August always seems to arrive faster than expected.
One day we're planning trips to the library and spending afternoons outside, and the next I'm buying notebooks, checking school supply lists, and realizing the first day of school isn't that far away. Even with the excitement of a new school year, I never want those last weeks of summer to disappear without a few more good books.
Here's what's always worked in our house.
Choose Books They'll Want to Read
When reading starts to slow down, I don't add another reading challenge.
I look for another book.
A fresh story is often all it takes to get kids excited again. That might be a funny picture book, the next installment in a favorite series, an exciting mystery, or a graphic novel they've been wanting to read.
Finding those books can take longer than I'd like, so I started creating seasonal reading lists for our family. Eventually, I realized other parents might find them helpful, too.
For younger readers, I put together a Picture Books for the Last Weeks of Summer collection on Bookshop.org. Instead of focusing only on back-to-school stories, this list celebrates friendship, imagination, outdoor adventures, family time, and making the most of the final weeks of summer.
My Middle Grade Books For the Last Weeks of Summer collection is designed for independent readers who enjoy adventure, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, realistic fiction, humor, and graphic novels. These are the books that make kids want to read one more chapter before calling it a night.
If you have a teen at home, I also created a Young Adult Books Parents and Teens Can Enjoy Together collection. Reading the same book gives you something to talk about beyond school schedules, and it's always interesting to hear how differently teens and adults experience the same story.
Whether you borrow books from the library or add a few new titles to your shelves, starting with books your child is genuinely excited about makes everything else easier.
Make Reading Easy to Pick Up
Forget the perfect reading nook. Kids couldn't care less about an Instagram-worthy reading space—they simply need books within easy reach and a few fun extras that make reading inviting.
Books are much more likely to be read when they're already within reach.
I keep our current book choices in a large basket that can be moved wherever we're spending the most time. Some weeks it's beside the couch. Other weeks it's on the porch or near the kitchen table. It isn't fancy, but everyone knows exactly where to find the next book.
A few favorite reading accessories stay with the basket, too:
- A clip-on book light
- Colorful bookmarks
- Reading journals
- A visual reading timer
- A lap desk for reading anywhere
Over the years, friends have often asked where we found our favorite reading supplies and family literacy games. I've gathered many of our tried-and-true favorites into curated collections in my Amazon Storefront, including reading accessories, family reading games and word play favorites, and book basket and storage ideas. If you're getting ready for the new school year or simply want to make reading more fun at home, I hope these collections give you a few ideas. Click below to explore my Amazon collections for book lovers!
Celebrate the Books They Read
Long after summer ends, the stories we read often become some of our favorite memories.
That's what inspired me to create the free Books That Made My Summer printable.
Instead of simply keeping track of titles or reading minutes, this fun reading memory page encourages kids to reflect on the books that made an impact. They can write about their favorite book and character, the funniest story they read, a new author they discovered, a book they'd recommend to friends, and even draw the cover of their favorite read. It's a wonderful keepsake to look back on long after summer vacation is over. Click below to download the FREE printable!
Work Reading Into Everyday Life
Reading doesn't have to happen at the same time every day.
- Keep a chapter book in the car.
- Read outside after dinner.
- Bring a picture book to the pool.
- Visit the library several more times before school starts.
- Pack a book for sports practice or dance lessons--especially if siblings are tagging along!
Those small pockets of time are often where the best reading memories happen.
Let Kids Share Their Favorite Books
One of my favorite questions isn't, "Did you finish your reading?"
It's, "What did you think about that book?"
Kids love talking about stories they enjoyed. They tell you about funny characters, surprising endings, and books they think everyone else should read next.
Those conversations naturally lead to the next book without reading ever feeling like homework.
Follow Their Interests
The last few weeks of summer are also a great time to notice how your child's reading tastes are changing.
- A child who loved picture books last year may be ready for early chapter books.
- A middle grade reader might suddenly discover a favorite mystery series.
- A teen may find an author they'll continue reading throughout high school.
Following those interests instead of worrying about reading levels helps keep books exciting long after summer ends.
Keep the Habit Going This Fall
The first day of school will be here soon enough.
Backpacks will replace beach bags, homework will return, and family schedules will fill up again. Before that happens, there's still time for one more library visit, one more family read-aloud, or one more afternoon spent reading outside.
Those moments don't have to end when summer does. A child who begins the school year excited about books is much more likely to keep reading for pleasure throughout the fall. A few great books, easy access to them, and conversations about what everyone's reading are often all it takes to keep that momentum going.
So before your slower summer days drift away into back to school chaos, borrow a stack of books from the library, fill a reading basket with stories your family can't wait to read, and enjoy these final weeks one chapter at a time. I have a feeling those are the books you'll be talking about long after school is back in session.
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