Summer’s finally here and it’s time to warm up with a good read. The teachers of your upper elementary and middle school students definitely want them reading this summer. If you point them in the direction of these good page-turners, you should have no trouble getting them to book time for reading.

The British invasion continues with “The Edge Chroncles,” a new series that is sure to please the Potter fans. The first two books, “Beyond the Deepwoods” and “Stormchaser” (Random House, $14.99 each), are fabulous and in stores now. Author Paul Stewart and illustrator Chris Riddell have created a rich fantasy, with a likable hero, Twig, and a forest full of amazing creatures. Random House is already set for the publication of the third book, “Midnight over Sanctaphrax,” in September. There’s also a detailed and fun Web site, www.edgechronicles.com, where readers can get the lowdown on the creatures and the kingdom in this rich and clever adventure series.

Elmore Leonard, who has topped the New York Times best-seller lists with many books for adult readers, turns his talent to a new book for kids, “A Coyote’s in the House.” (HarperCollins, $15.95). Leonard gets into the canine spirit with Antwan, a Hollywood hills coyote who meets up with show dog star, Buddy, while he’s raiding the garbage. Leonard proves he’s a master storyteller in the animal kingdom. This is a great read for the dog days of summer.

The mail from school includes the last report card of the year. Whether it’s good news or bad, Andrew Clements’ “The Report Card” (Simon & Schuster, $15.95) makes the grade. Clements has a knack for covering the issues kids think about.

In his latest school story, he tackles grades and standardized testing and how they affect kids. With just the right touch, Clements writes about a fifth-grade genius named Nora who hatches a plan to challenge grades and tests. The kids are real and the story seems like it could almost happen at your child’s school. Your reader will be rooting for Nora and her best pal, Stephen, as they risk getting in some hot water to make a point.

Copy the Story Link