Summer Reading 2025 Middle Grade Suggestions

Updated May 7, 2025
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Art club
Doucet, Rashad
Paper Book
An ALA Best Graphic Novel of 2024 Inspired by the author's own childhood, this contemporary graphic novel paints a picture of an aspiring young artist on a mission to prove that the arts are worth fighting for.  Dale Donavan...
Art year by year
Bowden, Alice
Paper Book
Travel through time to discover the paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects that enrich our world. Are you seeking a lavishly illustrated timeline that showcases a glorious gallery of art from all around the world? Then SI Art Year By Year may be the book for you!
Atlas of amazing architecture : the most incredible buildings you've (probably) never heard of
Allen, Peter
Paper Book
This fact-filled guide for kids 7 to 17 explores the world of architecture as you've never seen it before, from tiny shacks to vast palaces - and everything in between! Praise for Atlas of Amazing Architecture ''Given the global spread of coverage...
Chasing Vermeer
Balliett, Blue
Stand-alone player
When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company, and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the...
Lunch money
Clements, Andrew
Paper Book
Greg Kenton has always had a natural talent for making money -- despite the annoying rivalry of his neighbor Maura Shaw. Then, just before sixth grade, Greg makes a discovery: Almost every kid at school has an extra quarter or two to spend almost every day. Multiply a few quarters by a few...
Make meatballs sing : the life & art of Corita Kent
Burgess, Matthew
Paper Book
Deeply influenced by her religious beliefs and fired up by the social justice causes of her day, artist, designer, and educator Corita Kent was a nun like no other! A 2022 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf SelectionA 2022 ALA Notable Children's Book ...
Me, Frida, and the secret of the peacock ring
Cervantes, Angela
Paper Book
A new novel from Angela Cervantes that uses the story of Frida Kahlo to help readers discover the true power of heritage, art, and family.A room locked for fifty years.A valuable peacock ring.A mysterious brother-sister duo.Paloma Marquez is traveling to Mexico City, birthplace of her deceased...
Photography for kids : a beginner's book : learn how to take amazing photos
Pullos, JP
Become a photographer with this guide to photography for kids ages 8 to 12 A good photo can tell a story, express your creativity, and document moments from your life in a way that only you can capture. Learn how to create incredible images that are uniquely yours with this guide to...
Radiant child : the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Steptoe, Javaka
Paper Book
Winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award! Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he...
Start Here: Draw : How to Be an Artist Without Trying
Clinch, Moira.
Paper Book
If you've always wished you could draw, but have no idea where to start, this guide is the place-offering progressive art activities that develop skill and confidence.
Zia erases the world
Barton, Bree
Paper Book
"Luminous, empowering, and full of heart-healing truths, this is a novel that belongs on every shelf."-Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award winning author For fans of Crenshaw and When You Trap a Tiger comes the extraordinary tale of a headstrong girl and the...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.