School’s out, the sun is shining, and summer is in full swing! That doesn’t mean reading has to take a vacation though. A good summer read can be just as exciting as a fun summer adventure, and the best part? You don’t have to worry about a sunburn! Whether you or your child is into fantasy, romance, or learning something new, I’ve put together a summer reading checklist full of kid and adult approved page turners to keep children of all ages’ imagination blooming all summer long.
Here’s my 2025 Summer Reading Checklist for Kids organized by age groups ages 3 to 12+!
Ages 3-5:
1. Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser
For fans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes Papilio, a tale about a Black Swallowtail Butterfly and her journey through the butterfly life cycle! Papilio is a caterpillar who is eager to join the world of butterflies but soon realizes that growing up isn’t an easy process and encounters plenty of challenges as she learns to fly, fall, and find food. With colorful and vibrant illustrations, you watch Papilio follow the butterfly life cycle while she learns to believe in herself along the way.
“The entire thing is beyond adorable and will captivate children while also instructing them on the life cycle of a butterfly. A must-buy!”
From Rachel on Goodreads
2. Nellie’s Big Splash by Cori Doerrfeld
Nellie’s Big Splash follows the journey of Nellie, a newborn sea turtle who finds herself isolated when her brothers and sisters leave her behind to swim away into the ocean. Nellie’s fear of the ocean keeps her on the safe and dry sand, but when the sun starts setting and the night starts to come, Nellie realizes that maybe the ocean isn’t so bad. There’s actually a whole new world out there, and all she has to do is jump in.
“The story of facing fears and finding courage is a perfectly relatable and encouraging tale. You close the book thinking well if little Nellie can venture into the big huge crashing waves of the ocean then I can do anything.”
From Erin Buhr on Goodreads
3. See Marcus Grow by Marcus Bridgewater and Reggie Brown (Illustrator)
Follow Marcus as he grows curious about his grandma’s favorite place: her garden! As he explores grandma’s garden, he begins to realize just how many similarities there are between him and the plants. Marcus sees the garden as a playground for many types of animals such as snails, birds, and bugs. See Marcus Grow is a story about how when you put love care into something, you are rewarded with its beauties.
4. What’s Scarier Than Thunder? by Ben Falcone and Kevin Cornell (Illustrator)
From actor and director Ben Falcone comes a humorous story about how thunder is not as scary as it may seem. Summer thunderstorms are common and although they may be loud and scary, Claire begins to realize that there are scarier things. Things such as a scorpion who plays the violin, a snake with uneven bangs, and a dragon with ants in his pants! The list grows on, becoming more and more outrageous, until Claire eventually finds herself giggling herself right to sleep.
“This cute, funny book will have your kids giggling along with every page. A great book for those littles who are a little afraid of storms.”
From Nicole Miller on Goodreads
5. Animals of the National Parks: An Alphabet Book by Fifty-Nine Parks
If your child is still working through their ABCs, let the animals of the national parks help! America’s national parks are places of magic and home to hundreds of diverse animals, both the well known and the unusual. While taking your child through their ABCs, they will learn fascinating fun facts about each animal along with information on where they can be found. If you’re planning a trip to any of the America national parks this summer, this is a perfect book to bring along.
“In addition to being a fabulous way to spark a child’s interest ahead of a family Parks trip, this alphabet book would also make a wonderful baby shower gift for couples who love hiking, camping or visiting the National Parks.”
From Carrie Schmidt on Goodreads
Ages 6-8:
1. City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon and Alexis Franklin (Illustrator)
From the award winning author of Heavy, Kiese Laymon brings a story that sheds light on the tender and fragile friendship between three Black boys throughout a summer of exploring the Mississippi woods. You watch as these three boys go through the woulds and coulds of the love that runs through a freeing friendship. Franklin offers vibrant illustrations that bring Laymon’s story to life.
“Kiese Laymon tells this story beautifully. He captures the feeling of summer vacation with extended family and new, if possibly brief, friendships, though I’m left hoping these boys will see each other every summer.”
From Effie on Goodreads
2. Swim School: A Bluey Storybook by Penguin Young Readers Licenses
For fans of the award winning tv show Bluey, follow along as Bluey learns to swim through the patient guidance that her family offers. If your child is just learning to swim, this is the perfect book to get them motivated!
3. It Began with Lemonade by Gideon Sterer and Lian Cho (Illustrator)
If your child is looking to run a fun summer business, a lemonade stand is a perfect place to start! Read along as an energetic young girl decides to open her own lemonade stand and as she struggles to fend off competition, she comes up with the idea to move to a different area of town. When she sets up shop at the end of the river’s edge, she discovers the most thirsty and unexpected of clientele.
“Full of bright, silly, happy energy – perfect for a summer day.”
From Marissa Elera on Goodreads
4. Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island! by Jamie Smart
If your child is looking to get into graphic novels this summer, then look no further! Follow along as Max and Chaffy find themselves on an unknown island and begin to help the island residents find their missing items. This book also comes with fun, interactive pages where your child has to find Chaffy. With its bright and colorful illustrations, this is a book sure to keep your child’s attention!
“A beautifully vibrant and playful graphic novel, a great transitional read for young readers, with lots to see and find.”
From Aimee on Goodreads
5. Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne and Salvatore Murdocca (Illustrator)
Magic Tree House is a classic series that your child is guaranteed to fall in love with. When Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house in their backyard, they grow curious. When the tree house sends them back into the prehistoric past, Jack and Annie have to figure out how to get back home. Will they be able to get back before dark… or will they become the dinosaur’s newest prey?
“Organized into ten short chapters, with a full-page illustration per chapter, this is a highly appealing story for early readers. The text is clear and concise, with a fairly simple vocabulary but with characters and plot that will keep readers hooked.”
From Jess on Goodreads
Ages 9-12:
1. Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Castle Cranshow, aka Ghost, has only ever known running. When Ghost spontaneously challenges an elite sprinter to a race and wins, an Olympic medalist track coach sees something in him that Ghost has never seen. But Ghost is angry with a past he has spent most of his life trying to outrun. Read along as Ghost works to harness his talent for speed and works to avoid the past that is trying so hard to catch up with him.
“You could pass this book to hundreds of kids and they will love it. Delighted that Jason Reynolds is writing a series for middle grade readers, so kids can grow up with his books.”
From Donalyn on Goodreads
2. Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
For fans of Island of the Blue Dolphins, Beyond the Bright Sea is an excellent historical fiction that is perfect for your middle grade child. You follow a character named Crow who, when washed up on sea as a baby, was taken in by a man named Osh. As you watch Crow grow older, she begins to grow curious about the world around her. When a mysterious fire appears across the water one night, unspoken questions of her own history begin to form. A chain of events is triggered, and it’s Crow’s job to find solace down a path of discovery and uncertainty.
“It was a joy to read, and a great summer read, too.”
From Jessica Mae on Goodreads
3. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Because of Winn Dixie was Dicamillo’s first published novel and became an instant classic among young readers. Set in the hot landscape of Naomi, Florida, Opal and her father go into Winn-Dixie and leave with a big, ugly, suffering dog with an admirable sense of humor. Opal spends the summer collecting stories from her father about her absent mother and the local librarian Miss Franny Block who supposedly once fought off a bear with a copy of War and Peace. Because of Winn Dixie, Opal learns to let go and learn that friendship and forgiveness go hand in hand with one another.
“This is one of the best children’s novel I’ve ever read, and the best dog related one for sure. A beautifully heartwarming story, extremely touching, and memorable.”
From Frederico DN on Goodreads
4. Smile by Raina Telgemeier
Raina’s dream is to be a normal sixth grader. But when she trips and falls one night after a Girl Scouts meeting, nearly breaking her two front teeth, that dream gets thrown right out the window. That night begins the long journey with on again, off again braces, surgery, and mortifying headgear. The sixth grade struggles don’t let up either. Boy confusion, a major earthquake, and fake friends challenge Raina in ways she’s not sure she can handle. This coming of age graphic novel is perfect for any child who needs assurance that middle school is not as bad as it seems.
“It’s one of the best comic books that I’ve ever read, Raina Telgemeier has really captured the true feelings and emotions that every teenager goes through, through engaging illustrations.”
From Victoria on Goodreads
5. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
For the fantasy lovers out there, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the perfect series to binge this summer, both through reading and on screen. Percy Jackson grows confused when the mythological monsters and Olympian Gods seem to be walking straight out of his textbook and into real life. When Percy becomes the prime suspect in the search for Zeus’s lightning bolt, he and his friends have only ten days to find and return it before Mount Olympus breaks out into a warzone.
“On top of the powerful message, this is a fast-paced exciting fantasy story full of friendships, Greek mythology, magic, mystery, bad guys and girls, and constant adventure.”
From Emily May on Goodreads
Ages 12+:
1. The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson
The Color of a Lie is a powerful social justice historical fiction that weaves together real life historical events with what it means to be Black in America. When Calvin and his family start over in a “Whites Only” suburb in order to pass as white to escape the dangers they left behind, it causes Calvin to confront a terrifying question: Is the truth more dangerous than living a lie?
“The story was both emotionally charged and fast-paced, ultimately leaving a heartwarming impression. The characters were compelling (except for the racist ones), and the book really evokes strong emotions.”
From DesanaRose on Goodreads
2. Louder Than Words by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood
An outstanding collaboration between two inspirational black artists brings a story about the power of protest and how it can change the world. When Jordyn Jones is transferred to Edgewood High, she wants to leave her past and old reputation behind. But when an anonymous podcast begins to expose students’ darkest secrets, Jordyn is forced to fight back through art and activism. With an exploration of cancel culture, self forgiveness, and what it really means to change and rebuild, Louder Than Words is an inspiring call to action.
“It is poignant, extremely relevant, heart-breaking at times and absolutely uplifting and enlightening. It is a book that will resonate with every adolescent who reads it.”
From TJ on Goodreads
3. Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin
In this YA lesbian romance, Juliette and Priya are forced to navigate an unexpected summer that challenges everything that they thought they knew about each other. Juliette has learned to tolerate Priya and her picture perfect life but when they become cabin mates at their favorite sleepaway camp, Juliette’s plans for a peaceful summer are ruined. This forced proximity causes them to face old assumptions, surprising truths, and the complicated feelings that come with growing up.
“This book left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. It’s adorable. It’s hilarious. It’s heartwarming. All you want in a YA rom-com really!”
From Clara’s Book Lab on Goodreads
4. Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris
Every Time You Hear That Song is a YA queer coming of age love story with celebrations of country music and living authentically. When seventeen-year-old aspiring journalist, Darren, learns that her favorite country legend, Decklee Cassel, has passed away, she awaits for the unveiling of her long awaited time capsule. But when the time capsule turns up empty, it leads Darren down a challenging path of finding the real one. Darren knows there’s a story behind it, and she feels destined to find out.
“This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves coming-of-age tales, queer romance, or country music.”
From Kristy on Goodreads
5. Keeping Pace by Laurie Morrison
Keeping Pace is a middle grade novel all about the cost of winning, rivalry, and resilience. When Grace loses the scholar title she’s been working all her life to achieve to her ex-best friend Jonah, she’s left feeling like all her hard work was for nothing. With a long and empty summer ahead, she decides to sign up for a marathon that her and Jonah once dreamt of completing together. Determined to beat him, they train together, and Grace begins to realize that success isn’t always won by finishing first, and some victories can’t be measured by grades or medals.
“Keeping Pace fills the gap between middle grade and young adult with a sweet romance and realistic characters navigating all the feelings, choices, and struggles many modern 14-year-olds face.”
From Daria Pipkin on Goodreads
No matter your child’s age or interests, this summer reading checklist offers something to spark every imagination. So grab a book, find a shady spot, and let the stories carry you or your family through a summer full of wonder.
Looking for more summer reads? Check out 20 Children’s New Releases That Make Ideal Summer Reads for Kids.
To read all of these recommendations and more check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
