With the kids homeschooling, Seri thought it would be a good idea to round up what books her kids are reading / into right now. These picks are great options to incorporate into homeschooling lessons or just to have as an extra curricular activity that is actually educational!

For reference, her son Gavin is 10 years old and her younger son, Luke, is 7. That means that they have totally different needs when it comes to reading. Gavin seems to be more into series, stories that he can continue to love and read on about. Luke on the other hand is into books that are funny and have plot twists, he likes to keep it new and exciting!

GAVIN’S BOOK PICKS

About These Books:

1) The Boggart by Susan Cooper-The Volnik family inherit a castle in Scotland and have some of the furniture sent to their Toronto home. They soon learn the castle was haunted by a mischievous Boggart who was brought to Toronto in the desk meant for Emily Volnik. (Has short chapters and a glossary in the back for more challenging words)

2) The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster-Milo receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom, a once prosperous kingdom now filled with trouble. (Imaginative, great illustrations, and short chapters. The book teaches a lot about figurative language, especially idioms.)

3) The 39 Clues series-After the death of a distant relative, two siblings learn how powerful their family truly is and are sent on a hunt for a series of clues to create the most powerful person. (Suspense/Adventure, includes a lot of information about history but in a fun way)

4) Harry Potter series by JK Rowling- Classic children’s series, great to read together with siblings, friends, or family. As they finish each book, watch the corresponding movie and compare how it’s different/similar to the books.

5) A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket- Another classic children’s series, great to read and again either watch the movies or even better the Netflix series.

6) The Missing by Margaret Peterson Haddix- Famous children from throughout history are taken by time travelers and adopted by present day families. One of the stolen children, Jonah, realizes his parents aren’t really his parents and learns there are more kids like them and goes on a mission to find the other stolen children.

LUKE’S BOOK PICKS

About These Books:

1) Alvin Ho series by Lenore Look- Alvin is a second grader who is afraid of everything, especially school. But at home, his alter ego, Firecracker Man, is a brave gentleman-in-training, practicing to be just like his dad.

2) Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney- Greg documents the hazards of middle school and growing up through drawings and diary entries. (This could be for either boys, very funny and full of comics that they both could enjoy)
- Additional Activities: give your child a journal to draw/write in about school, friends, etc just like Greg from the book

3) EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken by Sally Warner- EllRay is sick of being bullied but every time he tries to defend himself, he gets into trouble. Him and his dad strike a deal, if EllRay can go a week without getting into trouble, they’ll go to Disneyland.

4) The BFG by Roald Dahl- Sophie gets taken in her sleep by the BFG, a big friendly giant who gives good dreams to children. The BFG and Sophie go on a mission to get rid of all the mean, child-eating giants.
- Additional Activities: Watch the movie, ask kids/have them write or draw about what they would do with the BFG.

5) Horrid Henry series by Francesca Simon- Horrid Henry meets every problem he encounters with trickery, rule-breaking, and practice jokes; unlike his little brother, Perfect Peter. In each book, Henry schemes up a new idea, like tricking the tooth fairy or making stink bombs.

6) Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke - With a lonely boy named Ben on board, the brave young dragon Firedrake sets out on a magical journey to find the mythical place where silver dragons can live in peace forever. Flying over moonlit lands and sparkling seas, they encounter fantastic creatures, summon up surprising courage -- and cross the path of a ruthless villain with an ancient grudge who's determined to end their quest. Only a secret destiny can save the dragons in this enchanting adventure about the true meaning of home.

7) Ratburger by David Walliams - Things are not looking good for Zoe. Her stepmother Sheila is so lazy she gets Zoe to pick her nose for her. The school bully Tina Trotts makes her life a misery - mainly by flobbing on her head. And now the evil Burt from Burt's Burgers is after her pet rat! And guess what he wants to do with it? The clue is in the title...