Reading on Road Trips

Audiobooks can be a saving grace when it comes to keeping kids occupied during road trips. Trade in the DVD player this trip and listen to some favorites.

By Amy Mascott
Nov 06, 2017

Ages

Infant-13


Nov 06, 2017

Editor's note: This post was originally published on November 9, 2015. 

Reading on road trips can go a number of ways:

  • you could be thinking about books for your kids to read along the journey;
  • you could be thinking about books to read about road trips;
  • you could be thinking about books to listen to on the way.

Because our family has recently become really interested in audiobooks, I thought I’d share some really awesome books to reserve (or download) now for your holiday road trip to visit friends and family.

We’ve already shared our best places to find free audiobooks, so definitely check out those options for the books below.  Because really, there are a ton of places where you can find some awesome audiobooks; these types of books can get pretty expensive when you’re purchasing them, so be aware.

Here are some great choices of books to listen to in the car while your family ‘hits the road’ this holiday season.

Please note: the links below are to the books themselves, not the audiobooks, unless otherwise noted.

Some quick reads (under 90 minute recordings)

Look for any of your children’s favorite authors, series, or topics. Really, you can find almost any book in audiobook form!

Some longer reads (over two hours):

You can either download the books on the kids’ personal devices, or listen to the books as a family. I highly recommend the latter.

Use this as an opportunity to talk about books. To ask questions. Make predictions. Think out loud. Make connections. Remember, it’s not about the destination; it’s all about enjoying the journey!

As always, this list is simply our recommendations. Please always use your judgment when providing your child with any book. What books are missing from this list? Which books on this list do you rank among your favorites for road trips?

Share your ideas on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page, or find Amy on twitter, @teachmama, and let’s continue the conversation!

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Check out bloggers Amy Mascott and Allie McDonald's book, Raising a Rock-Star Reader: 75 Quick Tips for Helping Your Child Develop a Lifelong Love for Reading. Get expert advice and learn new strategies for your young readers. 

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