Nothing says summer like curling up with a good book in the hammock. We’ve compiled some Waldorf reads to add to your and your children’s summer bucket list:
For Parents:
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge by Barbara j. Paterson
Heaven on Earth by Sharifa Oppenheimer
Simplicity Parenting by Kim- John Payne
The Blessing of A Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel Ph.D
Early Childhood (birth – seven years old):
Tales of Tiptoes Lightly by Reg Down.
This is an excellent chapter book series that will entertain the littles through the early grades. Older children will certainly enjoy reading to themselves or sharing with a younger sibling.
The Flowers’ Festival by An Elsa Beskow
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
This is a beautifully written story about the author’s childhood experience of overcoming her fear of thunderstorms.
First & Second Grade:
Frog & Toad Series by Arnold Lobe
The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lingren
Little Witch Hazel by Pheobe Wahl
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf
Third & 4th Grade:
A Bear for Miguel by Elaine Alphin (1996). In El Salvador, a girl helps her father trade for
basic necessities at the local market. Will Maria need to give up her treasured stuffed
bear, Paco? This is a contextualized story for children asking about war, relating events
for younger ears and presenting a young child’s optimism and love of family; end-notes
are for parents. Beautiful, interpretive watercolors by Joan Sandin.
Clockwork by Phillip Pullman (1996). A haunting tale that includes a writer with a story
that is out of his control, a prince whose mechanical heart is failing, a girl who must
develop courage to match her kindness, and a knight with evil intentions. Not for the
faint of heart.
The Dragon’s Boy by Jane Yolen (1990). Young Arthur meets a dragon he comes to
accept as a friend and mentor.
Fifth & Sixth Grade:
Becoming Muhammed Ali by Alexander, Kwame and James Patterson
The Ruins of Gorlan (series) by Flanagan, John
The Book of Fatal Errors by Slater, Dashka
A Wrinkle in Time (series) by L’Engle, Madeleine
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
The Lord of the Rings (series) by Tolkien, J. R. R.
Seventh & Eighth Grade:
One Last Shot by John David Anderson
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
Favorite Local Bookshops, and don’t forget your local library!
St. Paul: Red Balloon Bookshop
Minneapolis: Wild Rumpus
Stillwater: Valley Bookseller
Baby Cakes Book Mobile
Happy Reading!