Summer Reading List
Summer Reading List 2014
Studies show that children who read during the summer holidays significantly improve their literacy skills – but it’s equally important to remember that summer reading is just a fun, relaxing thing to do. The following books are ones that Ms. Walker and Mr. Weber think your son will really enjoy during the break; for more recommendations be sure to check out the links to other great reading resources on the sidebar.
The Vancouver Public library also runs a fantastic summer reading program – call in at your local branch to sign up!
Here are some suggestions for students in Grades 3-7, adapted from the American Library Association’s own summer reading list.
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
by Michael Scott
Siblings Josh and Sophie discover that the owner of a bookstore is none other than the famous Nicholas Flamel. First in a series.
Bad Island
by Doug TenNapel
In this graphic novel, Lyle, Karen, Janie, and Reese must find a way off an island while they dodge strange and dangerous creatures.
Better Nate Than Ever
by Tim Federle
Nate has a plan that—with a little luck—will take him from his non-fabulous Pennsylvania town to New York City and land him a role in E.T.: The Musical.
Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon
by Steve Sheinkin
A gripping account of the development of nuclear weapons and the global fight for control of power.
Counting by 7s
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Tragedy changes Willow’s quirky but comfortable life, and as she adapts, she changes the lives of those around her.
Does My Head Look Big in This?
by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Outspoken and funny sixteen-year-old Amal, lover of shopping and television, decides to wear the hijab full time and perseveres despite resistance from classmates,
townspeople, and even relatives.
The Boundless
By Kenneth Oppel
Will Everett wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but after his family’s fortunes change, he finds himself with a first-class ticket for The Boundless. The longest, most glamorous locomotive in the world, it stretches more than eleven kilometres long and pulls an astounding 987 cars: passenger cars, shooting galleries, gardens, an onboard swimming pool, cinema and much more. But its maiden voyage won’t be a smooth ride for Will.
Dogs of War
by Sheila Keenan, illustrated
by Nathan Fox
This graphic novel tells the unforgettable true stories of three wars heroes from three different eras—World War I, World War II, and Vietnam—and they all happened to have
four legs.
The Dolphins of Shark Bay
by Pamela S. Turner
Meet amazing dolphins that have learned to use tools to hunt for their dinner.
Drama
by Raina Telgemeier
Drama abounds on and off the stage in this hilarious graphic novel about school theatre productions.
Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends
by Shannon Hale
In this fairy tale world, Raven Queen does not want to be evil like her mother, and Apple White, daughter of Snow White, is willing to be a little bad.
The Great Greene Heist
by Varian Johnson
Jackson Greene vowed never to get involved in another middle-school con, but he is put to the test when the girl of his dreams runs for class
The Grimm Legacy
by Polly Shulman
When Elizabeth begins working in the New York Circulating Material Repository, she learns that some of the objects (and people) aren’t as normal as they seem.
Legend
by Marie Lu
For those who like The Hunger Games, meet slumborn Day and elite-born June as they fight to save their lives and their world. First in a trilogy.
The Mark of the Dragonfly
by Jaleigh Johnson
When plucky machinist Piper rescues Anna after a meteor shower, both girls stow away on an armored train to escape the man chasing them.
Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life
by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Laura Park
Rafe’s plan to break every rule in the school handbook is soon out of his control.
Road Trip
by Gary Paulsen and Jim Paulsen
Initially expecting a simple trip to rescue a border collie, Ben finds himself traveling by school bus with his enthusiastic father, a crusty mechanic, and other colorful characters
The Screaming Staircase
by Jonathan Stroud
In a London overrun by ghosts, Lucy works with the ghost-hunting agency Lockwood & Co. to combat hauntings. First in a series.
Tesla’s Attic
by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman
When Nick holds a yard sale to get rid of the junk in the attic of his new home, he realizes too late that all the objects have mysterious powers and he needs to get them back.
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster
by Deborah Hopkinson
Survivors’ accounts bring the Titanic disaster to life.
The Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut: Bowling Alley Bandit
by Laurie Keller
Arnie the pet “doughnut dog” always has a fun time at the bowling alley, until something causes his owner to throw gutter ball after gutter ball.
The Birchbark House
by Louise Erdrich
Omakayas, a young Ojibwa girl living near Lake Superior in the mid-1800s, cares for her baby brother and experiences the growing settlement of white people on her family’s
land. First in a series.
The Day-Glo Brothers
by Chris Barton
The true story of two brothers who, messing around in their basement, discover colors that glow in the dark.
Doll Bones
by Holly Black
Three friends set off for an adventure to bury a haunted doll made of the bones of a long-ago girl.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
by Chris Grabenstein
Kyle, a huge lover of games, gets to spend the night in Mr. Lemoncello’s amazing new library and join in the biggest game of all—with a prize beyond his imagination.
Inside Out and Back Again
by Thanhha Lai
Hà escapes South Vietnam with her family and finds that life is very different in the United States.
Out of My Mind
by Sharon M. Draper
Considered by many to be intellectually disabled, a brilliant, impatient fifth-grader with cerebral palsy is given her voice with a technological device, opening the door to a
new life.
Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin
by Liesl Shurtliff
Twelve-year-old Rump goes on a quest to discover his true identity and to break a magical curse in this humorous take on the classic fairy tale.
Spirit Animals, Book One: Wild Born
by Brandon Mull
In Erdas, four children have four mighty spirit animals, but can these kids and their animals save their world? First in a series.
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
by Stephan Pastis
Introducing Total Failure, Inc., the best detective agency in town, run by eleven-year-old Timmy Failure and his partner, Total, a 1,500-pound polar bear. First in a series.
Tuesdays at the Castle
by Jessica Day George
On Tuesdays, Castle Glower takes on a life of its own, magically rearranging itself. When the castle is ambushed, it’s up to Princess Celie to save the day. First in a series.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin
Minli and a dragon begin a quest to find the Old Man on the Moon, who may have answers to Minli’s family’s troubles.
Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy
by Tui T. Sutherland
Five young dragons from different tribes must face treachery and deceit and work together to fulfill the prophecy that will bring an end to the
dragon wars. First in a series.
