Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Reading Children's Book List

he books are this list are to align with our 2026 summer reading slogan "unearth a Story". It was chosen to align with our high-interest theme of dinosaurs, paleontology, archaeology. This book list was created for kids ages 5 - 12. They include easy readers, fiction and nonfiction picture books as well as DVDs, and VOX audio books for school age children and are available at the Sussex County Library System.

Updated April 2, 2026
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Sussex County Library System (NJ) Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Reading Children's Book List

he books are this list are to align with our 2026 summer reading slogan "unearth a Story". It was chosen to align with our high-interest theme of dinosaurs, paleontology, archaeology. This book list was created for kids ages 5 - 12. They include easy readers, fiction and nonfiction picture books as well as DVDs, and VOX audio books for school age children and are available at the Sussex County Library System.

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Apex predators : the world's deadliest hunters, past and present
Jenkins, Steve
Paper Book
What does it take to be "top dog?" In this illustrated exploration of the animal kingdom, Caldecott Honor winner Steve Jenkins introduces readers to some of the most powerful predators in history, from the Tyrannosaurus rex to the African Siberian tiger. Using his signature cut...
Dino poet
Angleberger, Tom
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author Tom Angleberger, creator of the Origami Yoda series, comes a hilarious young graphic novel adventure through the land of the dinosaurs. A Junior Library Guild Selection ***STARRED REVIEW*** "A standout...
The dinosaurs book
Woodward, John
Paper Book
If you think you know everything about dinosaurs, think again. This brilliant, best-selling encyclopedia is absolutely essential reading for dinosaur devotees. Spilling over with more than 1,000 stunning images and hundreds of fascinating facts, this spectacular...
Dinosaur detectives
Chrisp, Peter
Paper Book
Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the people who have dedicated their lives to finding out about dinosaurs with this fun-filled nonfiction reader carefully leveled to help children progress. DK Super Readers Level 4: Dinosaur Detectives will...
Dinosaur friends!
Curtis, Peter (Children’s writer)
Paper Book
In association with the Smithsonian, this Level 1 Ready-to-Read introduces exciting dinosaur characters from The World of Dinosaur Roar! Meet Dinosaur Squeak, Dinosaur Honk, and Dinosaur Munch as they frolic in the forest! They hear a mysterious sound in the distance. Could it be...
Dinosaur lady : the daring discoveries of Mary Anning, the first paleontologist
Skeers, Linda
Ebook
A beautifully illustrated picture book biography of Mary Anning that will enlighten children about the discovery of the dinosaurs and the importance of female scientists, perfect for fans of The Girl Who Thought in Pictures Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for...
Dinosaurs before dark
Laird, Jenny
Paper Book
The #1 bestselling chapter book is now a graphic novel! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked back in time in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie! Where did the tree house come from?      Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious...
The doomsday detectives : how Walter and Luis Alvarez solved the mystery of dinosaur extinction
Jenson-Elliott, Cynthia L.
Paper Book
Father-son scientists Luis and Walter Alvarez piece together one of the greatest mysteries of all time: What really happened to the dinosaurs? Dive into this fun and informative middle grade nonfiction book, which outlines the many important scientific discoveries that aided the Alvarezes in...
Free the dinosaurs!
Behling, Steve
Paper Book
Based on the Netflix series, Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, this Step into Reading Step 3 Comic Reader explores a world filled with dangerous dinosaurs! While trying to help their buddy Darius uncover why he is being followed, Sammy and Ben discover a roadside attraction...
How dinosaurs went extinct : a safety guide
Dyckman, Ame
Paper Book
From author Ame Dyckman and illustrator Jenn Harney comes a hilarious faux-cautionary tale featuring dad jokes and tantrum-throwing dinosaurs!   In this outrageous "safety guide," a child in a museum asks their parents how the dinosaurs all became extinct. Well,...
How do dinosaurs say goodnight?
Yolen, Jane
Ebook
How do dinosaurs say goodnight?
Yolen, Jane
Ebook
How do dinosaurs say goodnight?
Yolen, Jane
Ebook
I know dino! : amazing breakthroughs, mega mistakes, and unsolved mysteries in dinosaur science
Ricci, Sabrina
Paper Book
Get the deets on dinos and find out how we know what we know about them, from the hosts of the popular podcast I Know Dino! Dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years, but the world of dinosaur science has never been more alive! Over the last few decades, amazing...
The magic school bus. In the time of the dinosaurs
Cole, Joanna.
Paper Book
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!The classroom is decorated as Dinosaur Land, but Ms. Frizzle-inspired by an archeological dig-craves a...
Mary Anning
Sánchez Vegara, Ma Isabel
Paper Book
Sam & Dave dig a hole
Barnett, Mac
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! A 2015 Caldecott Honor Book With perfect pacing, the multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen dig down for a deadpan tale full of visual humor. Sam and Dave are...
We dig fossils
Agostini, Alliah L.
Paper Book
Get out your shovels and fossil brushes for this delightful Step 2 reader following a family's search for fossils! A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Ava loves rocks! But what she really really loves are fossils! Ava and her family are on a mission...
What was the age of the dinosaurs?
Stine, Megan
Paper Book
Travel back to the time when the mighty dinosaurs ruled the earth. The Age of Dinosaurs began about 250 million years ago. In the beginning they were quite small but over time they evolved into the varied and fascinating creatures that captivate our imaginations today. What we...
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