Do you have a reluctant reader? Since reading is the building block to a solid education, it’s essential that children become proficient by the 3rd grade. Here are seven simple suggestions that will help inspire your child to read:
- Set aside a regular time to read to your child every single day – even older kids who can already read themselves.
- Encourage a wide variety of reading activities. Don’t stop at books – encourage your student to read everywhere.
- Visit your local library regularly. It’s fun. It’s free!
- Be knowledgeable about your children’s studies. Regularly meet or speak with his teacher to gauge progress.
- Look for any reading problems and get help immediately.
- Show enthusiasm for your children’s reading and regularly demonstrate that you love to read, too.
- Surround your child with reading material. A diverse selection will spark interest in even the most reluctant reader.
Looking for inspiring books for kids of all ages? The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has done the work for you! The ALSC identifies the best of the best in children’s books each year and compiles lists of new “notables.” These are books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children’s interests in exemplary ways. Here are just a few. For the entire 2018, visit ALSC.
Best New Books for Elementary School Students
Alfie. By Thyra Heder. Illus. by the author. Abrams (9781419725296).
The reader gets both sides of the story in this clever tale of a lost pet and the search for a perfect birthday gift.
Baby Goes to Market. By Atinuke. Illus. by Angela Brooksbank. Candlewick (9780763695705).
In a vibrant Nigerian marketplace, mama shops while baby delights the various vendors, picking up a few unexpected items along the way.
The Book of Mistakes. By Corinna Luyken. Illus. by the author. Dial (9780735227927).
Stunning illustrations illuminate the creative process about how mistakes are not always negative and can open the door to a bigger picture.
Home in the Rain. By Bob Graham. Illus. by the author. Candlewick (9780763692698).
During a long drive home from Grandmother’s in the rain, Francie and her mother discover profound beauty and comfort in ordinary moments.
King and Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats. By Dori Hillestad Butler. Illus. by Nancy Meyers. Peachtree (9781561458776).
King, the dog, and Kayla, his human, solve the mystery of missing dog treats and make some interesting discoveries along the way. (Geisel Honor Book)
Life on Mars. By Jon Agee. Illus. by the author. Dial (9780399538520).
In this sly, well-paced story, a young space explorer, certain there is life on Mars, sets out to prove it.
Noodleheads See the Future. By Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton, and Mitch Weiss. Illus. by Tedd Arnold. Holiday (9780823436736).
With a nod to folktales, two zany brothers named Mac and Mac (who happen to be macaroni noodles) wow audiences with their hilarity and gullibility. (Geisel Honor Book)
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! By Carmen Agra Deedy. Illus. by Eugene Yelchin. Scholastic (9780545722889).
The new mayor of La Paz has outlawed singing of any kind, but a rooster arrives that will just not be quiet.
When a Wolf Is Hungry. By Christine Naumann-Villemin. Illus. by Kris Di Giacomo. Eerdmans (9780802854827).
Dapper wolf Edmond Bigsnout attempts to eat a fellow city-dwelling rabbit but is thwarted at every turn by the bunny and his neighbors. (Batchelder Honor Book)
Best New Books for Middle School Students
Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix. By Jacqueline Briggs Martin and June Jo Lee. Illus. by Man One. Readers to Eaters (9780983661597).
Graffiti-inspired illustrations bring to life the story of food-truck and fresh-food-movement pioneer Chef Roy Choi. (Sibert Honor Book)
A Different Pond. By Bao Phi. Illus. by Thi Bui. Capstone (9781623708030).
In this gentle, honest tale of immigrant survival, a young Vietnamese American boy and his father go on an early morning fishing trip. (Caldecott Honor Book)
Impact! Asteroids and the Science of Saving the World. By Elizabeth Rusch. Illus. by Karin Anderson. HMH (9780544671591).
Readers meet the scientists who study asteroids past and present and work to protect our planet in the future.
Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education. By Raphaële Frier. Illus. by Auréia Fronty. Charlesbridge (9781580897853).
Readers discover Malala Yousafzai’s early family life in Pakistan and how she became a global advocate for social justice.
Princess Cora and the Crocodile. By Laura Amy Schlitz. Illus. by Brian Floca. Candlewick (9780763648220).
A princess’ wish gone wrong leads to cream-puff-loving, wig-wearing, chandelier-swinging, king-chasing Crocodile and, in the end, a happier royal family.
Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem. By Patricia Newman. Illus. Lerner/Millbrook (9781512426311).
Newman invites readers into a modern science mystery: an amazing discovery about sea otters that gave scientists insight into the delicate balance of ecosystems. (Sibert Honor Book)
lows Gertrude Ederle on the record-breaking swim that cemented her place in the history of women’s sports.
Wishtree. By Katherine Applegate. Illus. by Charles Santoso. Feiwel and Friends (9781250043221).
Red, a quiet wishing tree, is the recipient of neighborhood hopes and dreams. When an immigrant family is harassed in the community, Red is motivated to act.
Best New Books for Older Students
Armstrong and Charlie. By Steven B. Frank. HMH (9780544826083).
A strong friendship develops between two boys from different economic and racial environments.
Beyond the Bright Sea. By Lauren Wolk. Dutton (9781101994856).
In a stunningly beautiful novel, orphan Crow decides to investigate her own past and in doing so uncovers the complicated history of a nearby former leper colony.
Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion. By Chris Barton. Illus. by Victo Ngai. Lerner/Millbrook (9781512410143).
Stunning art nouveau–inspired illustrations showcase a little-known WWI British and U.S. military strategy of camouflaging ships with dazzling effect.
A Face Like Glass. By Frances Hardinge. Abrams/Amulet (9781419724848).
Restless, impulsive Neverfell, with no memory of her past, finds herself in the underground city of Caverna, where faces are expressionless and her life is in incredible danger.
The First Rule of Punk. By Celia C. Pérez. Viking (9780425290408).
Malu and her “SuperMexican” mother move across the country, leaving behind the father who gets her punk identity. Through new friends and zines, she connects to her roots in an authentic way. (Belpré Author Honor Book)
Flying Lessons & Other Stories. Ed. by Ellen Oh. Crown (9781101934593).
Readers will recognize themselves in this varied collection of sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant stories.
Louis Undercover. By Fanny Britt. Illus. by Isabelle Arsenault. Tr. by Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou. Groundwood (9781554988594).
In this poignant graphic novel, Louis struggles to make sense of his father’s alcoholism and parents’ separation while secretly pining for a beautiful girl at school.
Sidetracked. By Diana Harmon Asher. Abrams/Amulet (9781419726019).
Despite learning disabilities, Joseph joins his school’s track team and discovers the value of achieving a personal best, both on and off the cross-country course.
Silent Days, Silent Dreams. By Allen Say. Illus. by the author. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine (9780545927611).
The fictionalized biography of self-taught artist James Castle, who grew up deaf, mute, and autistic, and used art to express himself, is as beautiful as it is affecting.
Need more help? Help kids get back on track with summer reading programs in Nationwide
Research has shown that children who continue to read during summer vacation perform better in the fall when school resumes, and that even reading for simple summer enjoyment helps children with literacy skills, while helping prevent learning losses. “Reading even five books is enough to prevent a decline in reading achievement scores over the summer,” says Lynette M. Fraga, Ph.D.
Back to Basics Learning Dynamics can help your child learn to love reading this summer, with summer reading enrichment camps and programs for all ages:
Read to Succeed! Maintenance & Enrichment (K-1st, 2nd – 3rd, 4th-5th)
In this 5 week small group reading skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s phonemic awareness and word attack skills. Students will work independently and within the small group to improve comprehension and fluency through a variety of text and online materials.
$299 with $20 materials fee for 15 hours of instruction
5 week program runs July 9 through August 10
- Grades K-1 Tues/Thurs 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Grades 2-3 Tues/Thurs 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Grades 4-5 Tues/Thurs 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Read to Succeed! Maintenance & Enrichment (6th – 8th)
In this 5 week small group reading skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s knowledge of literary terms, comprehension, and fluency through a variety of text and online materials. Students will also delve into more specific reading and studying strategies for textbook and other non-fiction pieces of literature
$299 with $20 materials fee for 15 hours of instruction
5 week program runs July 9 through August 10
- Grades 6 -7 Tues/Thurs 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Grades 6-7 Mon/Wed 12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Reading Reinforcement and Enrichment (9th – 12th)
Our experienced instructors will work 1-on-1 with your student to read, comprehend, retain and
apply summer reading material. These sessions will provide students with the knowledge and confidence to complete any required reading-related assignments, such as reports, projects and tests. Available at your home, day camp, or in our Newark or Wilmington locations.
Educational Summer Programs and a whole lot more! About Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. in Wilmington, Nationwide
Back to Basics offers 1-on-1 tutoring in 60+ subjects, professional development, translating and interpreting in 21 languages, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavior specialists, reading specialists, paras, ELL services, homebound services, RTI support, psycho-educational testing and test prep. Plus, Back to Basics Private School is Nationwide’s only Department of Education approved 1-on-1 Private School for K-12. We also offer summer school and educational summer camps, original credit and credit recovery, along with unique enrichment options such as music, art and photography. And, Summer Planning starts NOW! Learn about more educational summer camps, summer school, original credit and enrichment options in Nationwide.
