{"id":97751,"date":"2025-06-03T11:00:55","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T15:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/?p=97751"},"modified":"2025-06-08T10:21:50","modified_gmt":"2025-06-08T14:21:50","slug":"summer-reading-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/summer-reading-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Summer Reading Challenges to Hook Kids on Books"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>For many kids, summer means trading in reading logs and library visits for screen time and &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/summer-slide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"summer slide (opens in a new tab)\">summer slide<\/a>.&#8221; But summer can also be a great time to catch up on all the awesome books you\u00a0might have missed during the school year. To encourage kids to keep reading over the school break, we&#8217;ve come up with a few ways to introduce some friendly competition into the mix.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>These &#8220;challenges&#8221; will not only provide you with some fantastic reads for kids of all ages, interests, and reading levels, they&#8217;ll offer you tons to talk about together, from faraway cultures to scientific facts to the importance of tolerance and friendship. Whatever your family&#8217;s reading style, there&#8217;s something here that will help your kid feel inspired and motivated to read all the way up to the start of the school year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Challenge 1: Read the book(s) before you see the movie.<\/strong><br \/>This past several years have been big for film adaptations of books, but most people agree: It&#8217;s better to read the book first.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Discover a plethora of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/movies-based-on-books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">book-based movies<\/a>\u2014including classic read-aloud faves such as <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43x7GAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Paddington<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Ziddc3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Stuart Little<\/em><\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4jCHFoF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Wizard of Oz<\/em><\/a>\u2014and challenge yourself to read them before creating a movie night celebration.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Challenge 2: Find a new favorite.<\/strong><br \/>Give your cherished copies of your all-time faves a summer vacation, too, and try these similar picks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If you love\u00a0<em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3SH1obB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Harry Potter<\/a><\/em>, you&#8217;ll love these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/10-magical-reads-for-kids-who-love-harry-potter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">magical fantasies<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>If you swoon over realistic fiction like John Green&#8217;s\u00a0<em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kVv1BV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Fault in Our Stars<\/a><\/em>, grab the Kleenex and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-like-the-fault-in-our-stars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">try these<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>If you can&#8217;t get enough <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4mT2Aq2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Katniss Everdeen<\/a>, these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-like-the-hunger-games\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Hunger Games<\/em>-like reads<\/a>\u00a0feed the need.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Challenge 3: Read around the world.<\/strong><br \/>&#8220;Travel&#8221; to faraway places and learn about new cultures with these diverse picks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Get bit by the travel bug with these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/great-books-for-summer-travel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">books about planes, trains, and automobiles<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Take a trip to Chile, Mexico, Cuba, and more with these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/latinx-books-for-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">books about Latinx culture<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>From there, hop over to India, China, Vietnam, and all across Asia\u00a0with these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/aapi-books-for-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">books about Asians and Asian Americans<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Don&#8217;t forget Afghanistan, Nepal, Ireland, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/multicultural-books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">so many other cultures worldwide<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Then learn about the many paths to the United States with these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-to-help-kids-understand-the-immigrant-experience\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">incredible\u00a0immigrant experiences<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Challenge 4: Find your inner &#8220;upstander.&#8221;<\/strong><br \/>Help kids inoculate themselves against bullying by practicing empathy and acceptance of differences.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Learn how to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-about-bullying\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">identify bullies in real life<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Help kids build\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-that-build-self-esteem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">their self-esteem<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Put yourself\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-that-teach-empathy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">in other people&#8217;s shoes<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Learn to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-that-promote-tolerance-and-diversity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">appreciate people&#8217;s differences<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Challenge 5: Get technical.<\/strong><br \/>Techie kids and STEM lovers can get in on the action with these books (and apps, too).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If you prefer multiplication and microscopes to spelling and grammar, these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/books-for-kids-who-love-math-and-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">math and science books<\/a>\u00a0will spark your curiosity (and maybe\u00a0<em>slightly<\/em>\u00a0more appreciation for books).\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Story lovers who\u00a0want a lightweight alternative when they&#8217;re on the go can download\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/best-book-apps-for-kids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">these book apps<\/a>, which are perfect in your pocket.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>If you want to like reading but need to boost your skills a bit first, start with these\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/reading-apps-games-and-websites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">fun games and reading resources<\/a>\u00a0to work on everything from letters to phonics to fluency.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Challenge 6: Crown the best of the best.<\/strong><br \/>All these picks have been honored by major literary awards, but which are really the best?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>When you&#8217;re choosing between\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43RDMGi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Crossover<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/446n7Ae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Calpurnia\u00a0Tate<\/em><\/a>, it won&#8217;t be easy to decide\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/newbery-medal-and-honor-books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">which of these books is the best work of children&#8217;s literature<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>The stunning pictures take center stage here, but it&#8217;s up to you to pick\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/caldecott-medal-and-honor-books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">which of these picture\u00a0books has the best art<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/best-black-history-books-for-kids-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">All of these books<\/a> are by renowned African American authors and illustrators.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/coretta-scott-king-book-award-winners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Can you choose your favorite<\/a>?\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>What about for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/native-american-childrens-books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these books by Indigenous and Native American authors<\/a>?<\/li>\r\n<li>Challenge yourself to decide\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/award-winning-books-for-teens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">which of these is the best book for teens<\/a>, a difficult task when the options include\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kyOicQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Hate U Give<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4jB34hP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Sun Is Also a Star<\/em><\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kHPvhO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Eleanor &amp; Park<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>For more recommendations on great books for kids to read this summer (and beyond!), check out our roundups on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/most-beautiful-picture-books-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Most Beautiful Picture Books of 2024<\/a>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/best-black-history-books-for-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>100+ Black History Books For Kids<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/books-with-strong-female-characters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>35+ Books Featuring Bold &amp; Brave Female Characters<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/feminist-books-for-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Great Picture Books For Mini Feminists<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/kids-books-about-gender\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Kids Books That Challenge Gender Norms<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/inclusive-kids-books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Our Favorite Inclusive Kids Books<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/kids-books-about-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Kids Books That Encourage Healthy Eating<\/em><\/a><em>,<\/em><em>\u00a0and a history lesson on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/caldecott-medal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Caldecott Award-winning children&#8217;s books<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><em>This article was originally printed in 2019 and has been updated.<\/em><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many kids, summer means trading in reading logs and library visits for screen time and &#8220;summer slide.&#8221; But summer can also be a great time to catch up on all the awesome books you\u00a0might have missed during the school year. To encourage kids to keep reading over the school break, we&#8217;ve come up with&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":97753,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[77,124,154],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97751"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97751"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":168674,"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97751\/revisions\/168674"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mothermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}