The school holidays can be a sneaky way for children to maintain the literacy gains they made over the past 12 months.

In fact, reading during the summer break is a terrific approach to prevent the dreaded “slide” on their return, according to NSW Department of Education literacy expert Jade Arnold.

“Educators have long been aware that students, particularly those in primary, can lose significant knowledge in reading and maths over the six-week period,” she said.

“So, summer reading is a wonderful opportunity to focus on reading for enjoyment, on top of the academic benefits.

“It’s also 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.

“But, parents can play a major role.

“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 reminded parents to tap into the fantastic offerings from local public libraries, too, such as free access to audiobooks and eBooks.

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

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

Ms Arnold has picked out her favourite books for young and teen readers from the Premier’s Reading Challenge lists.

“That encourages a love of reading quality literature for leisure and pleasure in students,” she said.

“It’s not a competition but a challenge for pupils to read more and to read more widely.

“The Premier’s Reading Challenge is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10 in public, 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.

The 5 books to read before starting Kindy

• Starting School: Jane Godwin & Anna Walker
• Wombat Goes to School: Jackie French & Bruce Whatley
• The Pigeon HAS to go to School: Mo Willems
• Maddi’s First Day: Penny Matthews & Liz Anelli
• Mini and Milo: The Big Flappy Ears: Venita Dimos & Natashia Curtin

Five must-read books for 5-8 years

• The Do Not Open this Book series: Andy Lee
• The School of Monsters series: Sally Rippin & Chris Kennett
• Wombat Stew: Marcia K. Vaughan & Pamela Lofts
• I’m Australian Too: Mem Fox & Ronjoy Ghosh
• Our Dreaming: Kirli Saunders & Dub Leffer

Ten must-read books for 9-12 years

• The Bad Guys: Aaron Blabey
• The Frog Squad: Kate & Jol Temple & Shiloh Gordon
• Howzat Pat #1: Dare to Bowl: Pat Cummins, Dave Hartley & Serena Geddes
• Little Ash #1: Perfect Match: Ash Barty, Jasmin McGaughey & Jane Goodwin
• The Wild Robot: Peter Brown
• Wandi: Favel Parrett
• Guts: Raina Telgemeier
• Hi From Outer Space: Fiona Katauskas
• Wylah the Koorie Warrior #1: Guardians: Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
• All the Beautiful Things: Katrina Nannestad

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

Boys:

• Minutes of Danger series: Jack Heath
• Cop & Robber: Tristan Bancks
• The Road to Winter: Mark Smith
• King of Nothing: Nathanael Lessore
• Long Way Down: Jason Reynolds

Girls:

• The Other Side of the Sky: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
• Go With the Flow: Lily Williams & Karen Schneemann
• Friday Barnes: Girl Detective: R.A. Spratt
• After the Lights Go Out: Lili Wilkinson
• The Liar’s Test: Ambelin Kwaymullina

For more lifestyle stories:

• Lauren Parker: Newcastle’s ‘golden girl’ eyes off new challenges
• Harris Farm: Newcastle’s signature farmer’s market
• Seven all-time best books and summer beach reads

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