Summer Vacation Reads

Summer is upon us, and what is there to do? Maple Grove public schools encourage a period of reading every school day, and it’s a great habit to continue throughout the non-school months. Dawn Nelson, library media specialist at Oak View Elementary, suggests the following books for each grade level as a kick-start to a summer of great reads.

Kindergarten
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev — A delightful story about children, pets and friends. When a boy and his tiny elephant are turned away from the Pet Club, they stick together and learn that there are new friends. They just need to be found.

1st grade
Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat — This book is a great choice before the family road trip. Imagination and adventure go together to leave everyone smiling when they arrive. 

2nd grade
The Night Gardener (picture book) by The Fan Brothers (Terry and Eric Fan) — Beautiful illustrations pull the reader through a story showing how a few small things can change a community.

3rd grade
The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths — There’s always an adventure to be found if you live in a 13-story treehouse. You might see flying cats, giant gorillas or a mermaid. Laugh with Andy and Terry as they go from one adventure to another in this first book of a series. 

4th grade
Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog’s Big Journey by Dion Leonard — The story starts with a harsh ultramarathon in the Gobi Desert in China. On the second day of the race, a stray dog begins to run alongside the author and stays with him to the finish line. Leonard decides to bring the dog home but before they leave, Gobi is lost. It’s a story of hope and perseverance. There is also a picture book and an adult version available, and a movie is in development. 

5th grade
Magyk by Angie Sage (Septimus Heap series) — The first book in this fantasy series, it has mystery, action and humor. Septimus is a wizard apprentice, who is unexpectedly, and at times unwillingly, given the task of protecting Jenna, whose true identity the reader discovers throughout the book. There is plenty of magic to go around, and readers will look for the next in the series when the cover on this one is closed.

The Maple Grove library is an endless source for summer reading ideas.