By: Liz Merrill, LCSW-C, LICSW
With COVID-19 raining on everyone’s parade this summer, 2020 is bound to become the summer of reading. Below are links to online book lists for kids of all ages, reading, and grade levels, as well as links to popular summer reading lists for adults. Happy reading!
KIDS:
There are tons of summer reading lists out there for kids, so I’ve compiled a few of those resources below as a start:
The library is an obvious resource hub for books to keep idle brains occupied while stuck at home. Each library system offers their own unique resources, so see what two of our local library systems have to offer below:
Montgomery County Library
MCPL offers a virtual Read and Learn Program that provides reading lists for all ages, grades, and reading levels, as well as book talks, game boards, a virtual escape room, and opportunities to earn badges, prizes and raffles. Click here to check out their website.
PG County Library
PGMLS offers a similar virtual program called Imagine Your Story. Click here to register and to get the full information
PGMLS has also teamed up with DC United to provide the community with free access to bilingual workout videos, virtual question and answer sessions with DC United players, as well as bimonthly (bilingual) virtual story time, called #SavewithStories for kids ages 2-8. As part of this program the library features various fiction books about soccer, and biographies about famous soccer players to inspire soccer fanatics to pick up a book and read about their idles. Here is where you can find out more.
Scholastic Book Lists
This well-known educational reading resource has an endless list of books categorized by age / grade / reading level, as well as by topic and genre. Click here to find out more.
Here are some examples of the sub-categories offered on their site:
· Top 20 Books from 2019 (grades pre-K – 12)
· High Interest Books for Reluctant Readers (grades pre-K – 12)
· 17 Best Read-Aloud Books (grades 4 – 5)
· 41 Best Read-Aloud Books (grades pre-K – 3)
· Diverse and Inclusive Books to Inspire Young Adult Readers (grades 7 – 12)
· Celebrate Pride with these 21 LGBTQ+ Books (grades 3 – 12)
· Our Favorite Courageous Women Biographies (grades K – 12)
· 27 Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage (grades pre-K – 9)
ADULTS:
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget to include reading resources for adults in need of a proper book get-away. Here are some links to popular publications that are known for their solid summer reading recommendations:
The Washington Post’s Summer Reading List 2020
Oprah Magazine’s Best Beach Reads 2020
Oprah Magazine’s Best Books by Black Authors
Literary Hub’s Ultimate Summer 2020 Reading List
