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There’s something magical about reading aloud, and it doesn’t have to stop when your kids can read on their own. In fact, reading together as a family can be especially meaningful during the tween and teen years. For kids in that in-between stage—no longer little, but not quite grown—reading aloud creates shared experiences, opens the door for thoughtful conversations, and can even spark new interests or empathy. It’s a simple way to stay connected during a time when kids are stretching toward independence.
Summer is the perfect season to start or strengthen a family read-aloud tradition. With school out and schedules a little more relaxed, there’s more room for lingering evenings and spontaneous adventures. You can read a chapter together before bed, pass a book around during a road trip, or bring one along to enjoy by the lake or campfire. Whether you’re home for the summer or traveling across the state, a great story can add something special to your time together.
There are plenty of beloved books that make for excellent read-alouds, but for this list, we’re keeping things close to home. These books are either written by Arkansas authors or have strong ties to our state. They highlight the unique voices, settings, and stories that make Arkansas such a rich place to grow up.
The Mysterious Benedict Society – Trenton Lee Stewart
Suggested Ages: 8–12
Genre: Adventure, Mystery
Trenton Lee Stewart, a native of Hot Springs and a graduate of Hendrix College, resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. His acclaimed series follows gifted children recruited by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict to thwart a global threat, blending puzzles, friendship and suspense.
When Kittens Go Viral – Darcy Pattison
Suggested Ages: 7–10
Genre: Humor, Contemporary Fiction
In this lighthearted story by Arkansas’s Darcy Pattison, a kitten becomes an internet sensation, navigating the ups and downs of fame in the digital age. It’s a fun story for kids who dream of having their own YouTube or TikTok channel.
Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge – Kristin L. Gray
Suggested Ages: 8–12
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Kristin L. Gray presents Vilonia Beebe, a spirited fourth grader determined to prove her responsibility by adopting a dog, all while navigating family challenges with humor and heart.
The Devil’s Backbone – James Babb
Suggested Ages: 10–14
Genre: Historical Fiction
Arkansas author James Babb crafts a tale set in the Ozarks, where young Brody embarks on a perilous journey after a tragic accident. The novel delves into themes of survival and self-discovery in post-Civil War America.
Vagabonds – Darcy Pattison
Suggested Ages: 10–14
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Darcy Pattison, an Arkansas author, pens a tale featuring an armadillo’s quest for a new home in the Ozarks, exploring themes of displacement and resilience from the perspective of a curious creature.
Pighearted – Alex Perry
Suggested Ages: 10–14
Genre: Science Fiction
Alex Perry, based in Arkansas, explores bioethics and friendship in this tale of a boy with a fatal heart condition and a genetically modified pig, whose intertwined destinies challenge the boundaries of science and humanity.
Legends of the Lost Causes – Brad McLelland & Louis Sylvester
Suggested Ages: 10–14
Genre: Fantasy, Western
Brad McLelland, born and raised in Arkansas, co-authored this action-packed series where a group of orphans battles zombie outlaws in a reimagined Wild West, blending folklore with fantasy.
For Older Teens
Into the Dim – Janet B. Taylor
Suggested Ages: 13+
Genre: Time Travel, Historical Fiction
Janet B. Taylor, from a small town in Arkansas, crafts a time-travel adventure in which a teenage girl journeys to 12th-century Scotland to rescue her mother, blending historical intrigue with personal growth.
Beasts of Prey – Ayana Gray
Suggested Ages: 14+
Genre: Fantasy
Ayana Gray, who resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, introduces readers to a richly imagined world where two teens must unite to hunt a monster, confronting their own inner demons along the way.
Where Things Come Back – John Corey Whaley
Suggested Ages: 14+
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Though John Corey Whaley hails from Louisiana, his debut novel is set in the fictional town of Lily, Arkansas, where a teenager navigates the mysteries of a missing brother and a returned extinct bird, exploring themes of hope and loss.
Just Friends – Tiffany Pitcock
Suggested Ages: 13+
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tiffany Pitcock is a writer from Benton, Arkansas, and a graduate of Henderson State University. In this smart and charming debut novel, high schoolers Jenny and Chance pretend to be longtime friends for a class project—but their fake friendship starts to feel a lot like something real.
Sharing stories aloud is a simple way to slow down, spark conversation, and make memories together. This summer, let a good book bring your family a little closer—one chapter at a time.
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