There’s nothing better than relaxing with a good book over summer, but for young children it can also be a sneaky way of maintaining the literacy gains they made at school over the past 12 months.

NSW Department of Education literacy consultant Jade Arnold said reading during the summer break was a great way to prevent the dreaded “summer slide” where students lose progress made during the school year.

Educators have long been aware that students, particularly children in primary school, can lose significant knowledge in reading and maths over the six-week summer holidays.

Ms Arnold, Premier’s Programs Officer Reading and Spelling with the department’s Arts Unit, said summer reading is also a wonderful opportunity to focus on reading for enjoyment, on top of the academic benefits.

“It’s a great chance for less engaged readers to discover the types of books they enjoy, and for avid readers to read outside their comfort zone,” Ms Arnold said.

She said parents could help develop their children’s love of reading by making sure family holidays included time for reading, and ensuring your children see you reading as well.

“Wherever your holiday time takes you, set aside time to read together—whether it’s at the beach, by the pool, in the park, at the library or relaxing at home,” Ms Arnold said.

Ms Arnold also reminded parents to tap into the fantastic offerings from local public libraries such as free access to audiobooks and eBooks.

“Many offer summer reading programs, and librarians will be able to help recommend and help you find great books,” she said.

“If you’re heading off on a road trip these holidays, try listening to an audiobook together as a family.”

Turn a page this new year

Jade Arnold picks out her favourite books for young readers from the Premier’s Reading Challenge lists. Many will be able to borrow from local libraries.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge encourages a love of reading quality literature for leisure and pleasure in students.

The Challenge is not a competition but an encouragement for students to read more and to read more widely. It’s open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10 in public schools, Catholic, Independent and home schools.

All books read during the summer break can be added to a students’ online reading record once the Premier’s Reading Challenge opens on 24 February 2025, so there’s never a better time to get reading!

The 5 books to read before starting Kindy

1. Starting School by Jane Godwin & Anna Walker
   
2. Wombat goes to school by Jackie French & Bruce Whatley
   
3. The Pigeon HAS to go to school by Mo Willems
   
4. Maddi’s first day by Penny Matthews & Liz Anelli
   
5. Mini and Milo: The big flappy ears by Venita Dimos & Natashia Curtin
   

Five must-read books for 5-8 years

1. The Do not open this book series by Andy Lee
   
2. The School of Monsters series by Sally Rippin & Chris Kennett
   
3. Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan & Pamela Lofts
   
4. I’m Australian too by Mem Fox & Ronjoy Ghosh
   
5. Our Dreaming by Kirli Saunders & Dub Leffer
   

Ten must-read books for 9-12 years

1. The bad guys by Aaron Blabey
   
2. The frog squad by Kate & Jol Temple & Shiloh Gordon
   
3. Howzat Pat #1: Dare to bowl by Pat Cummins & Dave Hartley & Serena Geddes
   
4. Little Ash #1: Perfect Match by Ash Barty, Jasmin McGaughey & Jane Goodwin
   
5. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
   
6. Wandi by Favel Parrett
   
7. Guts by Raina Telgemeier
   
8. Hi from outer space by Fiona Katauskas
   
9. Wylah the Koorie warrior #1: Guardians by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
   
10. All the beautiful things by Katrina Nannestad
    

The top 5 books for teenage boys and girls (Years 7-10)

Boys

1. Minutes of Danger series by Jack Heath
   
2. Cop & Robber by Tristan Bancks
   
3. The Road to Winter by Mark Smith
   
4. King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore
   
5. Long way down by Jason Reynolds
   

Girls

1. The other side of the sky by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
   
2. Go with the flow by Lily Williams & Karen Schneemann
   
3. Friday Barnes: Girl detective by R.A. Spratt
   
4. After the lights go out by Lili Wilkinson
   
5. The Liar’s Test by Ambelin Kwaymullina