Fill your summer reading list with books all about the best of the summer season! From beach days, to camping, summer vacation and the Fourth of July, these themes will stir some memories or help create new ones.
Preschool
“Bright Lights and Summer Nights”
by Shauntay Grant
Take a luminous bedtime journey through the summery dreamworld of a restless baby. On a hot summer night, Mother Moon soothes a little star baby who won’t go to sleep.
by Nazneen Akbari
Nuha is nervous about spending the summer with her Jadda (grandmother), but finding a new treasure helps her realize that Oman is special in its own way.
by Aimée M. Bissonette
Celebrate nature and wildlife in the summer season with this poetic book about a family who enjoys hiking, camping and other adventures outside during the summer.
Early Elementary
by Gabby Dawnay
Part of the charming series inspired by the Forest School movement, teaching young children how to engage with nature from season to season
by Nina Crews
Maya and her extended intergenerational family enjoy their annual trip to the beach.
by Susan Kesselring
This fun, colorful book describes basic rules for what to do and what not to do to be safe in your neighborhood.
Upper Elementary
“Camp Frenemies: Bunkmates for Never”
by Liz Montague
At summer camp, Beatrice struggles with changing friendships and tension with her friends Virginia and Roxy as they adjust to growing up and being the oldest campers.
by Becky Baines
Blending historical storytelling with crafts, games and recipes, this activity book is perfect for America’s 250th anniversary, bringing events like the Declaration of Independence to life.
by Annie Williamson
This is the ultimate activity guide to encourage kids to get outside and interact with our amazing planet. They will learn about the history of stargazing, discover top tips on how to navigate the night sky and spot constellations.
Middle School
“A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation”
by Pablo Cartaya
Gonzalo Alberto García has never considered himself the hero of his own story. Forced to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather, Alberto William García, the very famous reclusive author, Gonzalo didn’t expect to learn that heroes and monsters are not only the stuff of fantasy.
by Kayla Miller
Besties Beth and Chanda set sail on their third adventure, but their dream cruise is not all smooth sailing as they navigate the changing tides of friendship and sisterhood.
by Florence Migga
Three best friends plan to compile a joint scrapbook over their first summer apart to test whether their friendship can withstand new experiences and distance.
High School
by Kenneth Oppel
While on a cabin trap, Xavier Oaks, his dad and his dad’s pregnant new wife, Nia, find themselves trapped in a dome. The struggle to escape results in tension, strife and sacrifice.
“Rhiannon”
by Kiara Brinkman
Rhiannon has lived in the Golden Canyon retirement community with Aunt Gran since she was a small child. Summer should bring adventure with her best friend, Kit, but Elizabeth is visiting this year as well, and her presence kicks off more changes than Rhia is comfortable with.
“The Taylors Version: Cruel Summer”
by Elizabeth Eulberg
Four girls, all named Taylor, have survived their first year of high school and can’t wait for summer to start, but the drama doesn’t go away just because they want it to.
