Almost every night, even in the summer, we read aloud to our children. My husband corrals the little two and reads a few picture or early reader books with the younger two while I read a few chapters to the older two. At this point, they are more than capable to read on their own and sometimes prefer to do it, but I’m going to read to them for as long as they’ll let me! So far this summer, we’ve read 5 books and have loved them all. Although my “big kids” are 7 and 9, some of these books are considered middle school books and contain some words and ideas that I wouldn’t have been comfortable with them reading with me. But when we read it together we can stop and talk about it, which has led to some pretty interesting conversations. Instead of listing these in the order that we read them, I’m listing them by reading (and maturity) level.
- Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures – This is the story of a young girl named Flora who is a self-proclaimed cynic. A lover of superheros and comics, she discovers a super squirrel right outside her window and she also discovers a lot about herself, her friends, and her family. Written by the lovely and talented Kate DiCamillo, author of “Because of Winn Dixie” (which is one of my all-time favorites)! We’ve picked up a few phrases from this book that we use all the time! “Holy bagumba!” and “Holy unanticipated occurrences!” I love that DiCamillo doesn’t shy away from big words. She either defines the word quickly or gives ample context clues so that the reader can figure out exactly what she means.
Reading Level: 3.1
Suggested Age: 8 - The One & Only Ivan – We waited and waited to get our hands on the library copy of this book. It seems everyone has heard about Ivan, especially here in Georgia. The book is based on a gorilla named Ivan who found his final home at Zoo Atlanta. This book tells about his life before he settled here. It’s a sweet, sad story that left me and the children in tears a few times. It brings to light the harsh realities about animals who are unable to live in their natural habitats. But it is also full of warm-fuzzy moments.
Reading Level: 3.3
Suggested Age: 8 - Origami Yoda Series – Okay. I’ll admit these weren’t at the top of my list for what to read next. I pulled out all my usual tricks to try to avoid reading these because Yoda-shmoda blah-blah-blah Star Wars – Smar Wars. I know, I know. There are several of you completely disappointed with me right now. I’ve just never gotten into Star Wars so I wasn’t thrilled about an origami version. But guess what? They aren’t just simplified versions of Star Wars. They are funny and creative books with unique and exciting story lines. I know. I was shocked. This story is more about navigating the pre-teen world than anything else, classic boy-meets-world kinda things. And okay, okay…maybe Yoda is kinda cute and to talk like him is fun, it is. Bonus? Folding directions are included so that you can make your own cast of characters!
Reading Level: around 4-5
Suggested Age: 9 - Wonder – This book is a little more “grown-up” than the previous ones listed. It’s the story of a young boy who is completely and totally a normal boy….except for his exceptional facial anomalies. The book begins with Augie narrating about his life, what it’s like to be different. We walk with him through his first days of school after being homeschooled for years. We see him make friends and have fun and…get hurt by the words and actions of others. I hope that by being in August’s shoes for the time we read this book, that my children will be more aware of how they react to anyone who might be different from them. Even though this book is somewhat serious in nature, there were several times I laughed out loud at the witty phrases and turn of events.
Reading Level: 5
Suggested Age: 11 - Jeremy Fink & the Meaning of Life – This is another book that’s more middle school-ish. Jeremy Fink’s father died tragically and unexpected when Jeremy was a young boy but a few weeks before he turned 13 Jeremy found out that his father had left him something – a fancy wooden box that had “The Meaning of Life: For Jeremy Fink” carved on the top. The only problem is that the box is locked by an intricate set of locks for which Jeremy has no keys. To me, this is a classic coming-of-age story. While Jeremy and his best friend Lizzie are searching all over New York City for the keys, they’re really finding the meaning of life, which (spoiler!) can’t be contained by a box.
Reading Level: 7.2
Suggested Age: 10
