Summer is the perfect time for students to explore new worlds, embark on exciting adventures, and dive into fascinating topics—all through the pages of a good book. Whether they're looking for epic adventures, heartfelt stories, or brain-boosting nonfiction, a well-curated summer reading list can keep young minds engaged and ready for the next school year.
In this article, we highlight some of the best summer reading picks for K–12 students, featuring books that entertain, educate, and spark curiosity. From picture books for early readers to gripping novels for teens, these selections offer something for every age group and reading level. Whether you're a librarian, educator, or parent, these recommendations will help students make the most of their summer break—one page at a time.
Elementary School
The Tale of Tommy Tomlinson's Tennis Shoes
Looking for a summer read that blends adventure, imagination, and heartfelt life lessons? The Tale of Tommy Tomlinson’s Tennis Shoes is a delightful chapter book that follows five-year-old Tommy Tomlinson as he faces his biggest nighttime fears. With the help of his trusty tennis shoes, Tommy embarks on an exciting journey that teaches him about courage, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Carrie E. Pierce goes beyond the typical children’s book, crafting a story that challenges young minds with an elevated vocabulary and complex themes suited for readers aged 6 to 12. With 15 original illustrations bringing the story to life, this 114-page book is perfect for bedtime reading or independent exploration.
Get a copy of The Tale of Tommy Tomlinson's Tennis Shoes here.
Jabari Jumps
This sweet and empowering picture book follows Jabari, a young boy preparing to jump off the diving board for the first time. With support from his dad and a growing sense of courage, Jabari shows young readers what it means to face your fears and take a leap.
Jabari Jumps is ideal for early elementary readers and perfect for summer, capturing the fun and nervous excitement of pool days and personal growth. The vibrant illustrations and gentle storytelling make this a standout read for ages 4–8.
Get a copy of Jabari Jumps here.
Middle School
New Kid
Winner of the Newbery Medal, New Kid is a must-read graphic novel that tackles themes of race, identity, and belonging with warmth and humor. It follows Jordan Banks, a 7th grader who dreams of going to art school but instead finds himself at a prestigious (and predominantly white) private academy.
Through engaging visuals and heartfelt storytelling, New Kid captures the awkwardness of adolescence and the complexity of navigating different worlds. Middle-grade readers will see themselves in Jordan’s journey while gaining empathy and insight into others’ experiences.
Get a copy of New Kid here.
Other Words for Home
Told in free verse, Other Words for Home is a poignant story of a Syrian girl named Jude who is forced to leave her home country for safety in the U.S. It explores themes of immigration, identity, and resilience through lyrical language that’s both accessible and powerful.
Ideal for upper middle school and early high school students, this novel invites reflection on what it means to belong and how to hold onto hope in unfamiliar places. A National Book Award finalist, it’s perfect for readers seeking emotionally rich and socially relevant literature.
Get a copy of Other Words for Home here.
High School
Third Wheel
For high school readers who love fast-paced thrillers with depth, Third Wheel is a gripping coming-of-age psychological thriller that explores the darker side of identity, belonging, and survival. Set in the sun-scorched suburbs of a desert boomtown, the novel follows Brady Wilks, a misguided teen desperate to fit in with a group of older, reckless troublemakers. His need for acceptance leads him down a dangerous path - one entangled with an ambitious street-level drug dealer, a looming cartel, and the Mob.
With its sharp storytelling and raw emotional depth, Third Wheel has earned seven literary awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Award Contest. Perfect for high school students who enjoy intense, thought-provoking reads, Third Wheel delivers a suspenseful and unflinching look at the struggles of adolescence and the risks of finding belonging in the wrong places.
Get a copy of Third Wheel here.
I Must Betray You
Set in 1989 Romania under the brutal dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu, this historical thriller follows 17-year-old Cristian Florescu, who’s blackmailed into becoming an informer for the secret police. As he navigates loyalty, courage, and betrayal, Cristian discovers the power of truth in the fight for freedom.
I Must Betray You is a tense, moving, and beautifully written novel perfect for teens who love history, rebellion, and moral complexity. Sepetys, a Carnegie Medal-winning author, delivers another unforgettable story grounded in real-world events.
Get a copy of I Must Betray You here.
Bonus Pick: All Ages
An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us
What does it feel like to be a bat, a dolphin, or even a beetle? In this captivating adaptation of Ed Yong’s bestselling science book, An Immense World takes readers on a journey through the extraordinary ways animals experience the world—using senses we can barely imagine.
From electric fields and echolocation to ultraviolet vision and seismic vibrations, this young readers edition makes complex biology feel like a grand adventure. With clear, engaging writing and vivid examples, it’s the kind of book that sparks a lifelong love of science in readers of all ages. Ideal for independent readers ages 8+, but fascinating enough to be shared aloud at home or explored in classrooms.
Get a copy of An Immense World here.
Looking for even more inspiration?
Check out our other curated lists like 10 Best Movies Based on Books and Top LGBTQ+ Books That Should Be Turned into Movies
And don’t forget to explore even more reviews, film guides, and educational resources at Video Librarian - your go-to hub for enriching media for all ages.
Happy reading and happy summer! 📚☀️