The Best Summer Reading List for Kids & Tweens

Summer is the perfect time to relax, unwind, and dive into exciting new books. Whether it’s reading by the pool, under a shady tree, or during a family road trip, books help kids explore new worlds, spark their imagination, and keep their minds active during the break from school.

We’ve put together the ultimate summer reading list filled with engaging, age-appropriate books that kids and tweens will love. From adventurous tales to laugh-out-loud stories, there’s something here for every young reader!

Summer Reading List for Kids (Ages 5–8)

1. The Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo Willems

A hilarious story that helps young readers overcome back-to-school nerves with humor and charm.

2. There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

An interactive, fun read where kids blow, tickle, and tilt the pages to keep a mischievous dragon out of trouble.

3. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

A clever, colorful tale about a box of crayons that goes on strike, perfect for sparking creativity and laughter.

4. Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

Follow the adventures of Mercy, a toast-loving pig who always finds herself in the middle of funny situations.

5. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

A delightful graphic novel for early readers filled with silly sea adventures and charming illustrations.

6. The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

A princess with a secret superhero identity? Yes, please! Perfect for young readers who love adventure and action.

Summer Reading List for Tweens (Ages 9–12)

7. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Join Percy as he discovers he’s a demigod, embarking on thrilling quests filled with Greek mythology and epic adventures.

8. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

A heartwarming story about kindness, empathy, and friendship through the eyes of Auggie, a boy with a facial difference.

9. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

When a robot named Roz wakes up alone on an island, she must learn to adapt and survive in the wild, making unexpected friends along the way.

10. Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Follow Mia Tang as she helps her parents run a motel while navigating friendship, family struggles, and big dreams.

11. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

A magical adventure with secret societies, supernatural creatures, and a strong, determined heroine who’s impossible not to root for.

12. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

A fun, fast-paced book about a group of friends surviving a monster apocalypse—perfect for fans of action and humor.

Summer Reading Tips to Keep Kids Engaged

• Create a Summer Reading Challenge: Set goals, like reading a certain number of books or exploring new genres.
• Visit the Library Weekly: Let kids choose their own books to spark interest and independence.
• Incorporate Reading into Daily Life: Read outside under a tree, in a cozy blanket fort, or even during a picnic!
• Host a Family Book Club: Pick a book to read together, then discuss your favorite parts over snacks.

This summer, encourage your kids and tweens to discover the magic of reading with books that will inspire, entertain, and spark their imagination. Whether they love fantasy, adventure, humor, or heartfelt stories, this reading list has something for every young book lover.

So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and let the summer reading adventures begin!