Adventure Begins at Sussex County Library System 2024 Recommended Summer Reading Books

Need a great summer read for children birth to 17? This book list includes board books, easy readers, picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, novels, juvenile nonfiction and young adult fiction and nonfiction books.

Updated April 25, 2024
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Adventure Awaits
Kingsbury, Karen/ Russell, Tyler
Paper Book
Now an original series on Prime Video In the fourth book in Karen Kingsbury and Tyler Russell's beloved series about the Baxter children, Kari and Ashley go through the ups and downs of summer camp. School science camp is a few weeks away, but Ashley and Kari...
Adventure Kingdom 1
Foxe, Steve/ Rodriguez, Pedro (ILT)
Paper Book
Travel through the wishing well with Clark and Karoline--two kids who discover their beloved Adventure Kingdom is more than just your average theme park. From Epic Originals, this fantastical story collection serves up twists, turns, and never-before-seen Adventure Kingdom artwork, activities,...
Astro girl
Wilson-Max, Ken
Paper Book
The stars are the limit for a little girl who acts out her wish to be an astronaut -- inspired by a very special person. Astrid has loved the stars and space for as long as she can remember. "I want to be an astronaut!" she says to everyone who will listen. While her mama is away...
Before the world wakes
Laure, Estelle
Paper Book
A joyous celebration of the sights and sounds of daybreak and that special feeling a brother and sister have when they get to experience it together. When everything is still gentle and quiet-ish and the stars say good morning at the same time they say good night, a brother and...
The boy who loved maps /
Allen, Kari,
Paper Book
This enchanting picture book about a map-making boy who is stumped when a girl asks him for a map of the "perfect place" helps readers appreciate the charms of their own neighborhood--and even shows them how to make a map of it! The Mapmaker loves maps. He loves to collect...
Camp Sylvania
Murphy, Julie
Paper Book
From Julie Murphy, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin', comes a hilarious and creepy middle grade summer camp story that takes a bite out of fat camp and diet culture. Perfect for fans of Spooky Stories and Starfish. Magnolia "Maggie" Hagen is determined to be in the...
Con Pollo :
Fallon, Jimmy/ Lopez, Jennifer/ Campos, Andrea (ILT)
Paper Book
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure is an engaging and hilarious picture book that serves young readers as an introduction to basic Spanish vocabulary, brought to life by superstar team-up Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez. ...
Edward and Annie : a penguin adventure
Rivadeneira, Caryn Dahlstrand
Paper Book
Join penguins Edward and Annie, the famous viral sensations, as they waddle through Chicago's Shedd Aquarium in this funny and surprising adventure story that teaches kids and adults alike that life's biggest changes lead to great discoveries and new friends. When Edward and...
Garcia & Colette go exploring
Barnaby, Hannah Rodgers
Paper Book
Exploring outer space and the ocean is exciting, but what if you left something very important at home? Best friends Garcia and Colette are eager to go exploring, only they can't agree on where to go. Garcia loves everything about space (Stars! Planets!)­ and Colette is obsessed...
Give me a sign
Sortino, Anna
Paper Book
Jenny Han meets CODA in this big-hearted YA debut about first love and Deaf pride at a summer camp. Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that's what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes-when you don't feel "deaf enough" to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to...
Gray Fox in the Moonlight
Peterson, Isaac
Paper Book
2023 PUBWEST DESIGN AWARDS WINNER 2024 CIPA EVVY AWARDS WINNER | GOLD 2024 CIPA EVVY AWARDS WINNER | Herb Tabak Choice Award "This book needs not one breath more for its perfect autumn and winter message." --School Library...
Haven :
Lloyd, Megan Wagner.
Paper Book
When her cherished Ma Millie falls ill, a timid housecat ventures into the wild to seek help in this adventure about love, loss, and finding the truest version of ourselves. A warm, cozy lap. The toasty smell of baking bread. Tasty food served in a bright-blue bowl. These make...
Juneteenth /
Garrett, Van G.,
Paper Book
A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas--birthplace of Juneteenth--through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators. A young Black child...
Knight Owl
Denise, Christopher
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD WINNER * USA TODAY BESTSELLER A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. ...
The last Rhee witch
Lee-Yun, Jenna
Paper Book
For fans of The Last Fallen Star, Witchlings, and Ghost Squad, a heartfelt middle grade debut where Korean folklore is all too real and summer camp includes a gwishin haunting. You couldn't hold onto everything and everyone. You had to choose....
Lost dog /
Todd, Brandon,
Paper Book
Adventure Friends Miguel and Clarke search for a lost dog in this full-color book perfect for beginning readers! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short...
Mario's big adventure /
Man-Kong, Mary.
Paper Book
Power up with this full-color leveled reader based on Nintendo and Illumination present The Super Mario Bros. Movie--in theaters April 7, 2023! From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. Featuring Mario, Luigi,...
The nature adventure book
Taylor, Katie (Writer of children's books)
Paper Book
Encourage your little nature lover to explore the great outdoors and get their hands dirty!  Into the wild, we go! With over 40 crafts and games to discover, this activity book for kids offers a fun, hands-on approach to getting kids outdoors and exploring the great outdoors...
The nice dream truck
Ferry, Beth
Paper Book
From the dreams of New York Times bestselling creators Beth Ferry and Brigette Barrager comes this whimsical bedtime story filled with adventure and imagination. Featured by Gayle King on CBS Mornings! When bedtime is near, you might be in luck. You might get a visit from the...
Nigel and the moon
Eady, Antwan
Paper Book
From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself...
The one and only Ruby /
Applegate, Katherine
Paper Book
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller! From beloved powerhouse author Katherine Applegate comes The One and Only Ruby, starring the adorable baby elephant from the Newbery Medal-winning modern classic The One and Only Ivan and its bestselling sequel, The One and Only Bob. Ruby's...
People Are Wild
Meganck, Margaux
Paper Book
An inviting and inventive classic-in-the-making about learning to have compassion for every living thing, gorgeously illustrated by a rising star in the picture book world. Wild creatures come in all shapes and sizes. They can be playful or loud or smelly or curious or cute-just...
Puerto Rico treasure quest : a search and find book
Wolfe Pereira, Steven
Paper Book
Inspire children to fall in love with the world they live in with Tiny Travelers! The Tiny Travelers "Treasure Quest" Series takes its readers on a fun-filled journey to discover what makes each country special with search-and-find features on every spread. ...
Road trip! : a Whiskers Hollow adventure
Light, Steve
Paper Book
Head over to Whiskers Hollow--the whimsically detailed new world from Steve Light--and hop in with Bear and friends for a fun road trip to Elephant's Old Junk Tree. When Bear's old truck needs a new headlight, there's just one thing to do: organize a road trip to Elephant's Old...
Running with lions
Winters, Julian
Paper Book
Bloomington High School Lions star goalie Sebastian Hughes should be excited about his senior year: His teammates are amazing, and hes got a coach who doesnt ask anyone to hide their sexuality. But when his estranged childhood-best-friend Emir Shah shows up at summer training camp, Sebastian...
Summer is for cousins /
LaRocca, Rajani,
Paper Book
From Newbery honor author Rajani LaRocca and illustrator Abhi Alwar comes a celebration of extended family and summertime fun expressed in a picture book full of joyful, color art. Summer is for cousins. Mom and Dad, Two...
Summer vamp
Karim, Violet Chan,
Paper Book
What happens when a very human kid ends up at the wrong summer camp--FOR VAMPIRES?! This quirky and heart warming graphic novel about making friends and getting in trouble is perfect for fans of Witches of Brooklyn. After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even...
Tiny T. Rex and the very dark dark
Stutzman, Jonathan
Paper Book
The adorable and indomitable Tiny T. Rex from the critically acclaimed Tiny T. Rex and The Impossible Hug is back in a tale about friendship and overcoming your fears. Meet Tiny T-Rex! He may be a small dino in a BIG world, but that won't stop him from making...
Treasure map /
Todd, Brandon,
Paper Book
Grab your compass and join the Adventure Friends -- Miguel and Clarke -- in this full-color early reader series! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short...
United States : treasure quest
Wolfe Pereira, Steven
Paper Book
Inspire children to fall in love with the world they live in with Tiny Travelers! The Tiny Travelers "Treasure Quest" Series takes its readers on a fun-filled journey to discover what makes each country special with search-and-find features on every spread. ...
Very Good Hats
Straub, Emma/ Gomez, Blanca (ILT)
Paper Book
The first picture book by bestselling novelist Emma Straub, author of This Time Tomorrow, this is a joyous, inventive, adorably illustrated read-aloud that will inspire kids to see ordinary objects in a whole new way. Some people think hats are fancy things you can buy at...
Why did the monster cross the road?
Stine, R. L.
Paper Book
From beloved, bestselling children's book icons, R.L. Stine and Marc Brown, comes a storybook filled with hilariously spooky jokes and fun-loving monsters that will have everyone giggling! Why did the monster cross the road? To BITE someone on the other side! ...
Wildheart : the daring adventures of John Muir
Bertagna, Julie
Paper Book
Told for the first time in a graphic novel, this is the exciting life story of John Muir--who sailed to America as a boy and ended up changing the world. John Muir led an adventurous life, starting with his wild and playful boyhood in Scotland and culminating in his legendary exploits...
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight
Bayron, Kalynn,
Paper Book
Instant New York Times bestseller! At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night? This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street...

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