Summer reading season is almost here! Summer is my favorite time of year. I love the change of pace. I love the extra sunshine and warmth. Summer to me means travel and beach days and extra time to read. As a mom, Summer also means a change in routine for my kids which can be hard. My kids, most kids I think, thrive on routine. There is always a week or two that feels a little hard as we shift into different routines but hang in there mamas (and dads!). Find a rhythm, one heavy in time for reading, outside time and creativity, that works for your family and you’ll have a fantastic summer together.
Also Read: Summer Reading Ideas and Booklists
For my part, below I have summer reading recommendations for everyone in your family from babies through adults. Obviously there are TONS of amazing books that you could put in the hands of your loved ones this summer. This is in no way exhaustive, but I do update it each year heading into Summer. I focus on books that:
- are published in the past few years
- feel summer related
- and that I think are excellent.
Summer Reading Recommendations for the Whole Family
For the Board Book Littles
Adorable stories for the younger listeners.
Lake Life with You
by Cindy Jin
illustrated by Andres Landazabal
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This board book has glowing illustrations, simple text and familiar summer moments. A sweet new board book that celebrates the simple pleasures of time at the lake with your family.
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.
For the Picture Book Crowd
These are the books to read aloud all summer long to the kiddos on your lap or next to you on the couch.
Nellie’s Big Splash
by Cori Doerrfeld
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Nellie is a darling baby turtle you can’t resist rooting for in the newest picture book from Cori Doerrfeld. The illustrations are absolutely my favorite part. This dear little turtle and the big beautiful wave had my heart from the cover. The story of facing fears and finding courage is a perfectly relatable and encouraging tale. You close the book thinking well if little Nellie can venture into the big huge crashing waves of the ocean then I can do anything. A brilliantly chosen heroine and another heartfelt book from one of the best author/illustrators out there.
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!
Also Read: 15+ Best Picture Books for Summer
Make More S’Mores
by Cathy Ballou Mealey
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Perfect for summer camping or evenings around the campfire – this is about a group of animals that make and share gooey delicious s’mores.
Want More? Best Picture Books about Camping Booklist
Hot Dog
by Doug Salati
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Winner of the Caldecott and Ezra Jack Keats Award last year, this one might already be on your radar. It is also a perfect story for summer, so if you haven’t read it yet then this is the perfect time. It’s the story of a dog who is desperate to escape the hot, summer heat. 
Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day
by Wendi Silvano
illustrations by Lee Harper
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Can you believe this is the seventh silly Turkey Trouble book? I never tire of Turkey’s silly, punny adventures. This time he is attempting to blend in at the beach where he looks as out of place as you can imagine. His disguises are as hilarious as ever. I love how much they mirror the creativity of a child. A delightful book to share aloud or have on your shelf during the warm summer months.
For Kids Ready for Books with Chapters
Primarily for the elementary school kids, these books are just a little longer but still a lot of fun.
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!)
The Sea of Terror
by Stuart Gibbs
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The third book in the ONCE UPON A TIM series is out! Another rollicking, hilarious adventure. If your kids haven’t read this one yet, start at the beginning. All three are fun reads.
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. Also in this series, 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.
Kraken Me Up
by Jeffrey Ebbeler
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Great for: Early Elementary schoolers who love to laugh.
For the Longer Chapter Book Readers
Middle Grade Fiction, more complicated ideas. This is the list for the kids who are in upper elementary school or middle school. 
Not Nothing
by Gayle Forman
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This warm hearted middle grade novel has so many layers and takes place over the course of a summer. It is told from the perspective of the 107 year old oldest resident of the Shady Glen retirement home. That’s an interesting choice of POV for a middle grade novel, but it works.
There are two stories here – the one of Alex who has had a rough childhood, made some bad choices, and has been given one last chance when he is sentenced to spend his summer working at the retirement home. His relationship with the oldest resident, Josey, breaks the cycle of feeling like he’s nothing and changes his life. The second story is the one Josey tells Alex of his own childhood in Nazi occupied Poland. This incredible story is layered in between Alex’s journey.
Great characters, second chances, surprising relationships. A powerful story to get lost in.
The Greatest Kid in the World
by John David Anderson
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Zeke is the star of this book. He’s what adults often call “creative” or “energetic” in a way parents know isn’t a compliment. Imagine everyone’s surprise when he is one of the 5 finalists in the “greatest kid in the world” competition. Suddenly a boring summer is anything but because even though he’s pretty sure he’s not so great, $10,000 badly needed dollars are at stake and he’s going to do his best to earn them. Funny, heart filled and full of summer antics. 
Time to Roll
by Jamie Sumner
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Ellie is not the pageant type, but somehow with her mom on her honeymoon and her dad and his new family staying with her to keep an eye on her, she gets talked into it by her friend, Coralee. This sequel to Roll with It is set over Ellie’s summer break and is full of fun, friendship and figuring out what beautiful means to you. Endearing, inspiring and fun; this is a great summer read. (At the time of publication, this is also available on audible for free!)
Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids and Tweens
by Nicole Blum & Catherine Newman
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My kids have both been interested in embroidery in the past year so I was thrilled when I found this book. It has super cute projects that tackle a host of crafty skills. The directions are easy to follow and the results are fun and often actually useable. For the kid that loves to craft, this is a great book to put in their hands.
for the teens
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.
for adults
Just for the Summer
by Abby Jimenez
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Summer Romance
by Annabel Monaghan
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Thank you for including MAKE MORE S’MORES in this roundup of super summer reads!
Happy to include it. It’s adorable and so perfect for summer!