Kids share their favorite books: Winter break edition
Posted on December 22, 2020 at 6:00 am
By Rachel Edmondson
When I was in school, one of my favorite things about winter break was that I didn’t have to read books assigned for class because that meant I had time to read books I picked myself!
Studies have shown that kids are more motivated to read when they are allowed to pick their own reading material. That said, sometimes it can be hard for kids to choose something on their own. The next best thing to picking their own books is reading something recommended by other kids.
I’ve shared a couple of these kids’ book recommendations posts (here and here), and my own kids have really enjoyed reading reviews written by kids their own age. Also, they’ve both found a new favorite book after reading those kid-picked books.
I hope this newest list inspires your kids to pick up a book this winter break!
The One and Only Ivan, by K. A. Applegate
Knox, age 6, says:
“This book is the story of a gorilla who lives in a mall. He has a friend named Stella, who is an elephant. This story will make you think about times you don’t want to do something, but you need to because it’s the right thing to do. I hope you enjoy it!”
Dory Fantasmagory, by Abby Hanlon
Ella, age 7, says:
“It is about a girl named Dory, but her friends and family call her Rascal because of what she is: a rascal who has an imaginary friend that sleeps under her bed. Then there is Dory’s best friend from school who has a very big imagination like Dory and who is also very funny.”
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, by Jeff Kinney
Joel, age 8, says:
“I love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books because they are great. Every book is funny, and I really like the hilarious pictures. This is a really fun series to read.”
Ways to Make Sunshine, by Renée Watson
Anna, age 8, says:
“I like Ways to Make Sunshine because it’s about a girl, who is close to my age, and her life. It’s about how she moves houses and then she finds out she’s going to have a little sister. Earlier in the book, she is in a school talent show.”
Tuesdays at the Castle and the series, by Jessica Day George
Ali, age 10, says:
“This book is about a magical castle where a new room appears every Tuesday. The main character, Princess Celie, explores the castle, makes a map of it, and has adventures to save the kingdom.”
From the Desk of Zoe Washington, by Janae Marks
Lydia, age 11, says:
“I like this book because the story is so touching and the author makes you feel like you are there with the characters. Zoe gets to know her dad through letters at the same time that she balances an internship at a local bakery and fixes a fight between her and a friend. It is a well-balanced novel that tells the tale of an amazing kid.”
Fablehaven series, by Brandon Mull
James, age 12, says:
“I think the entire Fablehaven series is a fantastic series. Fablehaven is an incredible fantasy series full of action, adventure, and humor. If you like fantasy, you will love these books.”
Book Scavenger, by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Caleb, age 12, says:
“This is an amazing book about a girl whose family moves to San Francisco, where she discovers a scavenger hunt hidden in books around the city. But she’s not the only one searching for the prize at the end of the game.”
Tags: books, children's books, kids, kids books, parents, reading, recommendations, stories, suggestions
