Favorite Summer Reading for Moms and Children

Camping trips are one of my favorite chances to dive deep into reading. On one summer camping weekend I finished four books, two of them I started while I was there! It was so easy to focus on reading without the distraction of devices, and we still had plenty of time to paint, play card games, and skip rocks.

The homeschool year can be busy, so taking the summer to read for fun is such a life giving way to decompress. I hope you find a new favorite here.

 

 

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin- It's a book that was recommended in a Sally Clarkson Instagram conversation and it was sweet and light.

 

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig- I've seen this for a while and finally a neighbor lent it to me. There were a few adult scenarios but the overall message of the book was very hopeful and heartwarming.

 

Joyful Surrender by Elizabeth Elliott- This was a beautiful book about the disciplines of the Christian life and I dog-eared tons of pages for a future book that I'm writing.

 

Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor- This story about learning to live during hard times was beautifully written.

 

 

The Awakening of Miss Primm by Natalie Sanmartin Fenollera -I loved this story of a woman who learns about the culture of a small village. It seemed very Charlotte Mason inspired!

 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen- I learn so much about relationships from her stories!

 

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman- I cried so hard as I thought of the hardship both of these mothers experienced.

 

 

A Papa Like Everyone Else- This was the final read in our Precious People study and I loved learning about the experience that my ancestors might have shared.

 

Swallows and Amazons- This is a great adventure story.

 

The Wingfeather Saga-My son devoured this series.

 

The Green Ember- This was a great audio book as well.

 

The Hobbit- A classic that my teens have all loved.

 

The Book Thief- A favorite book of my youngest daughter.

 

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery- A favorite of all my girls.

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- My son enjoys the funny Roald Dahl stories.

 

Charlotte's Web- This is a lovely story that we include in our Nourishing Nature Kindergarten art and literature supplement.

 

Of course, we have also loved reading The Little House on the Prairie books while studying the Playful Pioneers, and the Chronicles of Narnia while studying the Kind Kingdom. This year we will be using Kind Kingdom Volume 2 and reading a variety of favorite books such as I, Juan de Pareja, Treasures of the Snow, and The Candy Bomber.

 

If you love literature based learning, you will love our resources! Check out a free scope and sequences of our elementary resources by clicking here and our Master Book List here.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are some good summer books for adults?

Some enjoyable summer reads include The Last Bookshop in London, The Midnight Library, Joyful Surrender, Learning to Walk in the Dark, The Awakening of Miss Prim, Pride and Prejudice, and The Light Between Oceans.

What are some good books to read while camping?

Camping can be a wonderful opportunity to slow down and read for pleasure. Adventure stories, classics, historical fiction, and family read-alouds are all great choices for a camping trip.

What are some good chapter books to read aloud as a family?

Family favorites include Swallows and Amazons, The Wingfeather Saga, The Green Ember, The Hobbit, The Book Thief, The Blue Castle, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Charlotte’s Web.

What are the best books for a literature-based homeschool?

Literature-based homeschooling can include classic novels, historical fiction, adventure stories, living books, and rich read-alouds. Books such as Little House on the Prairie, The Chronicles of Narnia, I, Juan de Pareja, Treasures of the Snow, and The Candy Bomber can become part of a broader history or literature study.

What books are good for teens to read?

Teens may enjoy classics and longer chapter books such as The Hobbit, Pride and Prejudice, The Book Thief, The Blue Castle, and Swallows and Amazons. Families can choose books based on the maturity and interests of each child.

What are some good Christian books for summer reading?

Joyful Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot and Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor are two Christian books included in this summer reading collection, offering opportunities to reflect on faith, spiritual life, and navigating difficult seasons.

What are some good books to read aloud with younger children?

Charlotte’s Web is a beloved family read-aloud and is also used in the Nourishing Nature Kindergarten art and literature supplement. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is another engaging choice for children who enjoy humorous stories.

How can I encourage my children to read over the summer?

Give children plenty of opportunities to choose books simply for enjoyment. A camping trip, quiet afternoon, or family read-aloud can create natural opportunities for reading without making it feel like another school assignment.

How can I use summer reading in a literature-based homeschool?

Summer can be a time to read for pleasure rather than focusing on formal assignments. Choose a variety of books, read aloud together, listen to audiobooks, and let children explore stories that interest them.

What books pair well with Peaceful Press homeschool curriculum?

Peaceful Press incorporates literature into its curriculum. Little House on the Prairie books pair with Playful Pioneers, while The Chronicles of Narnia are used with Kind Kingdom. Other recommended titles include I, Juan de Pareja, Treasures of the Snow, and The Candy Bomber.

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