Pick up a chapter book and read it aloud to your child this summer (and all year round). It sounds simple, even old-fashioned — but decades of research back it up as one of the most powerful things adults can do to raise a reader. Studies consistently show that reading aloud to children builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of books that lasts well into adulthood.
What may be surprising is that the benefits don’t stop when kids learn to read on their own. A child’s listening comprehension outpaces their independent reading ability until sometime in middle school, so when you read a complex, story-rich book aloud, you’re feeding their brain ideas and language they simply couldn’t access yet on their own. The longer and richer the book, the better. Oh, yeah, and one more benefit, quality time together.
I got my first library card at age 5 and as an adult, that love of reading has turned into years filling the children and youth shelves at Elliott Bay Book Company. Below are my picks for some great summer read-alouds — and what they offer kids and adults.
“Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales! Troubling Tonsils!”
Written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Before Charlie Marmot’s tonsillectomy, he asks the doctor if he can keep his tonsils and take them to show and tell. But what if Charlie’s tonsils have another idea? It’s quite possible this series is written for grown-ups as the humor is painfully good — think Twilight Zone with fuzzy mammals. A third “Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales” is soon to be released.
“The Unlikely Aventuras of Ramón & El Cucuy”
Written by Donna Barba Higuera and illustrated by Juliana Perdomo, Amulet Books
The only task for a cucuy is to torment children, but when Ramón meets El Cucuy, he’s not at all afraid. Ramón is too worried about the first day of school! The first book in this series by the award-winning author is a lightly spooky tale with a dose of Spanish phrasing that, in the end, is a lovely story of unlikely friendships.
“Growing Home”
Written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Ivy the houseplant and her friend Toasty the goldfish live with the Tuppers, but with the arrival of some unexpected guests and some magical abilities all their lives are upended. The vocabulary in this book is a terrific invitation to explore language, and along with all the endearing characters (perfectly illustrated by the Fans), makes this perfect to share aloud.
“Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom,”
By Jessixa Bagley, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
In this first installment by local graphic novelist Jessixa Bagley, we meet Jazzy and the town full of witches she lives in. Jazzy’s not interested in magic, and while her parents own the town broom shop, Jazzy doesn’t want to fly. There is a ton of fantastically corny humor to enjoy, along with a great story about what it takes to find your own path.
“The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels”
By Beth Lincoln, Putnam/Penguin Young Readers
Shenanigan Swift is aptly named; she’s impetuous and mischievous. Shenanigan plans to use the cover of the Swift family reunion to search for Grand Uncle Vile’s long-lost treasure. That is, until nefarious activities cast a grave shadow on the gathering. The writing is so smart, and the Snicket-esque language is a pure pleasure to read! The first two in the series are available, and a third is slated for September 2026.
“Candace, the Universe, and Everything”
By Sherri L. Smith, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Turning 13 is never easy, no matter what decade, but when Candace is surprised by a strange bird flying from her school locker, she is even more shocked to also discover a notebook from 1988. Candace must bring together three generations of women to solve the mystery of the curious phenomenon that connects them. This book would be ideal for three generations to read, alternating chapters from different eras, building friendships with the women in the book!
“Premeditated Myrtle”
By Elizabeth C. Bunce, Little, Brown for Young Readers
This Victorian-era mystery series is cozy but never stuffy. Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle is smart and sassy, with an interest in science and an aversion to social functions, but is a whiz at solving crimes. Think Nancy Drew with a petticoat and a lot of sass. The suspense is just the right degree of tension, and the banter between Myrtle and her long-suffering governess Miss Judson is positively deft. There are currently five books in the series.
“They Called Us Enemy”
By George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, and illustrated by Harmony Becker, Top Shelf Productions
This graphic memoir by “Star Trek” actor George Takei gives his firsthand account as a small child of being imprisoned along with his family in a concentration camp during World War II. A frequently banned book, this is a tremendous starting point for discussion on a subject that is so often overlooked in this dark and disgraceful period of our history.
