School’s out, sun’s up and summer reading is in!
Whether kids are splashing at the pool, curled up on the couch or heading out on a family road trip, the right book can turn any summer day into an adventure. This educator-approved list of top summer reading assignments is packed with funny friends, brave moments, big feelings and unforgettable stories for every age group.
From picture books for little learners to middle-grade reads with heart, there’s something here for every curious kid.
First up? A tiny snowplow with a big job to do…
The Little Snowplow
By Lora Koehler
Age 3–7
The Little Snowplow is the kind of cozy, confidence-boosting story that makes summer reading feel fun and encouraging. Its short, playful text and cheerful illustrations are perfect for read-aloud time after a busy summer day, while the uplifting message reminds kids that even small readers can do big things. It’s an easy win for keeping young kids excited about books all summer long.
Jabari Jumps
By Gaia Cornwall
Age 3–8
Jabari Jumps is a perfect summer pick because it captures a classic warm-weather milestone: finding the courage to jump into something new. Whether kids are heading to the pool, camp or a new adventure, Jabari’s story feels especially relatable during summer break. The gentle humor and encouraging tone also make it a comforting read kids will want to revisit again and again.
Pete the Cat
By James Dean
Age 4–8
Pete the Cat brings the kind of laid-back, feel-good energy summer reading is all about. The playful repetition, catchy phrases and colorful adventures make these books perfect for independent readers building confidence or for families reading together on the go. Plus, Pete’s cool attitude makes reading feel more like play than schoolwork.
The Bad Seed
By Jory John
Age 4–8
This seed has a bad reputation. He’s rude, messy and not exactly known for making good choices. But can a bad seed change? Funny, clever and surprisingly heartfelt, The Bad Seed is a great summer read because it mixes laughs with meaningful conversations kids can actually connect to. Its playful humor keeps readers entertained, while the story opens the door to discussions about kindness, growth and making better choices. It’s the kind of book kids enjoy reading more than once.
Splat the Cat
By Rob Scotton
Age 4–8
Splat the Cat is an ideal summer series for kids ready to stretch their reading skills without feeling overwhelmed. The stories are relatable and packed with lighthearted adventures that keep pages turning. With lots of humor and approachable text, Splat helps make independent reading feel easy, rewarding and fun during summer break.
Dear Girl,
By Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Age 4–8
Dear Girl, is the perfect quiet-time summer read—uplifting, thoughtful and full of encouragement. Its warm message and beautiful illustrations make it a meaningful choice for bedtime, travel days or one-on-one reading moments. It’s a book kids can return to whenever they need a reminder to believe in themselves.
Bink and Gollie
By Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee
Age 6–9
Meet Bink and Gollie: two best friends with big personalities, big imaginations and very different ideas. The mix of illustrations and short chapters helps kids build reading stamina while still feeling entertained. Their quirky friendship and laugh-out-loud moments make this a great choice for readers who want something playful and easy to dive into.
Judy Moody Gets Famous!
By Megan McDonald
Age 6–9
Judy Moody has a plan: she’s going to be famous. Of course, things don’t go exactly the way she expects. Full of humor, school adventures and classic Judy Moody attitude, this book is a fun summer pick for kids who love bold characters and big feelings.
One Crazy Summer
By Rita Williams-Garcia
Age 8–12
Three sisters. One unforgettable summer. A trip to Oakland in 1968. Set during one life-changing summer, it captures the excitement of discovering new places, learning more about family and starting to see the world in a different way. The story blends humor, sisterhood and powerful moments of growth, giving readers plenty to connect with long after summer ends. It’s a meaningful pick for kids ready for a book that’s both engaging and thought-provoking.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
By Meg Medina
Age 9–12
Merci Suárez is starting sixth grade, which means new friendships, changing family dynamics and plenty of growing pains. It is an excellent summer read for tweens navigating friendships, family changes and growing independence. Merci’s voice is funny, honest and deeply relatable, making this a book kids can easily connect with during the transition between school years. It’s heartfelt without feeling heavy—ideal for thoughtful summer reading.
Best Tips to Keep Kids Reading All Summer
Making summer reading fun doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small habits can help kids stay excited about books long after the school year ends!
- Let kids choose their own books. When children pick stories that match their interests, they’re more likely to keep reading. With more than 40,000 books on Epic, there’s something for every kind of reader—from animal lovers and adventurers to kids who just want a good laugh.
- Create a simple reading routine. Even 15–20 minutes a day before bed, during quiet time or after lunch can help kids build strong reading habits without making it feel like homework.
- Bring books everywhere. Epic’s digital library makes it easy to read anytime, anywhere—in the car, at the beach, by the pool or during family road trips. A favorite book is always just a tap away and books can be downloaded to read offline when there’s no WiFi.
- Mix up formats. Audiobooks, Read-to-Me books and graphic novels can help reluctant readers stay engaged and make reading feel more interactive and fun.
- Read together. Shared reading time helps younger kids build confidence and gives older kids a chance to talk about characters, big ideas and favorite moments from the story.
- Celebrate progress. Kids stay motivated when reading feels rewarding. On Epic, readers can earn badges and track their achievements as they complete books, helping turn summer reading into an exciting challenge they’ll want to keep going.
Let’s Get Reading!
Summer reading should feel exciting, not like homework. With books full of adventure, humor, courage, friendship and heart, kids can keep building literacy skills while discovering stories they actually love.
Whether they’re just starting out or already racing through chapter books, these top summer reading assignments are a great place to begin.
Try Epic free today to explore these books and thousands more kids can read all summer long. From laugh-out-loud adventures to meaningful stories they’ll never forget, there’s something for every reader. Happy reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ Why is summer reading important for kids?
Summer reading helps children maintain and strengthen literacy skills while school is out. Reading regularly over the summer can improve vocabulary, comprehension, confidence and creativity, while also helping prevent the “summer slide” many students experience during long school breaks.
▶ How can I encourage my child to read more during summer break?
The best way to keep kids reading is to make it fun and stress-free. Let children choose books that match their interests, create a simple daily reading routine and explore interactive formats like audiobooks and Read-to-Me books. Platforms like Epic also make it easy to access thousands of engaging books anytime, anywhere.
▶ What are the best summer reading books for kids by age group?
The best summer books for kids depend on their age and reading level. Younger readers often enjoy picture books and read-aloud books like Jabari Jumps or Pete the Cat, while older elementary and middle-grade readers may love chapter books such as Bink and Gollie, One Crazy Summer and Merci Suárez Changes Gears.
▶ Where can I find more educator-approved summer reading recommendations?
Parents and teachers can explore educator-curated reading lists, chapter books, picture books and literacy activities on Epic. With thousands of books for kids ages 3–12, Epic makes it easy to discover age-appropriate stories that keep children engaged in reading all summer long.
