What your kids should be reading this summer

Summer vacation is only a few days away, and you may be wondering how you're going to fill those long, hot days for your kids. One idea? Get them hooked on a good book.

CBC's Metro Morning spoke withType Book'sSerah-MarieMcMahonabout the best summer reads for your kids.

• CBC Books summer 2016 reading list

McMahon has a unique job every Saturday she sits in the back of the Queen West book store, waiting for kids and teenagers to wander in, looking for a new title to add to their collection. She asks the young readers a number of questions to find out about their interests, likes and dislikes, then points them in the right direction, in hope of sparking a life long love of reading.

"It's turning kids who read, into readers," said McMahon. "It's helping them find a book that speaks directly to them and makes them so excited."

Graphic novel - Sea Change

This illustrated novel by Frank Viva is a good choice for middle-grades, said McMahon. It tells the story of a boy who is sent to Nova Scotia to spend the summer with his family. He's not excited about the trip, but ends up having a summer he won't soon forget.

Strong female lead - Gotham Academy

"I've been really excited about comic books that have been coming out," said McMahon. "I really love Gotham academy."

It's a DC comicbook that is set inBatman's world, but focuses on aboarding school with a group of girls leading the way, solving mysteries in the city.

The comic books are written by Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher and illustrated by artist Karl Kerschl.

Non-fiction -Professor Astro Cat's Atomic Adventure

For the scientifically inclined child McMahon recommends Professor Astro Cat's Atomic Adventureby Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman.

The book explains things like gravity, and basic molecular biology, using illustrations and colourful commentary.

Young adult fiction - Flannery

This book by Canadian author Lisa Moore explore the relationship between a mother and daughter, and some of the challenges that come with that.

"I actually think adults can totally read this book too," said McMahon. "So you can be stealing your kid's books."

Fantasy - Julia Vanishes

This is the first book in a new trilogy by Catherine Egan and explore the world of witches who also happen to be con-artists.

McMahon says the book is a page turner, and you may find your child scrambling for more as it's a difficult book to put down.