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Even though the kids might be cheering because their notebooks and pencils can be put away for a few months, the summer slump is a real concern for some parents. But, according to one of our favourite bookworms Vikki VanSickle, it doesn’t have to be! She sat down with us at Your Morning and brought us some suggestions to keep the literary fires burning for all ages, even if school is out.
Check out the gallery below for some of the hottest page-turners that keeps the kids learning (and having some fun at the same time.)
These books will help everyone skip the summer reading slump
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Picture books
For ages 3-7!['The not-so great outdoors' by Madeline Kloepper]()
'The not-so great outdoors' by Madeline Kloepper
A great introduction to camping and the outdoors, from the perspective of a kid who is not-quite-so-sure about it. This book would be a great read ahead of your first outdoor adventure, or something to read together around a campfire.
BUY IT: Amazon | $22Tundra Books, 2019!['Count on me' by Miguel Tanco]()
'Count on me' by Miguel Tanco
This book is about a kid with a unique passion -math! The narrator takes us through the world and points out real-world examples of math- the shapes in the playground, fractals evident in the natural world, or the trajectories of a paper airplane. It's a gentle and unique way to introduce or reinforce math concepts, even outside of the classroom
BUY IT: Amazon | $22 Tundra Books, 2019!['Get me out of this book' by by Deborah Cholette and Kalli Dakos]()
'Get me out of this book' by by Deborah Cholette and Kalli Dakos
A very funny metanarrative about a bookmark who is caught in a scary book, this one gives kids coping mechanisms for scary situations, and introduces mindfulness in a funny way.
BUY IT: Amazon | $21Holiday House, 2019![Chapter books]()
Chapter books
For ages 8-12!['Weird but true Canada' by National Geographic]()
'Weird but true Canada' by National Geographic
National Geographic is the gold standard in non-fiction, and they have dug up the weirdest, most kid-friendly facts about Canada in this latest collection. Some kids prefer to read in short, digestible bits and non-fiction is perfect for that! This is a fun book to have on hand in the car or camping to stump your family members.
BUY IT: Amazon | $11 National Geographic, 2018!['Shout out for the Fitzgerald trouts' by Esta Spalding]()
'Shout out for the Fitzgerald trouts' by Esta Spalding
This series has a classic, Roald Dahl feel to it, starring terrible adults and highly capable children on the hunt for a new house. With its whimsical, tropical setting - plus a bonus giraffe - it is summer reading perfection, and would make an excellent family read aloud for kids of all ages.
BUY IT: Amazon | $18Tundra Books, 2019!['Camp average' by Craig Battle]()
'Camp average' by Craig Battle
What is more summery than camp? Former editor of Owl Magazine and sports journalist Craig Battle brings his sports knowledge and instinct for kid’ humour to this new series, perfect for fans of Canadian favourite Gordon Korman.
BUY IT: Amazon | $19Owl Kids Books, 2019!['Mya's strategy to save the world' by Tanya Lloyd Kyi]()
'Mya's strategy to save the world' by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Mya believes she could save the world if only her parents would let her have a cell phone. This is a funny story about a determined middle school kid who goes about proving her responsibility with hilarious and unintended results. It also features a mixed race family and Mya learning about her Burmese heritage by cooking family recipes with her aunt.
BUY IT: Amazon | $19Puffin Canada, 2019![Teens]()
Teens
For ages 13 and up!['Laura Dean keeps breaking up with me' by Mariko Tamaki]()
'Laura Dean keeps breaking up with me' by Mariko Tamaki
This graphic novel explores toxic relationships and learning how to accept the love you deserve, a lesson all of us need to learn. In Mariko’s hands the story is sensitive and relatable.
BUY IT: Amazon | $23Groundwood Books, 2019!['The candle and the flame' by Nafiza Azad]()
'The candle and the flame' by Nafiza Azad
Summer is a great time to get swept up in a juicy fantasy- this is by a debut Canadian author. Richly detailed, it's about a messenger who lives in a city of humans and Djinn. It combines Islamic mythology and Arabic folklore for a thrilling summer read.
BUY IT: Amazon | $18Scholastic Canada, 2019!['Chicken girl' by Heather Smith]()
'Chicken girl' by Heather Smith
A big part of summer is horrible summer jobs, and Poppy has one of the worst ones, dressing in a chicken outside a chicken wing joint. But this new job introduces her to new people, including a potential love interest. This book is a sensitive portrayal of teens with varied gender identities and preferences.
BUY IT: Amazon | $20Penguin Teen, 2019![Adults]()
Adults
For ages 20 and up!['City of Girls' by Elizabeth Gilbert]()
'City of Girls' by Elizabeth Gilbert
You may know Elizabeth Gilbert from her mega-bestselling Eat Pray Love or her ode to creativity Big Magic, but this incredibly versatile writer can also write extremely compelling fiction. This confessional novel reads like the memoirs of a 1940s New York show girl, full of glitz, glamour, love, betrayal and hot NYC nights.
BUY IT: Amazon | $23Riverhead Books, 2019
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