{"id":6588,"date":"2026-05-28T15:17:31","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T15:17:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/?p=6588"},"modified":"2026-05-28T15:17:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T15:17:32","slug":"top-summer-reading-books-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/top-summer-reading-books-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Summer Reading Books for Kids + Tips to Keep Kids Reading All Summer from Epic\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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School\u2019s out, sun\u2019s up and summer reading is in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From picture books for little learners to middle-grade reads with heart, there\u2019s something here for every curious kid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First up? A tiny snowplow with a big job to do\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Little Snowplow<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By Lora Koehler<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 3\u20137<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Little Snowplow<\/em> 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\u2019s an easy win for keeping young kids excited about books all summer long.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/a><\/strong>Jabari Jumps<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By Gaia Cornwall<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 3\u20138<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jabari Jumps<\/em> 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Pete the Cat<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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By James Dean<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 4\u20138<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pete the Cat<\/em> 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\u2019s cool attitude makes reading feel more like play than schoolwork.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong>The Bad Seed<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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By Jory John<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 4\u20138<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This seed has a bad reputation. He\u2019s rude, messy and not exactly known for making good choices. But can a bad seed change? Funny, clever and surprisingly heartfelt, The Bad Seed <\/em>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\u2019s the kind of book kids enjoy reading more than once.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong>Splat the Cat<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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By Rob Scotton<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 4\u20138<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Splat the Cat<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong>Dear Girl,<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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By Amy Krouse Rosenthal<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 4\u20138<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Girl,<\/em> is the perfect quiet-time summer read\u2014uplifting, 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\u2019s a book kids can return to whenever they need a reminder to believe in themselves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/a><\/strong>Bink and Gollie<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 6\u20139<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet Bink and Gollie<\/em>: 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/a><\/strong>Judy Moody Gets Famous!<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By Megan McDonald<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 6\u20139<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judy Moody<\/em> has a plan: she\u2019s going to be famous. Of course, things don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/a><\/strong>One Crazy Summer<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By Rita Williams-Garcia<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 8\u201312<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s a meaningful pick for kids ready for a book that\u2019s both engaging and thought-provoking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/a><\/strong>Merci Su\u00e1rez Changes Gears<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By Meg Medina<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age 9\u201312<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merci Su\u00e1rez<\/em> 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\u2019s voice is funny, honest and deeply relatable, making this a book kids can easily connect with during the transition between school years. It\u2019s heartfelt without feeling heavy\u2014ideal for thoughtful summer reading.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Best Tips to Keep Kids Reading All Summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Making summer reading fun doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. A few small habits can help kids stay excited about books long after the school year ends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n