Best Summer Reads for Kids

It's summer and that means school is out. Soon the excitement and possibilities of summer break will be old news and the kids will be looking for something to fill the long days of summertime.

Video games, television and MP3 players can help, but a good summertime read is always a welcome treat. Here are some engaging, entertaining picks for the summer. All of these books can be found on-line at Barnes and Noble or in your local Barnes and Noble store.

Preteen Picks

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: You've heard of stories about boys being raised by wolves and gorillas. Well, here is a story about a boy who lives in a graveyard and is being raised by ghosts. Nobody Owens would give anything to be able to leave the graveyard, but if he does he risks certain death by the man who killed his family. Price: $17.99, 320 pages, ages 9-12.

Beyond the Grave, The 39 Clues Series #4 by Jude Watson: This is the fourth book in a ten-book series. The purpose of these books is to engage the reader and bring them into a story where they go on an adventure with the main characters, Amy and Dan. In addition to the books, the series also has an on-line site, www.39clues.com, where your child can participate in interactive challenges and compete to win prizes. This particular book revolves Amy and Dan's quest for the fourth clue and their trek into an ancient city. Price: $12.99, 192 pages, ages 9-12.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan: This is the fifth book in the popular Percy Jackson and the Olympian series. The main character is Percy Jackson, half boy and half Greek God. He is approaching his 16th birthday in this book and he is about to come face-to-face with a prophecy that could end his life. Percy Jackson is a character that is relatable to children. Sure he has superpowers, but he also lives with dyslexia and the usual social awkwardness that kids of this age can relate to. The supernatural aspect is just another way to engage this age group of readers. Price: $17.99, 400 pages, ages 9-12.

Teen Picks

Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen: Finding good, solid stories for teens that provide more than just sensationalism can be difficult. This is a book that challenges the teenage reader. Parental drug addiction, the foster system and death are central themes in this book. The main character, Holly, has been in and out of foster care five times and she is finished with it. At the age of twelve, she runs away and takes off on a journey to find herself. Told through journal entries, the cold, hard realities of teenage runaways are revealed. This book can open up an interesting dialogue between parent and child. Price: $6.50 (paperback), 281 pages, ages 13 and up.

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer: This is an excellent book to help your teen see life from a different perspective. When a meteor hits the moon and causes cataclysmic changes in the world, Miranda must learn how to cope with a life of restriction and desolation. Her carefree world no longer exists and those that she loves are facing death. The idea of not having a date for a dance becomes trivial when the air is hard to breath, the schools are closed and her family is close to starvation. This book will grab hold of your teen and keep them tied to the book until the very last word. Price: $6.95 (paperback), 360 pages, ages 13 and up.

Children's Books

Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo: The author that brought you The Tale of Despereux has created a delightful series about a pig named Mercy Watson. Mercy Watson is a fun pig who enjoys toast with butter and seems to always find trouble in the neighbor's yard. Your preschooler will laugh at Mercy's misadventures and enjoy the brilliantly colored illustrations by Chris Van Dusen. There are five books in the series starting with Mercy Watson to the Rescue. Price: $12.99, 73 pages, ages - 4-8.

SkippyJon Jones by Judy Schachner: This story will have you and your little one laughing non-stop. SkippyJon Jones is a frisky kitty who is convinced that he is a Mexican Chihuahua. He heads out on a make-believe adventure to save the rest of his animal friends from a pesky bee (aka "the bad bumble-beeto). The flowing, alliteration of the narrative is catchy and will have you speaking in SkippyJon Jones' dialect the rest of the day. There are also 6 more books in this series. Price: 6.99, 32 pages, ages 4-8.

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch: This is an older story, written in 1992, about a princess whose prince is captured by a nasty dragon. She takes off to save him, ends up losing all her clothes and wearing a paper bag. She finally saves her prince and the ending will take you by surprise. This book is a must for every little girl out there. I can't give away the ending because it is just too good, but you will find this book a refreshing twist on the classic fairy tale. Price: $6.95, 32 pages, ages 4 - 99.

Fancy Nancy Extraordinaire! by Jane O'Connor: Move over Junie B. Jones, Fancy Nancy is ready to take the stage. This is one of many Fancy Nancy titles that follow the adventures of a fanciful girl named Nancy. In this adventure, Nancy and her friends are off to explore the great outdoors and finding many glamorous things. Little girls can't get enough of Fancy Nancy and her learn-to-read adventures. Price: 12.99, 32 pages, ages 4-8.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barret: The movie is set to come out in theaters this September, but you may want to introduce your little one to the children's book that inspired the movies. This 1982 children's book ponders that idea of food falling from the sky. Sounds like a great idea, but what would happen if you didn't like what the sky was serving or you were given too much food? Young children will enjoy coming up with hilarious scenarios. Price $6.99, 32 pages, ages 4-8.

Final Thoughts: These are just a few of the thousands of kids titles out there for your children. All of these titles can be found at Barnes and Nobles, but they can also be found at your local public library. Speaking of libraries . . . Many libraries have summer reading programs that reward your children's reading with cool prizes like gift cards, sports tickets and food coupons. This is another great incentive to get your kids reading.

Reading is a summertime hobby that will stay with your children well into their adult years. Encourage and nurture this pastime and you will have a reader for life.

www.bn.com
www.neilgaiman.com
www.jude-watson.com
www.39clues.com
www.rickriordan.com
www.randomhouse.com/kids/vandraanen/
www.susanbethpfeffer.blogspot.com
www.katedicamillo.com
www.judithbyronschachner.com
www.robertmunsch.com
www.harpercollins.com/authors/12552/Jane_OConnor/index.aspx
www.squidoo.com/judibarrett
www.sonypictures.net/movies/cloudywithachanceofmeatballs