Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in helping struggling readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
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Summer Reading

2012 Big Summer Read

Recommended Audio Books

There are lots of audio books in many formats that are just right to take along on a family vacation. Regardless of the format you listen to them in, audio books can be stories shared. Try these to get started!


Clementine and the Family Meeting
Clementine and the Family Meeting
By: Sara Pennypacker
Illustrated by: Marla Frazee
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Clementine is afraid that she's in trouble but instead finds out that a new baby is on the way when the family meeting is called.

Dumpling Days
Dumpling Days
By: Grace Lin
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Product Description: Pacy is back! This summer, Pacy's family is going to Taiwan for an entire month to visit family and prepare for their grandmother's 60th birthday celebration. Pacy's parents have signed her up for a Chinese painting class, and at first she's excited. But everything about the trip is harder than she thought it would be. At least the dumplings are delicious…

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
By: Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by: Josee Masse
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Everyone knows that there are two sides to every story. Read a cleverly illustrated poem one way for one side; read the same poem in reverse and learn the other. Well known fairy tales are presented through reversible poems sure to intrigue sophisticated readers of all ages. Each book comes with a CD, so pop it in and follow along!

Songs from the Baobab
Songs from the Baobab
By: Chantal Grosleziat
Illustrated by: Elodie Nouhen
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Family

This handsomely illustrated book is accompanied by a CD of songs and lullabies from various parts of Africa.

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
By: Jeanne Birdsall
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This summer vacation is different without father and the oldest Penderwick but offers lots of laughs along the way.

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Start with a Book: Open up a world of discovery this summer! Summer books and activities for kids 3-9 years old

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