Patch Reads: A Summer Reading Guide

This summer, consider these important facts:

• In what’s commonly known as the “summer slide,” children entering the sixth grade who do not read over the summer can fall as much as two years behind the kids who do.
• Kids read more when they are given books they like—especially if they can choose their own books. 

James Patterson’s ReadKiddoRead.com is a tool that can help get kids reading—and get them to love reading—this summer. Don’t miss ReadKiddoRead.com’s Ultimate Summer Reading List, which will guide families through a list of fantastic reads over the next three months.

GREAT SUMMER BEGINNER READS

Cam Jansen and the Graduation Day Mystery #31
By David A. Adler; Illustrated by Joy Allen
For ages 7-10

Cam Jansen, elementary school detective, is up to her 31st mystery.  She’s got to be doing something right!  Children making the transition from picture books to chapter books have found Cam Jansen’s books a great help and motivator.  In her latest case, Cam must use all her skills and her photographic memory to catch the thief who stole Eric’s father’s graduation present. 

The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao Costa
For ages 8-10

“The Ape at Exit 8” is Ivan, a mighty Silverback Gorilla, who lives in a circus-themed shopping mall. Based on a true story, this first real novel for readers ready for that big step tells how Ivan uses his talent for drawing to rescue the other animals. Winner, 2013 Newbery Medal. 

Ivy & Bean Make the Rules
By Annie Barrows; illustrated by Sophie Blackall
For ages 7-9

Nancy, Bean’s older sister, is going to camp, but Bean can’t go: you have to be eleven to go to camp.  Never one to accept defeat, Bean and her best friend Ivy create a camp of their own.  A triumph of friendship, ingenuity, and fun! Or start with the first book in the series: Ivy and Bean. 

Hello Nebulon!
By Ray O’Ryan; Illustrated by Colin Jack
Age Level: 5-8

It’s 2120, and Zack Nelson and his family are leaving Earth to move to the planet Nebulon, Their space-aged house has all kinds of awesome gadgets that Zack will be using every day, but still Zack worries that he and his twin sister won’t have any friends. Until he meets a fellow student and slowly starts to realize that things on Nebulon might just be alright after all. Young readers will zoom through the story to find out what happens to Zack, entertained and delighted along the way! 

Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers
By Dav Pilkey
For ages 7 and up

For once, the critics agree with what children have been saying for years: USA Today tells us: “Call Pilkey … the savior of the ‘reluctant reader.’”  Newsweek says Captain Underpants is “a triumph of irreverence.” And young readers say: “They are funny and crazy!” Now, in the newest book in the series, everything is threatened.  Could it be the end for Captain Underpants? Or start with the first book in the series, The Adventures of Captain Underpants.”

Green Eggs and Ham
Horton Hatches the Egg
Oh! The Places You’ll Go
By Dr. Seuss
For ages 3-7, 4-8, 4-9

When it comes to new readers, we've got two words for you:  Dr. Seuss.  His Beginner Books (like Green Eggs and Ham) are not only comical adventures, but also great confidence-builders as brand new readers master them and can read them on their own.  And what proud reader wouldn't want to know Sam-I-am, who definitely, absolutely, never wants green eggs and ham. As kids master their reading skills, they’ll find reward in Seuss’s classic picture books. Yes, the language is often complicated, but it is always silly and fun.  Horton’s a great place to start for there are loving lessons in the values of persistence and kindness in this story of the elephant who is faithful, one hundred percent. If you want to give a child a pat on the back along with a gentle push to move on, try Oh! The Places You’ll Go.  It is wise, optimistic, filled with encouragement, and great fun to read.

Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse
By Tamera Will Wissinger; illustrated by Matthew Cordell
For ages 6-9

Nine-year-old Sam and his dad are going to the lake:  For fishing tomorrow/it’s just us two. Not Mom, not Grandpa/not Lucy…  In a series of engaging poems that narrate the day, they prepare their gear; plans change (Lucy does tag along); fish get caught; siblings get along; and all ends deliciously at dinner.  We’re guessing that this delightful excursion will lead lots of kids to try their luck at fishing and to try their hands at poetry. 

Nic Bishop Snakes
By Nic Bishop; illustrated with photographs
For ages 5 and up

Super-sharp photographs show a great variety of snakes, sometimes at rest but often in action, while equally clear text presents basic facts about each.  The handsome design welcomes curious (and maybe even some fearful) children in to get up close and learn more.

You might also be interested in reading:

2013 Forsyth Reads Together Book Selection

Forsyth County Public Library Kicks Off Annual Summer Reading Program

Cumming Author Debuts Novel