Tutor Doctor’s Top Reading Picks for the Summer

The summer holidays are upon us, which means it’s important to start thinking of ways your children avoid the dreaded ‘summer slide.’ Reading is an excellent way to keep young minds active during the long break! We know how many books there are to choose from, so we’ve narrowed down a few of our favourites for each age range to kick start your kids’ passion for reading.

Ages-6-8 – Growing Readers

The Queen’s Nose By Dick King-Smith

The Queen’s Nose is a magical story sure to capture any growing readers attention. It follows Harmony who has been sent on a treasure trail by her Uncle Ginger. She ends up finding a 50p piece, however- it’s no ordinary coin- when she rubs the queen’s nose, her wishes are answered. This funny family tale is certainly a page turner!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series By Jeff Kinney
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series are sure to hook growing readers from the start. They follow Greg Heffley who finds himself thrust into a new school where life isn’t always easy. However, when his best friend Rowley starts to become popular, Greg tries to use it to his own advantage. Written in a diary style with lots of fun pictures, the books follow Greg and Rowley’s friendship and all the hilarious twists and turns they face along the way.

Ages 9-12- Tweens

The Story of Tracy Beaker By Jacqueline Wilson

Tracy Beaker is a funny, imaginative and bright ten-year-old girl, but she can also be angry, impulsive and a bit violent too. She lives in a children’s home but constantly hopes that her absent, glamorous mum will come and take her away. One day Cam visits the home to write a piece on the children and Tracy is keen to help out. They form a special bond and Tracy begins to wonder if Cam might help her leave the home for good. A wonderfully written story that’s a funny yet heart-warming read. A modern-classic sure to ignite your kids love for reading.

The House of Light By Julia Green

Bonnie lives with her lovely Grandma in a house by the sea, in an unspecified future – but after climate change has wreaked havoc on the world. When a strange boy lands on the beach, in a forbidden boat, Bonnie thinks it might be her only chance for freedom. A beautifully written story, with a wonderful focus on the topic of climate change, which certainly makes it stand out from other books.

Ages 13-16- Teens

Noughts and Crosses By Malorie Blackman

In Malorie Blackman’s ground-breaking novel, the population is divided into two: the white Noughts are second-class citizens, and the black Crosses are highly-revered and perceived as the superior race. 15-year-old Callum is a Nought, and his best friend, Sephy, as well as being a Cross, is also the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country. The story focuses on their relationship, which is forbidden by society, and explores the discrimination they encounter at every turn. As well as being a captivating tale of love and friendship, this is an outstanding and thought-provoking book, sure to capture any teens attention.

The Knife of Never Letting Go By Patrick Ness

This story begins in a small town where women have been banished and only men remain. Due to a virus, everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, which they call ‘Noise’. Todd Hewitt, the last boy in the town, is one day forced to flee through a nearby swamp, where he stumbles upon a patch of silence and the first girl he has ever seen. Despite distrusting each other at first, Todd and Viola team up to escape the men who are chasing him. The first in a series, this gripping sci-fi novel hooks in readers as well as gives them lots of tough questions to think about.

Ages 17+ – Young Adults

Divergent Series By Veronica Roth

In the world of Divergent, society is divided into five factions – Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity and Erudite. At 16 Beatrice must choose a faction to spend the rest of her life. The three books Divergent, Insurgent and Alligent follow Tris in her new reality as she faces difficult choices about courage, sacrifice and love. But she also has a secret- one that means she doesn’t fit in with a society full of conformity. An action-packed series that will keep any teenager reading all summer long.

One Of Us Is Lying By Karen McManus

One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everybody is considered a suspect, and everyone has something to hide. A fantastic murder mystery, packed with cryptic clues and countless plot twists- we guarantee your teens won’t be able to put this book down.

For more information about the Tutor Doctor Summer Reading Challenge click here.

Categories