Summer Reading List

Ages 10-12

Kid Approved

June 18, 2016

Every time of the year is a great time to read… right?  But something about summer… beach days… hammocks and front porches just scream, “Get a book and get comfortable!” 

So I asked my boys to help me compile a list of books they would recommend that other kids their age read.   Maybe you’re looking for a good book for your kiddo this summer or maybe a good story for the whole family to enjoy on a road trip.  (I highly recommend Audible.  This is a convenient and easy way to download books onto your digital device for easy listening).

Some of the books on this list are books that have recently come out as movies or are set to hit screens later this year.  We always love to read a book before we see the movie and then compare them and talk about what we liked and didn’t like. 

The other half of the list, are books the boys have read in the past year.  They mentioned them specifically and so I know they must have made a big impression on them. 

2016 Books to Movies List

The BFG by Roald Dahl

We love Roald Dahl and this may be one of the few books of his we hadn’t read (or listened to).  So when we saw that it would soon be a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg, we knew what we had to do.  Our whole family enjoyed this title on a recent road trip.  The Big Friendly Giant steals Sophie in the middle of the night, but they soon become friends and plot to save all the children from the other not-so-nice giants.

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
With a high school reading level and not-exactly-Disney’s version, this original work may not be for everyone.  On the other hand, if your child loved seeing this story on the big screen this year, it might just be the motivation needed to read (or listen to) a timeless classic.

Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
This book has little to do with the recently released movie.  But if your child is a fan of Lewis Carroll, upside down tea parties, and whimsical characters, then this is an excellent choice for a summer read.

Harry Potter: The Complete Series by J. K. Rowling
Scheduled to be released November 2016 is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and so if your kiddo hasn’t read the Harry Potter books, now would be a great time to get started.  You'll be just in time for Harry Potter mania sure to hit this Fall!

Miss Peregrin’s Home for Peculiars by Ransom Riggs
Scheduled to be released September 2016 is a movie directed by Tim Burton by the same title.  With a high school reading level and a slightly scary – horror theme, this certainly isn’t a pick for everyone. 

Joseph’s List (age 10)

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Joseph loved this book.  In fact, he declared that he’d like to read everything by Kate DiCamillo.   This is a heart-warming story of a girl and her new dog who helps her make friends and face hardships.

By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman
This was a favorite of Joseph’s from the 4th grade reading list.  It's about a boy and a man who travel to California for the Gold Rush and their big adventures they have along the way.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Another favorite from the 4th grade reading list, Joseph loved this book about a girl named Karana who lived on an island off the coast of California.  She must learn to survive on her own when her people leave the island.  

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
We were captivated by this fictional story of a girl who is growing up in England during The Blitz and World War II.   She learns to triumph over disability, neglect, abuse and war.  She learns to trust and hope through friendship and unconditional love.

Elijah’s List (age 12)

Rascal by Sterling North
A classic tale of a boy and his pet raccoon, this stands out as a favorite for Elijah.  Taking place during the time of World War I, Sterling tells the story of his boyhood and his many adventures.

Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry
Another favorite of Elijah’s, this is a story of overcoming fear.  With a dog companion and a sea-faring adventure in front of him, the main character sets out to prove to himself and others that he has what it takes.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Elijah recently read the young adult adaptation of this New York Times Bestseller that became a major motion picture about Louis Zamperini.  A true story, Louis was an Olympian and World War II POW.  The story drew him in and he couldn’t put it down. 

Eragon Series by Christopher Paolini
Elijah has been sporadically reading through this series over the past year when he isn’t reading anything else.  He really enjoys it and recommends it to boys who are also 12 years old.  In the style of Lord of the Rings, this fantasy series has become a big hit.

The Cay by Theodore Taylor
Another story of survival, The Cay is about young Phillip who finds himself shipwrecked.  Our family listened to this one on Audible while on a road trip and everyone loved it so much we would arrive at a destination and end up sitting in the car for another 20 minutes just to get to the end of the chapter.

What about you?  What books are on your kids reading lists this summer?