Campbell Elementary Summer Reading List

Parents – please join the Public Library (if you haven’t already)! 😊

. Floaty by John Himmelman (PreK–2)

When someone leaves a mysterious basket on grouchy Mr. Raisin’s doorstep, the last thing he expects to be inside is a dog—especially one that floats! What will Mr. Raisin do when Floaty floats away? This is the perfect light-hearted read aloud for a picnic blanket or summer bedtime.

2. Flashlight Night by Matt Forrest Esenwine (PreK–2)

One of the best parts of summer is staying up late! The nighttime adventure these children have will inspire students to click on their own flashlights—and their imaginations—and head out into the dark.

3. Take a Hike, Miles and Spike! by Travis Foster (PreK–2)

Two oblivious dogs pack for an outdoor adventure but have to revise their plans when the other animals call them out for being selfish. Catchy rhymes and Ethan Long’s signature, super-fun illustrations make this silly story a guaranteed hit.

4. Big Brown Bear’s Cave by Yuval Zommer (PreK–2)

Working through every one of Yuval Zommer’s creative titles would be a great way for students to spend vacation! This one is especially perfect, though, for kids whose parents ask them to help clean out the garage (or attic, or basement) during summer break. Based on his

observations of humans’ “caves,” Big Brown Bear thinks he needs a lot more stuff to make

his own home feel comfy—or does he?

5. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why 2 by

Jill Esbaum (PreK–2)

This medley of explanations will answer curious kids’ questions about animals, the human body, and nature. Bonus: It also supplies plenty of fun activities and games to fill a lazy day or a long car ride!

6. Natsumi! by Susan Lendroth (PreK–2)

No one in Natsumi’s family appreciates her extra-energetic approach to preparing for the Japanese arts festival. Her grandfather knows just how to channel all that enthusiasm, though—drumming! Inspire students to march to their own drum this summer.

7. Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins (PreK–2)

Big Bunny loves to eat carrots, along with … lots of other stuff. The zany plot twists will give kids the giggles. The unexpected ending is pure fun.

8. The Magician’s Secret by Zachary Hyman (K–3)

Sleepovers at Grandpa’s are a highlight of many kids’ summer. When your grandfather is a retired magician with a magic story chest in his attic, though? Well, that’s a guaranteed adventure.

9. Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick (K–2)

Emergent readers will love the adorable—and often pant-less—young primate detective in this collection of five simple “mysteries.” Clever illustrations elevate the simple text.

10. Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall (1–3)

Unique and detailed illustrations will sweep students back in time in this narrative nonfiction account of a lighthouse keeper’s year. What would it be like to live “on the highest rock of a tiny island at the edge of the world?”

11. Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Howard Bryant (1–3)

This story of the sisters that redefined expectations of what kids from a tough LA neighborhood can achieve is a summer inspiration. Floyd Cooper’s illustrations are a delight.

12. Polly Diamond and the Magic Book: Book 1 by Alice

Kuipers (1–3)

When Polly discovers that a magic book that appeared on her doorstep can make everything she writes actually happen, she wastes no time trying it out—with entertaining results.

13. What if You Had an Animal Tail? By Sandra Markle (1–3)

A perfect pairing for a summer outing to the zoo, the newest title in this fun series will have kids laughing as they learn about animal adaptations and the human body. How would you look with a peacock’s tail?

14. Monsters Beware! (The Chronicles of Claudette) by Jorge

Aguirre (2–3)

The final installment of this engaging graphic novel series is as worthy of multiple reads as the previous installments. Claudette is desperate to compete in—and win—the annual Warrior Games. She’ll have to contend with monsters who reportedly eat the other competitors, though!

15. Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce (2–4)

Friends, creativity, and girl-powered STEM: A story about a neighborhood building project is a perfect summer read, especially when led by Ellie, armed with her trusty tool belt.

16. Power Forward by Hena Kahn (3–6)

Summer is the perfect time to get hooked on a new sports fiction series. This introduction to

the Chasing the Dream series introduces Zayd Saleem, a likable fourth grader who’s also a

basketball fanatic.

17. Waste of Space by Stuart Gibbs (4–6)

A good end to a triology is satisfying for readers of any age. Teen detective Dash Gibson

tackles another murder on the moon in the final title of the popular Moon Base Alpha series.

18. The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet (4–6)

Kids who love historical fiction will enjoy this World War II story of life on the home front. Eleven-year-old Gusta moves from New York City to live with her grandmother in Maine, where there’s plenty of small-town drama.

19. The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell (3–6)

Make-believe definitely isn’t just for little kids. This engaging graphic novel will inspire bigger kids to spend summer break building and creating with friends.

20. Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff (4–6)

We love this author’s entertaining way of turning classic fairy tales on their heads for middle grade readers. A young dwarf is torn between the appeal of new friendship and a nagging suspicion that Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) has dark intentions.

21. The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society) by Adam Gidwitz (3–7)

A society for caring for mythical creatures is a surefire hook, but this new series by a talented middle-grade author backs up its hype with compelling characters and clever plot twists. Kids

can start with this title and then check out the second installment, The Basque Dragon,

when it’s released midsummer.

22. Science Comics: Robots and Drones: Past, Present, and Futureby Mairghread Scott (4–8)

The Science Comics series is awesome for motivating readers while teaching about high-

interest topics. This title is excellent screen-free entertainment for tech-loving kids.

23. You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly (4–8)

Charlotte and Ben may only know each other through an online Scrabble game, but they’re both busy finding their way through middle school. This engaging story will draw readers in.

24. The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson (4–8)

A puzzling letter sends Candice on a summer quest to find treasure and clear her grandmother’s name. Reviewers compare this historical mystery to Ellen Raskin’s

classic The Westing Game.

25. Race to the Bottom of the Sea by Lindsay Eagar (4–8)

Fidelia Quail’s life assisting in her parents’ marine biology research is already unusual. But when they drown in a storm and she’s kidnapped by pirates, this story catapults into page-turning summer-adventure territory.

26. The Sky at Our Feet by Nadia Hashimi (5–8)

4. These Hands by Hope Lynne Price

This sweetly simple book follows a cute little girl and her hands through her day from morning until

night.

5. Whose Toes Are Those by Jabari Asim

This book was given to me as a gift when I had my son. It's been 6 years now and I still gift this book

to many of the new babies in my life. It's a perfect first book for kids.

10 Essential Chapter Book Series Featuring Black Children

1. Sugar Plum Ballerinas Series by Whoopi Goldberg

This six book series penned by Whoopi Goldberg, yes, that Whoopi Goldberg, follows a different black

girl on different journeys and each one is delightful.

2. Ellray Jakes Series by Sally Warner

Ellray Jakes is not a chicken, is a rock star, walks the plank and more in this cool series for young

readers.

3. Willimena Rules Series by Valerie Wilson Wesley

Willimena is an elementary school student who lives by some very important rules. The books in this

Scholastic Book series take young readers on Wilimena's adventures of a very unfortunate nature as

she navigates life as a big kid.

4. Miami Jackson Series by Patricia McKissak

This Stepping Stone Book Series follows the spirited Miami Jackson through his adventures in

elementary school life and quest for a homework and sister-free summer.

5. Julian Series by Ann Cameron

Julian tells tall tales that get him and his brother Huey into trouble. They have adventures together

with Julian's best friend, Gloria and make this one awesome Stepping Stone book series.

6. Clubhouse Mysteries Series by Sharon M. Draper

Ziggy and his neighborhood friends who nicknamed themselves after a black dinosaur are perpetually

on the case--any case, including one that leads them to a mysterious set of stairs that lead to a hidden

section of the famous Underground Railroad.

7. Ruby and the Booker Boys Series by Derrick Barnes

Ruth is a sassy baby sister to three older brothers and she doesn't miss a beat in this Scholastic book

series.

8. Nikki and Deja Series by Keena Ford

Nikki and Deja are third grade best friends growing up in an inner city neighborhood. The books are

centered around their schooldays, but give poignant, humorous looks into their lives at home.

9. S.T.A.T. Standing Tall And Talented Series by Amare Stoudemire

This biographical fiction by a top NBA player is full of great stories with lots of basketball action. My

son was five when we read this first title in the series and he remarked that the boys in this book are

"cool" because they call each other "dude" and "man". I liked the way this series shows the dynamics

of young male relationships, particularly when one friend in the group has a great, noticeable talent.

Very good series.

10. All Mixed Up-Amy Hodgepodge Series by Kim Wayans

Amy Hodgepodge is biracial and was homeschooled until fourth grade. This series starts with her first

time going to a real school and her journey begins being doubly different and sticking out like a sore

thumb. How does she manage? This book is penned by Kim Wayans, yes, that Kim Wayans, and her

husband, inspired by their own biracial child.

CHAPTER BOOKS FOR SU MMER READING (8 TO

12 YEAR OLDS)

LETTERS FROM CAMP BY KATE KLISE

This summer camp story is fun because it is so visually stimulating. Told through letters, notes, and post cards, you’ll find all the best parts of summer camp and a bit of a mystery to solve too.

2 . HOLES BY LOUISE SACHAR

Sachar is one of the greats and this book makes it easy to see why. Stanley Yelnats is plagued by a family curse that lands him digging holes in a boys’ detention center. It’s kind of like summer camp, but the dark crime and punishment version. It’s weird , and funny, and good right to the very end.

3 . ELLIOT STONE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE SUMMER VACATION SEA MONSTER BY LP CHASE

The Loch Ness Monster in a lake by a cabin in Vermont? Well, it makes for a pretty intriguing summer mystery.

4 . THE PENDERWICKS BY JEANE BIRDSALL

This book oozes summer and childhood nostalgia. It begs to be read aloud. Four girls, a boy, a mischievous dog, and the kind of summer adventures and misadventures almost any kid can relate to. It’s a simple, sweet, old fashioned kind of story with timeless charm.

5 . HALF MAGIC BY EDWARD EAGER

I’ve written about this one before because it’s one of our favorites. Four kids and a magic coin that gives them half of what they wish for – it’s pretty much a perfect summer read.

6 . THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER BY BARBARA O’CONNOR

Owen is spending the summer at the rural home of his ailing grandfather. The “Fantastic Secret” falls of a train one night and turns Owen’s ordinary summer into a fantastic adventure.

7 . THE SMALL ADVENTURE OF POPEYE AND ELVIS BY BARBARA O ’CONNOR

Popeye is having an uneventful summer until Elvis shows up and turns it into an adventure. This is beautifully written book and brings up the complicated consequences of what happens when we do things we wish we hadn’t. A great read for boys and girls, but especially one for the boys.

8 . MOOMINSUMMER MADNESS BY TOVE JANSSON

The Moomin family is part of a series and all of the books are wonderful (and they don’t need to be read in order). This summer madness book, like the rest of the series, has strange magic and whimsical fantasy in the Scandinavian tradition.

9 . ABEL ’S ISLAND BY WILL IAM STEIG

Steig is my favorite. My absolute very favorite. And this book is wonderful. Abel is a thoughtful, civilized mouse who ends up marooned on an island. It’s a quick read with a Robinson Crusoe theme that is completely captivating.

10 . JAMES AND THE GIANT PE ACH BY ROAD DAHL

James Henry Trotter’s parents are eaten by a rhinoceros. James gets stuck with two terrible aunts until he finds himself on an adventure with giant bugs in a magic peach. It’s weird, but that’s why you’ll like it.

11 . ONE CRAZY SUMMER BY RITA WILLIAMS -GARCIA