Spring Break Survival: The Best Vacation Reads for Middle-Graders
- Paul Breau
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Greetings from Paris!
While Spring Break usually finds us enjoying the cherry blossoms in Vancouver, my family and I have traded the Pacific Northwest for the streets of France this year.
We've just arrived, but I plan to sit in a few cafés reading Catching Fire in French (It's called L'Embrasement and it’s a challenge for me, but fun!). I've even got the audio through Libby to follow along with when I get tired.
It's been fun to my wife and daughter soaking in the Parisien atmosphere. We checked out the Eiffle Tower today and my wife and I took in an adventure on the metro and have eaten more than our fair share of pasteries.
Whether you are traveling across the ocean or staying local in BC this week, having the right "Vacation Read" is the secret to a peaceful holiday. A great vacation book needs to be three things: Fast-paced, portable, and impossible to put down.
If you’re looking to fill your child’s carry-on (or their quiet time at home), here are my top picks from my own books for Spring Break:
1. For the Adventure Seeker: Surviving Summer Camp
If your Spring Break involves hiking or the great outdoors, this is the perfect companion. It’s got the "Hatchet" vibes but with plenty of humor. It's a great reminder for kids that even when things go wrong, resilience (and a little brotherly teamwork) goes a long way.
2. For the Drama & Music Lover: Friendship or Fame
Perfect for the flight or a long car ride. It follows Mia as she navigates the high stakes of choir and the even higher stakes of middle-school friendships. It’s a heartwarming read that parents and daughters can actually enjoy together.
3. For the "Brainy" Athlete: The Karate Choke
Vacations can sometimes be stressful for kids who struggle with change or anxiety. The Karate Choke is a great read for kids who—like my character Jake—might feel a bit of "performance pressure" in new situations.
And, as for other books, my daughter and I love the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - I'll let you know how fare I get with the book/audio book.
Paul’s Pro-Tip for Vacation Reading:
Don’t just give them a book; make it a challenge. Tell your child that if they finish their book by the end of the break, they get to pick the "treat" or the next activity. In Paris, that's usually a giant crêpe!
What is your child reading this Spring Break?
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