What my kids are reading Archives

Ramona the Pest

by Beverly Cleary

The prolific Cleary wrote simple (and funny) stories that kids love to read. Her characters ring true because Cleary based them on her real-life friends and actual neighbors on Klickitat Street in Portland, a street just a few blocks away from her childhood home. Ramona is her best-loved character: I read every book about her, many times. Ramona the Pest is a wonderful place to start: 5-year-old Ramona heads off to kindergarten, where she learns that kindergarten—and life—are full of misunderstandings.

The Mother-Daughter Book Club

by Heather Vogel Frederick

My daughters are obsessed with this series.

Liar & Spy

by Rebecca Stead

When his dad spots a notice for a Spy Club meeting in their new apartment building’s laundry room, Georges decides to show up--and becomes the first spy recruit of his new friend Safer, a 12-year-old, self- trained spy. Safer teaches Georges the tricks of the trade and sets him to work tracking Mr. X. This realistic novel delicately explores the nature of truth, the power of friendship, and the importance of standing up for yourself. (9-13, 11-13)

Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1)

by Angie Sage

My kids are hooked on this series.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

by Richard Atwater

Mr. Popper is a mild-mannered house painter who spends all his spare time reading about Admiral Drake and his expeditions to the Antarctic, and dreams of being an explorer himself. Mr. Popper writes the Admiral a letter and the Admiral responds by sending him a special present—a penguin! This charmingly absurd book is about having the courage to be different and the conviction to follow your dreams. Newberry Honor book.

This is Star Wars, Shakespeare-style, and it is genius. We stumbled upon this at our local indie bookstore and snatched it up. My rising 7th grader is learning all about iambic pentameter, how to read a script, stage directions, and a whole bunch of tricky vocabulary, because Star Wars. Fun for its own sake, but an easy introduction to the Bard for young students: my kids haven't encountered actual, factual Shakespeare in school yet, but now they'll be better prepared when they do.

All Four Stars

by Tara Dairman

Unbeknownst to everyone, NYC’s toughest restaurant critic is an 11 year old girl. Gladys started cooking impressive gourmet meals when she was 7 but she has to find a new outlet when her parents cut her off from the kitchen after a mishap. When she accidentally gets contacted to write a restaurant review, it seems like a sign. There’s just the little matter of keeping her identity a secret. A fun middle grade read.

What my kids are reading

a gateway

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summer reading starts May 16th