The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Kids
- Michele Thomas
- May 30
- 3 min read
Summer is the perfect time for kids to dive into new adventures, explore magical worlds, and learn valuable lessons—all through the pages of a great book! Whether lounging by the pool, enjoying a road trip, or winding down after a day of summer fun, these stories will inspire, entertain, and spark imaginations.
Here’s our curated summer reading list for kids of all ages, packed with stories about friendship, adventure, and the joy of discovery.
1. The Lost Bicycle by Cory Hills
Join Mother Earth’s son on a thrilling quest to find his missing bicycle, taking readers through lush forests, rushing rivers, and steep mountains. Along the way, he meets animal friends who teach him the value of determination and teamwork.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: Perfect for kids who love nature and adventure.
Summer Activity: Go on a family bike ride and create your own outdoor scavenger hunt!
2. Larry’s Hairy Dilemma by Stan Geter, Jr.
Larry’s wild hair makes him stand out—and not always in a good way. With the help of a quirky barber, Larry learns to embrace his unique look and find confidence in who he truly is.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: A fun, heartwarming story about self-acceptance.
Summer Activity: Have a DIY makeover day and celebrate what makes everyone unique!
3. Beatrice and the Search for the Orb by Cory Hills
Blast off into space with Beatrice and the POGs as they race to find a powerful orb that could save the galaxy. This action-packed interstellar adventure will captivate readers with its twists and turns.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: A thrilling space adventure for kids who love science fiction.
Summer Activity: Build a “rocket” out of cardboard boxes and let imaginations soar!
4. Eek! My Ink! by Raven Howell
A young artist discovers the magic of turning mistakes into masterpieces. With paint splatters and colorful surprises, this story is a celebration of creativity and resilience.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: Encourages kids to embrace their creativity and see the beauty in imperfection.
Summer Activity: Have an outdoor art day and create your own splatter-paint masterpieces!
5. The Engineer and His Kitty by Lola Soto
DJ dreams of becoming an engineer, and his curious cat, Ion, is always by his side. Together, they explore the wonders of STEM through building rockets, designing robots, and solving problems.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: Introduces kids to STEM concepts in a fun, engaging way.
Summer Activity: Create simple STEM projects at home, like a baking soda volcano or a paper airplane challenge!
6. Spring Cleaning by Mike Murray
Jasir learns that small actions can lead to big changes as he works to clean up his neighborhood. This story celebrates teamwork, environmental care, and the joy of making a difference.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: Encourages kids to care for their community and the environment.
Summer Activity: Organize a family or neighborhood cleanup day and plant flowers to beautify your space.
7. Wyatt the Walrus Makes a Friend by Jackie Kusmit
Wyatt feels different because of his tiny tusk, but when he meets a new friend who sees past his differences, he learns that true friendship is about what’s on the inside.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: A touching tale about friendship and self-acceptance.
Summer Activity: Have kids write letters to their best friends about why they’re so special.
8. Abela’s Adventure by Meaghan Meehan
When Abela, a parrot from Brazil, moves to New York City, she embarks on a journey to find her favorite guava fruit—and discovers the wonders of her new home along the way.
Why It’s a Summer Must-Read: A delightful story about embracing change and exploring new places.
Summer Activity: Create a summer “bucket list” of new places to explore in your town or city.
Tips for a Summer of Reading Fun
Create a Reading Nook: Design a cozy outdoor or indoor space with pillows and fairy lights for kids to enjoy their books.
Start a Book Club: Invite friends or siblings to read a book together and discuss their favorite parts over snacks.
Incorporate Activities: Pair books with hands-on crafts, science experiments, or imaginative play inspired by the stories.
Summer is the perfect time to make reading an adventure. These books offer exciting worlds, important lessons, and plenty of fun for kids to explore.
📚 What’s on your child’s summer reading list? Share your recommendations in the comments below and let’s keep the inspiration going!
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