Summer reading recommendations for all ages
There are so many books out there, it’s hard to keep track of them all. It helps to have a roadmap.
That’s why our team compiled a list to get readers of all levels off to a good start in building confidence via literary accomplishment this summer.
Whether your student is just starting to attach sounds to letters or is motivated to make it through a stack of paperbacks on their bedside table before school starts, we’ve found stories that should keep everyone engaged and excited.
Grades K–2 (Emerging & Early Readers)
“See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog” by David LaRochelle
Silly, smart, and great for building fluency through repetition and surprise.
“I Can Read Books,” – (ex: Biscuit series, By Alyssa Satin Capucilli , Little Critter, By: Mercer Mayer)
Simple sentences and relatable themes make these ideal first books for building early confidence and vocabulary.
“Amelia Bedelia” by Peggy Parish
With her literal-minded take on everything, Amelia Bedelia introduces humor while reinforcing the importance of understanding multiple meanings of words.
“Nate the Great” by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
A classic kid detective series that builds reading stamina and introduces basic logic and problem-solving.
“The Chicken Problem” by Jennifer Oxley & Billy Aronson
From the creators of Peg + Cat, this adventure is full of patterns and early math connections.
“The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld
Perfect for children learning to express feelings and build empathy.
Grades 3–5 (Developing Readers)
“Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet” by Zanib Mian
Funny and relatable, with illustrations that support comprehension.
“Magic Tree House” by Mary Pope Osborne
A time-travel adventure series that combines exciting stories with historical and scientific facts—perfect for curious minds.
“Sideways Stories of Wayside School” by Louis Sachar
Short, wacky stories from a school that doesn’t quite follow the rules—great for engaging reluctant readers with a taste for the absurd.
“Bailey School Kids” by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
Blends mystery with humor as a group of kids investigates whether their teachers and neighbors are supernatural creatures.
“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown
Gently introduces sci-fi while encouraging deep thinking about nature and connection.
“Ways to Make Sunshine” by Renée Watson
Heartwarming, realistic fiction with a strong, spirited lead character.
““The Giver” by Lois Lowry
A thought-provoking dystopian novel that introduces themes of individuality, memory, and societal structure—ideal for advanced middle-grade readers.
“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
A fast-paced adventure rooted in Greek mythology, following Percy Jackson as he discovers his identity and saves the world from chaos.
Grades 6–8 (Independent Readers)
“”New Kid” by Jerry Craft
Award-winning graphic novel that’s funny, thoughtful, and perfect for reluctant readers.
“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle
A science-fantasy classic about love, time travel, and the fight between good and evil—perfect for imaginative readers ready for deeper themes.
“Holes” by Louis Sachar
A compelling blend of mystery, humor, and social commentary, this novel connects past and present in a story about friendship and justice.
“Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring” by Angela Cervantes
Mystery meets culture in a book that encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
“”A Rover’s Story” by Jasmine Warga
Told partly from the perspective of a Mars rover—engaging, imaginative, and unique.
Special recommendations when reading is still tricky
One of the most common questions we get from parents is “What books do you recommend that are mostly decodable, but still interesting?” When your child is still learning to read, it can be hard to find a book that’s at their maturity level, because they may contain rules and concepts the child hasn’t mastered.
Check out High Noon books. You won’t find these at a local bookstore, but we highly recommend ordering a few for the summer if your child fits the mold described above.e.
Scholastic Branches is another great resource for leveled chapter book series. There are a lot of options here (books with more or fewer pictures, a variety of themes, etc.) If a child really likes one book, there are many in the series to keep them reading and keep them interested.
Bonus Picks: Confidence Builders
“You Are a Reader! / You Are a Writer!” by April Jones Prince
Double-sided book that encourages identity as a confident reader and expressive writer.
“What Do You Do With a Problem?” by Kobi Yamada
A metaphorical story that teaches resilience and growth mindset—great for all ages.
If any reading adventures start to get overwhelming, remember that the Langsford team is always available to chat and we have fun workshops your readers can join throughout the summer!