Great Summer Reads for Kids

Whether you're at the beach, on the couch, or on the move, these books make great summer reading options for kids!

Updated June 18, 2025
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Ahoy!
Blackall, Sophie
Paper Book
Join a child captain and parent first mate as they embark on a wild high seas adventure...all without leaving the living room! This imaginative romp of a picture book is filled with glorious illustrations from a beloved Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling creator.
Be careful, Xiao Xin!
Pung, Alice
Paper Book
Xiao Xin believes he is a fire warrior, but his family thinks the world is too dangerous for him. Can he inspire his family to trust him? Xiao Xin believes he is a fearless Red Fire Warrior, but his family is always telling him to be careful--he's too little to be a warrior! They...
Being home
Sorell, Traci
Paper Book
From Sibert Honor-winning author Traci Sorell and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Michaela Goade comes a heartwarming picture book about a Native American family and the joy of moving back to their ancestral land. Today is a day of excitement-it's time to move! As a young Cherokee...
Built to last
Lê, Minh
Paper Book
Meet two friends who think they're building imaginative worlds with blocks but come to realize they've been building something far greater--a sturdy, solid friendship--in this picturebook by award-winning creators. Two kids build entire worlds out of blocks, cardboard, and...
Dog vs. Strawberry
Buchet, Nelly
Paper Book
A dog and a strawberry find themselves nose to stem in this hilarious picture book that's perfect for dog lovers. An epic battle ensues-who will come out on top? A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Welcome to the Greatest Race of All Time! ...
Ursula upside down
Tabor, Corey R.
Paper Book
Ursula the catfish finds confidence in seeing the world her own way in another innovative, flipped-format picture book from Caldecott Honoree and Geisel Award winner Corey R. Tabor. Ursula is a happy catfish, swimming through a shimmering river with weeds waving...
Home
Simler, Isabelle
Paper Book
ALSC Notable Children's Books List - Middle Readers (2025) A 2025 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book "Unites STEM learning with literary excellence . . . an essential purchase." -- School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW) ...
It's watching
Currie, Lindsay
Paper Book
A chilling middle school novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Mystery of Locked Rooms, three kids must discover who--or what--is terrorizing them after receiving an ominous meme on Halloween night. "A creepy, freaky, fun-as-anything tale."--Chuck...

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