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July was a full month. Between camps, trips, and hosting visitors, we still managed to get through a solid stack of books. Some we loved, some sparked big conversations, and a few were read again for the third time (or more) because younger siblings do not believe in “too many times.”
Here’s what each of us read in July—with a little peek into what we thought:
The 6-Year-Old’s Picks
This age is all about the familiar favorites. We’re still deep in the early chapter book phase, and this month was full of giggles and drama thanks to a very specific little kindergartener and a very sparkly friend.
Junie B. Jones: Boo—and I Mean It!
Junie is NOT here for Halloween. The drama. The sass. The mispronunciations. It’s chaotic in the best way.
Junie B. Jones: Meanie Jim’s Birthday
This one brought up some good chats about being left out and how we treat our friends. But mostly it was Junie yelling and making questionable decisions. As usual.
Fancy Nancy: 5-Minute Stories (yes, again)
We read this collection more than once. Still delightful. Still full of big words and bigger outfits. Still sparking some imaginative dress-up time.
The 8-Year-Old’s Stack
This one devoured books this month. A mix of history, fantasy, and superheroes—because why not?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
We read this aloud, and it never gets old. Roald Dahl’s characters are weird and wonderful. Charlie’s quiet perseverance hit home.
Spider-Man: Spider-Verse
Graphic novels like this are great for reading breaks. It’s fast, fun, and full of multiverse chaos.
A Penny’s Worth of Character
A quick read with a big message. Perfect for talking about honesty—and not just in theory, but in the real-life situations kids actually face.
The Boxcar Children: The Haunted Clock Tower
Mystery, teamwork, a touch of spookiness… it’s everything an 8-year-old sleuth could want.
I Survived the Battle of D-Day, 1944
This one brought a lot of “Wait, did that really happen?” moments. The history-packed adventure style makes this series such a solid pick.
The 10-Year-Old’s Reads
Big feelings. Big books. And some deep conversations. Pink Rabbit was our pick for Curio's Newbery Book Club!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
We made it to the end of the series. Emotional doesn’t even cover it. This kid was all in—narrating battles in the kitchen and analyzing character motives at bedtime.
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
A quieter story with big impact. This book opened up thoughtful discussions about war, displacement, and what childhood looks like in different parts of the world.
The 12-Year-Old’s Titles
Graphic novels ruled this month—with one sweet read slipped in between dragons.
Cupcake Diaries
This series is the right mix of light and relatable. Friendship drama, cupcakes, and just enough middle school awkwardness to be realistic.
Wings of Fire: Moon Rising (graphic novel)
Wings of Fire: Escaping Peril (graphic novel)
Fast-paced fantasy, dragon politics, and amazing illustrations. These continue to be favorites—read in a day, discussed for a week.
Mom’s Reading List
A little YA, a little historical fiction, and a few audiobooks squeezed in during sports practices and laundry-folding marathons.
The Fates Divide by Veronica Roth
This sequel had more heart than I expected. Dystopian YA still gets me.
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Middle grade fantasy with gorgeous writing and deep themes. Highly recommend for older kids or grown-ups. This'll come up in our Newbery Book Club soon!
The Higher Power of Lucky (audiobook)
Quirky and slow-paced, but memorable. Lucky’s world is small, but her questions are big. I'll also be teaching this in Book Club soon!
The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963
I finally read this one and wow. It’s funny, tender, and gut-wrenching all in one. A must-read. Yes, more book club prep but this one made me laugh... unexpected. Christopher Paul Curtis is such a genius at taking heavy historical moments and helping you see the humanity from a boy's eyes.
Four (audiobook)
Listened for fun while cleaning. If you liked Divergent, it’s a good side-trip.
The Paris Architect
Historical fiction set in Nazi-occupied Paris. A heavier read, but worth it. Very interesting for any architecture fans out there.
Lost Roses
A sweeping, emotional novel set during WWI. Loved the multiple perspectives and the strong female characters.
Why We Share Our Family Reads
At Curio, we believe reading builds more than just vocabulary. It builds curiosity, empathy, and conversation. Whether you’re homeschooling full-time or just sneaking in read-alouds before bed, books shape the way our kids see the world—and that’s worth celebrating.
Want to See What We Read Each Month?
Check back at the end of each month for our latest reading recap, or follow along on YouTube where we share book stacks and other homeschool & teaching tips!
