August 9 is National Book Lover’s Day, and while staying active is key to maintaining physical health, feeding the mind and fueling the imagination is important for mental and emotional wellbeing. Studies have found that along with increasing intelligence, reading helps increase memory, makes you more empathetic, reduces stress and can even help you sleep faster and better!
If you are looking for a good book for the readers in your household, the following are some of our favorite summer picks.
Reading to you’re your children before they are able to read to themselves and until they are enthusiastic independent readers, helps them develop their language skills. It’s also a great way to spend parent/child bonding time. Try reading some of the following books to your tyke.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This classic children’s story has beautiful artwork and includes some counting fun. Your kids will love what happens after the caterpillar is all done eating.
All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle
Take your kid on a trip to Cuba. Experience the sights, sounds and people of Havana as you turn each page together. Your child will want to revisit this story over and over again.
Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke
Follow a very curious baby and his mother as they shop in an open-air market in West Africa. This story is written with a cadence designed to hold the attention of young ones and slips in some counting exercises as well.
If your kids are ready to read on their own, pick up a copy of one of the following books.
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Young readers love graphic novels. Keep them glued to the pages as they witness Imogene make her way through the trials and tabulations of middle school.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi
A 2018 Caldecott Honor Book, this story thoughtfully tells the tale of an immigrant boy and his father and of old cultures and new.
These books will keep your teens and tweens off their devices for the rest of summer.
The List by Patricia Forde
If your kid is into Science Fiction, this story is sure to thrill. Set in post-apocalyptic times, extreme censorship is underway as words are outlawed limiting communication.
Quicksand Pond by Janet Taylor
This is a haunting tale of friendship that keeps its readers spellbound with the mystery around murders that took place 80 years in the past.
Grab a glass of wine and one of these reads and enjoy those slow summer nights.
When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger
If you loved The Devil Wears Prada, this sequel won’t disappoint. Find out what happened to Emily after she left Miranda.
The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll
If you like thrillers, you’ll love this read. Five successful women agree to be on a reality television series that ends in murder. As you turn the pages, you will explore many of the modern-day issues facing women including the pressure to stay young and the challenge of rising up the ranks in America.
Some Trick: Thirteen Stories by Helen DeWitt
If you are more of the short story type, this book holds 13 stories infused with wit, humor and a whole lot of surprise.
Be sure to check your local bookstore such as Powell’s Books in the Portland area, The Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, or Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane for these summer reads!