The Power of Summer Reading for Kids  (source: oxfordlearning.com)

Summer reading is not just a nice-to-have activity for kids; it’s essential for bridging the gap between school years. When kids engage in regular reading over the summer, they retain and build upon what they’ve learned during the school year, ensuring they start the next grade level on a strong footing.

How you can encourage summer reading:

  • Visit your local library: Regular library trips can provide children access to a wide range of books and reading materials.  (You can visit the CCA Library in the summer too! Call ahead to make sure someone is available.)
  • Set a routine: Incorporating reading into the daily routine can help make it a habit.
  • Limit screen time: Reducing time spent on electronic devices can make more time for reading.
  • Join reading programs: Many libraries and community centers offer summer reading programs that make reading fun and engaging.

Help with finding good age appropriate books

Summer has just started and maybe you’re already struggling to find good book titles for your kids. Our friends at Mud Hen Mama (CCA Book Fair) recommended this website that allows you to screen books first, before your children start reading them. There are so many inappropriate and just plain wrong ideas being pushed on our kids at the youngest of ages. Take a look at their summer reading recommendations and look up other books for safe content.

2025 Summer Reading List  (source: screenitfirst.com)

Recommended by the passionate screeners of Screen It First, these summer reads are chosen for their heart, adventure, and the conversations they spark—complete with the flagged passages you can preview for potentially sensitive content. Take a moment to review the snapshots and trust your own judgment on what’s best.

You’ll find books for every reading level: picture books, early chapter books, middle elementary, and young adult.

You may also want to sign up for their newsletter to receive monthly updates from screenitfirst.com with tips and a summary of book screening activity from their community.