Children will be getting out of school this month for Summer and that doesn’t mean learning should stop. I would like to share a addition to our Summer Gift Guide 25: Beat the “Summer Slide” with 8 Books to Keep Young Brains Active.
I was looking through the books I found WWII Battle Trivia for Kids by Brette Sember which would make the perfect Fathers Day Gift for David. my family has grown up on listening to our fathers and grandfathers talk about WW11. Having the book would give us something to share with them.
Please take a moment to remind the families in your life that as Summer approaches, it’s important to keep kids engaged and their minds active. According to recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 67% of eighth graders and 60% of fourth graders demonstrate at least a basic reading level—the lowest rates recorded since 1992.
This Summer, help your child stay on track by encouraging regular reading. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this lineup of exciting books will help your young reader expand their minds, explore new interests, and stay curious through the break. From trivia books to historical fiction, these titles will keep kids learning and entertained until school starts again.
For Dinosaur Lovers:
Jurassic Girl The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter (Dinosaur books for kids 8–12) By Michele C. Hollow September 2024, $14.95
Discover the fascinating life of 12-year-old Mary Anning, a fossil hunter who would grow up to be a famous paleontologist, in this historical fiction book for children interested in learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and women in STEM, like Grace Hopper, Marie Curie, and Jane Goodall.
At age 12, Mary Anning found the skeleton of the first ichthyosaurus, a fish-like creature that lived during the Jurassic Period. It was more than 17 feet long! But according to many of the men in London’s Geological Society, the fossil could not be real due to several reasons:
- Mary was female.
- She was 12 years old.
- She had no formal education.
- She was poor.
But that didn’t stop Mary! This story follows her journey with the Ichthyosaurus and offers a look into the childhood of someone who would eventually become the “Mother of Paleontology.” Featuring friendships, fossils, and found family, Mary Anning’s tale is sure to inspire young readers and scientists alike!
For Your Young Athlete:
Sports Superstars from Black History by Sophia Murphy October 2024, $15.95
Discover how 12 Black athletes overcame seemingly impossible odds and insurmountable challenges to achieve their dreams and make a name for themselves in the fields of football, baseball, basketball, tennis, track and field, and gymnastics—a perfect gift for young sports fans and young athletes!
Kids will immerse themselves in the world of sports as they follow iconic figures, from stars of the past to celebrities of today, through the highs and lows of their careers. Young readers will discover the inspirational stories of 12 people—some that they might know and love, and some that they may have never heard of before—all winners in their own right. But this book goes beyond touchdowns and home runs. Each of these figures has overcome many struggles, and kids will learn valuable life lessons from this book’s deeper themes of leadership, perseverance, tenacity, and triumphing over adversity. Featuring stories about:
Allyson Felix and Alice Coachman
Serena Williams and Althea Gibson
Aaron Judge and Jackie Robinson
Lebron James and Earl Francis Lloyd
Russell Wilson and Fritz Pollard
Simone Biles and Dominque Dawes
For Mythology Enthusiasts:
Introduction to Igbo Mythology for Kids by Chinelo Anyadiegwu January 2023, $14.95
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Igbo heroes, deities, creatures, folktales, and myths, including Chineke the creator, Ana, Igwe, Anyanwu, Ekwensu, and more, plus the story of the first mermaid, the legend of Udenolu the shapeshifting crow, and the story of the tortoise and the Lion King.
The first definitive collection of Igbo legends and traditions for kids, this book explores the mythological origins of the Igbo people, the ancient Nri Kingdom, and Igbo cosmology before delving into the Alusi, or the core Igbo deities. Following this introduction to the pantheon of gods and goddesses, a collection of the most popular Igbo myths, folktales, and legends will immerse kids in exciting stories of tricksters, shapeshifters, and heroes, including:
- The Wrestler Whose Back Never Touched the Ground
- Ojiugo, the Rare Gem
- The Tortoise and the Birds, or The Origin Story of Sea Turtles
- Ngwele Aghuli, Why the Crocodile Lives Alone
- How Death Came to Be
- And more!
The perfect book for kids who are fascinated by Greek mythology or love the Rick Riordan series, Introduction to Igbo Mythology for Kids offers a fun look into the stories, history, and figures that characterize Igbo culture
Introduction to Greek Mythology for Kids by Richard Marcus, Natalie Buczynsky, and Jonathan Shelnutt
May 2021, $14.95
Discover the exciting and fascinating world of Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, monsters, and heroes, from Zeus and Athena to Hercules, Medusa, and more!
Take a journey through Mount Olympus, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome with this collection of the greatest tales found in Greek and Roman mythology. From origin stories to family drama, you’ll learn about the most powerful Olympic gods including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hades, and more. But this book has more than just gods and goddesses! You’ll also discover the dangerous and intriguing world of ancient monsters, fantastical creatures, and mortal heroes that populate some of the most awesome stories from the time, including:
- Atlas, who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders
- Kronos, a Titan who swallows his newborn children
- Persephone, a kidnapped goddess who becomes queen of the Underworld
- Minotaur, a half-bull, half-man imprisoned in a labyrinth
- Hydra, a poisonous serpent who grows two heads when one is severed
- Sirens, sea nymphs whose irresistible singing lures sailors to their doom
All of these tales and more are written in a fun, kid-friendly manner, perfect for children interested in history or for fans of the Percy Jackson series.
Introduction to Norse Mythology for Kids by Peter Aperlo May 2021, $14.95
Immerse yourself in the dangerous, fascinating, and awesome world of Norse heroes, monsters, gods, and goddesses, from Thor and Loki to Odin, Frey, and many more!
Get to know the stories behind your favorite Norse heroes, gods, and villains with this in-depth introduction to Norse mythology. Learn all about how Thor got his hammer Mjölnir, or the cunning and mischievous adventures of the trickster Loki. Discover fantastical creatures, fearsome monsters, and epic battles—all from ancient Scandinavia—with stories including:
- Thor and the Clay Giant
- The Death of Baldr
- Loki’s Dangerous Children
- And more!
Plus, in addition to the mythical tales, you’ll also learn what daily life was like for Vikings and how they fought. This book is more than just a collection of gods and goddesses, it’s the perfect collection of Nordic and Viking trivia for any kid who loves to learn about history or for fans of Marvel movies!.
For Young Trivia Buffs:
Big Book of Horse Trivia for Kids by Bernadette Johnson February 2023, $15.95
Saddle up and take the reins as you discover more than you ever knew about horses, ponies, and other four-legged friends from the family Equidae in this epic horse trivia book written just for kids!
Whether you are a horse superfan, budding equestrian, or just plain curious, this trivia book is a galloping good time packed with fun facts about these majestic animals and how they’ve changed humans’ lives throughout the ages. Discover the answers to questions including:
- What was the horse’s oldest known ancestor like and in what era of Earth’s history did they live?
- How smart are horses?
- Why are Thoroughbreds called Thoroughbreds?
- What’s the difference between a trot, a canter, and a gallop?
- And so much more!
Plus, you’ll learn about real horses throughout history, like the famous racehorses Flora Temple, Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s last horse, whose stuffed remains you can see in a museum to this day! With so much to learn all in one book, it’s time to giddyup and get reading.
Curious Cases: True Crime for Kids by Rebecca Valley July 2022, $9.95
Introduce middle-grade readers to the intriguing and exciting history of true crime, including capers, stories, unsolved crimes, daring escapes, famous art heists, and much more, in this first-ever true crime book specifically for kids.
True crime is a genre that captures readers of all ages, but oftentimes the stories are too intense—even for kids who love spooky books and movies. Curious Cases: True Crime for Kids presents a slew of fascinating stories that are all age-appropriate, including:
-The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft
-The cold case of D. B. Cooper
-The disappearance of Masterpiece the poodle
-Two brothers’ cunning escape from Alcatraz
-Sherlock Holmes and the Fairy Photographs
-Real-life Ghostbusters
-and much more!
Plus, kids will love the breakdowns of some of the most iconic pop culture detectives and mystery writers like Agatha Christie. The book even includes some fun forensic science activities that kids can do at home to help them better understand how evidence is found and how mysteries can be solved.
WWII Battle Trivia for Kids by Brette Sember June 2021, $15.95
Immerse yourself in action-packed trivia all about the largest and most infamous battles of WWII—perfect for middle-grade readers!
Learn about what life was like on the battlefield, the first battle fought, blitzkriegs, submarines, and so much more! Written in question-and-answer format, this book is perfect for reluctant readers or any kid who just loves history. With the most interesting facts and historical photographs from 1939 to 1945, readers will feel like they are on the frontlines and in the trenches. Discover the answers to questions like:
- Who was the youngest American who fought in WWII?
- Who fought the war on skis?
- What was the shortest battle in the war?
- Who was the most decorated woman in WWII?
- And many more!
Plus, kids will discover fascinating new facts on historical events they might already be familiar with, including Pearl Harbor, the Battle of the Bulge, the Invasion of Normandy, and more.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
