New Books for Growing Readers
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I’m recommending these new books for your 8- to 9-year-olds’ summer reading. The chapter books contain engaging stories and awesome illustrations. All titles are great choices to keep your kids reading daily. See what fits for your child’s interests.For even more fun summer book ideas, visit:
1st Grade Summer Reading List (age 6 – 7)
2nd Grade Summer Reading List (age 7 – 8)
3rd Grade Summer Reading List (age 8 – 9)
Summer Reading: New Books for 8- to 9- Year Olds
Mango and Bambang The Not-a-Pig by Clara Vulliamy FRIENDSHIP
Mango rescues Bambang, an Asian tapir, from a busy street and the two become best friends. Together they find adventures, learn more about each other, and teach people that Bambang Is. Not. A. Pig. Four sweet stories of friendship and fun.
Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere by Elise Gravel FUNNY
If you LOVE kooky books, this book fits the bill. Olga finds the most unusual, unknown creature whom she names “MEH” after the sound it makes. She uses her deductive reasoning to figure out what it is (something new!) and what it likes to eat (olives)! But what will she do when Meh disappears? Things I love about this book: 1) the illustrations — they rock! 2) the narrator’s voice — it’s believable and funny 3) the plot — especially the mean girls who aren’t so mean after all.
100 Things to Be When You Grow Up by National Geographic FUN FACTS
Some kids change their mind every few weeks about what job they want to do when they grow up — but imagine what they would do if they only knew ALL the possible jobs! Because I don’t think even grown-ups know about some of these 100 jobs. This book shares the details about 100 really cool jobs along with gorgeous photographs (of course). And, it’s all presented in a very kid-friendly way. (Of course.) I’m giving this book to both my kids because I think they’ll be excited to learn about these unusual jobs: pet food taster, perfumer, crossword puzzle writer, ice sculptor, and movie trailer editor. Wouldn’t your kids?
King of the Bench No Fear! by Steve Moore FUNNY / SPORTS
You’ll laugh out loud, no joke, at the musings and life of Steve, our narrator. He’s totally hilarious as he shares about life getting on the baseball team but developing a fear of the baseball. His coach (Coach Earwax dubbed thusly because of well, you can imagine) calls everyone babe, a cool girl named Becky tries out and gets on the team, and all Steve’s teammates have the most interesting stories. Fantastically funny illustrations.
Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Unicorn Training (book 2) by Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pearce FANTASY
Even more fun than the first book, Pip must help neurotic Regent Maximus survive the unicorn competition at the Triple Trident, a magical creatures fair and competition. Filled with fun facts about unusual creatures, her good friend, Tomas, and a mysterious unicorn tail chopper-offer, this is a pleasing page-turner.
Detective Gordon A Case in Any Case by Ulf Nilsson, illustrated by Gitte Spee MYSTERY
This story feels cozy, like a warm blanket or a cup of cocoa. Maybe because it’s about a kind-hearted mouse, Police Chief Buffy, and her best friend who is retired from the police, Detective Gordon. Together, they learn big lessons about friendship and wisdom as well as rescue two missing Kindergarten students who had ventured off to build a farm. (This is the third book in the series but can be read independently.)
Upside Down Magic: Showing Off Book #3 by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins FANTASY SERIES
If you’re looking for a series to keep your child excited to read, this is a good choice. Now, with the third book, Showing Off, available you can start with book #1 and read them all. The kids we follow in these stories have wonky magic — magic that makes Nory turn into a combination of animals, not just one or Andres who floats in the air, or Elliott who can’t make fire, only freeze things. Together the kids learn to value who they are and what makes them each special.
–> Download a free activity booklet to accompany Upside Down Magic from the Denver Arts & Venues for their Youth One Book, One Denver initiative.
The Official DC Super Hero Joke Book by Michael Robin, Sarah Parvis, and Noah Smith JOKES
Just in time for this summer’s DC and Marvel movies, comes a joke book to keep kids laughing and reading. And if your kids are like mine, they’ll read them all aloud TO YOU. I apologize in advance. 🙂 But reading is good — and so is groaning, chortling, and giggling! Here’s a Flash joke to give you the gist: Why does The Flash love watching science documentaries? He finds them fast-inating.
Marty Pants #1: Do Not Open! by Mark Parisi FUNNY
Filled with ironic humor, Marty narrates his whole alien experience. Because he’s positive his teacher is not only an alien, but is planning on attacking and destroying the planet. As aliens do. Written in the style of cartoons and text, Marty is a new goofy character that will crack you up.
Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella by Cerrie Burnell, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson FANTASY
Harper lives in the City of Clouds where one day, all the cats disappear including her own! Luckily, today her aunt gifted her with a magical umbrella which helps Harper and her friends, Nate and Liesel, track down the wizard who has stolen the cats. This magical story shows the power of kindness, determination, and creativity — all which culminate in a rather surprising ending. Or at least it was for me. I liked it and loved the illustrations!
Heartwood Hotel: a True Home by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin FRIENDSHIP
Lost in a storm, with no home or destination, Mona the Mouse discovers a beautiful hotel for forest animals. There she works as a maid to earn her room and board. But more than that, she helps solve problems and learns about her family connection to the lovely hotel where she’s invited to stay as long as she wants. This is a sweet, warm-hearted adventure of resiliency and friendship.
Third Grade Mermaid by Peter Raymundo FANTASY
Even mermaids have spelling tests and swim team. Cora must get her spelling grade up or she’s off the team. But that’s not all– an angry shark, a helpful gigantic shrimp, and friendship troubles make this an entertaining undersea adventure.
