Summer Holiday Reads

Reading is one of the easiest and most valuable ways to support boys’ learning and wellbeing. For younger boys, sharing books builds language, imagination, and a love of stories, while giving you a chance to slow down together. As boys grow, reading boosts vocabulary, comprehension and confidence, and helps them develop creativity and empathy.

With sport, screens and busy routines, reading can sometimes slip down the list – but the right book can quickly spark interest. With summer holidays on the way, it’s the perfect time for boys to discover new stories. Below are some great recommendations to get them started.

Prep – Year 2 Students
(All Australian authors)

Do Not Open this Book by Andy Lee
A perfect holiday read-aloud as its playful humour, interactive storytelling and cheeky character keep young listeners engaged and giggling from start to finish.

Floof by Heidi McKinnon
A delightful read for young children as its expressive illustrations and lovable cat character spark joy and imagination.

All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell
A heartwarming book for its rhymes and vibrant illustrations which celebrate creativity, kindness and individuality, helping children feel confident and proud of their own unique strengths.

Real Pigeons series by Andrew McDonald
A book series that is perfect for children who are beginning to dabble in chapter books. It’s funny adventures, quirky characters and mystery-solving pigeons keep young readers laughing and eager to turn the page.

Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey
A hilarious book for emerging readers with its cheeky characters, fast-paced adventures, and comic-style humour, making reading fun. Plus, afterwards, they can enjoy the film version!

Year 3 – 4 Students

Bunny Vs Monkey graphic novel series by Jamie Smart
In a graphic novel format, this series is a laugh-out-loud read for its wild adventures, silly battles, and cartoon-style humour keep young readers entertained and eager to read more.

Worst Week Ever series by Matt Cosgrove (Australian)
This series is an ideal read for middle years with its hilarious disasters, relatable school-age humour and fast-paced storytelling keeps children entertained while building confidence and enjoyment in independent reading.

Tom Weekly series by Tristan Bancks (Australian)
This series is the perfect holiday pick for Years 3 and 4 students with its outrageous stories, laugh-out-loud moments and everyday adventures that keep them entertained while nurturing a love of reading on their own.

I Survived graphic novel (also comes in chapter book form) series by Lauren Tarshis
This series is more gripping for the middle years as its fast-paced storytelling, vivid illustrations and true-to-history survival adventures keep its readers interested while sparking curiosity about real world events.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
A timeless classic holiday read for Years 3 and 4 children, with its funny family adventures and relatable sibling rivalry that keep kids amused – and it’s a story many parents will fondly remember from their own childhood.

Year 5 – 6 Students

Gone series by Michael Grant
Set in a dystopian future, this fast-paced adventure has relatable characters and themes of survival, which encourage a deeper reflection about responsibility and choices.

Once series by Morris Gleitzman (Australian)
A powerful book with moving themes of courage and hope, written by one of Australia’s most acclaimed children’s authors.

Liars series by Jack Heath (Australian)
With short punchy chapters, these books particularly appeal to reluctant readers as they’re packed with danger, cliffhangers, and twists that keep those pages turning.

Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad (Australian)
A compelling story with its emotional tale of survival, courage and hope set in wartime Russia, written by one of Australia’s award‑winning authors for young readers.

 

 

 

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School

This article is about Understanding Boys