Holiday Reads: A Middleton Booklist for Primary Learners

As the summer holidays roll in, there's no better companion than a great book. At Middleton, we believe that reading is more than just a pastime—it’s a passport to imagination, empathy, and discovery. Whether you're curled up at home, traveling overseas, or enjoying a quiet moment at the park, these books will take our young learners on exciting adventures that fuel curiosity, reflect diverse cultures, and inspire thoughtful conversations.

Here’s our specially curated by Middleton's Library Team, here is the reading list for our Primary students from Grades 1 to 5. From real-life rescues and science fiction missions to magical mysteries and heartfelt family stories, there’s something for every reader this summer.

Recommended Reads for Grades 1 - 2:

1. Rescuing Titanic by Flora Delargy
   
   Discover the untold story of the brave people aboard the Carpathia, the ship that raced through icy waters to save Titanic’s survivors. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book shows the power of courage, quick thinking, and kindness in a moment of crisis. Perfect for readers who love real-life heroes and dramatic rescues.
   
   
2. Wen and Giri Save the World by Natalie M.E. Tan
   
   Classmates Wen and Giri find themselves on the planet Ghaert, waiting to stand trial for Earth’s war and climate atrocities. But as the teens hope for an honest hearing, the conniving councillor Nickeolo schemes to enslave the human race and take over the universe! A fun and thoughtful story about friendship, bravery, and making a difference.
   
   
3. Violet Investigates: The Mystery of Tiger Island by Harriet Whitehorn
   
   Young detective Violet Remy-Robinson is back on the case—this time on a faraway island with secrets hiding in plain sight. With clues to uncover, suspects to question, and a thrilling mystery to solve, Violet’s adventure will keep readers on their toes. Perfect for fans of clever sleuths and exotic settings.
   
   
4. Mindy Kim and the Trip to Korea by Lyla Lee
   
   Mindy is heading to South Korea to visit family, eat delicious food, and explore her roots—but it’s not all smooth sailing. Between new experiences and family traditions, Mindy navigates big emotions with humor and heart. A warm, relatable story about identity, culture, and connection.
   
   
5. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
   
   A young girl notices that her eyes are different—and beautiful. This poetic and uplifting story celebrates family, heritage, and self-love through lyrical language and stunning illustrations. A gentle yet powerful reminder that there’s beauty in every shape and story.
   
   
6. X-Venture: Bastion of the Sky Warrior by Tadatada
   
   Get ready for non-stop action in this thrilling graphic novel where young heroes face off against ancient beasts and high-tech threats. With bold illustrations and daring missions, every page feels like a cinematic adventure. Ideal for readers who love science, history, and fast-paced excitement.

Recommended Reads for Grades 3 - 5:

1. Restart by Gordon Korman
   
   What if you got a second chance to be someone totally different? When Chase falls off a roof and loses his memory, he must figure out who he really is—and who he wants to be. This fast-paced story is full of surprises, friendships, and fresh starts.
   
   
2. Mabuhay! by Zachary Sterling
   
   Welcome to a world where Filipino folklore meets everyday life. When siblings JJ and Althea discover their family's hidden secrets, they’re swept into a magical adventure filled with courage, culture, and heart. It’s a story about identity, family, and the power of believing in yourself.
   
   
3. The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon
   
   Books hold more than just stories—they can open doors to new worlds. When adventurous cousins stumble upon a hidden library, they uncover mysteries waiting to be solved. This book is a celebration of reading, curiosity, and the magic of libraries.
   
   
4. Amazing Ash and Superhero Ah Ma by Melanie Lee & Arif Rafhan
   
   Ash dreams of being a superhero—but she never imagined her biggest sidekick would be her grandma! With action, humor, and heart, this graphic novel explores family bonds and the superpowers that come from love and understanding.
   
   
5. The Lion Above the Door by Onjali Q. Raúf
   
   Leo never expected a school trip to change how he sees himself—or history. When he spots a name just like his in a forgotten war memorial, a journey of discovery begins. This powerful story shines a light on untold heroes and the importance of being seen.
   
   
6. Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr
   
   When Ben opens a fortune cookie that tells him to "Live each day as if it were your last," he takes it very seriously. Suddenly, every moment becomes an adventure—from wild ideas to heartfelt decisions. With plenty of laughs and surprising wisdom, this book is perfect for readers who love humour with a dash of life lessons.

Whether your child is drawn to true tales of bravery, quirky adventures, or rich cultural journeys, these books promise a summer of exploration and wonder. At Middleton, we believe that every story read builds not only literacy, but also character, connection, and confidence. So let’s keep those imaginations buzzing over the break—one page at a time. Happy reading!