Fostering a love of reading is important to me as a teacher and mom. I want my kids to enjoy a good book and to see the magic that lies within the pages.
I also want to prevent the often feared “summer slide,” where research shows that students can lose up to 20% of the skills they learned in the previous year during the summer months.
My elementary-aged daughters have recently become obsessed with reading a series of books. They love reading each book and working through the list with the same characters and new adventures.
Through the summer, we have instituted a 20-minute-per-day reading goal. Having the next book in their series has made this goal less of a chore and something they are actually excited to sit down and participate in. I have compiled a list of their (and my) favorites of the recent series they have been reading.
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
Follow the adventures of a beloved pig named Mercy Watson. Mercy lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson and finds herself in humorous and unexpected situations. With beautiful illustrations and witty storytelling, these books are perfect for young readers exploring early chapter books.
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Amelia is a quirky and literal-minded housekeeper. She takes instructions literally, leading to humorous misunderstandings and chaotic situations.
Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale
Princess Magnolia, who secretly moonlights as the Princess in Black, is a superhero who defends the kingdom from monsters and villains. With her princess charm and superhero action, each book combines humor, adventure, and empowering themes.
The Treasure Troop by Dori Hillestad Butler
This book series follows three kids, Marly, Sai, and Isla, searching for a hidden treasure left by an old neighbor.
Who Would Win by Jerry Pallotta
Jerry Pallotta presents hypothetical battles between different animals, dinosaurs, and historical figures. Each book compares their strengths, weaknesses, and abilities using scientific facts and engaging illustrations to predict who would win in a thrilling matchup. It’s a popular series that combines education with entertainment.
Finding books that my kids enjoy makes the task of summer reading less daunting. We have also joined the summer reading challenge at our local library, and the incentives there have also increased their commitment. Whatever your young reader is into, there will surely be a book series to pique their interest!
