Read Aloud America

[GET MORE BOOK LISTS] Looking for more recommendations to add to your summer reading list? Explore our archives of our annual Reading Lists! They're free, they're packed with great books, and they're available any time you're searching for something wonderful to read next!

Find our Reading Lists Here: https://readaloudamerica.org/how-to-encourage-kids-to-read-resources/

☀️ If reading has felt like a struggle, Read Aloud America's Summer Reading Program will change everything!

Story Lab transforms books into something kids actually look forward to.

It connects reading to fun, movement, and real-life experiences so it sticks naturally.

And right now, when you download your free copy, you can enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card to Barnes and Noble! How about that - FREE BOOKS!

Ready to get started?

Download your FREE summer reading program now and turn a a new page!
https://readaloudamerica.org/summer-reading-program/

💭 One question we hear from parents all the time is, "how do I get my kids to love reading and stick to it?"

It's a common challenge: how to build a reading habit that actually lasts?

The simple answer is, pair reading aloud with real life, fun! Here's what we mean:

Every day, set aside time to read aloud to your kids from a book that they have chosen. Then, engage them in an activity that connects to the story in someway. That might mean cooking a recipe that was mentioned in the story, going on a scavenger hunt in the park to find plants and animals similar to the pictures in a story, or even visiting a local landmark that was pictured in the story.

When you connect books to real life fun - fun that is spent with YOU! - kids will connect more deeply to the books, and they'll be more interested in reading voluntarily.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, just intentional.

To get started try one of these books, each of which inspires easy ways to take ideas from the story and bring them to life!

Toddlers-PreK (Go on a color scavenger hunt in the park)
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Eric Carle

Kindergarten-1st Grade (Make your own pancakes)
Mama Panya's Pancakes, by Mary Chamberlin

2nd Grade-3rd (Make your own Chinese Lantern):
Lin Yi's Lantern, by Brenda Williams

Grade 4th Grade-5th Grade (Create your own backyard shelter, or camp in your backyard)
Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen

Middle School (Find constellations and explore the night sky)
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle

📚 [BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS] Summertime begs us to come outside, relax in the sunshine, feel the breeze against our skin, and listen to the sounds of nature. It's also the perfect time to relax with a good book.

This summer, take your kid outside and climb into your hammock with one of these excellent read aloud. (If you don't have a hammock, a porch swing, a patio, rocking chair, or just a blanket in the grass will do!)

Studies show that reading out loud while you are outside:
☀️ Improves mental wellness.
☀️ Boosts feelings of happiness.
☀️ Calms nerves.
☀️ Strengthens emotional bonds.
☀️ Stimulates cognitive development.

Don't wait! Take advantage of the sunny weather in the warm temperatures and head outside with your favorite story!

When you're searching for hands-on book-based STEM fun - look no further than Read Aloud America's 2026 Summer Reading Program!

Enter:
Story Lab: Where Books Bring Curiosity to Life

This is our FREE, family-friendly summer reading program that helps your whole family:
⭐️ Build a daily reading routine
⭐️ Turn stories into hands-on STEM activities
⭐️ Create meaningful family moments

No complicated prep. Just open, read, and explore together.

🎉 Plus, there's a BONUS! When you download your free summer reading program, you'll get all the details to enter to win a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card by sharing your reading photos this summer!

Download it free now:
https://readaloudamerica.org/summer-reading-program/