Summer is the perfect time for young readers to explore new worlds and go on adventures through the pages of a book. At Common Ground, we encourage children to continue reading over the summer months, and to help, we’ve compiled a diverse and engaging summer reading list. This list is tailored for various age groups, from preschoolers to sixth graders, ensuring there’s something for every young reader.

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

1. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle: A classic that teaches about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly.

2. "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak: A beautifully illustrated story that celebrates imagination and the comforts of home.

3. "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault: A lively alphabet rhyme that introduces young readers to the alphabet in a fun and rhythmic way.

4. "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: A repetitive pattern book that explores colors and animals, perfect for early readers.

5. "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown: A gentle bedtime story that bids goodnight to the familiar things in the little rabbit's room.

Kindergarten and First Graders (Ages 5-7)

1. "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt: A hilarious story of crayons going on strike, teaching about colors and emotions.

2. "Frog and Toad Are Friends" by Arnold Lobel: A book with five simple, short stories, highlighting the adventures and friendship of Frog and Toad.

3. "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss: A whimsical and rhyming book that encourages children to try new things.

4. "Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans: A charming tale of a brave little girl's adventures in Paris.

5. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter: The mischievous and disobedient young Peter Rabbit's adventures in Mr. McGregor's garden.

Second and Third Graders (Ages 7-9)

1. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White: A touching story of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte.

2. "The Magic Tree House series" by Mary Pope Osborne: An adventure series that introduces history and science through time-traveling adventures.

3. "The Boxcar Children" by Gertrude Chandler Warner: A story of four orphaned siblings who create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar.

4. "Judy Moody" by Megan McDonald: Follows the humorous adventures of a third grader with a changing mood.

5. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney: A graphic novel that captures the challenges of middle school through the eyes of a young boy.

Fourth through Sixth Graders (Ages 9-12)

1. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling: The first book in the iconic series, introducing a magical world of wizards and adventure.

2. "Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan: A fantasy-adventure novel based on Greek mythology.

3. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis: A classic tale of four children's adventures in a magical land.

4. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White: A profound story of friendship, loss, and life's natural cycles.

5. "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle: A science fiction story that blends fantasy, philosophy, and science.

We hope this summer reading list inspires your children to explore new stories and develop a lifelong love of reading. Don't forget to check with your local library for summer reading programs and events!

Happy reading from everyone at Common Ground!

For more educational resources and fun learning ideas, stay tuned to our Common Ground Child Care Blog. Enjoy your summer, filled with adventures both on and off the page!