Summer reading is just around the corner. There is something about the longer days of summer that make me feel re-inspired to stock pile books to read. If you’re looking for great books to put in the hands of your kiddos this summer or read aloud to them in between pool days and popsicle treats, then you are in the right spot.
Every year I put out a list of recommendations for each age group with new books that are perfect for summer. In case you missed it, this is last year’s list and any of them would still be delightful picks this year as well.
But without further ado, here are my recommendations for summer reading for 2024.
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Board Books
Little Turtle Big Blue
by Yuval Zommer
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Board book sized ocean exploration based on the gorgeous picture book series by Zommer. This is bite sized and adorable.
Tell Me About the Oceans
by Lisa Varchol Perron
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I love this quiet board book about the watery world below you in the ocean. The lovely pictures are icing on this toddler sized delight.
What Goes in the Ocean? a Seek-and-Find book
by Dori Elys
illustrated by Katie Cottle
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A delightful, colorful adventure into the ocean. Each page has brief text and a look and find question for kids asking them to spot the things in each illustration that don’t fit in the habitat. The scuba diving giraffe is my favorite.
Picture Books
Beach Hair
by Ashley Woodfolk
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From two bestselling creators comes a lyrical and heartfelt picture book about a multiracial family’s trip to the beach that’s an ode to family, community, diversity, and—most importantly—fabulous beach hair!
The Ocean Gardener
by Clara Anganuzzi
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Fiction meets fact in this story about reef conservation. Ayla’s mom is a marine biologist and when they discover a part of the reef where the coral has been bleached and the fish life have left they work together to rebuild the ecosystem. Don’t miss the excellent backmatter on reef restoration and coral reefs.
Else B in the Sea
by Jeanne Walker Harvey
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You can paint under the ocean? I had so many questions when I picked up this nonfiction picture book. Else Bostelmann is fascinating person. I hope kids are excited to pull out their paints after they read this one. I certainly was.
Life After Whale
by Lynn Brunelle
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Nonfiction fans will be fascinated by Life After Whale. The amazing ecosystem that thrives on the death of a whale is a truly incredible part of ocean science. Note: some kids may find this book a little gory as it does deal with death and decay, so screen it and trust that you know your child. But for the right kid, this is a a well told, informative and gorgeous illustrated picture book.
Also Read: 15+ Best Picture Books for Summer
Chapter Books
Seashell Key
by Lourdes Heuer
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Head to an adorable coast town full of interesting characters ready to show you around. This is a well written early chapter book. (This one is also available on audio!)
Great Puptective
by Alina Tysoe
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Graphic novel fans? This is a fun new one for earlier readers. We love the bright illustrations and fast paced story.
Good Dog
by Cam Higgins
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This is the first in the Good Dog series which currently has 12 books – lots of series reading potential if your child falls in love. The newest book, BEACH PAWS, is perfect for summer. You follow Bo on his first ever trip to the beach. I love the playful energy of these books and the cute characters. Perfect for readers who are building their confidence.
And even better news – the 13th book will release in September.
Middle Grade
City Spies Series
by James Ponti
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My kids adore a good series that they can get lost in for a while. This one is a current favorite of my son’s and the fifth book, Mission Manhattan, was released this year. They are fun stories about a group of spies who race around the world together solving mysteries while working on becoming better spies and better team members. If you’re new to the series, start with the first book, City Spies – (order here)
Charlie Thorne series
by Stuart Gibbs
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Again, my kids LOVE a good series and this one is one of my daughter’s favorites. The fourth book Charlie Throne and the Royal Society was recently released. If you haven’t read any of these, they are a fun blend of adventure, child math genius, and history. I recommend starting with the first book, Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation – order here. (These are available on audio as well).
Sunny Parker is Here to Stay
by Margaret Finnegan
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Sunny lives in an affordable housing complex in an affluent neighborhood and this summer she starts to see it in a different light when the neighbors voice their disapproval of more affordable housing being built. Sunny is determined to change minds. With a colorful cast of apartment residents and one strong willed girl at the helm, this book champions the difference one small voice can make.
The Princess Protection Program
by Alex London
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THE PRINCESS PROTECTION PROJECT is a fantastically fun new middle grade. It is a fractured fairy tale where Sleeping Beauty escapes her fairy tale and lands at a school for princesses that weren’t happy with their stories. It is funny, fast paced and clever. I love the underlying message about having power over your own life as much as all of the playful bits layered on top. Five stars! Definitely recommend this one to kids who love fantasy.
Young Adult
British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes
by Laura Taylor Namey
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This is the sequel to A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow which is adorable. In a bit of a reverse from the first, now it is a British Girl heading to the unfamiliar world of the Miami Cuban world. Vibrant and emotional.
Adult
I said all ages, so I’m going to add a few below from my own Summer Reading stack, but there are other amazing websites like What Should I Read Next and other? that have a whole plethora of well rounded recommendations for you.
On my shelf for summer:
Just for the Summer
by Abby Jimenez
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Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies
by Catherine Mack
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Funny Story
by Emily Henry
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The Great Divide
by Christina Henriquez
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The Comfort Crisis
by Michael Easter
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ADHD is Awesome
by Penn and Kim Holderness
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Bucket List Travel
by Jessica Gee
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