As the school year comes to a close, my efforts as an elementary school librarian have shifted to encouraging students to read this summer and sharing public library reading programs and resources with them.

You can support your child as a reader this summer by connecting them with books they enjoy as well as by making reading part of your routine.

Your local public library is a great resource for this. You can visit the library as a family to check out books and find out what summer reading programs your little ones can participate in. Many public libraries also have summer reading lists for kids. The lists I share at my school from the Cary Library in Lexington are also available online and are great tools for moments when kids are stuck for an idea of what book to read next:

Entering Kindergarten-1st Grade Summer Reading List

 

As I promoted favorite books from the lists to my students, I also shared book trailers you might find helpful for getting the kids in your life excited about summer reading:

 

Book Trailer for Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

 

Book Trailer for Journey by Aaron Becker

 

 

Entering 2nd-3rd Grade Summer Reading List

 

Book Trailer for Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty

 

 

Book Trailer for the Hilo series by Judd Winick

 

 

Entering 4th-6th Grade Summer Reading List

 

Book Trailer for Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

 

 

Book Trailer for Sunny Side Up by Matthew Holm and Jennifer L. Holm

 

In addition to connecting the kids in your life with great reads, you can look for other ways to bring books into your summer routine.

Your family could visit a local bookstore,  listen to audiobooks in the car together, attend a children’s book author event, or read together outside. Bring bookishness into any summer travels as well. Check to see if your destination has a local bookstore or public library your family can visit.  I’m excited to have added Owl & Turtle Bookstore and the Camden Public Library as bookish destinations for my family’s visit to Maine later in the summer. Don’t forget to check the events offered as well–I’ve already marked my calendar to bring my daughter to a library story time on our trip.

 

Finding books you love to read during the summer is important as well. Modeling an active reading life for your children is so valuable and of course means enjoyable reading time for you!

One of my favorite adult resources for summer reading is the annual Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide. You can also check your public library for summer reading programs and events for adults–like this adult summer reading challenge bingo card from the Chelmsford Public Library. I have this one on my fridge, ready to go!

And of course, if you are looking for book ideas for you and your family, subscribe to A Bookish Home and follow me on Twitter @ABookishHome. I will continue to share book recommendations and ways to create a culture of reading in your home all summer long.

Happy Reading!