Picture books to YA: Keep the kids reading this summer with these top children's book picks from Read With Me
Christine Brenner, a mom and owner of Read With Me, the children's bookstore in downtown Raleigh, doesn't have big rules when it comes to summer reading. In fact, she tells me that it's best to let the kids decide.
"Ideally summer reading is all about the freedom to choose what you want to read, whether that's catching up on a series you've been hearing about, taking a risk with a new genre, or reading Harry Potter for the 100th time," she said. "There are so many restrictions on our reading choices throughout the year. Summer should be a time for kids, and adults, to be able to define what 'summer reading' is for themselves."
If your family, however, is looking for something new, I checked in with Brenner to pick some of her favorite summer reads for kids—from picture books for little ones to young adult for the teens (and adults!). Here are her picks:
Picture Books
- The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- Ruby's Birds by Mya Thompson, illustrator Claudia Davila.
What Christine says: These are two standout picture books for me. One you'll probably see around a lot (and will certainly recognize their powerhouse names) and one I hope to introduce you to (and make you love). It's not every picture book that gets an amazing combination of an interesting story, realistic characters, perspective, gorgeous illustrations, and readability. These two get it. Both super new and must-reads this summer.
Chapter Books
- Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series
- The Unicorn Rescue Society series
- Hilda series
What Christine says: For chapter books, which are perfect for readers just moving out of picture books, three series that I'm loving and that are expecting new releases soon are Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol, The Unicorn Rescue Society, and Hilda, which is a chapter book version of the graphic novel. These are all illustrated with fabulously interesting and realistic characters and a splash of fantasy.
Middle Grade
- Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn
- Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
- Greystone's Secrets: The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
What Christine says: For middle grade, best for ages 8 to 12, this is the one area that keeps surprising me with the number of high-quality stories across genres. Young adult has always been my favorite genre until recently. Middle grade writers are breaking new grounds in creating the most amazing worlds and reflecting our own in a way that has never been done previously in the history of literature in the United States. So, my list could be long with this one. But I'll do a quick pick of ones I just couldn't put down and didn't want to end.
Caterpillar Summer: You've probably seen this book around or maybe were lucky enough to have met her at a signing, but, quite frankly, if she hadn't walked into my store and thought to bring me a copy, I sadly would have probably missed this one. I genuinely think it's one of the most creative, well-written, warm and joyful books I've read in a long time. Super bonus that she is a local and the story is set on our coast. It's a must read in schools and it's a perfect book to read together as a family.
Dragon Pearl: Dragon Pearl is for anyone who wants a truly unique fantasy, space, crime, mystery/adventure story. It bends genres and breaks molds. It's a book published by Rick Riordan's (of Percy Jackson, Kane Chronicles fame) new publishing house. I've been super impressed with these books and they truly deserve the RR stamp of approval.
Greystone's Secrets: The Strangers: Haddix is the queen of mystery (go and read all her other books this summer). But this is a fabulous new series and book No. 1 will leave you wishing for No. 2 already. This is another one that you could read together as a family. Lots of interesting characters and sub-plots. I've even recommended it as an audio book. Just when you think you know what's happening in this one, Haddix changes it up and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Young Adult
- With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
- On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
What Christine says: I usually only find fabulous fantasy in YA, but with that need now being met in middle grade, I've been enjoying realistic YA more often. If there are two names you need to know and to read right now is Elizabeth Acevedo (With the Fire on High) and Angie Thomas (On the Come Up). Both authors released new books this year, which were quite different than their previous titles, but I will eat up every last word that they ever write. The characters are real, the words are beautiful, the stories are important, the worlds are meaningful. I always feel a little more whole after living in their pages.
At 111 E. Hargett St., Read With Me is just a block or so from Marbles Kids Museum and well worth a visit! The shop features a fantastic selection of children's books, along with a host of activities, storytimes and camps. If you can't make it to the store, you also can order books from Read With Me online.
