10 Summer Reading Books for Everyone- Something for Everyone

Summer Reading is for everyone!  Summer Reading programs at the library are for everyone, and there are far too many amazing books out there that everyone can enjoy.  

I have done several book lists throughout the years.  I have below several Summer Reading Book Lists for the Reader and the Reluctant Reader aka the not so into reading individual.  You are bound to find some awesome reads in here.   

Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Kindergarten and First Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Second and Third Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Fourth and Fifth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Sixth and Seventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Eighth and Ninth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Tenth and Eleventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Twelfth Grade and College Students
Summer Reading Book List for Anyone and Everyone
Summer Reading Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 2nd and 3rd Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 4th and 5th Grade
Summer Reading Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 6th and 7th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 8th and 9th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 10th and 11th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 12th Grade and Adults

I have more than 10 books on my personal summer reading list, but I wasn't always that way.  There were many summers I read very few if any books at all.  So, if you are not a book devourer my goal is for you to read just one book.  Besides the benefits for you to read there are numerous benefits for a child to see his/her parent/caregiver reading.  Yes, you benefit your child by reading yourself.  It's just 1 book; make it a goal! 

The following list is 10 awesome books from all different genres; there's bound to be a book here you'll like.  If you don't know what genre you like, I was like that, then just pick the book by it's cover and description.  I promise they are all great, and yes it's okay to judge a book by it's cover.  ;) 

Summer Reading

10 Books for Everyone to Enjoy

Dystopian: Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

This YA SciFi/Dystopian book is fast paced with a strong female character who finds herself.  If you liked the Hunger Games or Divergent you should definitely give this one a read. 

Light and Fun Beach Read: The Selection by Kiera Cass

This book series is light, fun, and fast paced.  It's completely predictable, but still a fun read.  If you combined the TV show The Bachelor with royalty you'd get this enjoyable series.

Historical Fiction: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Amazing!  This WWII historical fiction earned 5 stars in my book review b/c it completely "Wow"ed me and truly left me enlightened, inspired, and just all around in awe.  The storytelling, character development, and plot is so well done.  This book is the best book I've read in years. 

For my thoughts and book review click here. 

Fantasy: The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh 

A fractured retelling of The Arabian Nights with a love story twist.  This enjoyable book series had great pace and is riveting from the beginning. 

Sci-Fi: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

This Cinderella version is a fractured fairy tale with a scifi twist.  Androids and cyborgs are in the book and even though it all sounds bizarre and weird it's actually a fun fast paced book that will make you grabbing the next book in the series. .    

YA Contemporary/Realistic Fiction:  Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

This realistic fiction/contemporary read about a girl with a unique health situation and a boy in a not so unique situation will surprise you as well as make you cheer the characters on. It's a fun read.

Books Made into a Movie: The BFG  by Roald Dahl

This classic, quirky, and fun children's literature book has been a favorite of mine for years.  It's one of my favorite classroom read alouds, and is being made into a movie coming out in July.  A book being made into a movie is a great way to get a reluctant reader, or one who doesn't like to read, to pick up a book and read. 

Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction: Summerlost by Ally Condie 

This well developed middle grade fiction book is enjoyable and relatable.  4th-7th grade girls will enjoy this story.  This story reminded me of Flora and Ulysses or The One and Only Ivan b/c it has really great storytelling.  I wouldn't be surprised if this book won a literary award.

Non-Fiction: Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Be inspired as you read this book about all different kinds of people that did hard things, were brave, fell, and had to get back up again.  Brene Brown is a social scientist who writes about the power vulnerability has in helping us to truly reach our potential. If you're a non-fiction aka true stuff fan then give this new book a read. 

Graphic Novel: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This Newbery Honor book is colorful, fun, and will attract the reader as well as non-reader.  This middle grade (3rd-7th grade) book is a fun read and a great story about finding out who you are and doing hard things.   Girls will especially like and relate to this book. 

For my thoughts and book review click here.

All 10 of these books are great for different reasons; they are all different genres.  Give at least 1 of them a try this summer.  If you are a bit crazy and a bookworm like me give all 10 of them a read.  

Happy Summer Reading and Happy Reading of Fun and Fantastic Books! 

What's on your summer reading list?

The One and Only Ivan gets 5 Stars

"Humans have more words than they need, but still they don't have a name for me." Ivan, a young/baby gorilla at the time, had this profound thought while he was growing up in a home with humans being treated almost like their baby.  

Ivan is a very kind, smart, and loving gorilla who spent the majority of his life in less than ideal captivity settings.  

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate won the Newbery in 2013.  The Newbery is basically the best children's/juvenile literature book, and this book deserved the win 100%.  I honestly do not always feel that way about Newbery winners. 

(Though, speaking of the Newbery, they did just announce the winners for 2016.)     

This chapter book is absolutely fantastic.  I give it 5 out of 5 Stars in my book review.  It is a great read!  I loved all of the characters, the storyline, and even the happy ending.  

Overall, I was truly inspired by the message that we can do the impossible; even though, the impossible may take some help from loved ones we can still do it.  I absolutely loved that Ivan did what he, and even I, thought was impossible.  He did it; he saved those he loved, and he even saved himself.  

I felt The One and Only Ivan was incredibly well written. There was depth, complexity, character development, humor, and a well paced story.  It really is the complete package, and a book everyone can enjoy.  

I do feel this chapter book would be great as a read aloud for a parent or teacher.  You could read it aloud to as young as 2nd maybe 1st grade, but children in 3rd through 6th would love to read this independently as well as have it read to them.  Boys and girls alike will enjoy this story, and animal lovers won't be able to read it fast enough.  

Really, there was so much I loved about this book.  I loved when Ivan was trying to romance a girl gorilla.  I loved that Bob was with Julia.  I loved that Ivan could see Ruby if he climbed high.  I loved the author's note at the end of the story stating that Ivan was real and he really did live in a mall.  I really loved this book, and I am glad I own it.  It is a great book for any collection (library, classroom, and/or home).  

Amazon has the following book description just to give you a better idea of the storyline: 

"Winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Timesbestseller, this stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself.

Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web andStuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more.

The One and Only Ivan is a strong Common Core title that features these important strands and standards: first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); story elements (plot, character development, perspective)."

Have you read this award winning novel?  What did you think of it?  If you haven't, go check it out as soon as you can! 

Happy Inspiring, Loving, Fun, and Emotionally Grasping Reading of The One and Only Ivan!

For the movie lovers out there, there is a projected release date for sometime in 2016.  We'll just have to cross our fingers for this book based movie to hit the big screens. 

Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 8th and 9th Grade

The past few weeks I've been talking about reluctant readers aka kids that don't like to read.  

If you have a reluctant reader check out these 7 Ways to Turn a BOOK HATER into a BOOK READER!  

With those steps and the...
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and First Grade
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Second and Third Grade
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Fourth and Fifth Grade
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Sixth and Seventh Grade
and the book lists I'm giving you today and on future Fridays will help you find the perfect and best book, the right book, for any reluctant reader you may know.

There are a lot of kids who don't like to read.  I was one of them.  All of those reluctant readers are missing out on a ton of awesome and entertaining books, but more importantly those individuals are missing out on the benefits readers experience.   

Readers...

• Are Less Stressed
• Have a Larger Vocabulary
• Have Stronger Thinking Skills
• Have Better Focus and Concentration
• Have Better Speaking Skills
• Appreciate Other Places and Cultures
• Keep Brain Stimulated
• Have Better Memory 
• Improves Creativity
• Are Better Writers

There are many reasons to be or become a reader, and I know every one, no matter the age, can become a reader.  

Over the next several weeks I will be sharing with you book lists for reluctant readers aka people that don't like to read.  I have broken the lists down by age.  Today, you get...

Books for Reluctant Readers in

Eighth and Ninth Grade

Eighth

Boys:

The Maze Runner by James Dashner 

This cliff hanger series is also a movie which is great for reluctant readers. 

Eighth Grade Bites (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod) by Heather Brewer

This easy read series about a middle school vampire is sure to suck you in as a reader. 

Long Shot: a Comeback Kids Novel by Mike Lupica 

This sports series is full of fun short quick reads for any sports fan.

                

Girls:

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares 

This fun easy to relate to series has movies based on them; 

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit 

This short classic read has a movie based on it. 

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks 

This love story has a good chick-flick movie.  Read the book and then watch the movie.   

                

Both:

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling 

Pretty much the best series ever.  Oh and there are movies on each book; movies are good motivators for reluctant readers.  

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick 

This thick book has a lot of pictures which makes it a quick read.

Ninth

Boys:

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz 

This Alex Rider series is full of action and adventure and great for boys. They'll want to re-read them over and over again. 

Maximum Ride: The Manga by James Patterson 

This is a book series, but it is also a manga series.  Graphic novels/mangas are great for reluctant readers. 

Girls:

I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter 

This Gallagher Girl series about a boarding school for spies is all around fun. 

All American Girl by Meg Cabot

This book is the first in a fun series you'll want to stay up all night reading.

The DUFF by Kody Deplinger 

This realistic fiction is easy to relate to, and funny.  There is some language; there is talk of a movie. 

Both:

Paper Towns by John Green 

This soon to be movie has a bit of language, but quite a mystery to it.  This is the same author as The Fault in Our Stars. 

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This book, with a sequel, has real pictures that help tell a unique and captivating story.  This novel also has a graphic novel for especially reluctant readers in case the crazy pictures in the novel isn't enough. 

There you go, awesome books for even the most reluctant reader. 

Happy Summer Reading for everyone!

8 Books to Read if you Liked The Fault in Our Stars

Have you read The Fault in Our Stars?  I liked it a lot and gave it 5 out of 5 stars; for more on my thoughts of the book click here.

The movie, The Fault in Our Stars just came out last weekend.  Have you seen it yet?  Did you love it?  Did it follow the book?  I have not seen it yet, but I do hope to very very soon.  I at least hope to see it in the theaters and not wait until Redbox which it ends up I am doing for Divergent. 

If you liked, enjoyed, and/or loved The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) then you should check out these eight books.  They are fabulous as well.

8 Books to Read AFTER The Fault in Our Stars

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E.Lockhart  

This book is witty, funny, and clean with a strong female character really showing the older guys at the boarding school a thing or two in the art of pranks.  This book is a great girl power book. I love it!

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen 

A 17 year old dealing with the divorce of her parents reinvents herself every town she moves to with her dad.  A story that is relatable, engaging, and all around fun to read.

For my thoughts/review click here. 

Looking for Alaska by John Green 

Another great one by Green.  Though, this one is about a boarding school, a nerdy boy and an out of his league girl, first love, and some tough subjects like suicide.  There is reference and/or instances of smoking, sex, underage drinking, and language in the content.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson 

An emotional novel about two teenage girls, that used to be childhood friends, who both struggle with eating disorders.  It’s raw and compelling and even disturbing/tough to read at times, but a great novel about a tough subject.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

A little slow at first but a compelling novel about a girl in a coma that has to decide to deal with the grief and stay or join the rest of her family in death. Coming to theaters August 22^nd.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

 A powerful novel about a girl who has a traumatic experience that completely changes her.  You’ll empathize with the main character and be completely drawn into the story and the strength she exhibit.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

An oldie, but falls along the same lines as TFIOS with the whole heart wrenching love story.  

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 

This moving romantic novel is thought provoking and you really become involved in the characters lives and experiences just like TFIOS.    

Summer Reading Book Lists for Tenth (10th) and Eleventh (11th) Graders

You should read.  You should read books.  You should encourage your kids to read (non-fiction or fiction).  Research has shown time and time again how beneficial reading is for the young, teenager, and old.  Plus, if parents read it can encourage kids to be readers.  

I know high school kids have reading lists for classes sometimes.  However, reading something b/c you have to for a class is a whole different reading experience, but reading something b/c you want to is really where things get enjoyable.

The Summer Reading Book Lists below are for kids going into 10th and 11th grade. They are all fabulous books and books you will find enjoyable no matter your age.  

If reading is not a favorite pass time of your son or daughter try reading a book with them..  This can really help them see the fun reading is and can be.  Plus, it'll be good bonding and time with them.      

In general reading is good, and if a book on one of these other lists interests you more by all means read it.  Just read! 

• Summer Reading Book Lists for 8th and 9th Graders
• Summer Reading Book Lists for 6th and 7th Graders
• Summer Reading Book Lists for 4th and 5th Graders
• Summer Reading Book Lists for 2nd and 3rd Graders
• Summer Reading Book Lists for Kindergarten and 1st Graders

FYI: Starting next week you should be able to sign up for your local library's Summer Reading Program.  Adults, teens, children, and babies can all sign up.  You'll get free stuff, and you'll have a lot of fun reading awesome books.  Stores like Barnes and Noble do summer reading programs as well.   

Summer Reading for Kids Going Into...

Tenth (10th) 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

A book for boys and girls that will really get them thinking and gain some perspective. 

For my thoughts/review click here. 

Good Enough by Paula Yoo 

A great book with a musical touch for those musically inclined individuals or not so musically inclined like myself.  This book is about a girl trying to please her parents as well as do what she wants.  Kids will be able to relate. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Beastly by Alex Flinn 

A super fast read with a fairy tale twist that is perfect for a reluctant girl reader. 

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick 

This Printz Honor book is a different and fasicnating story both boys and girls will enjoy. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E.Lockhart 

I love this book.  It's a great story and all about girl power.  I highly recommend this book to every girl no matter the age. 

Monster by Walter Dean Myers 

This book is about a 16 year old boy that is on trial for murder.  It is gritty and real and a great book for boys and girls... though mostly boys.  However, there is reference to sex, violence, and drugs but it is all in context.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Odd and quirky book with a fun storyline and crazy real pictures.  Both boys and girls will enjoy this book. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Summer Reading for Kids Going Into...

Eleventh (11^th) 

The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkein

A classic that most have read, but it's a great read that is worth a reread.  Plus the 3rd movie comes out this December. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

A great book with a movie coming out this summer.  Both boys and girls will enjoy this read.  There is mention of sex and underage drinking, but it's actually quite clean. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

A book about a girl dealing with anorexia, it is a great book for girls.  Anderson writes about some tough subject matters, but they are written in such a fabulous way. 

Blink by Malcom Gladwell

A great non-fiction book that both boys and girls will find fascinating with all of the sociology studies throughout.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

A fabulous and funny historical fiction set during the civil rights time period in the south.  This may be an adult novel, but it's clean and all can enjoy it.  A movie came out a few years ago. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce 

A modern day fairy tale twist of Little Red Riding Hood.  Boys may not gravitate to this book, but they’ll enjoy the story just as much as girls do.

For my thoughts/review click here.

  

Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey  

Is gruesome and intense and an extremely well written story.  Boys will love it, and girls will squirm at parts but love the story as well.  

For my thoughts/review click here.

Happy Reading!