Summer Reading 2023

We always kick off the summer with a family trip to the library, filling our library bag so full it takes a team effort to haul it to the car. I love knowing there will be extra time to read—on lazy mornings, at the pool, in the backyard, on road trips, and late into the night when you just want to read one more page. Bring on the summer reading!

Here are a few recommendations to get you started!

Picture Books:

Come Home Already! is the delightful story of Duck and Bear and a camping trip gone all wrong. Their witty dialogue reminds me Elephant and Piggie books. We laugh out loud each time we read this one.

I Am Not A Penguin: A Pangolin’s Lament has been read in our home dozens of times since we found it at the library. All the animals keep confusing the pangolin for a snake or a frog or an armadillo, or of course, a penguin. Doesn’t anyone care about the pangolin?

Early Chapter Books

The beloved Magic Tree House series is now a graphic novel! The stories are the same, but the graphic novel format is filled with amazing art work and can feel less intimating for many young readers.

The Diary of A Pug series features Bubbles, better known as Bubs, an adorable pug who loves peanut butter and hates baths. These diary style books are told from the pug’s point of view as he navigates dog life with his human, Bella.

Upper Elemntary

My daughter couldn’t stop talking about The Lion of Mars as her 4th grade teacher read it aloud to the class. Her kind teacher sent it home for me to read when they were finished, and I definitely understand the hype. Kids growing up on Mars? Enough said.

Squished is a graphic novel about eleven-year-old Avery Lee. Avery knows she has little to complain about in life, but she is really tired of getting lost in the noise and chaos of a big family. All she really wants is her own room, and just when she hatches a plan to make that possible, things get more complicated.

Middle & High School

Love graphic novels? Love basketball? This is your jam. Don’t like graphic novels? Not really a basketball fan? This is still your jam. Dragon Hoops touches on important topics and themes and is all around great storytelling.

Suspense. Action. Survival. Adventure. 96 Miles is a book that will keep you up late into the night. The Lockwood brothers are ready to survive anything, but their survival skills are tested when they are forced to rely on each other during a 96 mile hike to safety.

And Something for the grown ups, too!

I read Finlay Donovan Is Killing It for book club last year, and it was such an entertaining page-turner! I tend to scare easily, so I don't normally pick up mystery, but this was more of a comical suspense, and I snagged up the second and third books right away.

The title really says it all. Every Summer After is a fun and easy summer read. The story alternates from past to present as you follow best friends, Percy and Sam. If you’re a sucker for a second chance romance story, this will be just what your summer vacation needs.

Happy reading!

What To Do When Third-Quarter Slump Hits Home?

March brings many challenges for our students. The academic honeymoon ended months ago, and a sense of restlessness and complacency has set in. It is difficult to stay motivated and complete work that reflects one’s best effort when the semester feels like it is dragging and the weather starts changing. Even at home, we are talking about summer plans—vacations, sports, camps—and our minds start tuning out the current workload. This “third quarter slump” is defined as the time of year when students’ grades drop, and unfortunately, this can happen rather quickly.

A parent’s initial reaction is to panic. Watching the successes of first semester’s hard work slip away can raise tensions in our homes, resulting in frustration that makes this slump even worse. None of this is uncommon. Think of it like the 7th inning stretch of a baseball game. Students need to get up, move around, maybe grab some nachos because although we are close to the end, this year isn’t over yet. Instead of jumping into panic mode, try out these tips.

  1. Enlist the help of others. No matter how hard we try, advice and help from parents can come across the wrong way to our children. This is a great time to enlist the help of teachers and tutors to talk about third quarter slump with your student, and create a plan to finish strong.

  2. Consider adding an additional tutoring session. Let our tutors help motivate and keep your student on track. By adding an additional in-person or virtual session to your week, tutors can be sure your student stays on top of assignments and projects. Even a shorter, 30-minute virtual check-in session will help hold students accountable and show how much our tutors care about your student’s success!

  3. Try something new to jumpstart those good routines and habits. We all start off the school year with clearly defined routines and habits. Many of those teeter off as the year progresses. Now is the time to revisit those plans and maybe make some changes. When is the best time to get homework done? Where will your child do homework each night? When will a parent check grades, planners, and backpacks? It is important to acknowledge this restless third quarter slump is a natural response, even for parents. We might be feeling burnt out with the school year, too, and some of the routines we were more diligent with in September are in need of a jumpstart.

    Hang in there, families! Stay involved but stay calm, too. Another great year will wrap up soon, and all our students have so much to be proud of.

How Can a Tutor Help with Study Skills?

Messy backpacks? Last minute cram sessions? Forgotten projects? Late assignments? Any of this sound familiar? We hear from parents all the time who feel exhausted with managing their child’s schoolwork.

It is no surprise that help with general study skills and organization is one of the most common requests we receive from parents. Families are looking for someone to help with organization, time management, long-term planning, keeping track of assignments, working memory strategies, independent study skills, and more. Our tutors can help!

  1. Ease the Burden: Keeping track of deadlines, due dates, and important exams is a full-time job, and a parent’s gentle reminders can feel like nagging which leads to even more frustration. Help with study skills, organization, and time management is often better received from a teacher or tutor than it is from a parent.

  2. Create A Plan: Tutors can help prioritize short-term and long-term work, and then create a plan to help students stay on track.

  3. Accountability: Once a plan has been made, tutors can hold students accountable for that plan, checking in at the next session or even sooner with a 30 minute virtual session in-between your regular sessions.

  4. Short Virtual Sessions: Did you know that our tutors offer 30 minute virtual sessions? This is a great way to check in during the week, and help stay focused on that plan as well as go over assignments and upcoming due dates.

  5. Understanding Learning Style: Many of our tutors have completed a Study Skills and Executive Functioning Training with our Mentoring Coordinator. This training equips our tutors to get to know each student and how he/she learns, studies, and manages schoolwork. Our tutors have resources to help a student thrive no matter the learning style.

We would love to step in and help with study skills and organization! Get in touch so we can start finding the best way to support your family.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers

The holidays are a great time to thank those teachers who go above and beyond to make school a great place for your child. You can never go wrong with a gift card slipped into a kind thank you note. Take this chance to express your appreciation for your teacher’s creativity, commitment, and hard work! But if gift cards are not quite your style, here are a few suggestions to express your appreciation.


A Classroom Donation

Budgets are tight, and many teachers end up spending their own money for classroom supplies. Help them out this year by gifting books, games for indoor recess, or goodies like magnetic tape, Expo markers, and the favorite pen! Not sure what would be most helpful? Have you child create a “coupon” to be redeemed for a hard-cover book of the teacher’s choosing or for any needed classroom supplies. This way the teacher can let you know what supply is running low. 

Personalized Stamp

You can personalize the hairstyle and color of this stamp, plus add accessories like glasses or a tie, to make a one-of-a-kind creation. You can also tweak the text if you'd rather say something like, "Property of Mr. Smith’s Classroom." 

Subscription for Book Of The Month

What teachers doesn’t love a good book? This subscription allows giftees to choose from five new books each month. You can choose to give a three, six, or twelve month subscription.

Audible Subscription

Or give the audio version instead! You can buy a subscription to Audible, so your favorite teacher can listen on the commute to school. 

Favorite Reading Teacher

Fill this bag with a favorite book or classroom book donations. Include a handy reading light and some late night reading snacks, and you’re all set!

Favorite Science Teacher

This heat changing mug makes a fun gift for your favorite science teacher. And don’t forget to grab a pound of coffee from a local roaster!

Local Gift Cards

Gift cards and a thank you note are always a hit, but this holiday season, think local! Small bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops, and juice bars right near your school are a great way to treat your favorite teacher and support your community. We’ve linked a few of our personal favorites!


Happy shopping, and above all, be sure to include a note of thanks, maybe even two - one from you and one from your child!

Why Connections Academics?

We know Connections Academics isn’t your only option when it comes to tutoring, but we feel confident we are your best option. For nearly ten years, Connections Academics has stood out from other tutoring companies. Why? So glad you asked!

  1. Our guarantee tutor-student match makes all the difference! We believe the perfect tutor match will dramatically impact a student's academic experience, and we want to find the best tutor to click with your student. If we don’t get it right the first time, the next session with a new tutor is on us until we find that perfect match.


  2. We offer customization that larger companies cannot keep up with. We know each student and tutor is an individual with unique strengths. Our team works to provide instruction and academic supports that are tailored to individual's needs, personalities, and schedules. Our tutors don’t come with a script; they come with knowledge and passion, ready to get to know your student and create lessons based on your child’s needs.


  3. Our convenient academic support can’t be beat! We know you are busy, and piling children into the car and driving to a tutoring center on a busy evening can be stressful. That is why we come to you, ready to provide support in the comfort of your own home or location convenient to you.


  4. Our tutors go the extra mile to help your student THRIVE. We come prepared with engaging and creative ways to model, teach, and practice academic work, but we also find ways to go above and beyond. Our tutors are checking in throughout the week and sending encouragement before big tests and projects. Our tutors are sending birthday cards and giving small holiday gifts. Our tutors are showing up to sporting events and theater productions. We are confident that we have the BEST tutors who care about each student as a whole person. These relationships make tutoring more fun and therefore, more effective.

We love empowering students and families with customized academic support. Our commitment to unlocking students’ full potential has caused Connections Academics to stand out in a city full of tutoring options.

Interview With a College Consultant

This month we are talking with Pat Dunn, an independent college consultant here in Cincinnati and member of the Connections Academic team. Pat is retired after 40 years in secondary school education and 25 years in college counseling. She guides students on creating a comprehensive college list and helps families navigate the dynamic college admissions process. The college admissions process is a huge topic for our Connections families, and we wanted Pat to weigh in with her expertise.

1. What is a good timeline for things like when to start visiting schools and applying for schools?

The first 2 years of high school are best dedicated to tackling challenging classes and building a strong transcript. I recommend starting college visits in the spring of junior year and submitting applications starting with the early deadlines in mid-October.

2. How do I decide if a school is a good fit for me?

Visit the school when students are on campus and try to attend a few classes in your areas of academic interest. Check out the college's website and look into the course catalogue. Investigate student activities as well as study abroad opportunities.

3. How do I make my application stand out?

Primarily through the rigor of your high school classes and what you do outside the classroom: summer employment and internships, leadership positions in school. Lively essays and teacher recommendations certainly help when they provide additional insights. The key question colleges want answered? How do you make a difference in the classroom?

4. Where do I even start when looking for financial aid?

Go to each college's financial site and fill out an estimator. Also sites like Finaid are very helpful in determining your family contribution. Many private colleges, particularly in the midwest, offer scholarships. Filing for a FAFSA ID and then filling out this form in the fall of the senior year are critical to any aid.

5. What are the benefits of using a consultant versus your guidance counselor at school?

Personal attention! High school counselors can work with hundreds of students and simply don't have the time and expertise to guide students who look beyond the usual list of colleges.

Pat would love to help you and your family navigate this college admissions process. Email her for more information.

Start this School Year off Right

Here at Connections Academics, we love back to school season! A fresh start and new beginning is exciting, and we are here to help your family start this year off right. Our team of educators has you covered with these back to school tips:

  • Bring your student along to pick out supplies. This will create excitement and ownership. Certainly we’re not the only ones who remember their purple Trapper Keeper?

  • Plan for the planners! Many schools provide planners for elementary and middle school. Spend time looking at this with your student, modeling and incentivizing how to use the planner. For age-appropriate students, encourage them to use a digital calendar and electronic to-do list if that is more motivating.

  • Involve your child in creating home routines for both before and after school. Decide together when the alarm will go off each morning, where the backpack will be stored, where communication from school will be delivered, when and where homework will get done, and when the bag will get packed up. Give these new routines time and anticipate the need for extra time and extra reminders as everyone adjusts back to a new school year.

  • The first few weeks of school will be filled with new apps to download, new accounts to create, and newsletters filling your inbox. Because teacher communication is so important, jump in right away by familiarizing yourself with the different communication tools. Download the apps, create the accounts, set the notifications, and be sure you know how your child's teacher will be communicating throughout the year.

  • Hire a tutor! Deciding to bring a tutor into your child’s life is a big decision and an investment. Tutoring will have a significant impact on a student’s life by increasing knowledge, boosting confidence, and developing pride in the hard work of education. We believe that most students would benefit from 1:1 support. This could come in the form of enrichment, intervention, test prep, review, or simply having a caring adult talk through learning in a new way. A tutor provides academic engagement for a student and cheers him or her on as they strive together to make personal academic gains.

  • And lastly, plan to sit on the couch and eat pizza the Friday night after the first week back. Everyone will be exhausted. Don’t make big plans. Just sit. Eat. Trust us. You will be glad you did.

Summer Reading 2022

Bring on the summer reading! Connections Academics has got you covered with great summer reads for all ages. Check out your library or local book stores, and be sure to fill your days with awesome page turners!

Picture Books

The Box Turtle: Terrance was born without a shell, so he used a box instead. He loves his box until another turtle teases him. Terrance and his friend, Hermit Crab, set out to find a new shell and end up learning some important lessons along the way.

The Couch Potato: This couch potato has everything he needs for a life indoors, but when the electricity goes out he is forced to explore the outside world. A great book to remind us all that while technology has its place, nothing can replace sunshine, fresh air, and the creativity sparked by the great outdoors.

Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea! Calling all fans of Piggie and Elephant books! I’ve got a great series for you starring these witty and charming sea creatures. Fun to read aloud and great for early readers to try on their own! You won’t be able to read just one!

Can I Be Your Dog? Arfy is a homeless dog living in a box. He write letters to everyone on Butternut Street trying to find a new home, but no one wants him. Will this lovable dog ever find a home?

Elementary Chapter Books

The Lemonade War: This long-time favorite book is the ultimate brother-sister battle. Evan and his little sister Jessie are in a war to see who can sell the most lemonade before school starts. The perfect summer read!

This Island Isn’t Big Enough for the Four of Us: This is an older book but still such a fun read, especially for summer. Pete and Scott are ready for the ultimate wilderness experience as they set out to camp on Turtle Island….alone. But they soon realize they are not alone.

Ways To Make Sunshine: Ryan Hart has been compared to Ramona Quimby, and I say that’s a pretty fair comparison. Readers will adore Ryan as she conquers the challenges of fourth grade.

Kickoff! Football fans will love this book, written and inspired by the childhood of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber.

Middle School & High School

The Bookwanderers: This first book in this magical series is a delight, especially for book lovers! When the characters of eleven-year-old Tilly Pages’ favorite books start showing up in her grandparents’ bookshop, Tilly is in for an adventure and maybe some danger.

All Thirteen: I was glued to the news back in 2018 when this incredible cave rescue played out in real time. The Wild Boars soccer team and their coach were trapped in a cave in Thailand for 17 days, and this book is a fascinating and informative account of the heroic rescue experts said "never should have worked.”

The Wednesday Wars: Seventh grader, Holling Hoodhood, has some real problems. Mainly, his teacher hates him, and he is stuck spending every Wednesday afternoon with her. Set during the Vietnam War, this witty book follows a year of Holling’s life as he navigates his teacher, friends, and family drama.

Jailbreak At Alcatraz: This is the second book in this unique graphic-nonfiction series about real FBI cases. Nonfiction readers will love the true story and unsolved mystery of this thrilling escape and manhunt from the island Alcatraz prison.


Need more ideas? Check out book recommendations from past summers.

2018 Summer Book Recommedations

2019 Summer Book Recommendations

2021 Summer Book Recommendations