By Regan McMahon, www.commonsense.org

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.

Whale spotting, dragon slaying, and an alien invasion should perk up lazy sunny days.

Finding the right book for your niece or nephew can be a challenge. But if you guess right and keep new ones coming, you may be on your way to helping raise a lifelong reader.

Check out our Essential Books for Kids and Teens guide to find more than 150 of our perennial favorites. Plus, every month, we highlight a few books for different ages—some exceptional titles that could be the perfect thing to perk your niece’s or nephew’s interest, get your little reader hooked on a new author, or rediscover an old favorite.

Here are our picks for June:

For kids 4 to 7
There’s If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Erin E. Stead—the team that created last year’s New York Times Bestseller And Then It’s Spring. The two books have a similar pastel palette, a soft, lyrical tone, and lots of waiting. In the duo’s first book, a little boy and his dog waited for the seeds he planted to grow. Here, a different boy and dog wait to spot a whale as the text warns of distractions on the horizon—birds, boats, clouds, flags—and sweet-smelling roses and a bug nearby. Patience is rewarded in this quiet adventure that celebrates imagination and observation.

For readers 8 to 12
Check out Handbook for Dragon Slayers by Merrie Haskell, an exciting, fast-moving tale set in medieval Germany, with dragons, magical horses, brave teens, and a 13-year-old princess who’s running from an evil knight who wants to kill her. The thrilling plot, appealing characters—including strong female protagonists—and engaging presentation of the Middle Ages will make many young readers want to learn more about the period’s history and legends.

For teens 13 to 17
The book everyone’s talking about is Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave, an emotionally intense science-fiction adventure set in the aftermath of an alien invasion of Earth that has killed billions. All that keeps protagonist Cassie Connors going is her promise to her younger brother, and she’ll do almost anything to be reunited with him. After she’s grievously wounded, she’s nursed back to health by a mysterious stranger who seems to be keeping secrets from her. Readers will find echoes of The Hunger Games and Ender’s Game, but The 5th Wave displays plenty of originality. It’s a nail-biter from beginning to end!

For more suggestions, check out our “top picks” lists, including Books Like The Hunger Games and our 50-title list of Summer Reading for Kids.

Photo: Courtesy of Common Sense Media
Published: June 19, 2013