Savvy Summer Reading Series: Children’s Books (Back To School)
In the last of our 4 part Savvy Summer Reading Series, we are talking all things back to school. Whether wanting to enjoy the last freedoms of summer to read a self-selected book, or looking to get a head start on that first book report, you are sure to find a book here for any age to enjoy.
1. Kindergarten: Hom by Jeanne Willis & Paddy Donnelly (illustrator)
Quick Rundown: A young boy washes up on a desert island and unexpectedly meets another creature named Hom. They soon learn that they have a lot in common to become fast friends. “So when a rescue ship appears on the horizon, the boy has a big decision to make…”
Why We Love It: Beautifully illustrated, Hom explores important themes such as how relationships can transcend human constructs like language and culture, celebrating differences and understanding how we are all the same, and the power of friendship in a way the young children can understand. It is a lovely story all ages will be able to appreciate.
1st Grade: Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Jess Wade & Melissa Castrillón (illustrator)
Quick Rundown: “Everything is made from something – but the way we make things, from the materials we use to the science and technology involved, is changing fast. Nano offers a fascinating narrative introduction to this cutting-edge area of STEM, better known by the name nanotechnology.”
Why We Love It: As fellow women educated and with degrees in STEM, we think it is savvy (and never too early) to introduce your kiddos to how the world around us works. This is a great book for educating children in a way that will keep them entertained and engaged. What makes this book even better is, in the words of science journalist, broadcaster, and author Angela Saini, the “sumptuous” illustration.
2nd Grade: Simon and Chester: Super Detectives! (series) by Cale Atkinson
Quick Rundown: This graphic novel series follows Simon and Chester, a ghost and boy who team up to solve a mystery that falls into their laps one rainy day.
Why We Love It: Solving mysteries? Yes please! The clues sprinkled throughout will have any second-grade aspiring sleuth on the edge of their chairs trying to solve this hilarious and entertaining story.
3rd Grade: Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce
Quick Rundown: “Ellie is an engineer. With a toolbelt strapped over her favorite skirt (who says you can’t wear a dress and have two kinds of screwdrivers handy, just in case?), she invents and builds amazing creations in her backyard workshop. Together with her best friend Kit, Ellie can make anything.” But will she be able to pull off her biggest project yet without spoiling her secret?
Why We Love It: Girl power is savvy, and Ellie has it! This book also encourages girls to not be afraid to pursue their interest in STEM subjects and that engineering isn’t just for the boys.
4th Grade: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Quick Rundown: Two-year-old Fudge, brother of the “fourth grade nothing” Peter, wreaks havoc on the lives of his family, but nobody bears the brunt as much as Peter. But Peter, able to exercise only the patience an older brother could muster, is rewarded with something very special.
Why We Love It: We couldn’t pass up listing this classic for 4th grade – after all, it is a tale of fourth grade! Plus, the first in a series of 4, your kid will have countless hours of reading entertainment. Written from Peter’s perspective, this story will surely be relatable to any older siblings out there.
5th Grade: Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation (series) by Stuart Gibbs
Quick Rundown: “Charlie Thorne is a genius. Charlie Thorne is a thief. Charlie Thorne isn’t old enough to drive. And now it’s up to her to save the world…” “In a breakneck adventure that spans the globe, Charlie must crack a complex code created by Einstein himself, struggle to survive in a world where no one can be trusted, and fight to keep the last equation safe for one and all.”
Why We Love It: Also the first in a series, this action-packed adventure will keep your child turning pages until the very end. And since it ends with a cliffhanger, we’re sure they will be begging for the next book as soon as they finish!
6th Grade: The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
Quick Rundown: Suzy Swanson had a falling out with her best friend since 5 years old, Franny Jackson, in sixth grade when the two started growing apart. Before they were able to mend their friendship though, Franny dies, leaving Suzy to try and wrap her head around why. She turns to jellyfish as an answer, learning all about them and the brave scientists that study them.
Why We Love It: This tale encapsulates the highs and lows of early adolescence and the struggles of how to navigate the struggles of life. Children will not only benefit from this book but might find themselves touched on an emotional level by it.
7th Grade: Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Quick Rundown: “In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways.” Virgil, Valencia, Kaori, and Chet aren’t friends, “at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well.” The four must come together to perform a rescue mission, and an unexpected friendship develops.
Why We Love It: From the School Library Journal, “readers across the board will flock to this book that has something for nearly everyone – humor, bullying, self-acceptance, cross-generational relationships, and a smartly fateful ending.”
8th Grade: What If by Steve L. Robbins, PhD
Quick Rundown: “What If? delivers a highly creative and innovative new way to explore the issues that dominate today's multicultural, multiethnic workplace. To the twenty-five witty yet inspiring stories in this collection, Steve Long-Nguyen Robbins has added tips and suggestions for putting these key learnings into action. Combined, What If? offers a powerful lens into the human experience.
Why We Love It: This timely collection of short stories is a great way to spark conversations with your child about the subjects that are tough but necessary to have in this day and age. And with 8th grade leading into highschool, it is a great time to teach them to be tolerant and accepting at a time when peer pressure can sometimes lead to being other than that.
10. Highschool: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Quick Rundown: “Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.”
Why We Love It: We won’t give away our age, but let’s just say even as a full-fledged adult we loved this book (and the whole series)! It is the perfect summer read, filled with magic, romance, and everything in between to keep us captivated. Even more, this broaches on subjects of classism, race relations, and other social issues that are relevant today. It is definitely a savvy must read for us.
We hope you enjoyed the Savvy Summer Reading Series (May - August). Check back in next month for our next fall recommendations!
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
