There’s nothing better than diving into an incredible story while you’re waiting a bit post-lunch to get back into the pool or outside to play with your friends!

These books will be hard for your young reader to put down…but maybe they’ll loan them to you when they’re finished? Let their imagination run wild with these exciting and interactive reads ideal for ages 8-12.

1. Jack & Louisa Series by Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead

When ex-Broadway star Jack moves in next door, Louisa is over the moon with excitement. Written by two Broadway veterans, this series is about growing up, friendship, and staying true to yourself. And if you love the story, there’s two more books in the series!

2. Theater Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

Set against a WWII backdrop, this novel follows three orphans in London, where their once-famous grandmother enrolls them in a performing arts academy. Young musical theater fans have enjoyed this classic for generations.

3. Matilda by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

The popular new musical is based on the classic Roald Dahl story of a telekinetic young girl. Read the book, watch the movie, watch clips from the Broadway musical, and eagerly await the Netflix release of the movie adaptation of the musical!

4. Replay by Sharon Creech

This is a story about twelve-year-old Leo, who has a talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. That’s why he’s called “fog boy.” He’s always dreaming, always replaying things in his brain. As an actor in the school play, Leo is poised and ready for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, he is eager to discover what part will be his. There’s even a full play at the end of the book that you can perform!

5. The Great American Mousical by Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton

Far beneath the bright lights of Broadway is an architect’s miniature replica model of The Sovereign Theater. In this tiny model, the mice of the theater put on fantastic productions, including West Side Tails and Mice and Dolls. Right before their big show Broadway Airs opens, the crew finds out that the humans’ Sovereign Theater is going to be demolished. Worse yet, their star has disappeared! Will the show go on?

FST is now offering in-person Summer Theatre Camp for students ages 7-17 on its downtown campus. A new session starts July 20. For more information or to enroll, click here.