DIVE into Summer Reading
with these book recommendations from Dan Mills Faculty and Staff!
Below our fabulous teachers and staff share some of their favorite books!
Check them out from the library or hit your local bookstore and set off on a special summer adventure!
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and all the rest of the books in the series. The books are full of cute illustrations about a blue truck on the farm, great lessons, and silly fun! The repetition and rhyme are great for Pre-K kids and younger.
- Mrs. Meggan, Pre-K
The Bear Books by Karma Wilson. There are so many in the series - Bear's New Friend, Bear Says Thanks, Bear's Loose Tooth, etc. The illustrations are beautiful, and the stories have fun repetition with lots of great
- Mrs. Meggan, Pre-K
The Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems! They are easy early readers for kindergarten and first grade students. Fun and silly stories with amazing illustrations. The kids love them!
- Mrs. Wiggins, Kindergarten
Pete The Cat books by Kimberly and James Dean. Pete the Cat is a groovy, blue cat. No matter where he goes, Pete the Cat always keeps his cool. He loves surfing, playing baseball and guitar, spending time with his friends, and trying new things.
-Mrs. Pitts, Kindergarten
The Mercy Watson series for readers new to chapter books. They are fun, have silly characters and have great illustrations!
-Mrs. Gambatese, 1st Grade
The Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro. We've enjoyed them as a bedtime read aloud. The illustrations and stories are so engaging and fun!
- Mrs. Alverson, 1st Grade
The Froggy book series by Jonathan London & Frank Remkiewicz. These picture books are perfect for young readers as Froggy takes his readers on his many adventures.
- Miss Jones, 1st Grade
Who Was...? biography book series for 2nd grade readers and up. These biographies are perfect for learning more about important historical figures, including artists, scientists, and world leaders.
- Miss Jones, 1st Grade
Don't Let the Pigeon Book Series by Mo Willems. These stories are simple for young readers, and the reader engages in a conversation with the pigeon who is stubborn and humorous.
- Miss Jones, 1st Grade
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. A smart and silly tale. It will be accessible for most 3rd or 4th graders.
- Mr. Judd, 1st Grade
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill. I love this book because it have a story that greatly connects with kids, and have a strong message of the importance of kindness and inclusion.
- Mrs. Roeder, 2nd Grade
Upside Magic chapter book series by Sarah Mlynowski. This is a series about a magical group of friends whose magic has gone wonky. We get to follow along as Nory, Elliot, Andres, and Bax work through their struggles to understand why their magic is different than everyone else. They do everything they can to fit in and try to be "normal" but it means fighting who they really are and leaves them wondering if being "normal" is really worth it. Of all the books we read this year this has been the favorite BY FAR. There are 8 books in the series and the first book just became a movie on Disney Plus. It is a great introduction to longer chapter books, character development, and plot lines, too. In the words of a 3rd grader, "I just can't stop reading them! What am I going to do when the series is over?"
- Mrs. Cathey, 3rd Grade
Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo--Master storyteller Kate DiCamillo takes you into the world of Raymie, Beverly, and Louisiana as the girls learn about loss, loneliness, and overcoming life's challenges. This is beautiful story about unlikely friendship is full of heart. When you finish Raymie Nightingale, be sure to get your hands on Louisiana's Way Home and Beverly, Right Here next.
- Mrs. VanCleve, 3rd Grade
Bedhead by Margie Palatini. This book is about a boy named Oliver who wakes up with a terrible case of bedhead. I love this book because of the interesting words that the author uses to describe how Oliver tries to get rid of his bed head. It is hilarious!
- Mrs. Greathouse, Literacy Coach
I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis. The students at Dan Mills know that historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre and these books check all the boxes for me! The author puts kids in historical situations (Pompeii, San Francisco Earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, California Wildfires, etc.) and writes a story about how they survived. These books have it all—adventure, suspense, resilience. I love reading these books and wondering if I would make the same choices as the characters.
- Mrs. Criswell, Librarian
Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers. This is my favorite picture book, by my favorite children's author. Once there was a little girl who was naturally inquisitive and curious about the beautiful world around her. Suddenly she loses someone she loves. She is so devastated by this that she withdraws from the world and puts her heart away into a bottle so that it can never be broken again. Beautiful in its simplicity, uniquely illustrated, with a heartwarming message of hope after sadness, The Heart and the Bottle is a story that is sure to move you.
- Ms. Jeni, Secretary
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson is a master storyteller about truth, race, and kindness.
- Mr. Judd, 1st grade
Walk Two Moons by Sharron Creech. A sometimes funny and sometimes serious story about family, love, and loss. Creech writes for older elementary and middle school readers.
- Mr. Judd, 1st Grade
Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli. This is a beautiful book that encourages the importance of community, working together, and caring for our Earth.
- Mrs. Roeder, 2nd Grade
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o - A beautiful picture book that explores self-esteem and whether it comes from inside or outside. Sulwe's skin is the color of midnight and she only wants to be light and bright like her mom and sister. One night she goes on a magical journey that teaches her to appreciate herself for who she is and changes the way she sees herself.
- Mrs. Cathey, 3rd Grade
Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton!!! You can always count on Geronimo, newspaper editor and brainy mouse, to be on another exciting adventure! Whether Geronimo is driving across the country, visiting Egypt, or solving a mystery you will enjoy reading and learning about the world! The authors of this series integrate real-world facts about places and events while telling a fun easy to read adventure story. This series is a great read for those getting into chapter books!
- Mrs. C. Williams, 3rd Grade
A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck.
This book is an oldie, but goodie! Joey and his sister Mary Alice leave the big city of Chicago and go and visit Grandma for the summer in the country. Grandma is a strange character, and the things she does will leave you laughing hysterically!
- Mrs. Greathouse, Literacy Coach
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Inspired by a true story and written in the first-person view of the gorilla protagonist, The One and Only Ivan is a beautiful life-affirming story about courage, loyalty, and kindness. You will find yourself cheering for Ivan and his friends.
- Ms. Jeni, Secretary
The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg. This is my favorite Halloween book. You will be absolutely lost in Allsburg's illustrations and moody setting. He is best enjoyed curled up with a parent.
- Mr. Judd, 1st Grade
Little Legends: by Vashti Harrison. I love these books because they are filled with exceptional men and women and the important contributions they've made to the history of America.
- Mrs. Roeder, 2nd Grade
Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp. This is a beautiful story about a girl that doesn't love to read and find strength and courage while reading to a new friend.
- Mrs. Roeder, 2nd Grade
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho - This book is an incredible journey alongside a young Asian girl curious about the shape of her eyes and why they look different than others. She learns about her history, the history of her mother and grandmother, and the way stories and our history make us who we are. The book is poetic and captivating. It teaches strong lessons of empowerment and self-love.
- Mrs. Cathey, 3rd Grade
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. It’s a heart-warming tale about the true meaning of friendship! No matter how many times I read it, I cry every time!
- Mrs. C. Williams, 3rd Grade
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary. Before there was Junie B. Jones, there was Ramona Quimby! She is a bit of a tomboy who usually thinks before she speaks, which can get her into some pretty funny situations. I grew up loving the Ramona series, because I probably saw a lot of myself in her!
- Mrs. Criswell, Librarian
The Giver by Lois Lowry. This is one of my favorite books of all time! We see a seemingly utopian world through the eyes of 12-year-old Jonas as he embarks on his Life Assignment as his community's Receiver of Memory. He soon learns that his community has been hiding some dark, and very complex, secrets. Exciting and compelling, The Giver will have you riveted from the very first chapter.
- Ms. Jeni, Secretary
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. I love reading this book with 2nd and 3rd graders because it so clearly paints a picture of empathy. And there is a cute dog. DiCamillo's other books are all brilliant.
- Mr. Judd, 1st Grade
Books from the "Who Would Win" series by Jerry Pallotta- kids love these books and learn a lot about many different animals while reading and enjoying the competition within the book.
- Mrs. Roeder, 2nd Grade
Lulu series by Judith Viorst. The main character is sassy, goofy, and learns a lot of good life lessons throughout this series. These books are always a class favorite.
- Mrs. Roeder, 2nd Grade
The Wild Robot and The Wild Robot Returns by Peter Brown--
What happens when a ship full of robots is lost at sea and only one survives? Roz the robot washes up on an island teeming with animal life and must learn to survive in nature. This is a heart-warming tale filled with adventure and lessons about loyalty, kindness, and the true meaning of family.
- Mrs. VanCleve, 3rd Grade
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg. I adore this book because each page in the book is a different story written by the reader!
- Mrs. Julie Williams, P.E.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman. Officer Buckle gives the most BOOOOORING safety talks to the students at Napville Elementary. His new partner, Gloria, adds a lot of fun to the programs, but her popularity makes Officer Buckle jealous. Can these partners put aside their differences and be buddies again?
- Mrs. Criswell, Librarian
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. At the age of 11 Anne Shirley is adopted and is sent to the prim and proper town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Wonderfully headstrong, passionate, a lover of books and nature, and beautifully imaginative, she doesn't quite fit in with her new surroundings. You will fall in love with Anne (and her many adventures) as she tries to navigate her new life, her new family, and new school.
- Ms. Jeni, Secretary