What do you want to explore?
Afterschool and summer learning ... starts with a book!
1. Choose a topic to explore
Do you know any young detectives, artists, or inventors? Or children fascinated by dinosaurs, planes, bugs and birds, stars and planets, or music? You'll find 24 topics to dive into!
2. Find great kids’ books
Reading with kids sparks curiosity and conversation. We’ve carefully matched each topic with a wide range of awesome fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels to encourage more independent reading.
3. Keep the adventure going!
Browse our curated collection of topic-related activities, ideas for writing, educational apps, podcasts, and websites for inquisitive kids — designed to help to build background knowledge.
Bird Buddies Toolkit
Hands-on learning all about birds
Tune In! Toolkit
Go on a music adventure with kids
Weather Wonders Toolkit
Explore weather and climate!
“Not only does Start with a Book recommend excellent age-appropriate books, it makes it easy to make the crucial real life connections to those books that build the background knowledge and vocabulary kids need. I love how this useful tool has helped the parents and volunteers we work with to motivate kids and excite them about books and reading.”
Reading Tips for Parents
Simple, fun ideas for a summer of reading and active learning!
Reading Nonfiction with Kids
Great Read Alouds