Top 5 Ways to Inspire Young Adventurers

Fact: "Regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic level, or previous achievement, children who read four or more books over the summer fare better on reading-comprehension tests in the fall than their peers who read one or no books over the summer." (Summer Reading and the Ethnic Achievement Gap, Jimmy Kim, Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk, 2004)

Just 4 books this summer can make all the difference for your child, so share these adventure books and activities to help your child get excited about summer reading.

1. Niagara Falls Fun Facts and Word Find. Increase your child's word power with this anagram word puzzle, and have fun learning about Niagara Falls.

2. Hatchet Readalikes. If your child liked Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, try these other outdoor adventure survival stories for ages 10-12.

3. Kids can see the world through the eyes of a stray dog in this online "choose-your-own-adventure" activity based on A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin.

4. Storm Runners by Roland Smith. 

Chase Masters and his father are "storm runners," racing across the country studying hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods firsthand. But when the hurricane of the century hits, Chase will be tested in ways he never could have imagined. Read Chapter 1.

5. Bone Graphic Novel series by Jeff Smith.

Comic book fans will love the adventures of the three Bone cousins in Boneville. For a preview, watch this video with author/illustrator Jeff Smith.