Summer reading over the long vacation can help keep children’s newly acquired language skills sharp. There are many books published each year and even a fast reader cannot read them all during the school year. Over the summer, reading provides an enjoyable family or solo activity that also maintains (and boosts!) language skills.

The well-known summer slide, when children lose up to 34% of academic skills, is proven by a number of studies from the 1980s through the early 2000s. However, new approaches to interpreting the data have revealed that summer learning loss is a far more complicated issue. Regardless of how much skill is gained or retained over the summer, reading for enjoyment at home is proven to be beneficial for students in all grades. Reading for pleasure improves language skills, boosts creativity, and fosters empathy. A Scholastic poll shows that children are aware of the benefit of reading, 74% responding that “reading fiction and nonfiction helps them understand the world.”

Establish a Reading-Rich Environment

Unless your child has an extensive assigned reading list, the summer can be a chance for children to pick their own books. Choice is important with 89% of children stating that their favorite books are ones they’ve chosen themselves. Summer is the perfect time to let children explore all types of books. Books can be an expensive purchase, though, especially if you or your child are unsure whether or not it will become a book they want to read again and again. To help children explore their reading likes and dislikes, create a library routine and visit once a week or every other week. Librarians can offer book suggestions and many have recommended reading lists in library brochures or on their website. Most libraries offer reading programs throughout the summer, sponsoring special events and incentives. Families will have to review the program to decide whether it will encourage their child and support their reading habit. Other ways to create a reading-rich home include:

Role-model reading behavior

Rather than watching a show or playing a game on a digital device, reach for a book to fill down-time. You are your child’s first and foremost role model for behavior and habits.

Allow books to stay out in shared areas

Is your child leaving books left open on the kitchen table or sofa? Great! Leave them. Having books as an easy to reach option for bored children will make reading a simple choice.

Dedicate an e-reader for children’s books

If a child observes parents or guardians reading mainly on a digital device, they will want to read digitally, too. If possible, dedicate an old e-reader to just children’s books with the buying permissions blocked.

Share books either by reading aloud or audiobook

Parents and guardians can create an opportunity to engage with children and discuss many different storylines when you both read or listen to the same book. If you’re going on a long car ride then choose an audiobook everyone will enjoy. Or try a "one book, one family" event when everyone reads the same book and then comes together to discuss it.

Approach reading joyfully

One of the most important aspects for adults is to approach reading as a pleasurable pastime. If adults approach reading as a chore, chances are children will hold the same view.

Fostering a love of reading in children starts at home where families can nurture a love of story that will support their children both academically and emotionally. The summer makes space for reading in between chores and work. Choose from some of the most popular titles from the past year listed below or ask your local librarian for suggestions. Then sit back, read, and enjoy!

New Summer Reads

This is a sampling of new books available for children. Check with your librarian for more suggestions of new, age-appropriate books for your child. As always, review book level and content to be sure it is a good match for your child.

Board Books

• Ollie’s Hug by Olivier Dunrea
• Forever My Baby by Kate Lockwood
• Counting on the Earth by Mudpuppy

Picture Books

• Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho
• Just Help!: How to Build a Better World by Sonia Sotomayor
• The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson

Chapter Books

• The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
• Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein
• The Golden Swift by Lev Grossman (Silver Arrow series)
• Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Young Adult Books

• Cinder and Glass by Melissa de la Cruz
• Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
• Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean (sequel to Tokyo Ever After)
• League of Liars by Astrid Scholte
• I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

About the Author

V. Kulikow is a former Montessori teacher and youth services librarian. She currently works as a UX designer and enjoys content creation both with words and images. On weekends you can find her gardening, taking nature photos, and working on her garden design certification through the Native Plant Trust.

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The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.