Summer Reads for Families in 2020

It’s time for summer book lists! I’m a casual reader, totally intimidated by the lofty goals some of my friends set (and overachieve!) when it comes to yearly reading goals. I’m lucky to finish 6-10 books in a year. Some people I know read that many in just a few months! Still, I do love creating a “dream list” of books to read.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of book suggestions for families. I simply want to share books that I think families will enjoy, and won’t have questionable content. Please let me know what you’d add. What follows are the titles I have set aside for myself and my children to read this summer. A few of my children are voracious readers, so again, any suggestions you share are most welcome!

For adults:

In the School of the Holy Spirit
Theology of the Body for Beginners
Helping Teens with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: a Field Guide for Catholic Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders (I think this will be a great resource especially in these quarantine social distancing times)
131 Conversations That Engage Kids
The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Feminity (a must-read. I listened to the audio version last summer during my runs. I think I will again this summer.
He Leadeth Me

If you’re thinking of homeschooling:

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace
Project-based Homeschooling: Mentoring Self-Directed Learners

For families:

The Vanderbeekers (there are three books in the series. It’s a delightful read. Even my 6 yr old enjoys listening.)
Light of Heaven, a Children’s Book of Saints
The Green Ember (another series, also great on audio book for kids to listen to while coloring or building or lounging on the couch)
Lord of the Rings Trilogy

For (older) elementary children:

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys (ages 9-12)
Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls (ages 9-12)
Prince Martin Wins His Sword (first in a series. My boys love these books–even my 6yr old who is a strong reader.)
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
The Mysterious Benedict Society

To teach about family life + marriage:

for learning the virtues: Rise Up Virtues Devotional
The Joyful Mysteries of Life
Wonderfully Made! Babies: A Catholic Perspective on How and Why God Makes Babies (for ages 9 and up)
I Said No! A Kid to Kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private

For tweens/teens:

Wonder
The Book Thief –definitely for teens, as it is a WW2 fictional story. My 13 yr old and I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The movie does not do the book justice!
On the Edge of Sea and Darkness (we haven’t read this yet, but I plan to this summer)
help. We need quality title suggestions!