Summer Reading Lists for School Children

As a parent, you already know how important reading is to your child's success in school and later in his adult life, but once summer vacation begins, it seems books take a backseat to summer fun. Encourage your child to read by working together to choose books he is likely to enjoy. Browse these summer reading lists for 2010 to find the just the right book to get him started.

Education.com provides a searchable reading list for kids from preschool to high school. Once you choose the age group from the drop down menu, a series of images appears with recommended books. Click on the link beneath the images to see the entire reading list for that age group. Also included in this site are reading activities, worksheets--for those little ones who actually enjoy them-and a host of information covering topics in education and children development.

The Nebraska Library Commission provides a list of books for the summer reading program called "Make a Splash." All books on this list are water or beach related and range from picture book to books for teens. Both fiction and nonfiction titles are included. ISBN numbers, publisher and price are included. A short summary of the book allows you to assess whether the book will interest your child.

The New York Libraries Summer Reading Program provides lists for birth to 5, elementary students, teens and adults. Summaries include brief information about the book. ISBN number is included. The summer reading lists contain both fiction and nonfiction titles. Also included in this site are kid's crafts and activities. Browse the reading lists with your child to find that perfect book, and while you're at it choose a couple for yourself to set a good example for your child.

Family Education features searchable lists that can be sorted by age group, category or classics. Most of the books on these lists are traditional books, but it does offer links to some online books, that may appeal to children who enjoy technology and prefer reading on screen to holding and reading a "real" book. The site also includes resources for parents and printable worksheets and activities to build academic skills.

Helping your child choose books that interest her from the summer reading lists, and setting aside reading time as a family, encourages her to take the time to read--even during summer vacation. Don't forget to set a good example by taking the time to read, yourself. When children observe adults reading, and talking about what they have read, they are more likely to read themselves.