Summer reading is a perfect way for your child to explore their own interests in reading, as well as strengthen their own reading ability and improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Yes, riding bike, swimming in the lake, and sitting by the camp fire are important parts of summer. But, summer reading can be another way to incorporate learning with all of the fun in the break from school.
The teachers at Sioux Center Christian School have graciously put together their lists of top books students should read this summer. Check out these books set according to grade level.
Kindergarten
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens (Caldecott Honor Book)
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
My Fave Senses by Aliki
First Grade
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
Frederick by Leio Lionni
The Berenstain Bear Books by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Olivia Books by Ian Falconer
Clifford Books by Norma Bridwell
Second Grade
The Magic Half by Annie Barrows
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm
One and Only Ivan by Katherin Applegate
Henry and Mudge Books by Lauren Tarshis
Piper Reed Series by Kimberly Willis Holt
Third Grade
Geronimo Stilton Series by G. Stilton
Mr. Strike Out by Jake Maddox
Deadliest Animals by Melissa Stewart
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Fourth Grade
I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor (and other I Survived series) by Lauran Tarshis
by Betty G. Birney
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar
Fifth Grade
Ten True Tales (Teens at War) by Allan Zullop
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey, Young Reader’s Edition by Tim Tebow and Nathan Whitaker
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Disaster Strikes #2: Tornado Alley by Marlane Kennedy
Sixth Grade
City of Ember by Jeanne DePrau
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Ungifted by Gordan Korman
Keepers of the School – Book #1 by Andrew Clements
Seventh Grade
Girl, Stolen by April Henry
The Red Umbrella by Christina Dias Gonzalez
Wonder by RJ Palacio
False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielson
QB1 by Mike Lupica
Eighth Grade
Varient by Robinson Wells
Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham
Prisoners B-3087 by Alan Gratz
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Dig Deeper
Another fun way to encourage your student to read is by finding a Summer Reading Program through the American Library Association (ALA) or at your local public library.
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