Summer is a perfect time to get some chapter books and read to your child. Because the listening level is several grades higher than reading levels for children, you will have lots of options regardless of your child’s reading ability when you read aloud. With homework assignments finished for the school year, this is a great time to set aside time each day to just read for fun with your child. I’m going to go over some chapter book suggestions. Talk with your child and pick out some books that you both are interested in.
Little House Series
This beloved classic series written by Laura Ingalls Wilder contains all the stories of when Laura was a young girl in the 1800s and 1900s. In the series are the following books: Little House in the Big Woods, Farmer Boy, Little House on the Prairie, On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years, and The First Four Years. Your children will be entertained by all the fun stories and adventures Laura writes about, and they will learn a lot about life long ago.
Charlotte’s Web
Written by E.B White, this classic book is a great book for children of all ages. It is about a pig named Wilbur who becomes friends with a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer, Charlotte writes messages on her web, such as “Some Pig.” Although it was published back in 1952, this book is still enjoyed by many children today.
The Boxcar Children
This beloved chapter book series tells the story of four orphaned children who make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest. When they eventually meet their grandfather, they find out he is not the cruel man that they thought he was, but instead he is a kind, wealthy man. The four children decide to live with their grandfather. The grandfather then moves the boxcar to his backyard so that the children can use it as a playhouse. Gertrude Chandler Warner wrote most of the books in the series. This series is excellent for all ages. It is a great series to add to your child’s Summer reading list.
James and the Giant Peach
Written by Roald Dahl, this book is sure to have you and your children glued to the pages. This beloved book is about an orphan boy who enters a gigantic, magical peach, and meets seven magically-altered garden bugs. Because James wants to escape from his cruel aunts, they decide to set off on a journey in the magic peach. Your kids will enjoy the adventures of young James in a large peach and will want to read this book over and over again.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
This fun book tells the story of Ramona Quimby and her life as an 8-year-old. As she moves up to 3rd grade, she faces many challenges in life. For example, Ramona is unsure if her teacher likes her. She also deals with many embarrassing moments. She also experiences many fun moments and lessons. If your family enjoys this book, you can read the full Ramona series. The author of these books is Beverly Cleary.
Final Thoughts
I’ve gone over some great chapter books to read to your child this Summer. Remember that it’s ok to put down a book that your child isn’t interested in. Even if you are several chapters into the book, get a different book. No law states that you have to finish a book if you aren’t enjoying it.
The books I’ve listed should be found at your local library. There is no need to buy books if you are on a tight budget. Or maybe you just don’t feel like spending extra cash on books. The most important thing is to get some good books in your hands this Summer and read them aloud to your child.
Related Article: The 10 Best Books To Read This Summer
