summer homework for 7th graders

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Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

The Best Books for 7th Graders

You’ll notice that the best books for seventh graders tend to veer into upper middle-grade territory. That’s the case with the books on this list. I have so many beloved upper middle-grade books and I’ll link to the full list at the bottom of this post, but this list also has several books I have never recommended on the blog before.

Seventh graders are on the brink of teenage life, and may relate most strongly to books about body image, crushes, and things like that. They’re also more able to tolerate tastefully done stories about sexual harassment, domestic violence, addiction, serious mental illness and other harsh, unpleasant realities of life. On this list, you’ll find books that hit all of these themes. Of course, as always mentioned, seventh graders can always read up or down. They can read and enjoy many of the books I’ve recommended for 6th graders and 5th graders , as well as books for 8th graders .

Excellent Books for 7th Graders to Enjoy

Here are some of my favorite books for 7th graders:

Genesis Begins Again

Published: January 15, 2019

Thirteen-year-old Genesis grapples with intense self-hate worsened by her father’s verbal abuse and her grandmother’s backward ideologies about skin color. Readers first meet Genesis when she brings her “friends” home for the first time. In an embarrassing turn of events, they arrive to meet all her belongings in the street. The landlord has put Genesis’s family out because her gambling, alcoholic father defaulted on the rent,  again . Things seem to look up for their family when they move into a posh neighborhood. Genesis makes new friends, joins the school choir, and even gets a helpful math tutor. Yet, her self-hate follows her. This is a remarkable middle-grade debut with a strong message about colorism, self-love, and  the power of music .

The Wrong Way Home

Published: April 2, 2024

This book is mind-blowingly good. Fern and her mother have been living on The Ranch, under the thumb of a charismatic leader named Ben. But her mom has been acting off, and Ben has put her on a water fast to help her get readjusted. One day, Fern’s mother wakes her in the middle of the night and takes her across the country from NY to CA, where they live in a motel in her mother’s teenage neighborhood and adjust back to normal life. There’s only one problem: Fern hatches a plan to return to The Ranch because she thinks her mom has made a mistake. I loved the way this book explores cults in an accessible way for tween readers, and Fern is a highly realistic character I think will resonate with a lot of kids. Readers should know that one side character in this book is gay and another is non-binary.

The Liars Society

Published: February 6, 2024

Weatherby is a new kid at a Boston private school. She’s at the school on a sailing scholarship and immediately is thrust into a world she knows nothing about. Old school phone booths, scrambled phone service at school, friends with kids who go to the country club, and a boy who seems to hate her guts. Jack is a rich kid at the school who is also on the sailing team and is constantly pressured by his father to be the best. When the money for a famed school trip is stolen, Jack, Weatherby, and some of their friends are invited to play a high-stakes secret game that leads to the revelation of shocking family secrets. This suspenseful mystery, told from Jack’s and Weatherby’s perspectives, is fast-paced and high-stakes, perfect for the upper middle-grade crowd.

Twin Cities

Published: July 19, 2022

Twins Luisa and Fernando find their paths diverging as they enter sixth grade. Luisa will attend middle school in the US just across the border from Fernando’s school in Mexico. There, they face different but equally pressing challenges that threaten to tear them apart. Twin Cities  is a fascinating look into Mexican culture, life as a twin, and finding your own identity.

Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs

Published: May 18, 2021

Thirteen-year-old Ivy needs to be good to people, even when it’s bad for her. That’s why she pretends to be okay with her mom being a gestational surrogate, a kid at school asking her to let him copy her homework, and never sharing her problems with her friends. But can she keep up the pretense? With a touch of mystery and plenty of heart, this is a thought-provoking novel about people pleasing and being true to oneself.

Life in the Balance

Published: February 16, 2021

Veronica’s life seemed like it was on track until her parents announced that her mom is going to rehab for alcoholism. Her mom who was a softball player when she was younger, her mom the lawyer, her mom who was supposed to help her and her friends practice for softball tryouts. Veronica is frustrated, sad, worried, and even angry at her mom for being unable to stop drinking. She also worries that things will never be the same again. So she throws herself into softball — their family sport — even though she isn’t sure she’s all that into it anymore. At the same time, she’s afraid to share her family’s secret with her best friend (whose parents are getting divorced). Will Veronica ever find a balance? This is a rare portrayal of alcoholism, addiction and rehabilitation in the family — especially in a parent.

All You Knead Is Love

Published: March 30, 2021

All You Knead Is Love  follows 12-year-old Alba whose mother forces her to move from NYC to Barcelona, Spain where her grandmother lives. Alba is gender non-conforming, which means that she doesn’t like the typical “girly” dresses or frilly tops her parents often want her to wear. She’s happiest in her jeans and t-shirts. Alba’s father is physically abusive, especially towards her mother, and generally treats Alba with disregard. When Alba arrives Barcelona, she’s quickly drawn in by the vibrant city and its warm people, one of whom is her grandmother. But just when Alba begins to get comfortable, Toni’s bakery is threatened with closure because it just isn’t earning enough money. Alba needs to find a way to save the hub of her newfound community. This is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about identity, family, community, and, of course, food.

We Dream of Space

Published: May 5, 2020

Siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird move through the daily trials of pre-teen life in the 1980’s. Fitch and Bird are twins who are now in the same grade as their older brother, Cash — because Cash was held back in the seventh grade. Bird is a space aficionado and dreams of being an astronaut. Fitch has anger issues and hates that he’s getting crushed on by a girl he doesn’t like — and whom his best friends consider unattractive. Cash feels lost and cannot seem to find his place anywhere. It doesn’t help that the situation at home is tense, with parents who are constantly bickering and a family that cannot seem to make time to talk as a unit or nurture their children. Bird is eagerly anticipating the Challenger launch and is a huge fan of Judith Resnik — the Challenger’s Mission Specialist. This novel follows the siblings until the ill-fated launch day which changes their relationship forever. This character-driven slice-of-life novel shows how different families can be, addresses the struggles of navigating sibling relationships, and highlights what difference an enthusiastic teacher can make.

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

Published: February 1, 2022

Maizy and her mother have returned to Last Chance, Minnesota, because Maizy’s grandfather is ill. Maizy’s mom had her with the help of a sperm donor, and she seems to have taken a less traditional, unexpected career route since her parents expected her to take over their historical Chinese restaurant, The Golden Palace. However, Maizy’s grandparents love her, and Maizy quickly bonds with them, especially her grandfather. One day, she sees pictures of several young Chinese men, and when she asks her grandfather about them, he begins to tell her a sprawling story about their family’s history in Last Chance, which is interwoven with love, racism, and community. At the same time, The Golden Palace experiences a hate crime, and Maizy is shocked to discover who the perpetrator is. This is a spellbinding middle grade book about one Chinese family’s heritage and the granddaughter who ties it all together. 

More to the Story

Published: September 3, 2019

More to the Story  is a modern middle-grade novel inspired by the classic novel,  Little Women. Four Muslim-American sisters, Jamee la, Maryam, Bisma, and Aleeza, are distraught when their dad has to go abroad for six months for a job. Thirteen-year-old Jam, as she is fondly called has just become the features editor for her school’s newspaper. She’s determined to impress her dad with her first story. At the same time, a family friend’s nephew, Ali moves from the UK to Atlanta. As Jam and Ali’s friendship blossoms, one of her sisters receives devastating news about her health. This is a heartwarming, charming middle-grade novel about sisterhood, family, and following your passion, perfect for fans of books like Little Women .

Published: September 7, 2021

In the aftermath of her little brother’s death, Lucy and her parents move to a small town that is still healing from a school shooting four years ago. It’s jarring for Lucy to be around all these kids who lost friends when they were in the third grade, but it’s even harder because, unlike the situation in her home, the kids talk a lot about the shooting, their grief, and seeing therapists. But in all their sharing, the students have cast the shooter’s younger sister and their classmate, Avery — whom Lucy befriends — as an outsider. Will Lucy ever find her place and deal with her grief? Aftermath  is a powerful, heartbreaking, and hopeful middle grade book about the impact of school shootings, grief, and friendships.

Partly Cloudy

Things are looking partly cloudy for Madalyn Thomas and her family. After being out of work for the last 7 months, her dad has found work in another state and her mom’s schedule as a social worker has become more packed from taking on overtime. Madalyn’s parents send her to live with her Great Uncle Papa Lobo during the week to allow her to attend school in a different district because of security issues at her former school. But as the  only Black girl in class , Madalyn faces a new set of challenges at this new school. Partly Cloudy  is an insightful middle grade story about family, community, and handling microaggressions in middle school.

Counting Thyme

Published: April 12, 2016

I loved this story about a family dealing with a cancer-fighting child and finding the balance to be good parents to all three of their kids. If you love books that tackle hard situations with a hopeful lens and sibling stories set in NYC, you’ll adore Conklin’s debut.

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

Yusuf Azeem is not a hero like his dad who talked down a gunman in their small-town A-Z Dollar Store. But his dad’s heroism doesn’t prevent him from getting worsening hateful notes in his locker telling him to “Go Home.” Yusuf and his friend Danial had expected that this would be their year — their entry into middle school and a chance to compete in a robotics contest. However, when some of the townspeople, including a group called the Patriot Sons try to stop the construction of their town’s mosque and begin to target Yusuf and other Muslims in the community, they are forced to take a stand. This is a poignant  look at the impact of 9/11 on Muslim communities  in America.

Published: October 18, 2022

Five kids form an unlikely friend group at the start of a new school year with surprising results. Lucas is processing his older brother’s death and his mom leaving his dad and him, Robbie is the group goofball with his own challenges, Finn is the walking encyclopedia, Cat is the star athlete, and Anna is the popular girl whose drawn to the group. As the kids play sardines (reverse hide-and-seek), they learn about each other’s most wanted wishes and plot to help each one get them. But when it’s Lucas’s turn, he’s afraid to bare his soul. Can he get past the fear and make his own wish come true? Sardines  is a heartwarming middle grade novel about friendship, mental health, bullying, identity, and community. 

The Prettiest

Published: April 14, 2020

Eve, Sophie, and Nessa are three different girls in Ford middle-school whose lives are changed when their names appear on “ The Prettiest ” list posted online by someone called “LordTesla.” Sophie is the Queen Bee of middle school, and Eve is the bookworm and poetry aficionado who’s started wearing her brother’s sports jerseys to hide her changing body. Nessa is a plus-sized theater geek with a melodious voice who experiences a slew of emotions — indifference, annoyance, disgust at beauty standards — when she realizes her name didn’t even make the list. The three girls band together in an unlikely friendship to find the person who made the list and make him face the consequences of his actions. This a powerful look at female objectification and sexual harassment in middle school.

How to Find What You’re Not Looking For

Published: September 14, 2021

This book follows 12-year-old Ariel whose life is upturned when her big sister (the best of them all), Leah, elopes with her Indian-American boyfriend after the  Loving vs. Virginia  ruling. Ariel’s parents are upset, Ariel is struggling with being able to write well at school, and she can’t stop thinking about her sister and everything happening in the world. How to Find What You’re Not Looking For  is a poignant, moving, and brilliantly written middle grade novel about family, identity, and love.

Averil Offline

Published: February 13, 2024

Averil’s mom and several parents of kids in her school and neighborhood use an app called Ruby Slippers to track their kids’ location, request video and photos from them on demand, and generally monitor their behavior and actions all day and Averil and her classmate Max are sick of it. Especially when they find out that the app will be updated soon to let parents remotely turn on their kids’ cameras at will. Both kids make a plot to ditch a camping trip and find the original app developer, Rider Wollybeck, in hopes of asking him to rescind the update. This hijinks-filled story is reminiscent of classic stories where kids run away to save the day as Max and Averil stay on their town’s college campus, eating at the cafeteria and sleeping in the library for the 2-3 days needed to accomplish their plan. I love the gentle mystery, STEM angle, and theme of childhood autonomy this book explores. I think it has major kid appeal — and it’s only 208 pages long!

That’s What Friends Do

Published: January 28, 2020

Sammie and David are best friends who first met at Little League. As the only girl on the baseball team, Sammie enjoys being one of the guys, and she and David get along excellently. She’s convinced herself that she’s just better at being friends with the boys. Things are great until a new boy, Luke, moves into the neighborhood. Luke is taller than David and keeps trying to flirt with Sammie even though it obviously makes her uncomfortable. While Sammie looks to David for support, David — who has a crush on Sammie — is preoccupied with being jealous of Luke’s seemingly “smooth” skills. As a result, David starts to focus on making his affection known to Sammie, just as Luke seems to be doing. Eventually, an incident on the bus between David and Sammie jeopardizes their friendship and forces Sammie to re-examine the meaning of true friendship. I loved everything about this wonderful, wholesome story.

Violets Are Blue

Published: October 12, 2021

12-year-old Wren lives with her mom after her parents’ divorce. Her dad has moved to New York City and married his lover (with whom he was unfaithful to her mother), who is now expecting twins. Wren is also a special effects makeup aficionado. Caught up in a new school, navigating new friendships, and balancing her relationships with her parents — whose relationship with each other is strained — Wren notices her mom has begun behaving strangely. Violets Are Blue is an engaging middle-grade book with a relatable, creative protagonist dealing with parental substance abuse.

12 to 22 (POV: You Wake Up in the Future)

Published: August 16, 2022

On her 12th half birthday, her parents surprisingly gift her their approval to post on social networks. Thrilled, Harper starts posting TikTok videos like her idol, Blake Riley. Her first video goes viral and brings her closer to the popular crew in her school who only befriend her so she can teach them her edits. Their interest in her creates a rift between Harper and her best friend Ava. In the midst of the chaos, Harper tries a TikTok filter, which, combined with a wish to be 22, suddenly makes her 22! Unfortunately, her future is much different than she imagined. Is being 22 as great as she imagined? Or will she just want her old life back? And can she even get it back? Or is it too late? This is a charming, light,  feel-good story  about  time travel , social media, and treasuring friendships.

Across the Desert

12-year-old Jolene has a tough life. Her mom is misusing opioids and can barely care for her. She’s mocked at school for wearing too-small clothing and looking haggard. Jolene’s only bright spot is a tween pilot she watches via livestream at the library, “Addie Earhart.” Addie and Jolene gradually form a warm friendship and encourage each other through life’s hardships. But one day during the livestream, Addie crashes her plane. No one but Jolene is watching the stream, and Addie’s mom doesn’t know she even flies planes. It’s up to Jolene to save her, but she’s a kid with no money — and Addie’s is stuck miles away in the Arizona desert. This is a heart-pounding middle grade novel about self-worth, friendships, and the struggle of a parent with addiction.

A Perfect Mistake

Published: July 12, 2022

Max and his community are reeling from a night out gone wrong. Max and his friends Joey and Will went out with two older boys, but Will ended up unconscious and in a coma, and Joey won’t speak to Max anymore. Max also has ADHD and is over six feet tall at 11, which means he stands out in his class. Frustrated that he can’t figure out what happened to Will, Max teams up with an inquisitive classmate, but the truths he unravels aren’t pretty. Can Max get to the bottom of this mystery? A Perfect Mistake  is a pitch-perfect  middle grade mystery  about honesty, peer pressure, and standing up for what’s right. 

Published: July 5, 2022

Marianne Blume has convinced herself that she’s not smart. She’s gotten through school so far by charming teachers out of questioning her. But her eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Garcia, isn’t easily fooled. To pull up her grades for high school, Marianne tries to win his favor by joining the school’s trivia team (which he coaches). But as the term progresses, Marianne bonds with the trivia kids and learns that there’s more to being smart than book smart — but also, she’s more intelligent than she gives herself credit for. Bright  is a deeply insightful book about labels, persistence, and self-belief, featuring themes like sisterhood, female friendships, and family.

Wishing Upon the Same Stars

This debut middle-grade novel by Arab-American author Jacquetta Nammar Feldman follows young Palestinian-American Yasmeen Khoury, whose parents move from Detroit (which has a thriving Arab-American community) to San Antonio, Texas, where there are few to no other Arab-American families. But just before Yasmeen despairs, she discovers that their next-door neighbors are Arab-Americans too — only, they’re Israeli-American, not Palestinian-American. She befriends their daughter Ayelet, but her father is not pleased, especially with the current Palestinian-Israeli tensions. On top of adjusting to a new school and finding her place in the world, can Yasmeen help her dad see beyond the differences? This is a moving, poignant exploration of finding common ground despite differences and strife.

Coming Up Short

Published: June 21, 2022

Bea is winning at being a shortstop, finally making headway with her crush, and is excited to go to summer camp with her friends when her dad’s legal license is suspended in a town scandal. Suddenly, she develops a case of the yips and begs her parents to send her to another softball summer camp on Gray Island, where her mom grew up. Throughout the summer, Bea learns more about her parents’ previous marriages and other secrets.  Coming Up Short  is a sporty, summery, and serious coming of age story about a girl dealing with difficult emotions and circumstances. 

The Bridge Home

Published: February 5, 2019

This heartbreaking middle grade novel follows sisters Viji and Rukku, who flee an abusive home situation into the streets of Chennai, India, where life isn’t so much better. Faced with hunger and homelessness, the sisters befriend two other kids in the same situation and keep trying to find respite until a tragedy upends their lives. This is great for readers looking for more books about poverty and homelessness or stories set in India.

The Road to Wherever

Published: May 11, 2021

11-year-old June (Henry Junior) Ball’s mother sends him off on the road with his adult second cousins after his father disappears without a word. Cousins Thomas and Cornell are “Ford Men” traveling throughout the US to fix people’s old Ford trucks for free. The Ford owners only have to buy spare parts. As the road trip progresses, the men teach June about Ford trucks, fixing cars, and being kind. June also processes his father’s absence while expanding his heart by meeting just as many broken humans as Ford trucks. This is a heartfelt  road trip adventure story  about family,  community , and purpose. 

Golden Girl

Published: February 22, 2022

Afiyah has a problem with taking things (seemed like kleptomania) even when she tries really hard not to. Fortunately, she’s often remorseful and returns the stolen items. She’s shaken when her father is wrongfully arrested for embezzlement at the airport during a family trip. The situation puts a strain on her family and moves Afiyah to strongly examine her tendency to steal — especially after she gets caught in the act. Golden Girl  is a touching, realistic coming-of-age story about trying to break bad habits and dealing with a  family crisis . 

Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes

Published: May 17, 2022

Alex is looking forward to spending the summer (as she’s always done) with her best friend, Will. Will’s mother runs the concession stand at their community pool, and both kids have spent several summers playing games at the pool. This summer, though, a schoolmate named Rebekah has eyes for Will — and him for her! As Rebekah and Will begin a tentative crush-friendship, Alex feels threatened and ropes Will into a big summer project (building their treehouse), for which they’ll need several summer jobs to afford building supplies. Surprisingly to Alex, Rebekah also wants to be her friend too. Can Alex get over her jealousy and other issues in her life to figure out this summer friendship drama? This is a terrific  summery middle grade book  about  evolving friendships , growing up, and adjusting to changes.

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

Published: April 26, 2022

Tae Keller’s newest middle grade book,  Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone , opens with new girl Jennifer Chan declared missing at her middle school. As whispers begin, her next-door neighbor Mallory Moss worries that Jennifer may have been abducted by aliens (which Jennifer believed existed). Mallory reunites with two former friends begging them to help her find Jennifer following clues from her time with Jennifer and the diary Jennifer left behind. The story alternates between past and present as readers discover that Mallory’s search is also motivated by an ulterior motive: the need to prove that she and her popular friends didn’t run Jennifer Chan out of town with their bullying. Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone  is a razor-sharp, realistic portrayal of kids mismanaging their insecurities and coping by  bullying others .

Falling Short

Published: March 15, 2022

In  Falling Short , we meet Marco and Isaac. They’ve been besties for as long as they can remember and now they share one pain in common: both their dads aren’t in their lives as they’d like. Isaac’s dad is attentive but currently struggling with alcoholism. Marco’s dad wishes Marco were more athletic, instead of nerdy. At the start of middle school, both boys decide to help each other reach their goals. For Isaac, it’s getting better at more than just basketball — getting better grades and being more responsible. And for Marco, it’s learning a sport: basketball. Can they reach their goals? And will their friendship survive it? I loved this look at a warm friendship bond between boys. 

Everywhere Blue

Published: June 1, 2021

When Madrigal’s (Maddie) older brother, Strum, goes missing from his college campus, her musical family loses its harmony. Her French mother is distraught — broken for the first time as Maddie has never seen her. Her piano-playing father doesn’t even touch his instrument, and her fiery sister retreats into a rebellious funk, drinking and partying, even though she’s only 16. Maddie tries to keep everything together: focus on her oboe lessons and compulsive counting that calms her mind. But when her parents leave to look for Strum and Maddie is left with Aria, things seem hopeless. Maddie continues trying to manage school work, friendships, practicing her instrument, and maybe joining a new eco club at school. Eventually, though, with all leads looking dead-ended, Maddie just might have what it takes to find Strum. But can she find her way to him? Everywhere Blue  is a poignant, moving  middle grade verse novel about family ,  mental health , music, and  caring for the environment .

The Kate in Between

When a bunch of popular kids seems to welcome Kate into their clique, she is torn about ditching her longtime best friend, Haddie. Things get complicated, however, when Kate is a passive participant in a bullying incident that leads to Haddie sinking on thin ice. Then, Kate is captured on camera saving Haddie, and the video goes viral. While news outlets hail “Kate the Great” as a shining example for tweens who should not be bullying other kids, Kate continues to oscillate between craving acceptance from the popular kids and trying to keep her friendship with Haddie, all the while maintaining her public image by appearing in newspapers and on popular YouTube channels. But how long can she keep up the charade? And, is Kate great? Or is she a bad person? The Kate in Between  is a timely, complex, and engaging middle grade book about identity, popularity,  bullying culture , and going viral.

Those Kids from Fawn Creek

Published: March 8, 2022

This book follows 12 seventh-graders in Fawn Creek’s middle school. These kids have grown up together in their small factory town and know each other in and out. They’ve formed semi-permanent cliques and it’s tough for them to break out from the general expectations of their peers. The story is told by multiple narrators, including the new girl Orchid Mason (who says she’s from New York and has grown up in cities around the world), shy girl Dorothy, and her best friend (and the only person she talks to) Greyson. Cousins Janie and Abby have recently become a duo since their “Queen Bee,” Rennie Dean, moved away to a nearby town but still tries to keep tabs on them and control their actions. When Rennie and her crew find out about Orchid’s seemingly exotic background, they’re at once jealous and convinced that she’s lying. But is she? Those Kids from Fawn Creek  is a gorgeously written, character-driven, slice-of-life middle grade  book about bullying  and the power of kindness.

Published: March 9, 2021

Starfish  features Ellie, a fat girl who has been bullied for her weight since she wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash in the pool. Even her older brother and sister make fun of her weight. Her mom controls her diet, monitoring her portions and choosing lackluster “healthy” alternatives. Ellie is feeling more disheartened because her friend Viv who is also plus-sized is moving away. Thankfully, after Viv moves, Ellie finds a friend in her new neighbor Catalina and her family. The family loves food and welcome Ellie with open arms, never judging her for her weight. At school, bullying intensifies when a chair breaks after Ellie sits on it. Her mom is also pushing for gastric bypass surgery for Ellie. Eventually, her father gets her mother to ease off by taking Ellie to a therapist who helps her accept her body and defend herself against bullies. Starfish  is a powerful, fat-positive middle grade  verse novel  about a girl who is learning that she deserves to take up space.

No Fixed Address

Published: September 11, 2018

12-year-old Felix Knuttson is a sweet kid whose brain soaks up trivia like a sponge. His mom Astrid (whom he calls by her name), is loving but unreliable and can’t seem to hold on to a job or a house. When they lose their apartment in Vancouver, Astrid “borrows” a camper van from an ex and moves them in there “just for August” until she finds a job. But September comes, and there’s still no job or house, and Felix needs an address to enroll in school. Astrid figures out a way to do that, but Felix can’t tell anyone about their home situation. At the new school, he makes two new friends and finds out about a trivia contest that might change their housing situation. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned. This is a compelling, realistic, and funny middle grade  book about homelessness, poverty , friendship, and mental health.

Violet and the Pie of Life

12-year-old Violet wishes that math could solve all her problems — and she does try to use her math. Unfortunately, her parents are fighting more and more. Her mom seems to nag constantly while her dad is the fun one who does things like buying them fried chicken for dinner. Eventually, after a heated argument one night, her father moves out and her mom won’t tell Violet where he’s gone. At school, her best friend Mackenzie seems to make fun of just about anyone, but especially the nice, pretty girl in their class, Ally. So when Violet gets cast as the Lion in the Wizard of Oz play and Mackenzie gets a small role, while Ally plays Dorothy, Mackenzie asks Violet to quit the play with her. Violet refuses. That and a budding friendship with Ally put a strain on her friendship with Mackenzie, adding to Violet’s overall stress. Violet and the Pie of Life  is a realistic portrayal of the impact of  parental separation  on a child.

A Song Called Home

Published: March 15, 2022

Lou and her sister Casey have to move from the city to the suburbs to live with their new stepfather, Steve, leaving behind their old schools and Lou’s best friend Beth Tsai. Forming this new family is hard on Lou and Casey for different reasons. Lou feels like she’s leaving their alcoholic father behind and Casey worries that Steve is being too nice and the “real Steve” will show up soon. On the day before their move (which is also Lou’s birthday) Lou finds a guitar right outside their old apartment addressed to her. Convinced it’s from her dad, she starts learning to play guitar to maintain that bond with him. As they all navigate the blending of their families, Lou learns about herself and what family truly means. A Song Called Home  is a realistic, heartrending depiction of the process of  blending a family  while dealing with the trauma of having an alcoholic parent.

Farewell Cuba, Mi Isla

Published: September 5, 2023

1960, Cuba. Cousins Victoria and Jackie love living in their island country with their large family. When when Fidel Castro’s communist government takes hold, things change swiftly, leading Victoria’s father to relocate his family to Miami, leaving Jackie and her family behind. As Victoria adapts to life in the US, Jackie and her family struggle in Cuba—until the family decides to send Jackie over to the States with Operation Peter Pan. But will Jackie ever see her family again? Both girls band together to bring the rest of their family to America. Farewell Cuba Mi Isla  is a moving, authentic book chronicling the impact of Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba.

Published: March 31, 2020

When Ross is diagnosed with a rare lacrimal gland cancer (in his eye), it’s like a new trial for his seventh-grade existence. Add to that the fact that his mom died from cancer years before, he’s going blind in one eye, his best friend is moving away soon, and mean kids at school are making terrible memes about his illness, and you have a dumpster fire of a year waiting to happen. Or is it? Wink  by Rob Harrell is a brilliant, funny, and thoughtful middle grade book about navigating a cancer diagnosis in 7th grade.

Kyra, Just for Today

Published: March 5, 2024

In this companion to A Song Called Home , Kyra’s mother is an alcoholic in recovery. She could always count on having her best friend, Lu — until now. Lu has new friends and splits her time between both friend groups, eventually asking Kyra to join them sometimes. Kyra is also getting bullied for being bigger than most other 13-year-olds. Already, Kyra does so much at home: cooking, and even helping her mom out with her cleaning job. But then her mother starts acting weird, leading Kyra to believe that she’s relapsed. I loved how the author shows readers that recovery is not linear and I enjoyed watching Kyra feel safe in her own skin. Hand to fans of Sumner’s Maid for It and readers who love books featuring food and cooking.

Fox Point’s Own Gemma Hopper

Published: April 11, 2023

7th grader Gemma Hopper’s mother has left their family. Gemma lives with her dad, older brother Teddy, and their twin younger brothers. While their dad works overtime to fend for the family materially, Gemma is saddled with caring for the home and her twin siblings while also serving as a ball machine/practice partner for her brother, who’s a baseball prodigy of sorts. One day, while practicing with Teddy, she strikes him out with two impressive pitches, capturing the attention of some scouts from a competitive baseball team. All of a sudden, Gemma now also has star potential. Can both siblings find a way to work together? This is an engaging graphic novel about family (absent mothers), baseball, and  sibling relationships . 

The Braid Girls

Published: June 13, 2023

In  The Braid Girls , Maggie’s summer is off to a rocky start when her parents announce that she has a half-sister—a daughter her father never knew about until now. Callie’s presence throws off soft-spoken Maggie’s dynamic with her outspoken best friend Daija, even more when Callie joins their hair-braiding business. This is a sweet, relatable middle grade  book about sisterhood , entrepreneurship, and finding your voice.

No Matter the Distance

  Published: February 21, 2023

This book centers on young Penny, a middle schooler with cystic fibrosis. Penny has to take digestive enzymes and do her breathing treatments to help her lungs get rid of mucus that affects her breathing. While her CF case is relatively mild-moderate, she still struggles with being chronically ill. One day a dolphin shows up in the lake near their house and Penny feels a strong connection with the animal. It turns out the dolphin (whom Penny names Rose) is also sick and needs to return to her pod to get better. Penny may be the only one who can help the scientists take Rose back. But can she do that, when she feels so drawn to the animal? No Matter the Distance  is a beautiful  middle grade verse novel  about living with cystic fibrosis and finding belonging in community.

Morning Sun in Wuhan

Published: November 8, 2022

I’ve had  Morning Sun in Wuhan  on my radar for a long time because it’s set in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic (and mostly because of the cover). 13-year-old Mei loves cooking and playing a cooking video game with two of her friends. She lives with her physician dad and is still grieving the loss of her mother. Her life suddenly turns upside down when a new virus starts killing people in her hometown Wuhan. Her dad is stuck working at the hospital and leaves Mei at home when the city is locked down. Can Mei cope with the pandemic — and find a way to help others around her? Morning Sun in Wuhan  is a fascinating, insightful middle grade account depicting the genesis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan. 

Absolutely Positively Natty

  Published: May 9, 2023

Reeling from the impact of her mother’s depression on their family, Natty decides she’s going to be “Good Vibes Only.” She even starts a pep rally club in her cheerless new town. But her pursuit of positivity wears on her friendships and her–until the facade starts to crumble. An insightful exploration of toxic positivity and how kids can manage tough situations instead.

The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn

Published: July 11, 2023

Maudie is a sweet, autistic girl spending the summer with her dad. When her dad’s home is razed in a California wildfire, they move to the small beach town where her father grew up. Throughout the summer, as Maudie makes new friends, starts learning to surf, and enters a surfing contest, a secret tugs at her–one her mother has asked her to keep from her dad.  The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn  is a vivid, triumphant, and authentic coming-of-age story about discovering one’s inner strength.

A Work in Progress

Published: May 2, 2023

Will feels like the only chubby kid in his class and feels insecure about his weight. Add to that the bullying he faces and his observations of his mother’s attitude toward food, and he falls into a pattern of disordered eating and over-exercising. Thankfully, a budding friendship with a new classmate changes his view. This is a great book about body image issues, and it’s done in an illustrated verse format that I think kids will love.

The Wildly Unknown Myth of Apple and Dorothy

Published: September 19, 2023

Apple and Dorothy are half-gods, descendants of the Greek gods Zeus and Hera and Pandora, respectively. When Dorothy’s mother refuses to return to Olympus one solstice, she becomes a full human and is soon killed in a car accident, leaving Dorothy and her father grieving. Motivated by a promise she made to Dorothy’s mother, Apple befriends Dorothy. But when the gods rule that all half-gods must return home to Olympus and take their place as gods or remain human, Dorothy chooses Earth, to Apple’s dismay. Apple’s fear of losing Dorothy leads her to make a decision with terrible consequences. As a non-fantasy reader, I loved this book — how clever, creative, and profound it is, especially in the way it approaches friendship and grief. I think fans of  Greek mythology  will love it.

There they are: 50 of the best books for seventh graders! I hope you find something appealing for your kids. If you’d like more upper middle-grade book recommendations, here’s my list of upper middle grade books .

Which of these books for seventh graders have you read and enjoyed? And which other ones would you recommend?

More Book Lists

• Realistic fiction for 7th graders
• Mystery books for 7th graders
• Historical fiction for 7th graders

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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Reader Interactions

What do you think leave a comment cancel reply.

November 16, 2020 at 2:53 pm

The only one I’ve read here is Amal Unbound. So good! 🙌

November 17, 2020 at 4:57 pm

Another handy list! I’ve read a few of these and a few are new to me. I should really check out The Prettiest. The Story That Cannot Be Told caught my eye. (BTW, you have the description for One Last Shot underneath Serena Says).

November 18, 2020 at 4:10 pm

Hi Jenna! Thank you so much for your kind comment. Yes, you’ll love THE PRETTIEST! And thanks for the heads up, I’ve fixed that mistake now 🙂

November 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm

There are so many amazing books on this list! And a few I haven’t read yet!

June 14, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Bookmarking this post! Love it!

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7th Grade Summer Reading List - Recommended Books

Finding good books for middle schoolers is of the utmost importance! As your pre-teens and young teens get older, it's crucial to help them maintain good reading habits. The suggested books on this 7th grade summer reading list are perfect for ages 12-13 ( or thereabouts ) will aid in the prevention of the "summer slide" as well as peak their interest and help them choose some great books to read.

This is a diverse collection of titles and includes a variety of genres like historical fiction, graphic novels, adventure stories and mysteries. Kids going into 7th grade will be able to spend their summer soaking in some sun, lazing by the pool and swinging in the hammock while turning the pages of these exciting books.

More summer reading lists for 7th graders:

• 6th grade summer reading list
• 8th grade summer reading list
• Nonfiction for Middle School Students

MORE: Check out all our summer reading resources , like reading bingo, the great library challenge and more.

Table of contents

Contemporary realism, fantasy and science fiction, historical fiction, graphic novels.

Would you like a printable version of this summer reading list for 4th graders? Grab it at the end of the post!

Note: this post contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn commission for this blog. Bookshop supports independent booksellers. You can see this list, in addition to our other summer reading lists curated at Bookshop .

SUMMER OF BRAVE by Amy Noelle Parks

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Seventh grader, Lilla, is torn between her dad, who wants her to go to a specialty art school and her mom, who wants her to go to a STEM school. But Lilla secretly believes that she would prefer a general education where she could try out lots of subjects. This summer, her friend, Vivi, challenges Lilla to be brave and stand up for herself. Working as a camp counselor, Lilla has an uncomfortable experience and decides to use an upcoming art project to make her voice heard. A stunningly good book.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi

I couldn't put this book down! In an effort to get transferred away from a particular teacher's class, Phillip causes a class disruption. But the chain of events that he sets in motion has the community examining what it means to be truthful, patriotic and respectful of others. The narrative is "documentary style," with dialogue, interviews, letters and diary entries telling the story from different perspectives, making for a unique reading experience.

MORE: 12 books for 12 year olds

SCAR ISLAND by Dan Gemeinhart

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Scar Island will remind readers of Lord of the Flies , only with a less disturbing outcome. When a freak ( and I mean freak! ) accident leaves all the adults of Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys dead, the boys look forward to finally getting away from the wretched place of misery. But some of the boys decide they would prefer a few days alone on the island before coming under the thumb of adults again. As you can imagine, things go awry in the power vacuum, and secrets previously kept hidden are revealed. It is a very compelling read and your child will have a hard time putting it down.

JUST BE COOL, JENNA SAKAI by Debbi Michiko Florence

Seventh grader, Jenna, has a lot going on. Most of all, her journalism advisor has given her an assignment outside of her comfort zone and Jenna does everything she can to avoid completing it. On top of that, her newly divorced parents are still figuring out how to get along and Jenna is trying to be in the same room as her ex-boyfriend without freaking out. She starts hanging out after school at a Broadway-themed diner where she meets a new friend and learns a few things about herself. This books will speak to every seventh grader!

MORE: Books with Asian and Asian-American Protagonists

THE GREAT GREEN HEIST (series) by Varian Johnson

This fast-paced heist story is a fun choice for summer reading. Jackson Greene decides to intervene when he thinks his classmates are rigging the school election against his friend, Gabby. Jackson and his friends engage in a scheme to make sure the election ballots are counted honestly. With school political shenanigans, a diverse group of protagonists and a clever, twisting plot, your kids will love this book.

MORE: Spy and Heist Books for Kids

THE SEVENTH MOST IMPORTANT THING by Shelley Pearsall

After Arthur hurls a brick at a man collecting trash, the judge overseeing his case sentences him to community service working for the victim. The "junk man," James, gives Arthur a list of the Seven Most Important Things he must collect. James, it turns out, is creating a fantastical work of art. Set in the 1960s, and inspired by folk artist James Hampton, this unusual story will get kids thinking about redemption, and friendship.

AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed

I could not put this book down! It is an important book to remind our children that there are still kids around the world who are denied an education and the freedom that it can bring. In her Pakistani village, Amal dreams of becoming a teacher one day, but an unfortunate event results in her going to live as an indentured servant in the household of her village's corrupt landlord. Amal is a strong protagonist who takes matters into her own hands, determined to achieve her goals, despite her circumstances.

MORE: Graphic novels for 4-8th grade

THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill

The Protectorate has always sacrificed a baby to keep the witch in the forest at bay. Little do they know the witch has been saving the babies all these years. One year the witch decides to raise the baby herself, and inadvertently fills her with a fierce and strong magic. As the girl grows older and comes into her magic, a man in the Protectorate vows to find and vanquish the witch, revealing the truth about both the Protectorate and the witch.

MORE: Big Giant List of Fantasy Novels for Kids

THE FALSE PRINCE (series) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The kingdom is in turmoil and a nobleman is determined to pass off an unknown orphan as the missing prince. He brings three boys to train at his estate, promising that the one who best completes the test will have a new life as the ruler. Readers will find themselves constantly on their toes as to the outcome and a surprise twist will leave kids eager to read the next books in the series.

THE STORM RUNNER by J.C. Cervantes

In The Storm Runner , Mayan mythology is front and center.  Thirteen-year-old Zane learns that the volcano in his New Mexico backyard is actually a prison for a Mayan god. When Brooks, a mysterious shape-shifting girl, shows up to help Zane fulfill his destiny, the adventure begins.

MORE: Latinx Middle Grade Novels

HOW TO FIND WHAT YOU'RE NOT LOOKING FOR by Veera Hiranandani

It's 1967, and the Supreme Court has just struck down interracial marriage prohibitions in Loving v. Virginia . Although Ari lives in Connecticut, where interracial marriage was never banned, Ari dwells on the recent court case because her sister, Leah, has fallen in love with a young man from India. Ari's Jewish parents disapprove of the relationship, so the pair elope and disappear. Ari grieves the loss of her sister and wants to find her. Ari also has to navigate her complicated relationships with her parents and at school faces the antisemitic taunts from a classmate, as well as struggles with undiagnosed dysgraphia. There's a lot going on here, but the unique second-person narration grips the reader from start to finish.

A CEILING MADE OF EGGSHELLS by Gail Carson Levine

Taking place just before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, Levine's intensely moving and suspenseful tale follows the adventures of Paloma as she grows up in a relatively well-off Jewish family. Loma's grandfather is well-connected and famed for his ability to deal with Christians. Loma accompanies him on his travels around the country as religious and political tensions grow, facing dangers, prejudice and the constant threat of forced conversions. This is a page-turning book with an extremely strong girl at its heart and your kids won't want to put down.

MORE: Historical Fiction with Strong Girl Protagonists

TELL NO TALES: PIRATES OF THE SOUTHERN SEAS by Sam Maggs, illustrated by Kendra Wells

Tell No Tales is a swashbuckling graphic novel inspired by the legendary female pirate, Anne Bonny. Anne and her diverse crew make up an unconventional family as they bond over getting to know each other as they prepare for an encounter with the pirate-hunting villain, Woodes Rogers. Absolutely great fun. An author's note gives some background on the diverse cast of characters, their real-life counterparts and a ( very ) brief overview of piracy.

MORE: Graphic Novels for 4th - 8th Grade

BEETLE AND THE HOLLOWBONES by Aliza Layne

Beetle is a young goblin and aspiring witch who is reunited with her friend Kat Hollowbone. Their friendship has Beetle questioning her feelings about her relationship with Kat as well as with her friend Blob Ghost. But it turns out Kat's aunt is evil and has plans to destroy the mall where Blob Ghost lives. This is a unique fantastical graphic novel.

Reader Interactions

Angela @ Setting My Intention says

May 02, 2017 at 2:02 pm

Thanks for this list! Im always looks ng for great booksnfor my kids - especially over the summer!

May 03, 2017 at 11:17 am

Happy reading!

Rebekah Gienapp says

May 02, 2017 at 8:23 pm

Blue Birds sounds fascinating! My family has ties to the Roanoke area, but I remember being uncomfortable with how Native Americans were portrayed in some of the history at the historical sites we visited (at least how it was portrayed 25 years ago.)

May 03, 2017 at 11:16 am

It's a wonderful book. Happy reading.

May 03, 2017 at 8:23 pm

I love your book lists! I read a lot and yet have only read 2 of the books on this list...I'm going to encourage my 12 yo to check out a few of these...and I'll check them out as well. I really, really loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon...a great story but with lots of wisdom tucked throughout.

July 24, 2017 at 4:49 pm

Many 8th grade classes read The Diary of Anne Frank. Please check with your school before having your 7th grader read it as they will not be able to do some predictor activitdoes and can create spoiler alert moments. You could read it with them during the year.

July 24, 2020 at 1:55 pm

Do you offer these lists as a print out, so that we don’t have all the ads?

July 24, 2020 at 6:27 pm

Some of the lists do have printables but not this one. I have over 300 lists so it takes a bit of time to go backwards to make all the printables. You can always use https://www.printfriendly.com/

Larrymcbottom2538493 says

July 15, 2021 at 8:52 am

I really liked this list. the only thing is that on the summary for The False Prince; The kingdom is called Carthya. and the estate that the nobleman brings them to is called Farthenwood. Otherwise this is a great list!

August 09, 2021 at 10:57 am

Thanks for the correction!

September 21, 2022 at 5:23 am

Its a lovely list

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Top Summer Reading List for 7th Grade

8 Diverse Picks to Inspire and Engage

What our students read matters. That’s why our summer reading picks for 7th grade feature authors of different backgrounds, books that explore relevant social issues, and tackle challenges that middle schoolers face in their lives. In this time of constant change and upheaval, both in our students’ lives and in broader society, it is essential for our students to feel seen, understood, and valued. 

While we would love for our students to read all the books on this list, we recommend letting students choose a few that pique their interest. Why? Because book choice is key to student agency and motivation.

Now, let’s get to the 7th grade summer reading recommendations!

A Place to Belong, by Cynthia Kadohata

In A Place to Belong, students have the opportunity to learn about a lesser known time in American and Japanese history following WW2. The book follows a young Hanako who is bewildered and hurt. America, the only home she’s ever known, has forced her family to move to Japan in a post WW2 world. The country is in shambles, making Hanako feel as though she could crack under the pressure of it all until she learns about the ancient tradition of kintsukuroi- fixing broken objects with gold lacquer, making them stronger and more beautiful than ever. Students will learn to understand and empathize with realities of war, and the power of overcoming adversity in this heart felt book. 

Counting by the 7s, Holly Goldberg Sloan

Sometimes you just have to swim against the tide. This story expertly weaves the struggles of neurodivergence, mental health, adoption, and loss in an engaging, digestible format for 7th graders. Twelve-year-old genius, Willow Chance is obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions and finds it comforting to count by 7s. Her life was mostly quiet and happy alongside her adoptive parents until it was suddenly turned upside down with the death of her parents. Your class will learn from and celebrate with Willow as she learns to endearingly push through her grief to find a diverse surrogate family in the wake of her heartache.

Baseball in April and Other Stories, by Gary Soto

In this collection of eleven short stories, author Gary Soto draws on his own experiences as a Mexican-American growing up in California to share captivating anecdotes about life as an adolescent. These stories take readers through a whole gamut of emotions – some are funny, some sad, some dramatic – but they all have a lesson to share around themes such as growing up, dealing with challenges, and friendships. This book is excellent for students who are struggling to read longer novels!

Goodbye Stranger, by Rebecca Stead

7th grade can be a confusing time for kids – navigating friendships, having “first crushes,” discovering self-expression. Goodbye Stranger explores these themes and more through strong characters and authentic storytelling that will draw in readers. This book is also well-poised to kick off conversations with students about using social media and texting responsibly and the consequences that their actions have, not just for them but others around them as well.

George, by Alex Gino

The New York Times Book Review describes George as “timely, touching…[and] the most right-now book imaginable.” Following the journey of Melissa, a transgender girl whom the rest of the world sees as George, this book is an insightful read for anyone who has ever felt different. It is an excellent starting point to explore issues such as gender, acceptance, and the trans community and the struggles they face. A must-read!

One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet, by Anuradha Rao

What does an environmental defender look like? Like any one of us! In One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet , author Anuradha Rao highlights a diverse selection of youth activists worldwide working to save the environment. These stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who are all doing their part to save the Earth are sure to inspire and motivate students to take action.

A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee

Twelve-year-old Shayla just wants to get through 7th grade without getting into trouble, but she quickly realizes that some things are worth breaking the rules for. In this genuine and relatable novel, students explore complex themes like right and wrong, social justice, racism, and more — a coming of age story set against the backdrop of bigger societal issues. A Good Kind of Trouble is a suitable starting point for students to have deeper conversations about current events, the Black Lives Matter movement, and their own role in dismantling harmful systems.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

Education is something most of us take for granted in the US, but not in Pakistan. In the autobiographical I Am Malala , the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai recounts her experience of being shot by the Taliban when she stood up for her right to be educated. This book provides good context to the conflict and oppression in the Middle East while highlighting the importance of women’s rights and education. Students are sure to be inspired by Malala’s journey and her continual efforts to stand up for what she believes in!

When You Trap a Tiger, by Tae Keller

Winner of multiple awards, including the 2021 Newbery Medal, When You Trap a Tiger weaves Korean folklore with magical realism in this compelling read. Readers get glimpses into Korean culture and history while delving into themes like grief, identity, and family history. This is sure to be a favorite among students who enjoy fantasy, unique storytelling, and will leave them questioning what’s real and imagined!  

Vital Signs, Read to Lead

Some kids might have a hard time even picking up a book during summer, and that’s where Read to Lead: Vital Signs could come in handy. Designed to meet anchor standards and catered to the Lexile range for 7th grade, Vital Signs is the second series on the Read to Lead game-based learning platform. Not only do students read approximately 5,000 words by working through each game in the series, but they also interact with diverse characters and learn more about a variety of career options. Game-based learning is also a great way to drive student interest and motivation. Sign up for a free account and get your students started with their summer reading program.

Summer reading lists are a wonderful starting point to encourage students to explore diverse books, expand their minds, and open themselves up to new perspectives. We hope that these multicultural books for middle schoolers that feature diverse viewpoints will inspire and engage them to keep reading during summer.

Have a favorite book to recommend for 7th graders? We’d love to hear from you!

About Read to Lead

Read to Lead uses the power of game-based learning to empower middle school students to build literacy, life, and career skills. Teachers can sign up for a free account to get started!

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Top Summer Reading Lists for Grades 5-9

Did you know that research shows that students who report high levels of sense of belonging to the school environment experience positive educational outcomes?  This means allowing students to see themselves in their learning is more important than ever. This summer, our favorite summer reading picks for 5-9th graders features authors of different backgrounds, books that explore relevant social issues, and tackle challenges that middle schoolers may face in their every day lives. Read on for our top picks for middle schoolers!

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Summer Reading 2023

• All School Resources
• Rising 12th Graders
• Rising 11th Graders
• Rising 10th Graders
• Rising 9th Graders
• Rising 8th Graders
• Rising 7th Graders
• Rising 6th Graders
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Sora Etiquette Reminder

Required Summer Reading for English

On LibGuides, you’ll be able to access required and optional summer reading materials through Sora. We encourage you to make use of this amazing resource throughout the summer.

However, you  MUST  bring your own hard copy of the required reading with you on the first day of school in September.  We expect you to have read and annotated that physical copy of the book you selected for your required summer reading.

You are welcome to make use of any edition or version of the optional readings that you can get your hands on.

Please keep in mind that even if you rush home and read the text tonight, you should still give yourself time to review it in the days immediately before school begins. The first day will be better for everyone if the text is fresh in your mind.

The packet you need to open and review is right above with a "LOOK HERE!" graphic.

For your summer reading assignment, you will read TWO novels listed on the following page. At least one of the novels should have an asterisk next to it (*). In addition to reading, you should do the following: 

Part 1. Annotate: As you read, mark important words and passages. Write your notes by hand! Please see the annotation guide below if you need help annotating. If you’re using a library book, you may use post-it notes or take notes on separate sheets of paper. 

Part 2. Complete the post-reading worksheet in this packet once you finish reading each book. 

Your packet will be collected on the first day of school.

Required Summer Reading for CPEJ

Reading for Summer Joy!

☀️📚📚📚📚☀️Happy Summer Reading!☀️📚📚📚📚☀️

The books in this section are books your Librarian thought you might enjoy this summer. These are suggestions to read for joy. If you don't see anything here that suits you, PLEASE READ WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY ! Developing the habit of reading for joy and relaxation is a life skill and good for managing anxiety and stress. The links provided will bring you to title on the Friends Seminary Sora page. Many titles are available in ebook or audiobook on Sora. If you would rather read a physical book, please go to your local library or your local independent bookshop. 

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• Last Updated: Aug 25, 2023 12:26 PM
• URL: https://friendsseminary.libguides.com/summerreading2023

7,200+ Confident Readers and Spellers

7th-Grade Summer Reading Program At-Home · Online · Self-Paced

Summer Reading Program

Learning at Home Made Easy

• Step-by-step at-home and online lessons
• Fun and engaging short, daily activities
• Carefully selected reading selections and questions
• Grade-appropriate spelling lessons
• Research-proven reading fluency training
• 7th-grade r eading comprehension activities that improve memory skills
• Vocabulary building activities 
• Card games that get the whole family involved

Scholar Within’s Co-founder Bonnie Terry, M.Ed., BCET has been featured on

7th-Grade Reading Curriculum

45-60 Minutes a Day

6 Week, 8 Week, or 10 Week Program

At-Home and Online

Video and Audio Lessons

Worksheets and Printables

Help and Support

Hand Selected 7th-Grade Reading Comprehension Selections

Each week, your 7th-grade child will read two engaging reading comprehension selections, both fiction and non-fiction. They also do more in-depth reading of different genres of literature. We’ve chosen the best reading selections that will open your son or daughter’s world of reading. Your child will learn how to talk about and summarize the stories they have read. This skill is critical for overall learning success.

Tap to Read – Read-Aloud Technology from Scholar Within

Does your child ever get frustrated with trying to read or sound out a word that they are unfamiliar with? With Tap to Read , your child can instantly hear the proper pronunciations of words by simply tapping or clicking on the word to hear it aloud. They can also work on their reading fluency and speed by pressing play and following along.

Try Tap to Read

• Level 6 – Antarctica
• Level 7 – History of Skiing
• Level 8 – Northern Lights

Note-taking and Writing Skills

Seventh grade is the year that your child begins to give objective summaries of a text. Your child will learn to take notes from what they have read and use those notes later. We have custom fill-in-the-blank graphic organizer note-taking forms that make it easy to take notes and organize ideas. Your seventh-grader will become a better thinker as they improve their note-taking and writing skills. 

Improve 7th-Grade Reading Comprehension and Build Long Term Memory Skills

The Scholar Within 7th-grade Reading Comprehension Program gives your child life-long study skills by teaching them step-by-step how to build long term memory skills. Your child will answer questions to the selections they have read in the program a day or two later by using the 7th-grade reading comprehension worksheets. Your child will learn to remember and recall what they have read by reviewing notes and writing summaries of them. Your child learns the process they will use for years to come to have success in school and in life.

Learn Spelling, Word Structure, and Word Attack Skills.

In addition to building your 7th-graders vocabulary and comprehension, your student will learn the structure of the English language which makes spelling even the most difficult words easy. Your entering seventh-grader will learn how to spell by spelling patterns through our interactive video lessons. Your kids will learn and practice the phonetic patterns of English through each lesson, spelling activity worksheets, puzzles, and games.

Each week, your child will learn to spell ten new words according to their phonetic spelling patterns. 

Reading Fluency Training

Since reading fluency training is one of the most important strategies used to build your child’s success with reading, Scholar Within includes fluency training. This is your child’s ability to read with speed and accuracy without conscious attention to the mechanics of reading. This is a critical skill as your child moves into the upper grades and the reading material becomes longer and more complicated. 

Our research-proven reading fluency drills work on training your eyes to move more efficiently and smoothly left to right. They also improve your kids’ visual processing speed, or how fast they can retrieve and process what they see. You and your kids will love seeing their improvement each day.

Boost Word Attack Skills and Play Vocabulary Card Games

Each week your child will play a card game that will work on their word identification skills or comprehension and vocabulary skills. Your child will love these games and want to play them over and over again. Your 7th-grader will build their vocabulary and even demonstrate their knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, prefixes, suffixes, and homophones.

Develop Planning Skills that Stick

Scholar Within’s 7th-Grade Reading Comprehension is not just a Reading program! It also includes those planning skills that are critical for life success. Your child will use fill-in-the-blank daily to-do worksheets and planning calendars to schedule out their days.

Your child will decide when they will do certain activities, and they will estimate how long each activity will take. After the activity is completed, they will reflect on how long it actually took and will start to build their time awareness and planning skills. Your child will strengthen their working memory, flexible thinking, and organization skills.

Research-Driven, Results-Proven Curriculum

Every component of our 7th-grade reading program is research-based and is specifically designed to boost your child’s reading skills. The program has been created by learning expert and board-certified educational therapist Bonnie Terry, M.Ed. She put together her 35+ years of working hands-on with children of all learning styles and abilities into this step-by-step program with custom-designed methods that you and your kids will see results each week.

Develop a Love of Reading

Your child will gain confidence and be excited about reading. Your child will make substantial gains with these effective research-based techniques. Your child will be able to complete their assignments more quickly and easily. They will gain confidence and develop a lifelong love or reading and learning. Your child will do a variety of activities that teach and strengthen all of these skills. Your child will love doing the activities in the program and will want to do them again and again.

Reviews from Parents

K Kelley B. October 17, 2023

My son and I have tried many reading programs; this one has made the most significant difference. It trains the brain to think of reading and spelling in ways beyond rote memorization. In addition, the summer program is enjoyable and effective. As a result, my son started the school year with increased confidence as a reader, and I feel better prepared to help him with his learning.

J Jennifer K. October 16, 2023

I started using this program after a TON of research. I needed a good fit for my 8 yr old dyslexic daughter. I’d say she 1.5-2 reading grades behind. We tried the summer program and loved it. This program was very simple and easy to acclimate to, which was a blessing bc these days I don’t have the time and energy to deep dive learning new programs. Scholar Within was instantly engaging and with the easy to follow step by step layout it made everything so approachable. I had to reach out through chat a few times and always received responses quickly and they were kind, helpful, and encouraging. 5 star customer service! I like how you can change the levels within the program (I started lower so that I could build her confidence) and the variety within lessons. You might see that some are saying there’s a lot of printing, I was at first concerned about this but it really wasn’t bad. I’d just print a few lessons ahead of time and keep them in the folder. It was actually pretty easy and only took 1-2 minutes. They also have an option for some of the weeks to buy pre-printed materials. Do what works for you 🙂 My daughter said she really liked the games too.

V Valerie K. October 9, 2023

My child was diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and it has been a difficult journey in getting her to develop phonemic awareness skills and reading fluency, among other reading deficits. After enrolling her in Scholar Within’s summer program, I have seen the improvement that I’ve been waiting for! I will definitely continue using this program throughout the school year.

J Jennifer A. October 7, 2023

Fabulous reading program! We enrolled our daughter over the summer. It was so wonderful we decided to continue using the program during the school year.

K Kimberly W. October 4, 2023

Wonderful program for children, especially for my child with ADHD and speech delay. I am so grateful that there is a program out here for children like this.

B Brandon T. July 22, 2023

I love this reading and spelling program! The lessons are complete and there is very little prep, especially if you purchase the printed material. The fluency lessons are fantastic and the kids love tracking their progress! We enjoyed the first six weeks so much that we purchased the material for the remainder of the year. So happy I found Scholar Within!

C Cloressa O. June 2, 2023

We tried Scholar Within for our student in the summer of 2022. Our student has ADHD and diagnosed learning disabilities. This program was just what we needed to keep our student engaged during the summer. The executive function focus that this program includes was so helpful especially for kids with ADHD. I highly recommend this for families that have students with reading and reading comprehension as an opportunity. This program covers spelling, reading comprehension, note taking, executive function, and has so many great brain games and virtual field trip ideas. We will be doing this program every summer going forward. Phenomenal program and the price points are so much better than a lot of the other programs out there. Keep in mind this is a team effort, this program has an online aspect but it also has worksheets and requires parent interaction. I absolutely love that it has text to speech and encourages the student to read aloud. I also love that it puts focus on writing and not just typing up stuff online. There are so many great things about this program I wish I could list them all.

K Kyle G. May 8, 2023

Our second grader is a great reader, but really struggled with spelling. This program offered everything he needed in order to begin spelling words correctly and with so much more understanding. The program is well organized and efficient, offering a great foundation to students. We couldn’t be happier!

E Emmanuelle R. May 4, 2023

The program is well organized and easy to follow. The program helped my son with dyslexia a lot for ready fluency. Nothing else had helped… It was like a game for him and we called it his “brain activity”. Very happy and totally recommend it.

C Crystal H. December 30, 2022

This program is absolutely different from everything we have tried in the past, it’s truly amazing !! I think the layout online is wonderful, it really helps that the kids see what is expected of them everyday (and a time estimate keeps them motivated). I love way they teach planning is a great life skill! The printed materials are beautifully done and organized! They make learning simple and fun. The reading lessons vary in topics keeping kids interested and they often tell dad at dinner what they have read because they’re actually retaining it. The spelling program is also amazing teaching VC patterns and going over phonic patterns. We also enjoy that the reading and spelling lessons can be at different grade levels to perfectly adapt to each child and their needs. 5 stars from me!

E Elizabeth W. October 4, 2022

My son was diagnosed as dyslexic at the end of third grade. I found this program online and thought we could try the 8 week summer program prior to him starting 4th grade. We did a lot of traveling that summer and were able to stay on track without any issue. My son really enjoyed the word games in the program. The few times I reached out to customer service, they were prompt and professional with their help. I could tell a difference in his reading by the end of the summer. The real proof was when 4th grade started; his first quarter ELA grade was a 95%!!!! (He ended 3rd grade with a 62%). This program is amazing, I cannot recommend it enough!

D Dr. Kimberly C. September 22, 2022

Great program, even for an older struggling reader with auditory processing disorder and possible dyslexia. I like the option of switching between grade levels as needed + customer service has been fast/useful so far.

K Kathleen B. September 18, 2022

After a recent diagnosis of dyslexia, we started our son on this 6-week summer program. He has taken to it so well and we have already seen such great improvement. We are looking forward to continuing the program year-round!

R Rachelle M. August 29, 2022

I have two children who just completed 8 weeks of the Summer Reading Program. My oldest is dyslexic and I’ve been looking for a spelling program that is geared towards older kids since she is in 8th grade and many of the other spelling programs we’ve done feel like they are for younger children. My daughter appreciated that the lessons were straightforward in teaching the patterns through sight, sound and writing. Her spelling confidence and ability grew tremendously. My youngest benefited from the Ready Fluency Drills and Reading Comprehension activities. Both enjoyed the games and puzzles. We look forward to continuing with the program into the fall as homeschoolers.

S Sarah S. August 11, 2022

This program kept my kids sharp over the summer. Thank you!

M Mary M. June 2, 2022

We love the summer program. My daughter has not only increased her words per minute but also has expanded her comprehension. She is learning valuable note taking strategies and has drastically improved her spelling. She also enjoys the content! We are excited to see her growth.

N Natalie M. May 23, 2022

Last summer, my husband and I enrolled our daughters (then entering grade 3 and entering grade 2) in the summer program. This program really helped them with reading comprehension! It gave us as parents the tools we needed to ask the right questions to help them too! Also, the games were really enjoyable! We even played them AFTER the lesson was over for the day. We were very impressed with the variety of activities and tools available with this program. We will be re-enrolling them this summer! Thank you!

A Amy D. May 7, 2022

My daughter is begging me to do your reading program again to strengthen her skills. The guides for note-taking and how to pick out important information was only second to the fun activities each day last year. We look forward to seeing what’s in store for this year!

M Melinda G. August 9, 2021

We are currently working on week 5 of our program. We really like it and are seeing benefits already. Thank you!

L Lisa G. August 2, 2021

Thank you for partnering with me to help my daughters improve their reading skills. They are really enjoying your program and are excited about becoming more confident readers. I am loving it already! I signed up my twin daughters, who are homeschooled.

W Wendi L. July 24, 2021

My children took the Scholar Within reading program. I was impressed with how user-friendly and intuitive the program is.

S Sabrina D. July 12, 2021

The Monday exercise of reading and taking notes followed with questions on those selections on Wednesday is a really great help for my kids. This lets them work on their comprehension skills. It has made a big difference! The whole program has been a good experience for us. Thank you very much!

N Niiro T. June 18, 2021

Even when I’m not sure how to reason/explain to my son about a reading comprehension answer, all I have to do is ask you. You are so good at giving quick replies that are easy for me to tell my son. Thank you!

C Calvin T. October 17, 2020

We really loved the program. Thanks so much for all of the neat assignments and games to enhance executive function skills.

K Kameron F. September 6, 2020

Thanks for your help throughout this process. You are so responsive whenever I have a question or concern. I see activities on the different levels for my kids which makes them easy to follow. This has been an awesome experience for our family.

J Jill G. August 25, 2020

This program really helped my daughter and we saw a difference in her reading and spelling fairly quickly. Plus, she enjoyed the lessons which, as a parent, is probably the most important thing as she was motivated every day to continue learning.

J Jennifer P. August 5, 2020

My son is doing well and shows improvements with the reading drills each day. He is also doing well with all the work that is presented. His overall work is improving too. He’s even able to find spelling errors now. Woohoo!

K Ketul P. August 1, 2020

This is great a summer reading program. My son has really improved his reading comprehension skills. Thank you, Bonnie Terry, for designing such a great course.

D Danielle D. July 24, 2020

Scholar Within has been an amazing resource for my 8-year-old twins this summer. I was so worried about what to do during this summer. It has been great to see how far they have come. They definitely enjoyed how interactive it has been, not just reading. I have recommended this to many of my friends.

C Cynthia B. July 18, 2020

I really do like the reading fluency drills. They are making a difference for my son. They are so easy to fit into our day. The thing we didn’t like was all the printing we had to do each week.

C Caroline L. July 10, 2020

I enrolled both my sons in the Reading Program this summer. It made such a huge difference for my son who has learning disabilities when we did the summer program two years ago. His teacher was amazed at the improvement in his fluency and comprehension (going into Grade 5). The team has been so flexible with “pausing” our program for a couple of weeks while we are away on vacation too. Note taking is such a key skill that is not really taught here in Ontario, Canada. I think this course will help my kids not fall behind from missing 3 months of school due to COVID 19. I am a poor substitute teacher, but I have confidence that Bonnie’s system is evidence-based, so I just have to follow instructions. Very glad to be able to access this course for homeschooling this summer!

R Regina A. June 20, 2020

The videos made all the difference in the world. The spelling videos showed me step by step the structure. You really made spelling easy for my kids. I just keep working with the video, the spelling, the way you explain it, they watch it over and over. It really sinks in. Your materials help build their self-esteem up. They’re short quick activities. You can get so much done in half an hour.

W Wendy F. June 12, 2020

We are really liking the summer reading program. I appreciate that you moved my daughter’s level to make the program even more effective for her. Thanks so much.

R Rachel C. June 5, 2020

This is a comprehensive program that can be implemented at home. I bought 5 folders and labeled them for each day of the week, plus an extra folder to hold copies of extra forms that are used regularly. You need a decent printer, lots of printer paper, and toner (though I hear they are making print material available for a separate purchase soon!). I prepped the whole week every Sunday evening and had the folders ready for my son and his grandmother to work on each day. It can be kind of overwhelming at first to figure out all the assignments and get it all prepped, but it’s worth it. This is a well thought out program with excellent customer service. We had several questions and adjustments throughout our time with the program and always got quick, helpful, personable replies. Unfortunately, my son’s school year has ramped up and we don’t have enough time to fit Scholar Within into his day. We hope to be back to do a summer program next summer!

M Megan W. May 22, 2020

I did find the videos and activities interesting. There was a bit too much printing for me.

C Cathy H. May 14, 2020

Jake is doing well and enjoying the program. I’m so pleased with how he has improved and that he likes doing our sessions! Thanks so much!

K Katherine W. May 5, 2020

My son’s first drill trend is definitely going in the right direction. His words per minute increased by 17%, and his mistakes decreased, and this is only the first week. I can’t believe he had that much progress already. Thank you for this program and thanks so much for being available for questions, too!

T Tricia L. September 5, 2019

Last summer my 3 kids were enrolled in both Scholar Within and another major summer reading program. Scholar Within had more fun activities and games and really focused on building the underlying skills to really prepare for the upcoming year. The other program didn’t build skills in the same way, and was less interactive in my home.

C Christine P. August 27, 2019

Your program has so many great things in it. The plan for an excursion was a brilliant idea! We made a trip to the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis and to the Science Museum in St. Louis. I have seen improvements and I have gained insight into how my daughter reads and processes (or lack thereof) the reading assignments. Thank you so very much! The whole-brain approach to improving reading has been very insightful.

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Included in the Program:

• Weekly Reading Selections
• Reading Comprehension Questions
• Reading Fluency Training Drills
• Phonics and Spelling Video Lessons
• Spelling Worksheets and Puzzles
• Video Instruction
• Graphic Organizer Forms
• Note-Taking Printables
• Executive Function Activities
• Brain-Body Activities
• Daily Emails

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Summer Reading Program by Grade Level

Learn more about what reading skills your kids will build in our summer reading program.

Entering Kindergarten Summer Program

Entering 1st Grade Summer Program

Entering 2nd Grade Summer Program

Entering 3rd Grade Summer Program

Entering 4th Grade Summer Program

Entering 5th Grade Summer Program

Entering 6th Grade Summer Program

Entering 7th Grade Summer Program

Entering 8th Grade Summer Program

How do I choose a grade or reading level?

After sign up, you will be asked what grade your child is currently and whether they are above grade level, at grade level, or below grade level by 1-3 years in their reading skills.

Give your best estimate. If the material you choose is too easy or too hard, contact us and we'll adjust your account.

Additionally, you can choose a couple of sample reading passages at the grade level you think your child is capable of reading proficiently.

Have them read aloud to you. Make a note of any repetitions, substitutions, omissions, or mispronunciations they make. Then ask them at least five comprehension questions.

Instructional level is reading without mistakes with a 93% accuracy and a minimum of 75% comprehension.

Is the reading and spelling program all online?

The program materials and teaching videos are delivered and accessed online. Each day you will print out a few pages of handouts to use with your kids. Most of the lessons and activities are done  offline  at a table or outside.

There are a lot of fun activities and games. With grades K-3, most of the activities are done with the parent and child together. For grades 4 and above, there are a couple of activities done with the parent and child together, and the rest the child can do independently.

Does it really only take 45-60 minutes a day?

The short answer is yes!

Each day there are a few handouts to print out and instructional videos to watch. Each day's actual activities should only take 45-60 minutes of actual work.

The first week takes a little bit of time and prep to get up to speed, but by the second week, the activities become second nature.

We often suggest breaking up some of the activities to different parts of the day.

What does a typical day look like?

• Print out the handouts
• Watch the short videos either by yourself or with your kids to know what to do (about 5 minutes)
• Do the fluency training with your kids (5 minutes)
• Activities for comprehension, phonics, brain-body, and executive function rotate throughout the week (20 – 40 minutes)

What if we have a vacation during the program?

Many families don’t have plans initially to miss any weeks, but we know that plans change. That is why with the 6-week program you get 8 weeks of access, with the 8-week program you get 10 weeks of access, and with the 10-week program, you get 12 weeks of access.

Are there live classes?

No. We currently do not have live classes.

We have designed this program to be step-by-step with bite-sized activities. You won't have to worry about missing a Zoom class, being late, or your kids being still in their pajamas. You can do the activities in the program on your schedule and make up missed days at your convenience.

We have video spelling instruction that your kids will follow along with their corresponding worksheets. If you want feedback on your child's work, send us a picture of it via email.

How is the program designed?

The program was designed by learning expert Bonnie Terry, M.Ed., BCET. The curriculum in the program was designed over the course of Bonnie Terry's 35+ years of teaching from hands-on in her former private learning center and now, in an at-home and online environment. Bonnie has worked with kids of all abilities, whether they are struggling, have learning challenges like dyslexia, auditory processing disorder (APD), and ADD/ADHD, or are just looking to advance faster.

The National Reading Panel has made it clear that the best approach to reading instruction is one that incorporates:

• Explicit instruction in phonemic awareness
• Systematic phonics instruction
• Methods to improve fluency
• Vocabulary instruction
• Ways to enhance comprehension

Scholar Within's summer reading program includes these components through short step-by-step multisensory activities. The program is Orton-Gillingham based and is the perfect way for your kids to not only keep their skills up over summer but to get ahead, make learning easier, and spend less time on homework come the fall.

Why is spelling included in the reading program?

Spelling is a critical component of our reading program as it enhances a student’s ability to sound out, read and spell words they are unfamiliar with.

Spelling is the process of encoding (pull the sounds apart within a word and match letters to the sounds). Reading is the opposite process, decoding words (sounding out words). With both processes, you match sounds with the letters they represent.

The specific multisensory method we use with spelling ensures that all students have a solid foundation of phonics and spelling as well as word structure.

Reading comprehension activities

Reading comprehension is your ability to understand and use what you have read, listened to, or watched.

In our summer reading program, your child will use our custom-designed graphic organizers to organize information of what they have read into a graphical display. This is a critical component in improving reading comprehension. These organizers make note-taking easy. 

Additionally, story structure, summarizing, question answering, and question generation are all critical pieces of comprehension. We also include these components of comprehension in our summer reading program.

Reading speed (fluency) activities

Reading Fluency is the ability to retrieve words automatically and easily, almost without thought. When you read nearly effortlessly and accurately, you are able to hold pieces of information (text) in your mind which improves your overall comprehension. 

Dr. Sally Shaywitz, the author of Overcoming Dyslexia , states, “Fluency Training is one of the most important things a parent can do to help their child improve their reading skills.” Improving your reading fluency is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your reading skills.

Our summer reading program includes short reading fluency activities that you will do each day. This activity only takes 5-minutes and your kids will see and chart their progress each day. These specific activities work on eye-tracking skills, visual processing, and rapid automatized naming. In other words, these activities help your kids learn to read faster. You can download the first fluency activity here for free.

Phonics activities

Phonics is the ability to match sounds with the letters that they represent. Our summer reading program improves this ability at all ages. Even older students use phonics skills when sounding out larger words they are not familiar with. 

These skills enhance a student's ability to both pull apart and blend together sounds within a word or syllable. Systematically manipulating phonemes (the smallest unit of sound in speech; e.g. the word hat has 3 phonemes /h/, /a/, and /t/) significantly improves reading and spelling abilities. 

Over the years, we have seen that adding this training at every level enhances the reading skills of all students, whether they are primary, middle, or upper-grade students. The National Reading Panel concludes that “phonics instruction produces significant benefits with reading.”

We work on improving phonics skills in several different ways. 

• Specific spelling, spelling pattern, and phonic activities
• Interactive spelling and phonics video lessons
• Reading fluency training that focuses on every phonemic component in the English language
• Weekly printable card game activities

Orton-Gillingham based

Research on teaching reading and spelling dates back to the early 1930s, first with Samuel Orton and then later with Anna Gillingham. They developed a teaching approach, the Orton-Gillingham method (OG), to help struggling readers and spellers. Their teaching methods include what is currently considered best practices: sequential, phonics-based systems that teach the basics of word formation before whole meanings.

Learning through all three senses (auditory, visual, and tactile-kinesthetic) is essential. This multisensory approach has been proven effective for students of all abilities, including those with dyslexia and other learning challenges. 

The Scholar Within Reading Program incorporates these OG principles and strategies along with the latest research on learning. 

Orton-Gillingham Instructional Components for Optimal Learning:

• Multisensory : Uses all of the senses (auditory, visual, and tactile-kinesthetic)
• Sequential : Proceeds step-by-step in a logical sequence
• Incremental : Each lesson builds upon prior learning
• Cumulative : Constantly and consistently reviews previously taught concepts
• Individualized : Meets each student’s individual needs
• Phonogram-Based : Words are based on combining letters and letter combinations known as phonograms (the sound-symbol relationship, also known as the Alphabetic Principle)
• Explicit : Stated clearly and in a detailed manner

Summer reading program for struggling readers or those with learning disabilities, dyslexia, or ADHD?

Our at-home and online reading program integrates research-proven multisensory learning with the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading in a way that will finally work for your child.

We accomplish this with a bite-sized, activity-based approach. Our short activities ensure all children’s success. It's perfect for struggling readers and those with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning challenges.

This program has been designed by learning disabilities expert and board-certified educational therapist Bonnie Terry, M.Ed., BCET. Bonnie has worked with children and adults of all abilities for over 30 years and has discovered the code for the best way to teach reading and spelling.

In addition to improving reading skills, your children will also improve their overall auditory, visual, and tactile-kinesthetic processing skills to make overall learning easier.

Multisensory reading instruction

In this reading program, your child will learn through seeing, hearing, and doing. Learning to read through multiple senses builds stronger associations, improves retention and speeds up recall skills.

In other words, learning to read in this way makes reading easier and automatic. This at-home and online reading program is specifically designed with short activities that integrate hearing, seeing, and doing.

7-Day money-back guarantee

We are confident that you and your child will love our spelling program. Your child will make tremendous progress with spelling and they'll love the puzzles and the card games. They will become an accurate and confident speller. This is like having free admission for 7 days.

If you are, however, unsatisfied with the program during the first 7-days, just contact us and we will refund your payment.

Reserve Your Spot

Not quite ready to sign up? Reserve your spot for Scholar Within’s online summer reading program.

Save Your Spot

Reading and Spelling Program

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Summer Reading Program 2024

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Summer Reading Program 2021

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2024 Summer Reading List for Kids and Teens (150+ Books for PreK to 12!)

There’s something here for every kind of reader!

When summer arrives, some kids see it as a chance to spend time reading new books as well as old favorites. Others would be happy if they didn’t see a book during their whole vacation. But summer reading is key to keeping skills fresh. During this time off from school, let them enjoy books of all kinds—it’s the reading that matters. Our summer reading list for 2024 has options for every kid, every reading level, and every interest. Bookmark this list for easy access!

Looking for even more suggestions? Check out our huge collection of book lists here .

Summer Reading List 2024

• Picture Books
• Easy Read/Chapter Books
• Middle Grades
• Young Adult
• Graphic Novels

Picture Books: Summer Reading List 2024

Looking to inspire little ones and new readers? This 2024 summer reading list for preschoolers and early elementary has selections that feature gorgeous illustrations and captivating stories. These books are perfect for story time, bedtime, or anytime!

A Different Pond by Bao Phi and Thi Bui

Journey to another land with this Caldecott Honor book. Follow along as a father teaches his son about their native country, Vietnam.

Buy it:  A Different Pond

Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock by Dallas Hunt and Amanda Strong

Awâsis is a young Cree girl who’s about to embark on an adventure! Together with her woodland friends, she gathers the ingredients she needs to bake bannock, a traditional bread. This picture book includes Cree terminology and a delicious recipe to try too!

Buy it:  Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock

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 vacation! This one is especially perfect, 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

Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins

Big Bunny loves to eat carrots, along with … lots of other stuff. The zany plot twists will give kids the giggles. The unexpected ending is pure fun.

Buy it:  Big Bunny

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 kids will love.

Buy it:  Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

Choosing Brave by Angela Joy and Janelle Washington

This Caldecott Honor book celebrates the life of Emmett Till, whose murder sparked the Civil Rights Movement. But the story truly belongs to his mother, Mamie, who ensured her son’s sacrifice was for the greater good. Add this one to your second grade summer reading list and share this incredibly inspiring story with a new generation.

Buy it: Choosing Brave

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 2024.

Buy it:  Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Finding the Music/ En pos de la música by Jennifer Torres

When Reyna accidentally breaks her abuelito ‘s special instrument, a vihuela , she’s heartbroken—and determined to get it fixed. This touching title celebrates family bonds, mariachi music, and the power of community.

Buy it:  Finding the Music/ En pos de la música

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 first grade summer reading list.

Buy it:  Floaty

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won

There’s a pervasive dark cloud of grumpiness among the animal friends, until they start gifting hats to one another. Also check out follow-ups Hooray for Books! and Hooray for Today!

Buy it:  Hooray for Hat!

I Am Truly by Kelly Greenawalt

Princess Truly can do anything she sets her mind to, from taming lions to dancing on the stars! Be sure to check out the other Princess Truly books too.

Buy it:  I Am Truly

I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Claire Keane

The narrator’s parents have lots of reasons why their family can’t have 100 dogs (or 90, or 80, or …). But in the end, everyone agrees one dog will be just fine. Parents beware: This book might be the trick your child needs to talk you into getting a pet!

Buy it:  I Want 100 Dogs

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

This little owl has just one wish—to become a knight! It’s not going to be easy, but in the end, he’s determined to prove his bravery.

Buy it: Knight Owl

Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir and Judith Henderson, illustrated by Katherine Ahmed

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir was a rockstar basketball player, but rules about wearing her hijab on the court derailed her career. She channeled her energy into activism instead, working change the rules and pave the way for more girls like herself.

Buy it: Lion on the Inside

Lost and Found Cat by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes

In this true story, an Iraqi family brings their beloved family cat when they leave their home as refugees, only to have it get lost during the boat crossing to Greece. A worldwide reunification effort leads to a happy ending.

Buy it:  Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey

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 at Amazon

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 and Priscilla Burris

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 seque, too: Okapi Tale.

Buy it:  Noodlephant

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 kindergarten summer reading list in 2024. 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!

The Magician’s Secret by Zachary Hyman and Joe Bluhm

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

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, break dancing, deejaying, and more—helped rap and hip-hop become what they are today.

Buy it:  The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop

The Secret Elephant by Ellan Rankin

What would you do to keep an elephant safe when bombs fall from the sky? Would you bring it home with you from the zoo each night? One Belfast zookeeper did just that during World War II, and this is her enchanting story.

Buy it: The Secret Elephant

What If … by Samantha Berger and Mike Curato

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 and Howard McWilliam

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?

Easy Read/Chapter Books: Summer Reading List 2024

Chapter books give readers who are still mastering the skill even more practice. Our 2024 easy reader summer reading list choices are excellent for read-alouds too, whether it’s parents reading to kids or kids reading to parents (or kids reading to each other!).

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 a third grade 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 first or second grade summer reading list in 2024.

Buy it:  Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds

A Story No One Has Ever Heard Before by Avi Steinberg

Use this charming new book to teach kids about story elements in such a fun way! “I am not going to be the one to tell this story,” explains the narrator. “You are!” Step by step, the narrator offers guidance on characters, conflict, climax, and resolution. The final pages provide a Mad Libs–style tale that kids can complete over and over again.

Buy it: A Story No One Has Ever Heard Before

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

Earth’s Incredible Places: Grand Canyon by Susan Lamb, illustrated by 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

Evelyn Del Ray Is Moving Away by Meg Medina

When Daniela’s best friend Evelyn moves out of her apartment across the street, the two girls spend one last day playing together among the moving boxes. Even though they won’t be neighbors anymore, they know they’ll always be friends.

Buy it: Evelyn Del Ray Is Moving Away

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

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 (I Survived Series) by Lauren Tarshis

The heart-pounding adventure of these stories based on real-life events is sure to capture every kid’s imagination. Check out the whole series here.

Buy it:  I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

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 second 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

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book by Alice Kuipers and Diana Toledano

When Polly discovers that a magic book that appeared on her doorstep can make everything she writes actually happen, she wastes no time trying it out—with entertaining results. If you enjoy this one, be sure to check out the sequel, Polly Diamond and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair .

Buy it:  Polly Diamond and the Magic Book

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 fourth 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 a fourth grade 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

The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod

This picture book for early readers tells the story of a magic door, a missing key, and a bright new world called the “Land of Never Before.” Readers will enjoy the journey into the unknown future with the Grunion kids, who previously showed the world How To Eat a Book .

Buy it: The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before

The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan

Teddy, a dog who has recently lost his elderly owner, narrates this tender tale. Now alone in his owner’s cabin, he rescues two children caught in a winter storm and experiences the healing power of companionship. A perfect story for any young dog lover!

Buy it:  The Poet’s Dog

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 third 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 second grade summer reading list.

Buy it: Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends

Middle Grades Summer Reading List 2024

Middle grade readers are ready for longer books with more advanced vocabulary. We’ve picked a variety of genres for our middle school summer reading list for 2024, from historical fiction to mystery, fantasy adventures to realistic modern tales.

Absolutely Truly (A Pumpkin Falls Mystery) by Heather Vogel Frederick

Truly Lovejoy’s family moved from Texas to a tiny town in New Hampshire to take over their family’s century-old bookstore. Left largely to her own devices, Truly finds herself chasing down clues found in old books. There are sequels, too: Yours Truly and Really Truly .

Buy it:  Absolutely Truly (A Pumpkin Falls Mystery)

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

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

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 2024.

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 sixth 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

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!

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

Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff

We love this author’s entertaining way of turning classic fairy tales on their heads for middle grade readers. A young dwarf is torn between the appeal of new friendship and a nagging suspicion that Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) has dark intentions.

Buy it:  Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Hatchet (Brian’s Saga) 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 .

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

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.

Buy it:  One Crazy Summer

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

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

The first book of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries is a clever caper about a budding tween criminologist attempting to solve a local murder.

Buy it:  Premeditated Myrtle

Race to the Bottom of the Sea by Lindsay Eagar

Fidelia Quail’s life assisting in her parents’ marine biology research is already unusual. But when they drown in a storm and she’s kidnapped by pirates, this story catapults into page-turning summer adventure territory.

Buy it:  Race to the Bottom of the Sea

Spy School Revolution by Stuart Gibbs

The latest book in this teacher-recommended series features superspy-in-training Ben Dash trying to prove his friend Erica is not a double agent. To do so, he’ll have to track down an insurgent group that dates back to colonial times. See the whole Spy School series here.

Buy it:  Spy School Revolution

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo

This is one of the most popular books of the last few years, so put it on your middle school summer reading list for 2024 if you haven’t read it yet. Mysterious Beatryce might be the girl foretold in a prophecy, and it puts her life in danger. The magical medieval setting captures the imagination, as do the intriguing cast of characters.

Buy it:  The Beatryce Prophecy

The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society) by Adam Gidwitz

A society for caring for mythical creatures is a surefire hook, but this series by a talented middle-grade author backs up its hype with compelling characters and clever plot twists. Love it? Here’s the rest of the series.

Buy it:  The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society)

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

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman

Maria Merian was a brave and passionate scientific mind, well ahead of her time. Her story will inspire kids to head outside to look for butterflies and caterpillars in their own garden or nearby park.

Buy it:  The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science

The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang

At Meilan’s new school, the principal decides she should go by Melanie to make it easier for the other (white) 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

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 seventh 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

The Rhythm of Time by Questlove and 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 2024 summer reading list for fifth or sixth grade.

Learn more: 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

The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood

Travel back in time to experience life backstage at the Globe Theatre. An orphan named Widge is tasked with stealing the script for Hamlet , but as he gets to know the actors and the great playwright himself, he must decide where his loyalty lies. If you enjoy it, there’s a follow-up book, Shakespeare’s Scribe .

Buy it:  The Shakespeare Stealer

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

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 eighth grade summer reading list.

Buy it:  The Stars Beneath Our Feet

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

Humphrey is Room 26’s class pet: a lovable hamster! Follow his adventures as he gets to know his human companions. There’s a whole According to Humphrey series featuring this fluffy cutie too.

Buy it:  The World According to Humphrey

Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady

An unknown villain imprisons Jessie in his least favorite activity—a video game. And if he can’t figure out how to beat this mysterious culprit, he’ll be stuck in the virtual world. Love Jessie? There’s a whole series about him!

Buy it:  Trapped in a Video Game

We Are All 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

You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly

Charlotte and Ben may only know each other through an online Scrabble game, but they’re both busy finding their way through middle school. Though they live far apart, their friendship grows in unexpected ways as they spend one eventful week supporting each other through family troubles and school challenges.

Buy it:  You Go First

Young Adult: Summer Reading List 2024

By this age, kids probably have some required summer reading to do. But when they just want to read for fun, our high school summer reading list 2024 suggestions give them a wide array of choices. They delve into topics relevant to teen life: bullying, first love, friendships, and more. And some of them are just pure escapist fun!

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 #OneVoices 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

Because I Was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages by Melissa de la Cruz

This multicultural collection outlines the real-life struggles authors, chefs, and STEM professionals faced because of their female identity. Girls and boys alike can benefit from these true stories.

Buy it: Because I Was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages

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 reluctant 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

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

If You’re Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser

Social media is the only lead two high schoolers have when they begin to investigate the disappearance of a friend who seems to have vanished. This light thriller is the perfect summer high school reading list choice.

Buy it: If You’re Out There

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner

Best friends Cash and Delaney escape their difficult lives in a small town and head to an elite prep school in New England, where they’ve both earned scholarships. But do they really want to leave their pasts behind entirely? Their relationship evolves as they try to discover the answer.

Buy it: In the Wild Light

Kent State by Deborah Wiles

High school history fans will be riveted by this compelling account of the Kent State shootings of 1970, when American troops killed four college students who were protesting the Vietnam War. Multiple viewpoints recount the events of that terrifying weekend, with consequences that still resonate today.

Buy it: Kent State

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

When Monday Charles goes missing, her best friend Claudia is the only one who seems to even notice she’s missing. When no one can give her the answers she needs, Claudia goes on a quest to find them herself, no matter how difficult they may be to accept.

Buy it: Monday’s Not Coming

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 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

The Black Veins by Ashia Monet

A teen barista must seek out six fellow magicians to help save her family in the first book of this fantasy series.

Buy it: The Black Veins

The Desolations of Devil’s Acre by Ransom Riggs

If you’ve been following the saga of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children , you won’t want to miss the final novel in the series. If you missed the first five, summer is the perfect time to catch up!

Buy it: The Desolations of Devil’s Acre

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

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

This fantasy novel set in an orphanage for unique, magical children is anything but childish. The characters, including a young gnome, a green blob, and Linus the child Antichrist, are surprisingly real, and their quest for acceptance in a nearby town is a charming allegory for tolerance in our own world. It deserves a place on every high school summer reading list.

Buy it: The House in the Cerulean Sea

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

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but for different reasons, they both want to make a new friend on their End Day. Luckily, there’s an app for that. It’s called The Last Friend. Through it, Rufus and Mateo meet up to try to live a lifetime in a single day.

Buy it: They Both Die at the End

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

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

You’ve heard of Vincent van Gogh, but do you know about Theo? Heiligman chronicles the amazing and eccentric lives of the Van Gogh brothers, their relationship with each other, and their work.

Buy it: Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers

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 Fiction 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

White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig

Ex-boyfriend drama ends up being the least of Rufus’ worries after he finds his sister at a crime scene—and has only one night to prove her innocence.

Buy it: White Rabbit

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his 18th birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes.

Buy it: Windfall

Graphic Novels: Summer Reading List 2024

Graphic novels are a real boon for reluctant readers and visual learners. Today’s graphic lit has taken on a life of its own. These books draw kids in with beautiful art, then engage them with compelling narratives. That’s why graphic novels are a big part of our summer reading list for 2024, for kids of every age.

Act (A Click Graphic Novel) by Kayla Miller

Olive can’t wait for the sixth grade field trip, but it turns out an unjust school policy will keep some kids from attending. So Olive decides to run for student council and be the change she wants to see in the world! See other graphic novels in the Click series here. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Act (A Click Graphic Novel)

Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers

This nonfiction graphic novel traces the history of mankind through each of its great leaps from one society to the next. As it arrives in the present and imagines the future, Begin Again asks readers to think of humankind as “we” instead of “us and them.” It’s a timely message, brought to life by whimsical illustrations. (Grades 7-12)

Buy it: Begin Again

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 2024. 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

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

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

When Gene was growing up, his heroes were in comic books—not on the court or playing field. As a high school teacher, though, he starts to realize how important sports are to many of his students, and the basketball team’s journey to the state championship holds inspiring lessons for kids and adults alike. (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: Dragon Hoops

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

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis and Alvin Epps

The beloved I Survived series has a new addition: graphic novels! These are the perfect elementary summer reading list 2024 choice for reluctant readers and lovers of adventure. See the whole series here. (Grades 2–6)

Buy it: I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

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

Maker Comics: Grow a Garden! by Alexis Frederick-Frost

The Maker Comics series is a fantastic DIY collection for tweens and teens. Grow a Garden! seems like a great summer project, while other selections in the series include things like learning to draw a comic or fix a car. (Grades 4–8)

Buy it: Maker Comics: Grow a Garden!

March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

The first installment of this graphic novel series recounts the late senator’s first encounters with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the beginning of the Nashville Student Movement as civil action to desegregate the South was steadily gaining traction. (Grades 9–12)

Buy it: March: Book One

Max & the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

Fast-paced and witty, this graphic novel stars wannabe knight Max and her band of buddies. Run-ins with a sorceress, wizards, dragons, and plenty more exaggerated action keep readers interested, and the plentiful quips keep them laughing too. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Max and the Midknights

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 2024. 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

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has a timeless appeal for many readers. This graphic novel modernizes the story with a blended family living in a walk-up in NYC. The characters have familiar personalities, even if their stories are a little different. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

Monsters Beware! (The Chronicles of Claudette) by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado

This is the third installment of this engaging graphic novel series for the upper elementary audience. Claudette is desperate to compete in—and win—the annual Warrior Games. She’ll have to contend with monsters who reportedly eat the other competitors, though! (Grades 2–5)

Buy it: Monsters Beware! (The Chronicles of Claudette)

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! by Ben Clanton

You can’t help but smile at Narwhal’s enthusiasm in this graphic novel series opener about new friendship—he’s just so darn cheerful all the time. Plenty of quirky details will make kids chuckle, like Narwhal’s invitations to a mishmash of sea creatures to join his “pod of awesomeness” (and the cute horns he awards to each new member), or his and Jelly’s unlikely shared love of waffles. Dive into the whole series! (Grades 1–4)

Buy it: Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! (Narwhal and Jelly #1)

Poe: Stories and Poems (Graphic Novel Adaptation) by Gareth Hinds

Poe’s spooky works are the perfect basis for graphic storytelling. Horror-story fans will love this new take on classics like The Raven and The Cask of Amontillado . (Grades 8–12)

Buy it: Poe: Stories and Poems

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

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

This relatable story is all about what it’s like when friendships grow and change when you’re not quite ready for it. It addresses issues like bullying and self-confidence and the complexities of navigating relationships. (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Real Friends

Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks

Sanity and Tallulah live on a space station, which is enough to excite the imagination all on its own. But these irrepressible mad scientist tweens have plenty of mischief up their sleeves. Read the first book, then follow up with the others in the Sanity & Tallulah series . (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: Sanity & Tallulah

Science Comics: Robots & Drones: Past, Present, and Future by Mairghread Scott and Jacob Chabot

The Science Comics series is awesome for motivating middle grade readers while teaching about high-interest topics. This title is excellent screen-free entertainment for tech-loving kids. (Grades 4–8)

Buy it: Science Comics: Robots & Drones: Past, Present, and Future

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

The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell

Make-believe definitely isn’t just for little kids. This engaging graphic novel will inspire middle grade readers to spend summer break building and creating with friends. There’s a sequel too: Roar of the Beast . (Grades 3–6)

Buy it: The Cardboard Kingdom

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

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

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

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

What books are on your summer reading list for 2024? We’d love to hear about them in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, learn why summer reading is so important for kids and get tools to help motivate them ., you might also like.

25 Read-Alouds That Celebrate Summer

Let the sunshine in. ☀️ Continue Reading

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55 Best 6th Grade Books to Read for Summer (Ages 11 – 12)

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What are the best 6th grade books to read for summer that will keep your 6th grader (age 11-12) reading all summer long? The best way is to make sure they have a lot of excellent book choices — like the middle grade books on this list!

I’ve debated forever and finally chosen a selection of fantastic books in a variety of genres that your soon-to-be 6th graders will love.

The 6th grade books to read below are my top picks. This list of books for kids ages 11 and 12 are all books I’ve personally read and recommend. If you want to read the reviews for each book, visit this post of all the books for 6th graders . I’ve intentionally chosen a mix of new and somewhat new books so that you have options. Sometimes new books are expensive or hard to get at the library.

Next, let’s talk about motivation. it’s not always as easy to get 6th grade kids to read simply by having a good book. Kids are distracted by technology and activities and life and on and on.

What else can help motivate 6th grade kids to read?

• Choice  Let kids pick their own 6th grade books to read for summer reading. Even if it’s a choice within certain guidelines, it’s still a choice. No one likes to be forced to do anything, so the more autonomy kids can have, the better.
• Accountability If I didn’t require a certain amount of time reading, it wouldn’t happen with my tween. Even though she loves reading. Last summer, my kids tracked minutes reading to earn minutes on screen time. However you plan it, make sure you’re checking in on the reading, so it doesn’t get forgotten.
• Variety Think outside the traditional book here. Try ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, or blogs.
• Fun Get a new beanbag pillow just for reading. Read with headlamps in the dark. Whatever your kids like, see if you can pair it with reading.

I have the lists organized by genre. Consider picking one book from each genre to read this summer. That way, your almost 6th grade reader gets exposed to a wide variety of fiction.

Shop this 6th grade summer book list.

Download the free printable of this summer reading list. NOTE: If you don’t see the printable sign-up below, please clear your cache and try again.

Want to help your child be accountable for their reading? Get this  summer reading packet with goal setting, a genre graph, & book tracker .

You Might Also Like

• All reading lists by grade level
• 5th grade summer reading list
• 7th grade summer reading list
• Best books for 11-year olds
• Fun activity books for kids ages 9 – 12

Summer Reading: Engaging 6th Grade Books to Read

6th grade books for summer reading: graphic novels.

• Primer by Jennifer Muro and Thomas Krajewski
• Invisible  by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
• The Aquanaut by Dan Santat
• Cucumber Quest 1: The Doughnut Kingdom by Gigi D.G.
• Swim Team  by Johnnie Christmas
• Class Act by Jerry Craft
• Act by Kyla Miller
• Brave  by Svetlana Chmakova

6th Grade Books for Summer Reading List: FANTASY and SCI-FI

If you like fantasy and sci-fi books, you’ll like:

• Lightcasters  by Janelle McCurdy
• Hither and Nigh  by Ellen Potter
• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
• The Shape of Time (Rymworld Arcana)   by Ryan Calejo
• Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan
• The Adventurers Guild by Zach Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos
• Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation by Sylvia Liu
• Skyriders  by Polly Holyoke
• Beneath the Swirling Sky  by Carolyn Leiloglou
• Skandar and the Unicorn Thief   by A.F. Steadman

6th Grade Books to Read for Summer: ADVENTURE & MYSTERY

If you like mystery and adventure , you’ll love:

• The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks
• 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
• Framed! A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery by James Ponti
• The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling
• City Spies  by James Ponti
• Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation  by Stuart Gibb
• The Unforgettable Logan Foster by Shawn Peters
• Ali Cross  by James Patterson
• The Liar’s Society  by Alyson Gerber

6th Grade Books to Read for Summer: SCARY

If you like your stories to be a little creepy , try these books:

• Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie
• Coraline  by Neil Gaiman
• Lockwood & Co The Screaming Staircase   by Jonathan Stroud
• A Tale of Dark and Grimm   by Adam Gidwitz
• Ophie’s Ghost by Justina Ireland
• Zombie Season  by Justin Weinberger
• Brick Dust and Bones  by M.R. Forunet

6th Grade Summer Reading List: HISTORICAL FICTION

If you like historical fiction , you’ll love:

• Allies  by Alan Gratz
• Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
• Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
• Traitors Among Us  by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
• Lifeboat 12  by Susan Hood
• Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II  by Adam Gitwitz
• Words on Fire   by Jennifer A. Nielsen

6th Grade Summer Reading List: REALISTIC

If you enjoy reading realistic books , read these:

• How to Stay Invisible  by Maggie C. Rudd
• Starfish by Lisa Fipps
• From the Desk of Zoe Washington  by Janae Marks
• Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson
• Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
• Sing It Like Celia  written by Mónica Mancillas
• Finally Seen  by Kelly Yang
• Out of My Mind   by Sharon Draper
• Shark Teeth  by Sherri Winston
• The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman written by Gennifer Gholdenko

6th Grade Books for Summer Reading: FUNNY

Looking for funny 6th grade books ? Try:

• The Last Last Day of Summer  by Lamar Giles
• The Jolly Regina: The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters by Kara LaReau
• Strange Case of the Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
• Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
• The Croc Ate My Homework  by Stephan Pastis
• The Great Treehouse War   by Lisa Graff

6th Grade Books for Summer Reading: NONFICTION

If you’re looking for a good nonfiction book , try these:

• The Boy Who Became a Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story by Jim Di Bartolo
• The Mayflower (History Smashers) by Kate Messner
• The Superpower Field Guide Eels by Rachel Poliquin
• The Girl Who Fought Back  by Joshua M. Greene
• Wild Outside Around the World with Survivorman  by Les Stroud
• Almanac 202 5  National Geographic Kids
• Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for The World’s Most Adventurous Kid  by Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco
• The Deep! Wild Life at the Ocean’s Darkest Depths  by Lindsey Leigh
• A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Mars, and the Distant Stars  by Mike Barfield and Jess Bradley

I hope these books give your children enough excellent choices and lots of hours of reading!

Don’t forget to find ways to make reading FUN! Here are some ideas for your 6th graders:

Participate in a summer reading program.

Read with a headlamp in bed.

Read on an electronic device. ( Free eBooks ?)

Start a book club .

Reward reading with . . . more BOOKS! (Kids choose, of course.)

Read nonfiction books and  graphic novels , too.

KEEP READING

Good Book Series for 6th Grade

Read Aloud Books for 6th Grade

All Book Reviews for Kids Age 11

Summer Reading Lists for Kids

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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I do not see a link for the printable version of the 6th grade list (like the neatly columned 7th and 8th grade lists)….

I’m sorry about that — my forms have stopped working. Here you go: https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/6th-grade-summer-reading-list.pdf

So helpful! I just wish there was a romance section. Besides that, awesome list!

I’m not a fan of romance as you might have noticed. Do you have any favorites? Maybe I’ll give one a try.

Hi! I am a new 6th grade teacher coming from 3rd grade. I would love a printable version of your 6th grade list if you wouldn’t mind! I found the links for the 5th and 7th grades and I found them so helpful when trying to set up my new classroom. Thank you so much for sharing! Danielle

Hi! The link is at the top of the page.

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Seventh Grade Summer Reading

$ 10.00 – $ 21.95

Memoria Press recommends The Adventures of Tom Sawyer  by Mark Twain and  The Story of the World, Vol. 4 Revised Edition by Susan Wise Bauer as a summer reading supplement to our Seventh Grade Classical Core Curriculum . Read both of these books the summer before Eighth Grade.

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Memoria Press believes that  literature and poetry  are central subjects in a classical education. Why? Because they are the chief ways that we pass on the ideals and values of traditional Western Christian culture. Not only will your child’s affections be trained to love the good (and hate the bad) through characters they encounter. But they will get a glimpse into the wonder of reality that only good poetry can reveal to us. Our literature and poetry program brings you a choice selection of the  best books  by the best authors.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer  by Mark Twain is an iconic work of American fiction. Students will delight in the sheer pleasure of following the rollicking, mischievous adventures of Tom. Through the novel’s nostalgic portraits of life on the Mississippi River and humorous escapades – from the famous episode of the whitewashed fence to the ordeal in the cave – Mark Twain explores the deeper themes of the adult world that Tom is one day destined to join.

Bring modern history to life as you marvel at the Crystal Palace, follow Gandhi to the sea, rocket through the Space Race, and more in The Story of the World, Volume 4, Revised Edition . This text offers 42 narrative chapters, told in chronological order and spanning the entire globe, that begin with revolt against the British in Victorian-ruled India, and end with the Persian Gulf War. Independent readers can easily enjoy the stories on their own, or parents and teachers can read aloud to younger students.

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Story of the World, Vol. 4 Revised Edition

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Accelerate your  students' learning this summer with fun-filled workbooks for every grade and age!

Designed to reinforce skills through a series of engaging activities, these activity books will ensure students keep learning — and have fun! — all summer long . Each summer workbook by grade reinforces the valuable skills they’ve developed over the past year and helps students build new skills to get them ready for the next grade. 

For example, the interactive Get Ready for Kindergarten: Scholastic Early Learners will prepare your student to take on the next step in their academic journey by teaching the alphabet, numbers, phonics, shapes, and colors! Meanwhile, the  Weekly Reader: Summer Express (Between Grades 4 & 5) has a 10-week format and targets important skills like vocabulary, grammar, and math. 

The workbooks for every grade in the list below will boost your students' confidence and get them ready for success in the school year ahead.

Shop workbooks for summer below! Plus, explore learning kits, summer-themed books, take-home book packs, and much more for  summer learning . You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store . 

Looking for more activity books for your classroom? Check out these  reading comprehension workbooks for grades 1-5 to enhance your students' skills. 

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Sharing creative ideas and lessons to help children learn.

The 15 Best Summer Learning Workbooks for Kids

February 22, 2022 by Evan-Moor | 0 comments

This list of top summer learning workbooks for kids provides something for every type of learner. Tailor summer learning to fit your child’s personality and interests with activities and a format that works for your family.

Evan-Moor’s wide selection of colorful activity books provides learning activities that support the most current standards, while sparking children’s curiosity with interesting themes and topics. You can find skill-specific books to provide review or to challenge your child, or cross-curricular practice that is already paced for summer learning fun! Evan-Moor workbooks have clear directions and follow a consistent format, which makes it easy for children to complete independently.

Check out the best summer learning workbooks below to keep your children learning and growing all summer long.

#1 Recommendation for Summer Learning—Only 15 Minutes a Day

With just one or two activities per day over a 10-week period, Daily Summer Activities helps to keep skills sharp without getting in the way of vacation time. And, a weekly reading log will motivate your child to read during the summer. Fun reward stickers are included for grades PreK–5.

Take the guesswork out of summer learning with the paced practice in Daily Summer Activities ! Grades PreK–8

Daily Summer Activities books won the 2020 Parents’ Picks Award for Best Educational Products for Preschool and Elementary Kids.

The Jumbo Workbook for Summer Review

Top Student activity books won the 2020 Parents’ Picks Award for Best Educational Products for Preschool and Elementary Kids.

Brain Games For Kids 

Skill-Specific Practice for Grades PreK–6

Whether you’re looking to support your child in a specific skill area or to accelerate learning, the  Skill Sharpeners workbook series  for grades PreK–6 provides the perfect combination of skill practice and fun to spark kids’ interest! Select a topic in your children’s favorite subject area or an area they could use some extra practice, and watch their skills grow. Each Skill Sharpeners workbook includes a free downloadable teaching guide with additional lessons and teaching tips to enrich your child’s learning home.

Download free sample units for  Skill Sharpeners: STEAM   here .

Little Learner’s Delight: For PreK–1 Students to Develop Fundamental Skills

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