Teachers, librarians, parents…you don’t need us to tell you about the evils of the summer slide. If you’ve found yourself caught in that scramble, trying to find just the right books, programs, and activities to keep kids learning all summer long, we’re here to help you out. Students can keep using Biblionasium over the summer to log their reading and make book recommendations. You can even issue reading challenges to help motivate them to read!
But which books are really the best ones to get them started? Everyone has their opinions on this, but there are some books that truly stand out from the others.
Check out our mix of contemporary and classic summer reading picks below for some inspiration to keep students reading all summer long.
By Katherine Applegate
Illustrated by Patricia Castelao
Unexpected friendship? ✔
Blend of humor and poignancy? ✔
Fictional version of a true story? ✔
Best for ages 8-12.
By E. B. White
Illustrated by Garth Williams
Strong female characters? ✔
Classic, timeless story? ✔
Introduces the circle of life? ✔
Best for ages 8-12.
3. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
By Vashti Harrison
Non-fiction for kids? ✔
Boundary-breaking stories? ✔
New York Times bestseller? ✔
Best for ages 8-11.
4. Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess
By Shari Green
Introduces coping with change? ✔
Unlikely friendship? ✔
Complex family structure? ✔
Best for ages 8-12.
By Firoozeh Dumas
Issues of identity and discrimination told in a humorous way? ✔
Historical middle-grade fiction? ✔
From the author of Funny in Farsi? ✔
Best for ages 10-12.
By Roald Dahl
Illustrated by Quentin Blake
Side-splittingly funny? ✔
A tale full of magic and mayhem? ✔
Odyssey-like adventure? ✔
Best for ages 8-12.
By Avi
Illustrated by Brian Floca
Adorable animals? ✔
Will make you both laugh and cry? ✔
Sparks deep conversations on social issues? ✔
Best for ages 9-12.
8. Big Questions from Little people — and Simple Answers from Great Minds
By Gemma Elwin Harris
Answers questions like “Do animals have feelings?” ✔
Expert answers from Richard Dawkins, Noam Chomsky, Bear Gryllis and more? ✔
Hilarious alternative answers from well-known comedians? ✔
Best for ages 8-12.
By Junot Diaz
Illustrated by Leo Espinosa
Demonstrates the power of imagination? ✔
Celebrates a diversity of experiences? ✔
Beautiful illustrations and lyrical writing? ✔
Best for ages 5-8.
10. Tashi
By Anna Fienberg, Barbara Bienberg, & Kim Gamble
A mystical gnome creature? ✔
Tall tale of courage and daring? ✔
Giants, ghosts, demons, and witches? ✔
Best for ages 7-9.
