Share My Lesson's PreK-12 Guide to Summer Reading Lists for 2018

Not all of us are lucky enough to fall in love with reading at an early age or to sustain that love through adolescence. But nearly all of us late-blooming, avid readers can pinpoint a specific book that gave us the joy to keep coming back for more.

For me, it happened during my junior year of high school. All of my friends were busy making plans for college majors, and I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. And then my librarian gave me a copy of Are You Out There, God? Not to be confused with the Judy Blume novel, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Are You Out There, God? is a tiny nonfiction book written by Mary Rose McGeady, a nun who ran Covenant House in the Bronx during the drug- and crime-infested decades of the ’80s and ’90s.

I was riveted. The book not only sparked a love of reading to expand my worldview. It also set the course for my life’s purpose of promoting justice, empowerment and well-being through education.

How many children and teens could have similar experiences this summer? Our annual curation of recommended collections of books should help you in this effort.

First, a word of advice from an incredible librarian, Sylvie Shaffer:

“Ideally, each school will select summer reading that speaks to their school community. Therefore, while some blanket recommendations are a good place to start, I like to talk with teachers and look at the curriculum to determine what would be a valuable and enjoyable set of books for each grade. 

“Student interests and local connections are important, and we should think about what purpose the reading serves. Will it help to preview and scaffold themes or content the kids will encounter the next school year? Keep them thinking through the summer to reinforce and provide some metacognition opportunities from the prior school year? Encourage them to read for pleasure … a well curated summer reading list can do all that and more!”

Association for Library Service to Children

Find recommended lists for all age levels in the Association for Library Service to Children 2018 Summer Reading Lists.  

The ALSC also has a huge list of books by topic such as STEAM, immigration, kindness and peace.

Doing Good Together

Find picture books, chapter books, parent resources, websites and videos for lots of different topics such as arts and culture, animals, and human rights.

Diverse Books

If you are looking for an amazing list of books on multiculturalism and specific groups, be sure to check out this list.

Colorín Colorado

Find bilingual videos and booklists for English language learners.

ADL

Promote awareness, tolerance and acceptance through this expansive list of books on gender, race, religion and other identities.