Spark a Love for Summer Reading – Book Lists for Children Ages 6-12

Spark a Love for Summer Reading – Book Lists for Children Ages 6-12

Summer is the perfect time for young readers to dive into stories that ignite their imagination, expand their vocabulary, and make memories that last far beyond August. Whether your child is just beginning chapter books or confidently tackling middle-grade novels, a thoughtfully curated summer reading list can turn long days into great adventures. Below are our top picks for ages 6–12, grouped by age and interest.

🌞 Summer Reading Matters

Summer reading isn’t just about preventing the "summer slide"—it’s about creating a lifelong love of reading for enjoyment. With school out of session, kids have more freedom to explore books of their own choosing, read at their own pace, and discover characters and topics that resonate with them. 

Encourage kids to pick their own books, mix fiction with non-fiction, and talk about what they’re reading. A trip to the library or a bookstore can be as exciting as a summer field trip! 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”— Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

📚 Summer Book Picks by Age Group

Ages 6–8 (Early Readers & New Chapter Books)

These books are perfect for emerging readers who are moving from picture books to early chapter books.

• Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo: A hilarious series about a toast-loving pig and her adventures. Great for giggles and developing readers.
• Jasmine Toguchi series by Debbi Michiko Florence: Follow Jasmine’s spirited journey through Japanese-American traditions and everyday challenges.
• Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant: Sweet and simple stories about a boy and his big, lovable dog.
• Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne: History, adventure, and a bit of magic make this series a consistent favorite.
• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale: A superhero princess fights monsters in a fun, easy-to-read format with vibrant illustrations.
• Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park: Join Junie B. on her many adventures as she learns about growing up.
• My Weird School series by Dan Gutman: Young children will be excited for the return to school when they read all about the silly things that can happen there.

Ages 9–10 (Transitional Readers)

This group is ready for more complex plots and longer texts, often with themes of friendship, family, and identity.

• Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson
  A relatable story about a confident, creative girl navigating everyday life with resilience.
• Planet Omar series by Zanib Mian
  Funny, heartwarming stories about a Muslim boy in a multicultural world.
• Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
  Part graphic novel, part superhero tale—perfect for reluctant readers.
• The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown
  A robot wakes up on an island and learns to live in the wild—an engaging mix of tech and nature.
• Who Was/Is...? series by various authors
  Biographies that bring history to life with easy text and illustrations.

Ages 11–12 (Confident Middle-Grade Readers)

Kids in this group often crave rich stories with humor, heart, and higher stakes.

• Front Desk by Kelly Yang
  A moving and empowering story about a young girl running the front desk of a motel and her immigrant experience.
• Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
  Greek mythology meets modern adventure—perfect for fantasy fans.
• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
  Magic, mystery, and a powerful heroine in a secret supernatural world.
• The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
  Apocalyptic fun with zombies, monsters, and friendship. Great for graphic novel lovers.
• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  A beautifully told story inspired by a real gorilla, full of compassion and courage.
• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
  Go on a magical adventure with Harry, Hermione, Ron and the gang at Hogwarts. Read this special series together and let the magic carry you to new places. 

📖 Tips for Parents to Encourage Summer Reading

• Set a routine: 20 minutes before bed, after lunch, or during a quiet afternoon break. Including it in the summer routine allows reading for enjoyment to become a habit.
• Make it social: Start a mini book club with siblings or friends. Read together and discuss.
• Visit the library: Sign up for a summer reading challenge or storytime.
• Mix it up: Audiobooks, graphic novels, comics and magazines all count!
• Let them choose: Give kids the freedom to pick what they love to develop the love for reading. 

🌟 Summer Reading Develops a Love of Reading for All Seasons

Summer is a season of discovery—and there’s no better companion for adventure than a good book. Whether your child is reading under a tree, by the beach or pool, or with a flashlight in a blanket fort, the stories they meet now will stay with them for years.

So grab your library card, fill a tote with books, and let this be the summer your child falls in love with reading. Take them on an adventure without ever leaving home (or spending any money). They will treasure these special summer memories forever. 

What’s on your child’s summer reading list this year? Share your favorites in the comments below! 📚💬