Summer is the perfect time to relax, explore new adventures, and discover great books. Whether your child enjoys funny stories, exciting mysteries, heartwarming friendships, or action-packed adventures, reading during the summer can help keep their minds engaged while building a lifelong love of learning.

Research shows that reading consistently throughout the summer helps students maintain important literacy skills and return to school feeling confident and prepared for the year ahead. Just 20 to 30 minutes of reading each day can make a meaningful difference. According to the National Summer Learning Association, high-quality summer programs improve math and reading skills, and also build critical social and emotional skills of students. These are skills that will help students in school but also in their careers and life.

To help families get started, we have compiled a fun and optional summer reading list for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. These books are designed to inspire curiosity, imagination, and a love of reading.

Summer Reading Recommendations for Kindergarten Through Second Grade:

• The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing: A playful countdown to summer vacation that captures the excitement of family travel and summertime adventures.
• Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman: A humorous story about a bunny whose beach day doesn’t go quite as planned, teaching readers about flexibility and finding joy in unexpected moments.
• Finding My Wave by Alexandra Katona: A heartwarming story about confidence, perseverance, and discovering your own path.
• Katie Woo: Katie Goes Camping by Fran Manushkin: Join Katie Woo as she experiences the excitement and challenges of a camping adventure.
• Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall: A beloved picture book that encourages courage, determination, and believing in yourself.
• Bad Kitty Goes to the Beach by Nick Bruel: Everyone’s favorite mischievous feline heads to the beach in this laugh-out-loud summer read.

Summer Reading Recommendations for Third Through Fifth Grade:

• Ways to Grow Love by Renee Watson: A thoughtful story about family, friendship, and learning to navigate life’s changes with kindness.
• Spy School Goes South by Stuart Gibbs: A fast-paced adventure featuring secret missions, unexpected twists, and plenty of laughs.
• How Tía Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez: A fun and heartwarming story that celebrates family, culture, and community.
• Dog Diaries: Ruffing It by James Patterson: A hilarious canine perspective on outdoor adventures and summer fun.
• I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis: History and adventure come together in this thrilling installment of the popular I Survived series.
• Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look: A relatable and funny story about facing fears and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Keep the Pages Turning This Summer

Reading is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support learning beyond the classroom. Whether your child reads one book or several, every page helps strengthen literacy skills, spark imagination, and build confidence. We encourage families to make reading part of their summer adventures and discover new stories together. Click here to download our full Fun Summer Reading List – Happy reading!