.
Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’engle
A Newbury Winner! This one is definately a classic about some children who have to go on a journey through space and time to rescue their father.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
A classic swashbuckling tale of pirates that isn’t too scary.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Just a great escape fantasy read about a hobbit who gets caught up in an adventure which leads him to a dragon’s lair.
Question: How many of these books have you read? What were your favorite books as a child?
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