2025 Summer Reading List for Kids and Teens (Free Printables)

A Pocket Full of Rocks by Kristin Mahoney

Rocks are a versatile building and imagination tool, as are shells, acorns, and lots of things we can find in the backyard or on a nature walk. This book will inspire kids to create possibilities with small things.

Buy it: A Pocketful of Rocks

Big Brown Bear’s Cave by Yuval Zommer

Working through every one of Yuval Zommer’s creative titles would be a great way for students to spend their summer vacation. This one is especially good, though, for kids whose parents ask them to help clean out the garage (or attic or basement) during summer break. Based on his observations of humans’ “caves,” Big Brown Bear thinks he needs a lot more stuff to make his own home feel comfy. Or does he?

Buy it: Big Brown Bear’s Cave

Are We There Yet? by Stacy McAnulty

This story of Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, the first person to try to drive a “horseless carriage” across the country in 1903 has many summer access points for kids. The great story, the road trip, travel, seeing America by car … pick your focus and get reading!

Buy it: Are We There Yet?

Boxitects by Kim Smith

Boxitect. Blanketeer. Spaghetti-tect. Kids will want to be all of them! After you read, use the cardboard box creation inspiration to build some castles of your own.

Buy it: Boxitects

Bright Star by Yuyi Morales

Join a young fawn on a journey through the Sonoran Desert and the borderlands there. The images are stunning, the story inspiring. (A Spanish edition is also available.)

Buy it: Bright Star

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman inspired the nation with her poem at the 2020 presidential inauguration ceremony. Her children’s book is just as stirring, with gorgeous illustrations by Loren Long that kids will love.

Buy it: Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

A Voice of Hope by Nadia Salomon

This inspirational civil rights story is one that kids may not have heard about before. Myrlie Evers-Williams fought against Jim Crow laws and for voting rights. Her voice was heard at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. This is a great story to talk about history, change, and how we can use our voices to create change.

Buy it: A Voice of Hope

My Smock Is a Story by Reuben Nantogmah and Samantha Cleaver

This joyful story about a boy discovering the history behind a familial piece of clothing, the Dagomba smock, is a great segue into talking about what clothing means to all of us.

Buy it: My Smock Is a Story

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

A little Asian girl notices her eyes look different than the other kids she knows, but they look just like those of her beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. This sweet tale about learning to know and love yourself for who you are is a great addition to a kindergarten summer reading list in 2025.

Buy it: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero

This fast-paced book about a father and daughter enjoying a spin around their diverse neighborhood depicts lots of summer fun (Popsicles, the wind in your hair …) in a setting that kids can connect with.

Buy it: My Papi Has a Motorcycle

Flashlight Night by Matt Forrest Esenwine

One of the best parts of summer is staying up late! The nighttime adventure these children have will inspire students to click on their own flashlights—and their imaginations—and head out into the dark.

Buy it: Flashlight Night

Floaty by John Himmelman

When someone leaves a mysterious basket on grouchy Mr. Raisin’s doorstep, the last thing he expects to be inside is a dog—especially one that floats! What will Mr. Raisin do when Floaty floats away? This is the perfect lighthearted read-aloud for your 1st grade summer reading list.

Buy it: Floaty

Bhangra Boogie by Hena Khan

Talia wants to dance as gracefully as the dancers at the mehndi, but can she overcome her shyness to get up and boogie? A wonderful story that exposes kids to a new form of dance and celebrates being brave.

Buy it: Bhangra Boogie

Grace Lee Boggs: Gardens of Hope by Songju Ma Daemicke

In this true story, Grace Lee Boggs plants gardens that bring people together to heal from the injustices in society. A great way to ask kids what they can do to help others.

Buy it: Grace Lee Boggs: Gardens of Hope

The Magician’s Secret by Zachary Hyman

Sleepovers at Grandpa’s are a highlight of many kids’ summers. When your grandfather is a retired magician with a magic story chest in his attic, though? Well, that’s a guaranteed adventure.

Buy it: The Magician’s Secret

My Hair Is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera

A young girl learns that her hair’s natural beauty is meant to be treasured as much as the gorgeous plants blooming throughout her neighbor’s yard.

Buy it: My Hair Is a Garden

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Where by Jill Esbaum

This medley of explanations will answer curious kids’ questions about the tallest mountains, the biggest rivers, and even fun facts like where ice cream was invented. Use it to take a vacation when you can’t leave home!

Buy it: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Where

Natsumi! by Susan Lendroth

No one in Natsumi’s family appreciates her extra-energetic approach to preparing for the Japanese arts festival. Her grandfather knows just how to channel all that enthusiasm—through drumming! Inspire students to march to their own drum this summer.

Buy it: Natsumi!

Noodlephant by Jacob Kramer and K-Fai Steele

Noodlephant loves pasta—hence her nickname. When the kangaroos start making one unfair law after another, Noodlephant stands up for everyone’s right to enjoy pasta. Check out the sequel, Okapi Tale, too.

Buy it: Noodlephant

The Roots of Rap by Carole Boston Weatherford

This artful trip through musical history will fascinate kids (and adults too). Learn about how artists from so many domains—storytelling, poetry, funk, street art, breakdancing, deejaying, and more—helped rap and hip-hop become what they are today.

Buy it: The Roots of Rap

Fierce Aunties! by Laurel Goodluck

A celebration of all things Auntie, and a way to talk about visiting family this summer.

Buy it: Fierce Aunties!

Sisters & Champions by Howard Bryant

This story of the sisters that redefined expectations of what kids from a tough Los Angeles neighborhood can achieve is a summer inspiration that’s a perfect addition to your elementary summer reading list in 2025. Floyd Cooper’s illustrations are a delight.

Buy it: Sisters & Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams

Take a Hike, Miles and Spike! by Travis Foster and Ethan Long

Two oblivious dogs pack for an outdoor adventure but have to revise their plans when the other animals call them out for being selfish. Catchy rhymes and Ethan Long’s signature, super-fun illustrations make this silly story a guaranteed hit for your kindergarten summer reading list.

Buy it: Take a Hike, Miles and Spike!

What If … by Samantha Berger

Gorgeous illustrations showcase the richness a vivid imagination can add to a child’s life. No matter what they take away from her, they can’t take away her ability to create.

Buy it: What If …

What if You Had an Animal Tail? by Sandra Markle

A perfect pairing for a summer outing to the zoo, this fun series will have kids laughing as they learn about animal adaptations and the human body. This one focuses on tails; read the others to learn about animal ears, hair, and more.

Buy it: What if You Had an Animal Tail?

Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants by Andrea Beaty

Readers who loved Ada Twist’s picture book will love following her on her chapter book adventures. Pals Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck join her as she works to solve a mystery in her own backyard. This is a great choice for an elementary summer reading list.

Buy it: Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants

Agent Moose by Mo O’Hara

Folks keep going missing on the South Shore in this graphic novel. No worries though—Agent Moose and his sidekick Owlfred are on the case!

Buy it: Agent Moose

Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds by Elise Gravel

Arlo the crow is smart, and he knows it. Fortunately, his little friend Pips isn’t afraid to put him in his place! This funny graphic novel includes plenty of true facts about crows mixed in with the story and is a fantastic book to put on your 1st or 2nd grade summer reading list in 2025.

Buy it: Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds

Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli

Kids will get a kick out of reading about the adventures of Baloney and his friends Peanut, Bizz, and Krabbit. Plus, they can follow the tutorial at the end of the book to learn how to draw comics of their own.

Buy it: Baloney and Friends

Bunbun & Bonbon: Fancy Friends by Jess Keating

Bunbun is as cute as can be but awfully lonely. Fortunately, fancy candy Bonbon is ready to step in! Their sweet adventures fill the pages of this easy-reader graphic novel.

Buy it: Bunbun & Bonbon

Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song

Norma and Belly are hungry squirrels who desperately want a nut—a donut! They’re foiled at every turn, though, and their silly adventure will keep kids giggling throughout this early-reader graphic novel.

Buy it: Donut Feed the Squirrels

School for Magical Monsters: Rise of Pegasus by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

In this first of the series, Pegasus is new at school. Everyone else has their own secret power, but what is his? A great series for kids who love unicorns and fantasy.

Buy it: Rise of Pegasus

Earth’s Incredible Places: Grand Canyon by Susan Lamb and Sean Lewis

Headed to the Grand Canyon this summer? Learn all about the geology, wildlife, and natural history of one of the world’s most majestic places. Readers will also discover the deep connection indigenous people have had to this land for centuries.

Buy it: Earth’s Incredible Places: Grand Canyon

Mooncakes Mean Family by Benson Shum

Jade and Crystal love the Mooncake festival and all the tasty treats that come with it. Young readers will love the cute characters and learning more about a traditional festival.

Buy it: Mooncakes Mean Family

InvestiGators by John Patrick Green

Welcome to the underground (literally!) world of Special Undercover Investigation Teams (S.U.I.T.). Gator agents Mango and Brash travel the sewers by toilet as they solve cases in this hilarious graphic novel for young readers.

Buy it: InvestiGators

Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley

Jo Jo Makoons lives on an Ojibwe reservation with her family, where her #1 best friend is her cat, Mimi. But her #1 human friend, Fern, doesn’t seem to want to be friends anymore. What will Jo Jo Makoons do?

Buy it: Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi

Yasmin is a sassy 2nd grader from a Pakistani American family. She tackles real-life challenges with spirit and imagination in a book filled with winning illustrations that bring the stories to life.

Buy it: Meet Yasmin!

Pea, Bee, & Jay: Stuck Together by Brian “Smitty” Smith

Pea loves to roll and can’t resist a dare to roll right off the farm where he lives. But an unexpected storm sends him farther than he expected. Will his new friends Bee and Jay be able to help him find his way back home?

Buy it: Pea, Bee, & Jay: Stuck Together

Pick Your Own Quest: Dragon vs. Unicorn by Connor Hoover

The Pick Your Own Quest series is what summer reading dreams are made of! Reminiscent of the beloved Choose Your Own Adventure books of the 1980s, these stories are different each time you read them. Find them all here.

Buy it: Pick Your Own Quest: Dragon vs. Unicorn

Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best? by Stephen Shaskan

What’s better, pizza or tacos? That’s the big question in this graphic novel for emergent readers—except Pizza and Taco have come to life!

Buy it: Pizza and Taco

Orris and Timble: The Beginning by Kate DiCamillo

A rat makes friends with an owl in this unlikely friendship, humor, and rescue story. It’s a great read-aloud for a summer night from beloved children’s book author Kate DiCamillo.

Buy it: Orris and Timble

Power Forward by Hena Khan

Summer is the perfect time to get hooked on a new sports fiction series. This introduction to the Chasing the Dream series introduces Zayd Saleem, a likable 4th grader who’s also a basketball fanatic.

Buy it: Power Forward

Scaredy Bat and the Missing Jellyfish by Marina J. Bowman

Mystery-loving kids will fall in love with Scaredy Bat. This detective series is filled with colorful graphics to help younger readers follow along as a child vampire attempts to solve mysteries with her pals. Try this one for an elementary summer reading list.

Buy: Scaredy Bat and the Missing Jellyfish

Search for a Giant Squid (Pick Your Path) by Amy Seto Forrester and Andy Chou Musser

This unique new STEM series for early readers lets kids choose their own adventure in the real world. Reluctant readers who enjoy nature will return to this one again and again.

Buy it: Search for a Giant Squid (Pick Your Path)

She Persisted: Maria Tallchief by Christine Day

Looking for inspiring stories of strong women? The She Persisted series is full of them. In this one, young readers learn about America’s first major prima ballerina, who was also a member of the Osage Nation.

Buy it: She Persisted: Maria Tallchief

Balto by Emma Carlson Berne

An adventure story about dogsledding has a lot of connection points for students—animals, drama, rescue. Kids can start with Balto then read the rest of the Animals to the Rescue series.

Buy it: Balto

West Meadows Detectives: The Case of Maker Mischief by Liam O’Donnell

This title is the second in a series starring Myron, a young sleuth who speaks frankly and positively about his autism. We love how his quirks play off those of his sidekicks as they work together to find a classmate’s stolen robot. The series is fantastic for a 3rd grade summer reading list.

Buy it: West Meadows Detectives: The Case of Maker Mischief

Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness

These best friends have always loved being so similar. But it turns out they’re actually pretty different—and that’s OK. We love this one for a lighthearted addition to a 2nd grade summer reading list.

Buy it: Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends

Monster Locker by Jorge Aguirre and Andrés Vera Martínez

When Pablo Ortiz discovers an ancient Aztec warrior in the basement of his school, he’s not the person to fight it. But he rises to the occasion. Yes, this story takes place in school, but the premise and action are so engaging kids won’t mind spending some of their summer in school.

Buy it: Monster Locker

Aline and the Blue Bottle by Carolina Ugaz-Morán

A Halloween birthday party turns into the beginning of a quest for a young girl who finds out she has magical powers and has to locate a hidden artifact.

Buy it: Aline and the Blue Bottle

Black Star by Kwame Alexander

In this second book in the Door of No Return trilogy, the main character finds herself set on being the first female baseball player in her town, but she runs into complications when she has to deal with conflict in her segregated town.

Buy it: Black Star

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

Part fantasy, part nature story, and entirely mesmerizing, this is one of those books that will enchant nature lovers. Two sycamore tree seeds come alive as they tell their tale of adventure among dinosaurs, volcanoes, and other dangers. This book is unlike anything else kids have read, and it deserves a spot on the best middle school summer reading list picks of 2025.

Buy it: Big Tree

Blended by Sharon M. Draper

A biracial tween must split time equally living with each of her divorced parents (who are both now dating other people and have vastly different income levels). Many kids will see their own lives reflected in her lifestyle-switching tale. We love this one for a 6th grade summer reading list.

Buy it: Blended

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

The Book Scavenger series mystery tales all begin with clues found on Book Scavenger, a fictional geocaching-style game where participants hide books in public places and reveal the locations through encoded clues. Emily and James embark on three rollicking, heart-thumping adventures in and around San Francisco. Don’t be surprised if kids want to set up their own scavenger adventures after they read!

Buy it: Book Scavenger

The Dreamatics by Michelle Cuevas

What if your dreams were actually lavish productions put on by special theaters, just for you? Discover the Lunarian and its troupe, the Dreamatics, who stage Luna’s dreams every night. When Luna’s real life takes a turn for the worse, the Lunarian is taken over by Bad Dreams, and the Dreamatics must find a way to save it and make Luna’s dreams sweet again.

Buy it: The Dreamatics

Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce

Friends, creativity, and girl-powered STEM: A story about a neighborhood building project is a perfect summer read, especially when led by Ellie, armed with her trusty tool belt. There are two more Ellie books to enjoy too.

Buy it: Ellie, Engineer

Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. edited by Betsy Bird

What do you get when 25 of today’s funniest women children’s book writers combine their stories together in one book? A hilarious collection that will make you laugh until you cry! Bonus: A portion of the proceeds from this book goes to support WriteGirl, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower girls by promoting creativity and self-expression.

Buy it: Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever.

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit

Vivy Cohen has wanted to be a baseball pitcher ever since she met pro ballplayer VJ Capello. But things aren’t so simple for Vivy: She is autistic, and her mom says she can’t play baseball because she’s a girl. That doesn’t stop Vivy from being invited to join a Little League team. And when Vivy writes a letter to VJ, she’s surprised to get a reply.

Buy it: Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!

A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young

Award-winning author Karen Romano Young spins a clever caper around a group of tweens trying to crack a case that may help them prevent their beloved local library from closing.

Buy it: A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon

The Fairy Tale Fan Club by Richard Ayoade

What if you could write to a fairy tale character … and they wrote back? This story explores that premise, a great read for kids who already know all about fairy tales and can bring that knowledge to this clever, humorous story.

Buy it: The Fairy Tale Fan Club

Green by Alex Gino

Alex Gino’s Melissa (originally titled George) was a smash hit, making the story of a transgender child readily relatable. Their latest tells the story of nonbinary Green as they join their school’s production of The Wizard of Oz to spend more time with their crush. It’s the kind of read that questioning preteens and their allies will be glad to find on the shelf.

Buy it: Green

Puppet by David Almond

Written in the style of Pinocchio, the last puppet starts talking and interacting with the puppet maker and a magical story ensues. A great story for imaginative kids who like fairy tales and magic.

Buy it: Puppet

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

This classic survival novel now has four sequels, making up Brian’s Saga. Hatchet is the one that started it all: Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is traveling by single-engine plane to visit his father when the plane crashes, killing the pilot. Brian is alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present.

Buy it: Hatchet (Brian’s Saga)

Hide and Seeker by Daka Hermon

Beat the summer heat by sending chills down your spine! In this thriller, a group of tweens is drawn into waking versions of their own nightmares in a spooky game of hide-and-seek. It’s the perfect middle school summer reading list pick for reluctant readers.

Buy it: Hide and Seeker

Home Sweet Motel (Welcome to Wonderland #1) by Chris Grabenstein

In this offering from a favorite middle grade author, P.T. Wilkie and his friend Gloria try to save his family’s Wonderland motel—a kid’s paradise—from financial ruin. Readers will be cheering them on as they laugh at P.T.’s tendency to “embellish” stories, the pair’s crazy moneymaking strategies, and their wild attempts to solve an unexpected mystery that crops up. Read more of their adventures in the rest of the Welcome to Wonderland series.

Buy it: Home Sweet Motel

Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd

Be inspired by the story of Olive, who’s determined not to let brittle bone disease stand in the way of her dreams. As she searches for a fabled wish-granting hummingbird, she makes friends and learns more about herself too.

Buy it: Hummingbird

The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang

At Meilan’s new school, the principal decides she should go by the name Melanie to make it easier for the other students to pronounce. This sets Meilan off on a journey to find out more about her own name—and herself.

Buy it: The Many Meanings of Meilan

The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Imagine your mom got together with a group of other moms and decided to form a book club, and you and your middle school acquaintances have no choice but to join. A group reading of Little Women makes unlikely friends out of the four girls, leading to a whole Mother-Daughter Book Club series.

Buy it: The Mother-Daughter Book Club

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

In the summer of 1968, the Gaither sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a few months with their mother. Much to their surprise, their mother isn’t exactly excited to see them and instead wants them to spend the summer at a Black Panther camp. This book is a perennial summer reading list title!

Buy it: One Crazy Summer

The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet

Kids who love historical fiction will enjoy this World War II story of life on the home front. Eleven-year-old Gusta moves from New York City to live with her grandmother in Maine, where there’s plenty of small-town drama. It’s a terrific option for a 7th grade summer reading list.

Buy it: The Orphan Band of Springdale

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

A puzzling letter sends Candice on a summer quest to find treasure and clear her grandmother’s name. Reviewers compare this historical mystery to Ellen Raskin’s classic The Westing Game.

Buy it: The Parker Inheritance

Pony on the Twelfth Floor by Polly Faber

Kizzy’s desire to own a horse gets the best of her in this humorous tale about trying to own—and hide—a pony in an apartment building.

Buy it: Pony on the Twelfth Floor

Uprooted by Ruth Chan

In this memoir about moving to Hong Kong, Ruth feels alone and out of place until she learns stories about her family that help her realize she can thrive through hard times.

Buy it: Uprooted

The Rhythm of Time by Questlove with S.A. Cosby

This smart time-travel tale carries kids back to Philadelphia in the 1990s. It’s not all that far back into the past, but things are just different enough to give Rahim and Kasia some serious adventures. This book is a great pick for a 2025 summer reading list for 5th or 6th grade.

Buy it: The Rhythm of Time

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day

Masie Cannon was a ballet dancer in training until a serious leg injury knocked her off her feet. Now she’s preparing for a winter road trip to the Native American community where her mother grew up, but she’s anything but excited. Can her family help heal her heart?

Buy it: The Sea in Winter

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

Brothers Bobby Gene and Caleb were minding their own business in their small Indiana town when Styx Malone rolled in. Styx is older and wiser and teaches the boys how to pull off an escalator trade, getting better and better stuff until they get something incredible. This book is full of hilarious antics and sweet brotherly relationships.

Buy it: The Season of Styx Malone

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar

In this Newbery Honor book, Behar tells the story of four generations of Jewish girls. Readers will enjoy the lyrical text and the journey through time.

Buy it: Across So Many Seas

The Sky at Our Feet by Nadia Hashimi

Summer is for compelling page-turners and characters that move you. Everything changes for Jason when he finds out that his Afghan mother, whom he thought was deported, is living illegally in the United States.

Buy it: The Sky at Our Feet

Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

In this latest historical novel by beloved author Laurie Halse Anderson, it’s the spring of 1776 and 13-year-old Elsbeth Culpepper finds herself in the middle of the Seige of Boston and the smallpox epidemic.

Buy it: Rebellion 1776

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore

Working with LEGO bricks provides Lolly with a creative and healing form of expression after his older brother is a victim of gang violence. This is a story about learning to throw away the directions and make your own way in the world. Put this one on your middle grade summer reading list.

Buy it: The Stars Beneath Our Feet

Eowulf of Monsters & Middle School by Mike Cavallaro

This action-packed graphic novel combines middle school humor with adventure and legend references, like Eowulf, a character descended from the legendary Beowulf. A great book for kids who like fantasy and games like D&D.

Buy it: Eowulf

West of the Sea by Stephanie Willing

A budding paleontologist has to figure out what happened to her missing mom in this suspenseful story that combines road trips, mythology, and dinosaurs.

Buy it: West of the Sea

Oliver’s Great Big Universe by Jorge Cham

Kids who like Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid will love Oliver’s world. It’s funny middle-school humor from bestselling comic Jorge Cham.

Buy it: Oliver’s Great Big Universe

Black Girl Power, edited by Leah Johnson

In this collection of 15 stories by Black authors, readers experience so many ways to be a strong, creative Black girl. While this book is especially affirming for Black girls, it’s a great read for any middle schoolers as all kids can find connection with the characters in these stories.

Buy it: Black Girl Power

All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson

The author explores the intersectionality of being male, a person of color, and queer in contemporary society. It’s one of our favorite #OwnVoices nonfiction books.

Buy it: All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto

All of This Is True by Lygia Day Peñaflor

When four teens meet their favorite novelist, they’re thrilled at their new friendship. But then their deepest secrets appear in her next book, and the consequences are dire. This contemporary YA mystery is also available in Spanish—ideal for bilingual teens looking for a suspense-filled narrative in their native language.

Buy it: All of This Is True

All the Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamani

Two teens fall in and out of love in this romance-centered YA book that’s just as much a love letter to basketball as to first love itself.

Buy it: All the Things We Never Knew

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

In war-torn Syria, Salama is determined to help her family escape before her sister-in-law gives birth. The challenge is so great that her fear manifests itself in an imaginary companion who’s constantly telling her she needs to get out. As she desperately tries to leave Syria behind, fate steps in and changes her views of everything happening around her. Add this book to your summer reading list for high schoolers.

Buy it: As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Fatima Tate Takes the Cake by Khadijah VanBrakle

Fatima lives a boring life in Albuquerque until she meets Raheem, a university student. She keeps their relationship a secret until her parents end up trying to arrange their marriage.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu

When her best friend, Elise, shoots Remy’s boyfriend, Jack, Remy is left to question the truth about what happened. Obsession is the driving force behind this fast-paced plot surrounding two besties’ warped connection.

Buy it: The Best Lies

On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino

Ellie’s deaf boarding school shut down, forcing her to return to public school. Being back in a public school isn’t easy, and then she meets Jackson. This story about building community through resilience will linger in readers’ minds.

Buy it: On the Bright Side

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

Light romances are perfect for high school summer reading lists. This one is a cross between the movie Groundhog Day and a teen romance. After a disastrous Valentine’s Day with a cheating boyfriend, Emilie wakes up living the same day over and over again. Maybe the enigmatic Nick can help her find her way back to reality.

Buy it: The Do-Over

Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters

A teen fiddler uses her secret ability to summon ghosts from their graves in order to help her brother. With an LGBTQ+ romance as a subplot, this high school summer reading list pick is fantastic for readers intrigued by the supernatural.

Buy it: Ghost Wood Song

Gilded by Marissa Meyer

Fairy tales are for little kids, right? Not this dark retelling of Rumpelstiltskin! Magic and mystery meet romance in this gripping tale.

Buy it: Gilded

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

A few hundred years after the Camelot of legend, a betrothed young princess and knight have many problems. To begin with, they can’t stand each other. Complicating matters further, neither of them is interested in traditional romance with the opposite sex. Their relationship develops from blackmail to grudging support against a background of medieval sword-fighting and society.

Buy it: Gwen & Art Are Not in Love

The Ping-Pong Queen of Chinatown by Andrew Yang

This insightful, sweet novel about two teens who form a bond while filming a movie is about relationships, defining yourself in response to your parents’ expectations, and self-discovery.

Buy it: The Ping-Pong Queen of Chinatown

If These Wings Could Fly by Kyrie McCauley

Tens of thousands of crows have invaded Auburn, Pennsylvania. It’s an issue for everyone in town except 17-year-old Leighton Barnes. For Leighton, it’s no stranger than her house, which inexplicably repairs itself every time her father loses his temper and breaks things. Leighton’s senior year is filled with shades of the past and anticipation of the future, all while dealing with the confusing events of the present.

Buy it: If These Wings Could Fly

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

This suspense novel has all the workings of a page-turner: a disappearance, a betrayal, and a secret waiting to be revealed. When two sisters go on a class trip, and one is found with her sister’s blood on her hands and no memory of what happened, everyone thinks she’s lying. So, can she find the truth?

Buy it: Silent Sister

Sky’s End by Marc J. Gregson

Fantasy lovers will dive into this new saga of a teen who must battle powerful sky serpents in order to reunite his family. Full of political intrigue, family dynamics, and incredible adventure, this page-turner will have readers eagerly awaiting the promised sequel.

Buy it: Sky’s End

The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow

Janelle “Ellie” Baker is a teen rebel stuck in an alien-controlled quadrant of New York City in this sci-fi adventure about living—and falling in love—on an Earth that humans no longer control.

Buy it: The Sound of Stars

Ida, in Love and in Trouble by Veronica Chambers

In this historical novel, a fictionalized Ida B. Wells is navigating social parties and society prejudices while fighting for civil rights. It’s a great book for Bridgerton fans.

Buy it: Ida, in Love and in Trouble

This Book Won’t Burn by Samira Ahmed

At the end of her senior year, Noor’s family moves from Chicago to a rural area where they definitely stand out as Indian American and Muslim. Noor plans to just ride out her final high school days, but when she learns the school district has recently banned over 500 books, mostly by marginalized authors, she instead decides to take action. Now she and her family are the target of everything from racial slurs to threats and violence, and Noor has to choose whether to back down from a seemingly losing fight or continue to stand up for what she believes in.

Buy it: This Book Won’t Burn

Throwback by Maurene Goo

Sam and her mom, Priscilla, a first-generation Korean American, just can’t seem to get along. But when Sam finds herself thrown back in time to the 1990s, attending high school alongside her much younger mother, she learns a few things that just might change their relationship forever.

Buy it: Throwback

When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson

The Fall siblings live in California’s wine country and, as a family, have splintered after their father’s mysterious death. Then, a rainbow-haired girl enters the picture and changes everything. This story is full of summer fun—road trips, rivalries, and love.

Buy it: When the World Tips Over

Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan

Jasmine and Chelsea are ready to make changes for women at their high school. They use their literary talents to form a Women’s Rights Club, which soon goes viral. Online trolls lead to trouble, but these best friends are determined to triumph.

Buy it: Watch Us Rise

What’s Eating Jackie Oh? by Patricia Park

Sophomore Jackie’s Korean American parents want her to attend an Ivy League college, but Jackie wants to be a master chef instead. She has the chance to make her dream come true on a reality-TV cooking show, but soon realizes the judges expect her to focus on Asian cuisine because of her heritage. To win, she’ll need to convince them that her Korean background is just one part of who she is and what she cooks, and that Jackie Oh is just like anyone else: complicated, layered, and in search of something delicious, no matter where it comes from.

Buy it: What’s Eating Jackie Oh?

When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk

What happens when lifelong best friends are now ex-besties? Cleo and Layla’s friendship may be over, but the story doesn’t end there.

Buy it: When You Were Everything

Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson

This National Book Award finalist is a poignant tale about the bond two teenagers form in foster care while also trying to retain a connection to their shared Native American culture.

Buy it: Where the Dead Sit Talking

A Constellation of Minor Bears by Jen Ferguson

In this powerful story about balancing friendship and resentment, Molly and her brother, Hank, and his friend Trey used to be inseparable. Then, Hank experienced a traumatic brain injury. Molly knows the accident was not Trey’s fault, but she can’t help but resent him for being there and not stopping it. On the trio’s post-graduation hike along the Pacific Coast Trail, can Molly and Trey overcome the division?

Buy it: A Constellation of Minor Bears

Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore

This is a book for readers who love a rom-com adventure. Margot is on a quest to uncover and reassemble a cursed vase. She unites with a boy who went missing in 1932 to complete her task and heal her broken heart.

Buy it: Us in Ruins

The Circuit by Francisco Jiménez

Francisco Jiménez grew up in a family of poor Mexican immigrants living in California. He and his family worked on farms to survive. In this graphic memoir, Jiménez describes what his life was like growing up. (Grades 7–12)

Buy it: The Circuit

Blancaflor: The Hero With Secret Powers by Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio García Sánchez

This retelling of a classic Latin American folktale was on “best of” lists everywhere, so of course we had to add it to our summer reading list for 2025. Celebrate the resourcefulness of women with this magical story that will really resonate with modern kids. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Blancaflor: The Hero With Secret Powers

Ellie in First Position by Brian Freschi

Ellie wants to dance, but her mother disapproves. When she moves to a new school after her parent’s divorce, her mom wants Ellie to find a sport, but can she find her way in dance instead? (Grades 3–5)

Buy it: Ellie in First Position

Class Act by Jerry Craft

This is the illustrated sequel to Craft’s New Kid, which won the 2020 Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize. They both explore what it’s like to be one of the few students of color at a prestigious private school. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Class Act

Curveball by Pablo Cartaya

When Elena’s baseball seasons ends, she has no real friends to hang out with all summer. Her brother invites her to join his friends and be inspired by life outside of baseball. (Middle grades)

Buy it: Curveball

Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels by Serena Blasco

Following in the wake of the incredible success of the Enola Holmes book series (now a Netflix film series!), these graphic novels retell the mystery tales with lush illustrations that perfectly capture the energy of the originals. See the whole series here. (Grades 4–8)

Buy it: Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels

Freshman Year by Sarah Mai

Life after high school is complicated for Sarah, who isn’t quite sure what she wants as she heads off to college. Anxiety dogs her as she attempts to make new friends and explore new ideas. And visits home show how things both change and stay the same, all at the same time. This is a terrific read for high school seniors who feel anxious about what lies ahead. (Grades 10–12)

Buy it: Freshman Year

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. This sweet graphic novel series has a huge following and has even become a Netflix series. (Grades 8–12)

Buy it: Heartstopper

Himawari House by Harmony Becker

Three foreign exchange students meet in Japan and forge a fast friendship as they navigate life in a new world. (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: Himawari House

The Girl Who Sang by Estelle Nadel

In this historical graphic novel memoir, 7-year-old Enia goes into hiding when the Nazis invade Poland. She describes what life was like during and after the war when she came to the United States. (Middle grades)

Buy it: The Girl Who Sang

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki

Frederica Riley’s relationship with popular girl Laura Dean is toxic—and maybe all too familiar to high schoolers. Freddy falls under her spell again and again until she finally learns what’s truly important in relationships, including friendships. (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim

When Maya goes to culinary summer camp, she gets on the wrong bus and ends up at a camp for vampires. Can she escape before they find out she’s human? (Middle grades)

Buy it: Summer Vamp

Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee

Katie is 12 and life is getting more complicated. Join her as she feels like an outsider, gets her period, and realizes that her feelings for a new friend, Grace, might be a crush. A perfect summer read for kids who are ready for Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. (Middle grades)

Buy it: Turning Twelve

Unicorn Boy by Dave Roman

When shy pre-teen Brian grows a unicorn horn on his head, he is thrust into a series of fantastic adventures with his friend Avery. A great novel for kids who love fantasy and imagination. (Middle grades)

Buy it: Unicorn Boy

Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu

Kids who love to watch cooking competitions will want to add this to their summer reading list for 2025. Cici needs to raise money to bring her grandmother from Taiwan to visit her in Seattle. Winning a cooking contest might just be the answer! (Grades 2–6)

Buy it: Measuring Up

The Baby-Sitters Club books by various authors

The Baby-Sitters Club was summer reading for tons of kids in the 1980s, and now they’re back in graphic novel format. Check out all the titles, and you’ll have at least one reader who will spend all summer with Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Dawn, and the rest of the crew. (Middle grades)

Buy it: The Baby-Sitters Club set

The Witch’s Wings and Other Terrifying Tales by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Alicia wants to join the Midnight Society, a group that gathers to tell scary stories. When it’s her turn to tell a story that impresses everyone, can she do it? (Middle grades)

Buy it: The Witch’s Wings

Paws series by Michele Assarasakorn

A precursor the The Baby-Sitters Club, Paws is a series about a group of kids who take care of rescued animals and get into adventures along the way. (Grades 2–4)

Buy it: Paws series

The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp and Manuel Preitano

Barbara Gordon’s entire life changes when a gunshot wound leaves her paralyzed from the waist down. During her time at a rehab center, she encounters a mystery: Patients keep going missing. As Barbara works to find the answers, she learns important truths about herself. (Grades 6–8)

Buy it: The Oracle Code

Puzzled by Pan Cooke

This memoir about the author’s struggle with OCD when he was child is packed with information, stories, and the overall story of how he persevered. (Middle grades)

Buy it: Puzzled

Primer by Thomas Krajewski, Jennifer Muro, and Gretel Lusky

Ashley Rayburn has discovered body paints that turn her into a superhero! Now she has to decide whether to keep them (and her powers) or return them to the agency that made them. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Primer

Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry

A graphic novel biography of poet Emily Dickinson that combines themes of nature and Dickinson’s poetry. A great option for biography or poetry readers. (Middle grades)

Buy it: Wildflower Emily

Huda F Cares? by Huda Fahmy

Huda and her family take a road trip from Michigan to Florida and experience culture clashes along the way because they’re visibly Muslim. Each character struggles with family dynamics and change. (Middle grades)

Buy it: Huda F Cares?

History Comics: Hip-Hop: The Beat of America by Jarrett Williams

This graphic book explores the forces that influenced hip-hop music and the impact of hip-hop on the world and music. (Middle grades)

Buy it: History Comics: Hip-Hop: The Beat of America

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee

This whimsical story explores the challenges of leaving childhood behind. Follow a girl still yearning for playtime while she slowly finds herself with only a ghost left as a friend. This bittersweet tale will really resound with middle grade readers. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Séance Tea Party

Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Several years after his powerful graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo, author Krosoczka is back with new stories to tell of his young adulthood. His experiences working at summer camp for seriously ill children changed his views on life. Read about the kids and their families, and your views might change too. (Grades 8–12)

Buy it: Sunshine

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

This graphic novel follows middle schooler Bree as she starts a new school and is forced to take Swim 101. An elderly neighbor coaches her along, leading Bree and her team to a victory they could never have imagined. (Grades 4–8)

Buy it: Swim Team

This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews

Each year, Ben’s town turns out for the Autumn Equinox Festival and sends lighted lanterns floating off down the river. This year, Ben and his friends are determined to follow them wherever the path leads. (Grades 5–8)

Buy it: This Was Our Pact

The Unlucky Kid by Bob Holt

Quin might be the unluckiest kid alive. When he tries to be nice by offering some food to a seagull, he’s soon mobbed by every bird in the neighborhood. His sister’s plan to help him get rid of a loose tooth leaves him hanging at the end of a kite string. And only he could go fishing and wind up catching a nest of angry wasps! This easy reader graphic novel is full of fun and sure to engage young readers from the first page. (Grades 1–4)

Buy it: The Unlucky Kid

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

This graphic novel tells the story of two brothers from Somalia growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Based on the experiences of Somali refugee Omar Mohamed, this book will stay with readers long after they close it. (Grades 4–6)

Buy it: When Stars Are Scattered