Your old friend, a REAL book

By Katelyn Cole

Thinking about my favorite summer activities, the things at the top of my list are

traveling somewhere sunny and sandy, enjoying live entertainment in Sundance

Square, exploring new restaurants with friends, and reading. Reading has always been

one of my top priorities. It keeps me sane. It brings me back to center. It forces me to be

still.

Photos curtsey of Katelyn Cole

With the recommendations to stay home, this summer is probably not going to look how

we pictured it. Flights have been cancelled, live entertainment has been postponed, and

social gatherings with friends and family are limited. The one constant that remains is

reading.

Whether you’re a scorned reader from a book you were forced to read 100 years ago, a

hustling mom who has killed the online learning game and needs a little “me” time, or a

desperate parent in need of ways to fill their kid’s suddenly open schedule, I would like

to reintroduce you to your old friend: the book.

“Reading gives us a place to go when we have to stay where we are.” -Mason Cooley

This summer, I invite you and your family to get back to the basics by picking out a

summer read! Let’s find renewed joy in being at home and getting lost in a book. Let’s

make personal connections with characters that build empathy in us and our children.

Let’s open up opportunities for discussion and connection. I encourage you to make a

memorable experience without having to leave your home!

Below are some of my five-star reads in 2020 for adults, along with highly-rated reads

for children in each age range.

Adult Five-Star Reads:

Teenage Novels and Series:

Ages 10-13:

Ages 7-9:

Ages 4-6:

Katelyn Cole is an elementary educator in Roanoke and an avid reader. She maintains

a social media platform, where she reviews upcoming releases and builds community

through reading! You can reach out to her and find more recommendations on her

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