Read For Fun! Book Recommendations for Toddlers & Up!

It was wonderful seeing so many of you during our March Break Camp! We can’t wait to do it all again this summer at Laurus Summer 2018! As kids return to school, we thought we’d share a few book recommendations. No, this is not homework! We want kids to read for fun! Whether it’s a novel, graphic novel or a non-fiction book, reading for pleasure is habit that leads to success in and out of the classroom.

Here are a few newly-released books recommendations to motivate your kids to read:

Pre-Ks

Grace for Gus by Harry Bliss

This near-wordless story follows Grace, a shy elementary school student, on an adventure through Manhattan. Her goal: to raise enough money for her class to buy a friend for Gus, the class hamster.

Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri

A beautifully illustrated story of friendship and acceptance between a young bear and wolf. As winter approaches, the two curious animals explore the natural world around them.

All That Trash: The Story of the 1987 Garbage Barge and Our Problem with Stuff by Meghan McCarthy

Based on a true story, All That Trash is about a garbage barge so smelly that it sparked a recycling movement in the United States. McCarthy’s book offers kids a funny and engaging perspective on an ongoing environmental issue.

Young readers

Hippo at the End of the Hall by Helen Cooper

After receiving a mysterious invitation, Ben must navigate his way through an old museum full of strange creatures, secrets, and dangerous magic. An illustrated novel full of mystery and magic, Hippos at the End of the Hall is a wonderful book for new readers and animal lovers.

Big Nate: Silent But Deadly by Lincoln Peirce

The Big Nate serious is hugely popular among kids, and we can understand why. (Note the fart-referencing title above). In Peirce’s most recent instalment, Nate navigates his way through the mischievous and sometimes terrifying world of Middle School.

DK Findout! Robots by Nathan Lepora

For kids that love robots and technology, we’re adding some nonfiction in the mix. This book is all about robots and the computers that help engineers design them. Whether they’re walking, flying, or exploring Mars, robots are fascinating!

Preteens

Black Panther: the Young Prince by Jenn Fujikawa

Kids that loved the Black Panther movie will want to read all about the adventures of a young  T’Challa. Before he can became the ruler of Wakanda, T’Challa must prove himself to his family, his friends, and his enemies.

Middle School: From Hero to Zero by James Patterson

Rafe is excited for his class field trip to London. That all changes when he’s assigned to room with Hills Valley Middle School’s most notorious bully: Miller the Killer. Even worse, Rafe is forced to work on a class project with his crush Jeanne and her all-too-perfect boyfriend!

Sally Heathcote: Suffragette by Mary M. Talbot

With International Women’s Day just behind us, we had to mention this fantastic historical graphic-novel. Set in early 20th century England, Suffragette tells the story of a brave maid who rises up to demand something that once seemed radical: the right for women to vote.

Young Adults

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Orïsha was once a country full of magic. Everything changed when a ruthless king ordered anyone with magic powers to be killed. Anyone capable of harnessing magic must now hide. Zélie is one of them. Up against strange creatures, vengeful spirits, and an evil king, Zélie is determined to bring magic back to her people.

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi

Tareq lived with his large and loving family. Then the bombs starting falling. With his city in ruins and his country at war, Tareq and his family must flee Syria in order to stay alive. This timely and tragic story offers young readers a sense of what it means to be refugee.

Down and Across by Arvin Ahmadi

This is a great read for high school students. Scott Ferdowsi is an eighteen-year-old with no sense of direction. As college applications approach, and his parents push him to settle on a 'practical' career path, Scott runs away to Washington DC. During his adventures, Scott begins to understand who he is and who aspires to be.

You can also go back to our Holiday Reading List for more inspiration!