Summer break is here, and for students that means sunshine, fresh air and months away from school. For youths looking to keep the heat from melting their minds, there's nothing like a good book. Today, our panel of librarians have reading recommendations that are sure to divert young eyes from the television, and keep young brains active and engaged.
For preschool through 2nd grade
- The Quest for Z by Greg Pizzoli, kindergarten-grade 4
- Grand Canyon by Jason Chin, grades 2-5
For 3rd through 6th grade
- Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan, grades 3-5
- Real Friends by Shannon Hale, grades 3-6
- Abel’s Island by William Steig, grades 4 and up
- A Whisper of Horses by Zillah Bethell, grades 4-6
- Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk, grades 4-6
- The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi, grades 4-6
- Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King, grades 4-7
- The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks, grades 4-8
- Rad American Women A-Z by Kate Schatz, grades 5 up
For middle- and high-schoolers
- One Last Word by Nikki Grimes, grades 5-8
- Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered by Gary Paulsen, grades 5-9
- Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray, middle and high school
- Rebel Rising by Beth Revis, upper middle school and early high school
- New Super Man #1 by Gene Luen Yang, middle and high school
- Nemesis by Brendan Reichs, middle and high school
- Decelerate Blue by Adam Rapp, high school
- Scythe by Neal Shusterman, high school
- Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah, high school juniors and seniors or college freshmen
