How to Help Your Child Pick the Perfect Book This Summer (Without Getting in the Way)

Summer is the perfect time for kids to fall in love with reading. But for many busy parents, helping your child choose “just right” books can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling work, camp schedules, and screen-time battles. The good news? Encouraging your elementary-aged child to read for pleasure doesn’t require a long reading list or daily battles over book choices. In fact, the best thing you can do is guide gently and let them lead.

Shawn Clark has been a children's librarian for over 25 years and she is an expert and guiding even the most reluctant readers toward their "best book". Here are five research-backed, parent-friendly strategies to help your child choose their summer read—without getting in the way:

1. Let Interest Lead the Way

One of the strongest predictors of a child becoming a lifelong reader is choice. Kids are far more likely to read when the book reflects their interests—even if it’s a graphic novel about ninjas or a how-to guide for drawing unicorns. It’s OK if it’s not what you would choose. Let your child’s curiosity take the lead.

Tip: Search for “popular books for kids who love [topic]” or visit your librarian for recommendations by theme or interest. Mrs. Clark, the school Librarian at Foothill Country Day School in Claremont, California, keeps a database of her students, their reading levels, and books they've been interested in before. Not to mention she knows what's trendy! Librarians are a great resource!  

2. Use the Five-Finger Rule for Reading Level 

Worried a book might be too hard? Have your child read the first page and raise a finger each time they hit a word they don’t know. If they get five fingers up before the end of the page, it might be too challenging for independent reading. But that doesn’t mean it’s off limits—it could make a great read-aloud or audiobook.

Librarian Tip: Ask your school or public librarian about the AR (Accelerated Reader) system. Many schools use this coding on books to rate the difficulty level. It can really help narrow your choices!  

3. Make the Library or Book Store a Weekly Adventure

Turn your library visits into mini-explorations. Let your child browse, pick up random books, and read the first few pages to test them out. Look for displays that highlight summer reading picks, new arrivals, or books grouped by interest. Don’t stress if they leave with a giant stack—exploration is part of the fun!

4. Create a Book-Rich Environment at Home

Kids are more likely to read when books are part of their everyday life. Keep baskets of books in the car, on the kitchen table, or beside the bed. Include a mix of formats: graphic novels, joke books, magazines, audiobooks, and nonfiction. Yes, even Minecraft manuals count.

5. Don’t Make It a Chore, Even if You Have a Reading List from School

Avoid tying reading to rewards or treating it like homework. Instead, make it part of family culture. Let your children see you reading (not your phone). Talk about books over breakfast. Your child is more likely to enjoy reading if they see you enjoying it too. Have a required reading list? Choose books from the list with your child — not ALL the books from the list!  

Final Thought from Mrs. Clark: Progress Over Perfection This could be anything

You don’t need a rigid summer reading plan. You just need to offer freedom, support, and a little structure. When kids are empowered to choose their own books, they build confidence and—most importantly—a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.