.
Feedback

James Patterson's Summer Reading Lists for Kids Ages 8-12

Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check this list of “Favorite Pageturners” from James Patterson.

Looking for a great book to read this summer?

Allow James Patterson to make a suggestion.

Patch has teamed up with Patterson's READKIDDOREAD program and the best-selling author is offering his summer reading picks for kids of all ages.

This list of books has something for everyone – adventure, magic, smart kids, and amazing kids. Read one, or read ‘em all – post your thoughts in the comments. Or, if we missed your favorite book, tell us what it is!

Also, remember that all of these books and more are available at .

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Two months of being grounded during summer vacation change Jack Gantos’ life forever. Especially since it involves the mysterious chore of typing obituaries for his intriguing neighbor.

Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading
by Tommy Greenwald
What happens when Charlie Joe Jackson, the most reluctant reader EVER has to actually read a book?

Big Nate in a Class by Himself (Big Nate series) by Lincoln Peirce
Things don’t always go your way just because you’re awesome.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
by Tom Angleberger
Dwight is a clueless boy with a prescient Yoda hand-puppet. His classmate Tommy is mystified.

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (Middle School series)
by James Patterson
Middle school student Rafe Khatchadorian decides to break every rule in the school’s Code of Conduct. But what happens when things don’t go as planned?

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Wimpy Kid series) by Jeff Kinney
Read Greg Heffley’s diary detailing trials and tribulations from middle school.

Bud Not Buddy
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Bud, a motherless boy on the run, is armed with his suitcase of secret, important things, his book with instructions on having a fun life and being a better liar and clues to find his father. Nothing is going to come in Bud’s way – not hunger, fear or vampires.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick
This book weaves prose and illustrations beautifully to tell the story of Parisian orphan, clock keeper and petty thief Hugo.

Maniac Magee
by Jerry Spinelli
Orphan Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee decides to run away from his unhappy aunt and uncle. And then he decides just to run.

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
A facial deformity prevented August Pullman from going to a regular school. He craves an ordinary life when he joins Beecher Prep. as a fifth grader. But he soon learns that you can’t blend in when you were meant to stand out.

Eragon (Inheritance Cycle series)
by Christopher Paolini
Can farm boy turned dragon rider Eragon and blue stone turned dragon Saphira join forces to save the world?

Gregor The Overlander (Underland Chronicles series)
by Suzanne Collins
What happens when New Yorker Gregor falls through the grate in his apartments and enter the strange world of the Underland?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter enters the world of magic and realizes his destiny.  
                                                                      
The Westing Game
by Ellen Raskin
This intricately plotted story has 16 people who could become millionaires if they can play the tricky and dangerous Westing game.

A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeline L’engle
Meg Murray, her little brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin travel through space and time to find Meg and Charles’ father.

Guinness: World Records 2012
by Guinness World Records
Read about extraordinary, interesting daredevils who want to push the limits and their record- breaking feats.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012
by National Geographic Kids
Learning about your world and everything in it was never so much fun!

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not: Special Edition 2012
by Ripley’s Inc.
Read about the bizarre, the hilarious and the incredible in this fun collection!

The ReadKiddoRead program features bestselling author James Patterson’s picks for the summer. Find reviews of these books and more in the Pageturners section of ReadKiddoRead.com.

For more reading lists from Patterson:

Did your kids have fun reading the books on the list? What are you reading this summer? Are there other books that should make it to the list? Share your reading experiences with us and post a comment below!

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from North Canton Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Rae Showen June 15, 2013 at 01:19 pm
Hi, Cindy! I actually did not intend to post in help wanted; I am brand new to The Patch; have IRead More posted in the wrong spot?! :)
Cindy Moser June 16, 2013 at 07:58 pm
IDK Looks like an ad for help wanted to me. Still, I never heard of it.
Betsy Chaplin June 17, 2013 at 08:49 am
Arbonne is wonderful! I have been using it for a little over 2 years and I am 52 and it helped withRead More a case of Rosacea! Its so gentle, smells wonderful and is one of the safest products on the market!It scared me what was in the products on the supermarket shelf and that my skin being the largest organ of my body was ingesting chemicals that were killing me. wwww.arbonne.com to read more about the products, or how few they use to create it! Talk about WOW! (I don't know Rae, but I Know the company well! It is so worth checking out! The parties can be soooo fun but mostly, the products are awesome!!!!!!)
Bob Haley Jr. June 4, 2013 at 01:22 pm
What cities have outlawed cell phone usage while driving? Have you seen law enforcement breakingRead More those laws in those cities?
Fred Benson June 4, 2013 at 07:08 pm
Try Beechwood. $106 fine if caught. But the point of my post is, anyone driving and using a handRead More held phone are endangering others. The local police should be setting an example of safe driving rather than encouraging its use.
Jen June 12, 2013 at 05:19 pm
Police and other first responders OFTEN have to use their phones to call other departments,Read More hospitals and resources they use that they can't contact by radio. That's like saying a police officer or ambulance should have to follow the speed limits.