Summer reading is a wonderful activity to prioritize during your children’s summer break. Head to the library during the summer and pick up some of these top reading books for kids ages 4–12.
The most important part of children’s reading is that they read. Get your children involved in choosing what literature interests them (within their reading level), and you will face an easier transition into reading time. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
Summer reading suggestions for read alouds and silent reading
Ages 4–6
Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault: Introduce young children to alphabet letters and sounds or give them practice saying and identifying each letter/sound combination with this beginning reading book.
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw and Margot Apple: This funny, rhyming picture book tells the story of a flock of sheep who get stuck in the country.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff: This is a cute picture book with fun and colorful illustrations about a mouse.
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell and Lillian Hoban: Frances is an imaginative badger who refuses to eat anything but bread and jam. She learns a valuable lesson about food choices in this heartwarming story.
Franklin and the Tooth Fairy by Paulette Bourgeois: Franklin is a popular children’s character who faces relatable issues for young children. In this story, he is frustrated because his friends are losing teeth and he is not.
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey: A children’s classic tale about ducks in a Boston park with great illustrations and a sweet storyline.
Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak: This classic learn-to-read book is great to read to your child—or the perfect beginner book for an emergent reader.
I Can Read Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean: This is a favorite character for young readers, and depending on your children’s reading ability, this can be read to them or by them.
My First Bob Books: Pre-Reading Skills by Lynn Maslen Kertell: Get young children interested in reading with this beginner reading series. No reading skills are necessary to start with these beginner books.
Ages 6–8
The Cookie-Store Cat by Cynthia Rylant: Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant tells the sweet story of a young kitten adopted by a bakery owner. (Read with a plate of cookies.)
Amelia Bedelia Makes a Friend by Herman Parish: Amelia Bedelia discovers how make a new friend. This is a great book for emergent readers.
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel: Frog and Toad is a classic beginning reader about two funny and special friends.
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! by Dr. Seuss: Dr. Seuss creates a cute and rhyming book that encourages young readers to take pride in their reading abilities.
Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann: Pinkalicious is an adorable character who loves pink and learns the valuable lesson that being yourself is very important.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann: Get your child laughing with the funny antics of Gloria, Officer Buckle’s police dog.
Bob Books Set 1: Beginning Readers by Bobby Lynn Maslen and John R. Maslen: These Bob Books are perfect for building the confidence of your young readers with beginning sight words and word families.
Magic Tree House: #1 Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne: Jack and Annie’s very first adventure into prehistoric Earth will get you hooked on this entertaining series. Perfect as a read-aloud or first chapter book.
Franklin’s Big Book of Stories: A Collection of 6 First Readers by Sharon Jennings: A collection of stories in which Franklin the turtle faces a unique problem. Perfect for beginning readers or as a read aloud.
Ages 8–12
The BFG by Roald Dahl: This classic Roald Dahl story tells the imaginative tale of a giant who carries off a young girl in the night and the friendship that blossoms.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary: Enter the world of third grader Ramona Quimby and watch her navigate comical scenarios of daily life within her family.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: Discover the realm of fourth grader Peter and his annoying three-year-old brother, Fudge, in this classic tale by celebrated children’s author Judy Blume.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder: The first book in the Little House on the Prairie series introduces readers to the American West and makes them fall in love with Laura and the Ingalls family.
The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson: Get to know Hank the Cowdog in this humorous tale as he tries to solve mysterious on his ranch.
The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter: This is the perfect read for baseball lovers and tells the tale of Tom Gallagher as he tries to save baseball for his town.
The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis: Start at the beginning of the popular Chronicles of Narnia Series and witness the creation of the magical land of Narnia.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: A classic tale tells the story of the friendship between Jess and Leslie and the magical kingdom they create together in the woods.
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: The first book in the Olympus Series, this story entwines modern mythology into an action-packed adventure. (This series is recommended for advanced readers.)
For more information on summer reading, check out these articles on:
How Many Words Per Minute Should My Child Read? A Guide to Reading Fluency
How to Get Your Child to Read: Tips for Summer Reading
Top 15 books that teach empathy and kindness to children
Heather Foudy is a certified elementary teacher with over 7 years’ experience as an educator and volunteer in the classroom. She enjoys creating lessons that are meaningful and creative for students. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team and enjoys building learning opportunities that are both meaningful and creative for students and teachers alike.