Web Exclusive

10 summertime books for kids

Looking for more fuel to keep those young brains from turning slushier than a half-melted popsicle? We went to the Marquette experts at the College of Education's Hartman Literacy and Learning Center to get reading recommendations for young kids and middle schoolers.

Dr. Doris Walker-Dalhouse, an associate professor who teaches a class on elementary-level reading and who sits on the board of the U.S. Board on Books for Young People, recommends these books for younger kids:

Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp. "This is a fun story about a dog, Biff, who wants to be a ballerina. Young readers will enjoy the story and pictures as the story unfolds and Biff's dream is realized."

The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson. "This is a book for young readers. It has a lot of rhyme and repetition in it. The story and illustrations are delightful."

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian. "This is a book for children ages 4-8 and deals with the daily life of a goldfish alone in his fish bowl. A series of different characters invade his bowl and after he is put in a fishbowl alone he questions life alone in a fishbowl."

Interrupting Chicken by David Stein. "This book just won the Caldecott Award for outstanding illustrations in children's books. It is about a chicken who constantly interrupts his bedtime stories to avoid having to go to sleep."

Grandma's Gifts by Eric Velasquez: "The beautiful illustrations in the story vividly depict the nurturing relationship that Velasquez had as a child with his Puerto Rican grandmother and the many things that he learned about his culture through their interactions. Grandma’s Gift focuses on an experience that Velasquez shared with his grandmother in which she took him to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While there they see a portrait of Juan de Pareja, painted by Diego Velazquez, a famous Puerto Rican artist. Grandma recognized the person in the portrait as someone from her neighborhood. Eric was surprised by his grandmother’s reaction and fascinated by the portrait. He credits his grandmother’s surprise Christmas gift of art supplies and the trip to the museum as influencing his decision to become an illustrator." 

Dr. Karen Evans, an associate adjunct professor who teaches a class on upper-elementary/middle school literacy methods, recommends the following for readers in grades 5-9. "They're enjoyable to read but still have thoughtful messages and themes for the reader to consider," Evans says.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. "Wonderful coming-of-age story as a young girl goes from a life of privilege in Mexico to life as an illegal migrant worker in the United States."  

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos. "In typical Gantos fashion, issues such as divorce and ADHD medication are tackled with a large dose of humor."  

Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell. "I love this book because it is a powerful reminder of the impact a teacher can have on a young person's life."

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson. "I love all of Paterson's books but this is one that my daughter and I read together over a year ago, and she still talks about it. Gilly is a foster child whose search for her birth mother leads to an unexpected ending."  

Crackback by John Coy. "If you're a football lover, this book might get you through until pre-season begins. The book addresses a high school football player trying to meet everyone's expectations and the pressure he faces to succeed at all costs. There's also great football action throughout!"

Looking to add to your own reading list? Check out the favorite books of some other Marquetters:

• Rev. John Naus, S.J

• Dr. Phillip Naylor

• Dr. Kris Ratcliffe

• Terri Mitchell