Top 10: Summer Reading List that Feeds a Kid's Adventurous Spirit

Kiddo is an 11-year old boy who has an adventurous spirit and a huge imagination to go right along with it. We've had great luck in choosing books that have really hit the mark with him and I wanted to share a bit of that list with you. Reading for pleasure is an important gift that needs to be passed down from generation to generation.

1. I'm going to start with the most awesome book series on THE.PLAN.ET!!!! This will keep your adventurer busy for the whole summer. Warning: as fantastic as Brandon Mull is as author of this amazing series, he falls short on his other book series, Beyonders. Honestly, we couldn't even get through it. I can't even believe it's the same author. But, Fablehaven, I can stand behind 100%

The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull

2. Legend is a classic story of the haves versus the have-nots but set in what used to be the Western United States. It's got a great twist that just stuns the young reader! This book is being made into a series, as well.

Legend by Marie Lu

Wonder

3. Wonder, written by R.J. Palacio, is a beautifully written story of a 5th grader who lives with a severe facial deformity. The story takes viewpoints from several people in his life and we learn how these people find within them compassion, empathy, and acceptance. How perfect are these lessons at this age when fitting in, no matter who you are or what you look like, matters most (in their minds)?

4. This next book is as great as the title: Ida B:...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World. Author, Katherine Hannigan, has a flair for words in this touching story of hardship, growth, and determination. You'll fall in love with Ida B and her shenanigans. Rest assured, this is not an Anne of Green Gables girly book. Ida B has a spunk any adventurous boy could appreciate!

Ida B

5. Kiddo read Hatchet in school during 4th grade and loved it so much, he insisted we read it together as a family one rainy summer afternoon last year. WOW! This tale has you gripping your seat there's so much action. The author really has a way of having you hang on to every word, wondering what will happen next. It's a nice, quick read.

Hatchet

The Goats

 6. This next book is NOT for the faint of heart. The Goats, by Brock Cole, offers quite an adventure between a boy and a girl camper that begins in a very mean, bullying way. Their adventure remains at a steady-pace and some of the subject matter is mature in an adolescent sort of way (Think, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume). It's an old classic, but a must-read for any young literary scholar.



7. Another book about a futuristic, fantasy city. Mortal Engines is first in the series of books named Predator Cities. I can't claim to know about this one because only Kiddo read it. But, he seemed to enjoy it and read it quite willingly, without being told. Always a good sign!

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

8. I remember reading the book, The Outsiders, during my middle school years. I guess kids are more mature these days because Kiddo, a former 5th grader, read it this past year. Actually, to be truthful, the teacher read it to the class aloud, so I'm not sure if he skipped a few words? Regardless, the boys seem to especially enjoy this book and Kiddo is no exception.

The Outsiders

9. My kid LOVES graphic novels!!! The best series Kiddo can recommend is one known as Amulet. We own every single one they've produced so far and we can't wait to lay our money down for the next one. Kiddo goes through them fast, too fast, but, I'm not complaining.

Amulet: Graphic Novel Series

10. I know it's not for everyone, but I couldn't put a list together of Kiddo's favorite adventure books and not include The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. It had to be done! You know your kid best to know if they would be ready for a Tolkien story (the writing is pretty advanced). The best suggestion I could give is to read it together, as a family, throughout the summer. Good times!

The Trilogy: Lord of the Rings

The Hobbit

Stop by this Thursday and take a gander at what will be sitting on my nightstand this summer!