By Maika Carrillo
Every year, the Reading Agency organises the Summer Reading Challenge, an annual reading initiative designed to encourage children to read during the summer holidays. Its aim is to inspire kids to read for pleasure, maintain their reading skills during the summer break, and foster a love for books and libraries. The challenge typically takes place in public libraries across the UK during the school summer holidays, usually from July to September.
Choosing books for children to read over the summer depends on their age, interests, and reading level. Here is a diverse list of books across different age groups and genres that are sourced from the Summer Reading Challenge, The School Reading List, The BookTrust, and The National Trust:
1) Sam Plants A Sunflower by Kate Petty & Axel Scheffler
Recommended Reading Age: 2- 5 years
“Sam Plants A Sunflower” is a delightful children’s book that combines a heartwarming story with facts about how plants grow. The book follows Sam, who loves sunflowers, and when his friends Worm and Ladybird encourage he grows his own, he enthusiastically plants some sunflower seeds in his garden. This type of book can be an excellent choice for young readers, as it encourages children to explore nature, sparks their curiosity about gardening and plants, and fosters a connection with the natural world. It is a great tool for parents and educators to introduce gardening and basic botanical concepts in a fun and engaging way.
2) Where Have You Been Little Cat by Richard Jones
Recommended Reading Age: 3+
The story follows a little cat who returns home after a day full of adventures. As her owner asks her about her day, the little cat responds with creative answers, sharing her feelings and experiences. The book’s charming illustrations and storytelling, created by internationally acclaimed picture book creator Richard Jones, transport readers to a beautiful world, capturing the essence of the little cat’s imaginative journey. The text is simple and direct, making it accessible to young children while still conveying important themes. It offers an opportunity for children and their caregivers to share special moments together, promoting empathy, emotional awareness, and imaginative play.
3) Leilong’s Too Long by Julia Liu, Bei Lynn, Helen Wang
Recommended Reading Age: 3+
This storybook revolves around a brontosaurus dinosaur named Leilong who carries children to school on its back, which brings about challenges for the city’s transportation system due to its size. However, rather than focusing solely on the problems, the narrative takes a positive turn as the children in the story come together to find a solution. This book inspires young readers to accept and appreciate themselves and others for who they are while promoting a sense of community and understanding.
4) Is It A Mermaid? By Candy Gourlay & Francesca Chessa
Recommended Reading Age: 4-7 years
A book that offers a heart-warming and whimsical reading experience for children, it also prompts them to explore the beauty of the natural world and the power of belief.
Written by Filpino author Candy Gourlay, the story revolves around two children, Benjie and Bel, who discover a peculiar creature on a tropical beach, which they recognise as a Dugong. However, the Dugong claims that she is a mermaid, and to prove her claim, she shows the children her mermaid’s tail and sings them a magical mermaid song. Despite their initial scepticism, the children play along and befriend the creature, enjoying their enchanting moments together. As the story unfolds, the children’s perception of their new friend starts to shift. As the Dugong prepares to return to the sea, there is a surprise waiting for Benjie and Bel that leaves them questioning whether she might truly be a mermaid after all. The book’s exploration of identity and the mystery surrounding the Dugong’s true nature adds an element of intrigue and curiosity, making it an engaging and enjoyable story for young readers.
5) I’m Almost (Never) Bored by Anna Milbourne, Asa Gilland
Recommended Reading Age: 6-8 years
The book follows a little girl whose life is usually busy, but there are moments when her screen time is cut short, and her parents are too busy to play with her. During these times, she experiences boredom- a feeling that many children and adults encounter at some point. The little girl’s parents remind her that feeling bored can be a positive thing because it often precedes the emergence of “really good ideas.” As the little girl starts to embrace her moments of boredom, she discovers that her parents were right. Each time she feels bored, she eventually finds herself having a “really good idea,” leading to new adventures, activities, and imaginative play. This book promotes a positive attitude towards boredom and empowers children to tap into their creativity, imagination and resourcefulness whenever they experience such moments.
6) Maria’s Island by Victoria Hislop, Gill Smith
Recommended Reading Age: 8 +
“Maria’s Island” is a powerful and emotionally resonant children’s book that weaves together the captivating story of the Cretan village of Plaka and Greece’s former leper colony, a deserted island called Spinalonga. The storyline is centred around Rita and her grandmother Maria. As Rita spends time with her grandma Maria, she gets the opportunity to learn about her grandmother’s past and the place she grew up in. Through Maria’s storytelling, readers are transported back in time and learn about the devastating effect of leprosy on families and the broader community. This book sheds light on the importance of compassion and acceptance for individuals facing health challenges, while also teaching valuable lessons about community resilience and the power of human connection.
7) Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor By Xiran Jay Zhao
Recommended Reading Age: 9-12 years
If your little one is into action adventures and fantasy, then this book is the perfect read. It is an action-packed and culturally enriching novel that encourages young readers to embrace their heritage, appreciate different cultures, and discover the strength within themselves to overcome adversity. The story follows Zachary Ying, a young boy who has not had many opportunities to learn about his Chinese heritage. However, when he is unexpectedly chosen to host the spirit of the First Emperor of China for an important mission, he finds himself in a situation he is entirely unprepared for. Things take an unexpected turn when the emperor’s attempt to possess Zack’s body fails, and instead, he becomes bound to Zack’s gaming headset. This sets the stage for an exhilarating adventure across China, where Zack must embark on a quest to steal magical artefacts and face figures from history and mythology. The blend of ancient history, magical elements, and modern technology creates an engaging and imaginative narrative that is sure to captivate middle-grade readers.
8) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End (Book 15) by Jeff Kinney
Recommended Reading Age: 9-12 years
“The Deep End” is another hilarious and thrilling instalment in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, featuring the lovable protagonist, Greg Heffley, and his family. In this book, the Heffley family sets out on an eagerly anticipated camping trip, hoping for an adventure-filled summer vacation. However, as with any Wimpy Kid story, things don’t go as planned. They end up stranded at a less-than-ideal campsite that challenges their idea of a perfect summer paradise. As the Heffleys settle into their camping experience, the unexpected happens – heavy rains begin to pour, leading to rising water levels. This book is likely to resonate with young readers who have experienced their own family trips and can relate to the unexpected situations that arise during vacations. Amid the comical mishaps, the book also touches on themes of family bonding, problem-solving, and finding enjoyment in even the most challenging situations.
9) Friendship Never Ends by Alexandra Sheppard
Recommended Reading Age: 12 +
This book is a moving and humorous young adult novel that follows the journey of four best friends as they navigate the challenges of growing up and taking responsibility for their actions. Their determination to grow up is put to the test when they face the prospect of being separated for the entire summer holiday. Each of the four friends, Sunita, Dawn, May, and Gifty, has their own family commitments, and they do not even have access to the internet during this time. With some of them not having access to the internet, they resort to traditional means of communication, like sending postcards, to stay connected. Through humour and relatable situations, the novel resonates with young readers who are also navigating the complexities of friendship, personal growth, and the excitement of summer adventures.
10) Why We Took the Car by Wolfgang Herrndorf, Translated by Tim Mohr
Recommended Reading Age: 12 +
The story centres around Mike, a young boy who feels misunderstood and isolated due to his lack of friends and the ridicule he faces from his peers. However, everything changes when Tschick, an eccentric and unpredictable new boy at school, unexpectedly shows up at Mike’s house. Tschick dares Mike to embark on a road trip with him, throwing caution to the wind. With no parents, no map, and no destination in mind, the two friends set off on an unplanned and unpredictable adventure. As they navigate the challenges of their road trip, the boys may find themselves hopelessly lost in the middle of nowhere and getting into serious trouble, but they also discover the true meaning of friendship and the joy of embracing life’s unexpected moments. The novel celebrates the spirit of adventure and the idea that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to personal growth and unforgettable experiences.
Developing a love for reading and books at a young age can be incredibly beneficial for personal growth and intellectual development. Reading opens up new worlds, expands your imagination, and allows you to gain knowledge and insights from a wide range of subjects and perspectives. Encouraging children to read regularly and providing access to a diverse range of books suitable for their age and interests can have a profound and lasting impact on their development and overall well-being.
So, this summer break, grab some books that interest you from the library or your local bookshop, and let the adventures begin! Whether you’re reading on a beach, under a shady tree, or curled up in your favourite reading spot, books are sure to be your perfect companions during the break. Happy reading!
About the author
Maika Carrillo is a self-confessed bibliophile who loves to visit and explore libraries and bookshops. She has lost count of how many books she has and she always runs out of space for new ones. She considers the library her second home. She is a book blogger, a bookstagramer (follow her @thefilipinabookjunkie), and currently the facilitator for The Filipino Mothers UK Book Club.
