FAmily leArning

Summer Reading With the Family: Books Everyone Can Enjoy

By DElIa alBERt

The summer season gives parents three months to enjoy quality time with their children by going to the beach, barbecuing and lounging by the pool – but what about those days when Florida’s heat is too much? The whole family can enjoy each other’s company by curling up with a great book! There are plenty of summer reads everyone in the family can enjoy.

Suzanne Richardson, library specialist at the Newberry branch of the Alachua County Library, recommended these book series: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Magic Tree House,” “Junie B. Jones” and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” She said these books all have great characters for children.

“There are also different things in the stories that remind adults of when they were a kid,” Richardson added.

Jan Fronk, owner of Book Gallery West on Northwest 16th Boulevard, said it’s hard to find something the whole family can enjoy. She recommended books about animals and coming-of-age stories. Staying away from bestseller’s lists can lead to interesting reads, she noted.

Fronk suggested “Unlikely Loves” by Jennifer S. Holland, a book about unique friendships between animals. She said these true stories are loved by people of all ages.

“I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats,” by Francesco Marciuliano, is also a great read for all generations. She bought the book for her daughter as a Christmas gift and they laughed all day, she said. “Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book,” is another quick and funny book for the entire family.

For adolescents, Fronk recommended “The First Phone Call From Heaven,” by Mitch Albom, and “Heaven is For Real,” by Todd

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Written by Jeff Kinney, the series outlines the struggles of growing up before you’re ready. In the first book the protagonist, Greg Heffley, is entering middle school where he finds himself up against bigger and meaner kids. Readers follow the story through Greg’s diary entries.

Magic Tree House

“Magic Tree House” is a series that was first created in 1992 by Mary Pope Osborne. Readers follow brother and sister, Jack and

Annie, on their journeys to different places around the world. Their magic tree house makes these trips possible, but Jack and Annie must rely on books, riddles and codes to solve problems. Burpo. Both stories are about questioning the afterlife and having hope for the future, themes that can be enjoyed by both parents and teens. Whatever you choose for your family’s reading time can enrich your summer

Junie B. Jones

The “Junie B. Jones” series is a quirky take on the world from a 6-year-old’s perspective. Whether it’s riding the bus for the first time or finding a valentine, Junie B. Jones explores it all. Written by Barbara Park, the series is comprised of more than 40 books.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Rick Riordan has created five books that chronicle the quest of Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old who encounters many mythological enemies. In the first book, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” Percy must travel across the United States to

track down Zeus’ lightning bolt. and expand your children’s views on books. Richardson believes that bringing the family together to read puts a positive spin on reading.

“The younger you start with the family the better,” Richardson said. 

✽ Visit us online at gigglemag.com for a free printable to track your summer reading!

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