EdCircuit Staff 
Table of Contents
Every summer, I send my students off with a smile, a high five, and a list of recommended reads—not just for them, but for their parents, too. Why? Because I believe books don’t just build vocabulary—they build bridges between generations. In a world of constant distractions, few things offer the kind of lasting connection that a shared story can.
Building Bridges Through Books
This article isn’t just a summer reading list—it’s a roadmap to starting your own family book club. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or administrator looking to strengthen the school-to-home connection, reading together can be a joyful, transformative experience.
Why Family Reading Matters
Family reading fosters:
-
Dialogue and discussion that deepen comprehension and critical thinking
-
Empathy and perspective-taking, especially when exploring diverse characters and cultures
-
Quality time without screens, creating moments that matter
-
A model of lifelong learning, showing students that reading isn’t just “homework”—it’s something adults do, too
And as a teacher of 15 years, I’ve seen it firsthand: students who talk about books at home read more, think more, and write more confidently in the classroom.
How to Start a Family Book Club
Here are a few easy steps to get started:
Choose the Right Book
Pick a title that suits both the middle school reader and adult tastes—something layered but accessible. Use the list below as a starting point. All of these selections are age-appropriate yet rich with themes that prompt thoughtful conversation among readers of any age.
Set a Reading Schedule
Break the book into chunks. Read a chapter or two per week, depending on your family’s pace.
Make It Fun and Flexible
Let your child lead the discussion sometimes. You don’t need fancy questions—just ask, What did you think? What surprised you? Who do you relate to most?
Create Rituals
Designate a weekly “book talk” night. Add snacks, take turns reading aloud, or even act out a scene.
Use Tech to Support Your Journey
Busy families can still read together using audiobooks or e-readers on the go. Many titles are available on free platforms like Libby or Hoopla through your local library.
Connect It to the Real World
Discuss how themes in the book relate to family, school, or current events. Encourage journaling or drawing for creative kids.
Top Summer Must-Reads for Middle Schoolers and Their Families
All of these selections are:
-
Written for middle-grade readers but layered enough for adult enjoyment
-
Available in print, digital, and audio formats
-
Diverse in genre, voice, and cultural representation
Each includes a conversation starter to make family book talks easy and fun.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Why: Set in a motel run by a Chinese immigrant family, this novel dives into race, class, and resilience through a kid’s perspective.
Talk About: What does it mean to work hard for a better life? Have you or someone you know ever felt like an outsider?
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Why: A deeply moving story about kindness and courage, told through multiple points of view.
Talk About: What would you do if Auggie were in your class? How do we treat people who are different?
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Why: A dystopian classic that introduces complex themes about freedom, memory, and individuality.
Talk About: Would you want to live in Jonas’s world? Why is memory so important to who we are?
New Kid by Jerry Craft (Graphic Novel)
Why: A funny, insightful graphic novel that explores code-switching, diversity, and finding your voice.
Talk About: How does Jordan navigate different social circles? What does it mean to feel like you don’t belong?
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Why: A historical fiction tale of a wealthy girl forced to flee Mexico during the Great Depression and start over.
Talk About: What does Esperanza learn about identity and hard work? How does she redefine what it means to be rich?
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Why: Told in verse, this memoir gives voice to a young girl growing up during the Civil Rights Movement.
Talk About: How does poetry express emotion differently than prose? What stories from your family history inspire you?
Refugee by Alan Gratz
Why: A powerful, fast-paced novel that interweaves the stories of three child refugees across time and geography.
Talk About: How are Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud’s stories similar and different? What does it mean to find “home”?
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Why: A classic that still resonates with modern readers—full of imagination, humor, and fierce independence.
Talk About: What makes Anne so lovable and relatable? How does she challenge the expectations of her time?
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Why: Fantasy meets social justice in this gripping story of a girl navigating a hidden world of magic and prejudice.
Talk About: What kind of power does Amari discover—and how does she learn to use it?
Bonus Picks for Parents to Read First or Alongside:
-
Stamped (For Kids) by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
-
Hidden Figures (Young Readers Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly
-
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
-
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Tips for Educators and School Leaders
Encourage summer reading partnerships:
-
Send home dual reading lists and guides for family discussion
-
Host a Back-to-School Book Talk Night in the fall
-
Create “Family Reading Challenges” with small incentives
- Share family reading success stories in newsletters or social media
When schools support reading at home, we strengthen the academic triangle: student, school, and family.
Final Thought: The Power of Shared Stories
Whether you’re on a road trip, relaxing in a hammock, or curled up on the couch, summer offers time to connect—not just to books, but to each other. As a teacher, I believe that when a family reads together, they grow together.
So choose a book, start the conversation, and let your summer be filled with stories.
Subscribe to edCircuit to stay up to date on all of our shows, podcasts, news, and thought leadership articles.
