"This is a very funny book!"

"The message of overcoming self-doubt will encourage children to take chances and build confidence."

"I love this summer classic about a boy whose sandcastle is so realistic, the judges think it's a real house! It's the perfect book for sparking creativity before a day of fun at the beach!"

"I recommend The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn as a great summer read! After spending so much time with family during the summer, going back to school can sometimes make kids feel nervous about being apart. This story reminds us that even when we’re away from the people we love, their love stays with us; just like Chester’s special kissing hand. It’s a comforting and sweet way to get ready for the new school year!"

"This is such a fun book to read. It is enjoyable no matter what the season!"

"Students should read Alma and the Worry Stone because it helps us understand that everyone feels worried sometimes and that’s okay. This story shows kids simple ways to calm their worries and reminds us that we are not alone. It helps us learn how to talk about our feelings, take care of ourselves, and be kind to others who might be feeling the same way."

"I always enjoyed reading books by Beverly Cleary growing up, especially the Ramona Quimby series! "

"I recommend Wonder because it reinforces the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding other perspectives. The main character, Auggie, is very funny and it is an enjoyable read. The story encourages students to reflect on how their words and actions affect others and reminds them that choosing kindness can make a powerful difference!"

"I recommend Holes as a summer independent reading book because it’s engaging, funny, and keeps readers hooked from the very first chapter. The short chapters make it manageable for fourth graders, while the mystery and adventure motivate them to keep reading on their own. It also builds important themes like friendship, perseverance, fairness, and cause and effect, helping students think deeply while still enjoying a great story."

Ms. Dunbar also recommends:

• Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo

"The story follows a clever fifth-grader named Nick Allen, who loves to invent ideas and challenge rules. When his teacher, Mrs. Granger, teaches about how words are created, Nick decides to have some fun by inventing a new word for “pen”—he calls it a frindle. What starts as a small joke quickly spreads across his school, then the town, and eventually gains national attention. The book explores how words gain meaning, the power of creativity, and how one student’s idea can make a big difference."

Ms. Droll also recommends:

• Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne

"This books acts as a gentle reminder to appreciate and connect with the outside world, inviting readers to move beyond their homes. "

"This is a fun adventure story that encourages children to write and to use their imagination!"

Ms. Vitacco also recommends:

• The Worst Witch, by Jill Murphy (grades 3+)

• Real Friends, by Shannon Hale (grades 3+)

• Just My Luck, by Cammie McGovern (grades 4+)

"The Forgotten Door is an extraordinary book in more ways than one. A science fiction book full of mystery and unanswered questions, it’s the kind of story that has you turning back to the first page as soon as you finish the last. I read it for the first time in elementary school, and later forgot the title—which I then spent years searching for so I could reread it. The story begs for rereads! I loved it, and I hope you do too. "