100 Fun Books to Read This Summer for Kids Ages 5 and Up!
- Rodnesha Green
- Jul 8
- 16 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
As much as we love creating with crafts, there's nothing like reading a good book to stir up the imagination! Whether you need picture books for kids or exciting books for teens who are "BORED," we've got your covered.
Below we have the 100 best books for kids, tweens and teens to add to heir summer reading list! These new releases have everything from storytelling books full of whimsical adventures to inspiring true stories from diverse perspectives. Best of all, this collection of good books to read in 2025 is organized by age group, making it easy to find the perfect picks for your child's reading level and interests.
Each section features 25 new or notable titles (released in late 2024 to early 2025). With genres spanning across adventure, humor, fantasy, non-fiction, STEM, and more, these books are guaranteed to keep kids turning pages all summer long. Whether you’re seeking imaginative elementary books for young children or page-turning YA novels for teens, this list of fresh reads for ages 5 and up has something for everyone.
Get ready to watch your kids discover new favorites as they dive into these exciting summer reads!
Picture & Storytelling Books for Early Readers - (Ages 5-7)
Abuelo, the Sea, and Me – A touching Cuban-American story where a grandfather shares memories of his childhood in Havana with his granddaughter during their seaside visits.
Adela’s Mariachi Band – Young Adela longs to join her family’s mariachi band but struggles to find her place until she discovers her own special way to contribute.
Ahoy! – A child and parent embark on a high-seas adventure without leaving their living room, celebrating the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Barnaby Unboxed! – “Perfect pet” Barnaby the cat experiences jealousy and heartbreak before a lost-and-found journey leads to a heartwarming reunion .
Be Careful, Xiao Xin! – A bilingual tale (in English and Chinese) about a boy who imagines himself a fearless Red Fire Warrior, while his family learns to trust his bravery.
Being Home – A young Cherokee girl moves from the city back to her ancestral homeland, embracing family, nature, and the comforting rhythms of her culture.
The Book That Almost Rhymed – An earnest boy’s poetic attempts are hilariously derailed by his mischievous little sister, proving that two storytellers can make a tale twice as fun.
The Boy and the Elephant – In a bustling city, a lonely boy finds solace in a tiny patch of green where he imagines an elephant – and he takes action to protect his little sanctuary from developers.
Built to Last – Two boys bump into each other while building with blocks and become friends. As they grow, their block creations get wildly ambitious until one fails spectacularly, teaching them a lesson in teamwork.
Chooch Helped. – Chooch’s attempts to “help” constantly annoy his older sister, until her frustration softens and she realizes her role in guiding him with love and patience (this charming story even won the Caldecott Medal).
Desert Song – At sunset in the Texas desert, a family makes music on their porch. Their song harmonizes with nocturnal creatures and connects generations under the starry sky.
Dive, Dive into the Night Sea – A mysterious, textured journey under the sea at night, complete with lift-the-flap surprises that reveal the ocean’s hidden wonders.
Dog vs. Strawberry – A competitive (and clumsy) hound engages in an epic, comical race against a runaway strawberry across the living room.
Drawn Onward – In this cleverly palindromic picture book, a grieving boy’s fantastical quest helps him discover that those we love are never truly gone.
The Dream Catcher – Miguelito helps his abuelo sell dreamcatchers and coconuts, all the while dreaming of reuniting with his faraway parents – and finding beauty in the here and now.
Exactly as Planned – A witty story of two friends, Fox and Moose, who each experience the same day very differently – a reminder that perspective is everything in friendship.
The First Week of School – The class pet (a small, observant creature named Pat) is the only one who notices that the new student might actually be out of this world… quite literally!
A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration – A parallel tale of monarch butterflies and a young girl awaiting her father’s return, highlighting hope and resilience through migrations.
Fox versus Fox – Can there be more than one Fox? In this playful easy reader, Red Fox meets a white Arctic Fox and puts him to the test, resulting in an unexpected new friendship
Go and Get with Rex – Jack and Jill play a fetch game with their dog Rex, bringing back items that start with certain letters – but Rex’s goofy, unconventional choices add a hilarious twist to this alphabet adventure.
Gray – A gentle story of a child navigating a “gray” mood. Feeling down is likened to a cloudy day, but the child learns it’s okay to have hard days and that brighter times will come.
Heatwave – A sweltering city summer day is depicted in vibrant reds and blues, complete with the overwhelming heat and the joyous relief of a sudden cooling rainstorm.
Hello Day – A little boy’s exuberant greetings to everything around him (from squirrels to puddles to trucks) remind his rushed father to slow down and appreciate life’s small wonders.
Hello Hello Colors – This simple, rhythmic board book invites children to meet a rainbow of endangered animals, fostering color recognition and early environmental awareness.
Home in a Lunchbox – A young Chinese girl, new to life in America, finds comfort and connection through the familiar flavors in her lunchbox – bridging cultures and making new friends (this heartfelt tale is a Caldecott Honor Book).
Best New Elementary Books Kids Age 8–10
Beti and the Little Round House – In a cozy round house in Africa, young Beti and her loving family live in tune with nature, joyfully observing the changing seasons.
Bog Myrtle – A smart, slightly macabre graphic novel adventure involving two sisters, some magical spider thread, and a yarn shop that spins an unforgettable tale of capitalism gone awry.
Buffalo Dreamer – During a family trip, a Cree girl named Summer learns about a nearby residential school from the past and dreams of a real Indigenous girl who escaped it – blending history with hopeful imagination.
Call Me Roberto!: Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos – An inspiring biography of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, the Puerto Rican baseball legend who battled racism and paved the way for Latino players.
City of Leafcutter Ants: A Sustainable Society of Millions – A fascinating nonfiction picture book that explores the complex social structure of leafcutter ants, likening their bustling colony to a human city.
Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera – The true story of how Dr. John Snow tracked a deadly 1854 London cholera outbreak to a single water pump, using map-making and science to stop the disease.
The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America’s Cook – A scrumptious picture-book biography of Fannie Farmer, the pioneering chef and cookbook author who introduced standard measurements and revolutionized American cooking.
Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge – A historical look at the “impossible” construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, told through the eyes of two children in 1930s San Francisco who witness its creation.
Home – A stunning book of poetry that tours all sorts of animal homes, from treetop nests to cozy burrows in cacti, reminding readers that “home” can mean many different things.
The Hotel Balzaar – While living in a hotel during World War II, young Marta hears fantastical stories from a peculiar guest, blurring the lines between fiction and reality as she awaits her father’s return from the front.
Island of Whispers – In an eerie and haunting tale about loss and courage, a boy named Milo unexpectedly becomes the Ferryman who guides souls to the afterlife – all while evading a dangerous ghostly ship that pursues him.
John the Skeleton – A quirky, tender story from Estonia about a retired classroom skeleton named John who moves in with a family. Through humor and folk-art illustrations, it gently explores life and death (Batchelder Award winner).
Johnny, the Sea, and Me – On a Caribbean vacation, Pedro – a young boy obsessed with pirates – gets lost and then found. He learns to trust his own strength and makes new friends in this adventure translated from Spanish.
Kareem Between – Seventh-grader Kareem juggles middle school, football dreams, and extra family responsibilities after his mom is stuck abroad due to a travel ban, learning resilience along the way.
Lola – With help from magical creatures in her garden, a tween girl in Mexico City goes on an enchanted quest to save her ailing little brother – a vibrant adventure that won the Pura Belpré Author Award.
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All – A charming story about friendship and community: Magnolia helps solve the mystery of odd socks left behind in her parents’ NYC laundromat, in a tale that earned a Newbery Honor.
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II – Sent to London via the Kindertransport, a Jewish boy named Max is trained as a spy and undertakes a daring mission to return to Nazi-occupied Europe and rescue his parents.
Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets – A richly illustrated collection in which 20 well-known authors share mistakes they made as kids. Their honest, funny poems reassure readers that everyone messes up and learns from it.
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More – An author recounts two wild months in Antarctica, describing the land, people, and penguins of the frozen continent in vivid detail.
One Big Open Sky – Set in the era of Black homesteaders, 11-year-old Lettie travels west with her mother and a young teacher seeking independence. This historical novel (a Newbery Honor book) highlights hope and resilience on the American frontier.
Onyx & Beyond – During the civil rights movement, a young Black boy navigates his mother’s early-onset dementia against the backdrop of a changing world – a poignant story of family and social change.
Poetry Comics – A unique journey through the seasons where whimsical poems are interwoven with charming comic-panel illustrations, blending poetry and art in a yearlong celebration of nature.
Popcorn – Andrew’s terrible, no-good school picture day causes his worries to grow and “pop” like a kernel under pressure. This empathetic story follows him as he copes with anxiety before it explodes into a full-blown panic attack.
Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back – In this graphic memoir, 13-year-old Ruth is uprooted from her life in Canada to move to Hong Kong. She struggles to fit in but ultimately learns to embrace her new home and identity.
We Are Big Time – After moving from Florida to Milwaukee, Aliya becomes co-captain of her new Islamic school’s all-girls hijabi basketball team. She faces high school pressures and fights misconceptions about Muslim girls in sports.
Engaging Books for Tweens (Ages 11–13)
Across So Many Seas – Spanning five centuries, this novel follows four girls of one Sephardic Jewish family – from Spain in 1492 to modern Miami – each on a quest for freedom and safety.
Black Girl You Are Atlas – A semi-autobiographical collection of poems adorned with vibrant collage art, exploring a Black girl’s coming-of-age and celebrating the strength of the women in her life.
The Bletchley Riddle – In WWII England, siblings Lizzie and Jacob work at Bletchley Park cracking Nazi codes. When their mother disappears in Nazi-occupied Poland, they turn their cipher-solving skills toward unraveling the mystery.
Cruzita and the Mariacheros – One transformative summer full of new responsibilities leads Mexican-American girl Cruzita on a journey of self-discovery as she explores what her heritage truly means to her (Pura Belpré Honor Book).
Deer Run Home – In this novel-in-verse inspired by a real court case, a deaf girl living in 1800s Appalachia finds the courage to speak up about the abuse and isolation she has endured.
The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II – The true story of ten young women who left home during WWII to work in secret at Bletchley Park, intercepting enemy messages and helping end the war.
The First State of Being – Y2K is the least of 12-year-old Michael’s worries after he meets a mysterious boy from the future named Ridge. This mind-bending adventure (a Newbery Medal winner) blends historical fiction with time travel.
The Ghostkeeper – After a near-death experience in childhood, Dorian can communicate with ghosts. Now a teen, he uses his gift to counsel unhappy spirits – until a sinister presence challenges everything he thought he knew about the afterlife.
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival – A powerful graphic memoir of Estelle Nadel, who survived Nazi-occupied Poland as a child. Through accessible illustrations, it recounts her resilience during and after the Holocaust.
How It All Ends – Thirteen-year-old Tara’s overactive imagination feeds her anxiety about skipping a grade and starting high school early. With new friends and some self-discovery, she learns to embrace change and enjoy the journey.
Impossible Creatures – Two children, Christopher from our world and Mal from a hidden Archipelago of mythical creatures, must work together to save the last magical realm on Earth from destruction.
Louder Than Hunger – In this heartfelt novel-in-verse, 13-year-old Jake battles anorexia. During his stay at an eating disorder clinic, he confronts his inner demons and slowly finds the strength to heal.
Mid-Air – Isaiah’s summer plans shatter when one of his best friends dies in an accident. As he processes his grief in unexpected ways, he learns to accept help from new people and finds hope again after tragedy.
Murray Out of Water – When a hurricane forces gender-nonconforming Murray and their family to evacuate, they must navigate complicated family dynamics and discover new facets of their identity amidst the chaos of displacement.
Next Stop – 16-year-old Pia takes a cross-country bus tour alone to see a legendary glowing lake that she believes can magically “fix” her broken family. Along the journey, she learns hard truths about wishes, reality, and what might actually heal her family.
Pearl – A graphic novel set during World War II: when a Japanese-American girl travels to Hiroshima to care for her ailing grandmother, she finds herself torn by loyalty when Pearl Harbor is attacked and she’s forced to translate for the Japanese military.
Red Bird Danced – In this emotional contemporary novel-in-verse, two Ojibwe teens – Ariel and her neighbor Tomah – grapple with the disappearance of Ariel’s aunt. Together they channel their pain into raising awareness for missing Indigenous women.
Shark Teeth – Twelve-year-old Kita struggles to care for her younger siblings because her mother’s alcoholism is tearing their family apart. Kita must decide whether to keep covering for her mom or seek adult help, risking her family being split up.
Sona and the Golden Beasts – After finding an orphaned magical wolf pup, Sona and her friend Raag embark on a quest across a fantastical land to gather other sacred creatures. Their hope is to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save their homeland from darkness.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman – Abandoned by his unreliable mother, 11-year-old Hank must fend for himself and his toddler sister. He finds an unlikely ally in his grandmother’s friend, discovering hope and support in the most unexpected place.
The Things We Miss – When seventh-grader J.P. finds a magical door that lets her skip ahead in time to avoid all the worst parts of middle school, it seems like the perfect fix. But she soon discovers that fast-forwarding through life can carry heavy consequences.
Ultraviolet – In this candid novel (a Pura Belpré Honor Book), Elio shares his tumultuous feelings about growing up. He navigates first love, shifting friendships, and the changes in his own body during puberty, learning to embrace his true self.
Weirdo – An inspiring graphic memoir in which 11-year-old Tony struggles with anxiety and bullying. With courage and creativity (plus a love of superheroes), he embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and learns to become the hero of his own story.
What Is Color? The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art – A vibrant blend of science, history, and art that takes readers on a playful exploration of how different pigments and paints were invented across the world. (Who knew color could be this fun and sometimes icky!)
The Wrong Way Home – When 12-year-old Fern’s mother suddenly drags her across the country to flee their old life, Fern is determined to return to the commune they left behind. On her quest, she uncovers unsettling truths about the place she once called home.
Fun YA Books for Teens (Ages 14 and up)
Blood at the Root – Seventeen-year-old Malik enrolls at a secret historically Black university in Louisiana where students learn hoodoo and vodun magic. Malik is determined to unravel the mystery behind his mother’s disappearance while mastering his powers.
These Deadly Prophecies – Teenager Tabatha Zeng becomes apprentice to a famous sorcerer who foresees his own murder – and then it happens. Tabatha and the sorcerer’s son must team up to solve the fantastical murder mystery and clear their own names.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price – Sixteen-year-old Bel’s mother Rachel vanished when Bel was a toddler, and Bel’s dad was accused (and acquitted) of the crime. Now, 16 years later, Rachel suddenly reappears during a true-crime documentary filming – but Bel suspects her story is a lie and, with a young documentary crew member’s help, is determined to uncover the truth.
Snowglobe – In a dystopian future, the world has frozen over except for one celebrity-filled domed city called Snowglobe. Sixteen-year-old Chobahm, from the frozen outside, wins a chance to live inside Snowglobe and replace a fallen pop star. She soon discovers that Snowglobe’s glitzy reality TV life is far from real (this award-winning YA novel was translated from Korean).
Sky’s End – In a socially stratified fantasy world, 16-year-old Conrad was born a privileged “High” but fell to a lower class after a betrayal. To save his sister from a murderous usurper, Conrad enters a deadly competition of the Twelve Trades. He must rise through the ranks as a monster-slaying Hunter in a perilous trial by combat, in this action-packed series starter.
Everything We Never Said – Ella, a high school senior, finds herself entangled in a dark and romantic web of secrets. Part thriller and part teen drama, this Colleen Hoover–esque debut follows Ella as she navigates love and danger, uncovering the truth behind the lies in her seemingly perfect town.
The Glass Girl – A grieving teen discovers an eerie talent for “glasswalking” (traveling through mirrors and glass) while investigating her sister’s death. This haunting supernatural mystery tests her courage as she pieces together what really happened.
The Thirteenth Child – A gothic fantasy set in 1850s New England, where a small town’s children keep disappearing. When a new girl learns she’s the prophesied “thirteenth child,” she must confront an ancient evil to save the others.
Old Wounds – A hard-hitting contemporary tale of two former best friends forced to work together on a school project. As they reopen old wounds from a past trauma, they find honesty and forgiveness might be the only path to healing.
Heir – A short but powerful novella by Sabaa Tahir, focusing on a girl who must assume leadership of her fractured community after tragedy strikes. In this poignant story of grief and hope, she learns what it really means to inherit responsibility.
Fledgling – When a Muslim teen inherits a jinn’s powers on her 17th birthday, she struggles to balance her new magical duties with family expectations. This heartfelt coming-of-age fantasy by S.K. Ali explores faith, identity, and first love.
Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry – From Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children author Ransom Riggs comes a new adventure: Teenager Leopold discovers a secret underworld society of oddities and embarks on a bizarre quest to fix a decades-old mistake that’s threatening both worlds.
When the World Tips Over – Jandy Nelson’s latest follows a girl whose world quite literally turns upside down when a minor earthquake grants her the ability to see people’s emotions as colors. She must learn to control her new power and mend her shattered family before everything tips over for good.
Every Time You Hear That Song – Set in the 1970s, this novel follows Jenna, a preacher’s daughter who runs away to follow her dream of becoming a singer-songwriter. Through ups and downs in the Nashville music scene, she finds her own voice and sense of self.
Hearts Still Beating – A moving story of two teens from very different backgrounds who form a bond while volunteering at a crisis text line. As they help others, they also help each other overcome personal struggles with mental health.
Everything We Never Had – Randy Ribay’s emotional tale of friendship and loss: Two teens deal with the aftermath of a friend’s sudden death. Through alternating perspectives, we see how they cope with guilt, unspoken feelings, and the realization that they took their time together for granted.
Libertad – A historical YA novel (inspired by true events) about a Salvadoran teen who flees to the U.S. during the Salvadoran Civil War. Through poetry and diary entries, she chronicles her harrowing journey and her fight to find freedom and a new home.
Gita Desai Is Not Here to Shut Up – An empowering story of a Nepali-American high schooler who refuses to stay silent in the face of micro-aggressions. Gita runs for student council on a platform of inclusion, finding her confidence and community along the way.
Of Jade and Dragons – A lush fantasy where a young woman from a humble village discovers she’s the lost heir to a kingdom of dragons. To claim her birthright, she must complete three perilous trials, forging an unexpected alliance with a dragon along the journey.
The Sun and the Star – Nico di Angelo (son of Hades) and his boyfriend Will Solace descend into Tartarus on a quest to rescue an old friend in this epic Percy Jackson spin-off adventure. Facing their worst nightmares in the abyss, Nico and Will will test the limits of their love and courage to bring light back from the darkest of places.
Percy Jackson and the Chalice of the Gods – Percy thought his demigod days were behind him, but to get into college he needs recommendation letters… from the gods! With Annabeth and Grover by his side, Percy must retrieve Zeus’s stolen chalice and complete quests for three gods to earn those all-important letters. It’s a fresh, funny return to Percy’s world with high stakes and classic Percy humor.
Champion of Fate – Seventeen-year-old Reed has been raised by the Aristene, a legendary order of female warriors sworn to make kings and heroes. Now she faces her final trial to become a hero’s Companion. But as Reed begins to question the cruel fate assigned to her, she must decide if fulfilling her destiny is worth the ultimate price.
Nightbirds – In a 1920s-inspired fantasy city, four girls known as “Nightbirds” have a secret magical gift: they can bestow special powers on others with just a kiss. As political tensions rise, these young socialites turned spies band together to control their own magic and change the fate of their city amid speakeasies, intrigue, and danger.
House of Marionne – Quell has been on the run her whole life because of her forbidden magic. When she’s finally caught by her estranged grandmother, Quell is thrust into a world of glittering ballrooms and deadly secrets at an elite magical boarding school for debutantes. Amidst the glamor and intrigue, Quell must hide her powers, navigate a forbidden romance, and survive a high-stakes magical competition all while confronting the dark legacy of the House of Marionne.
Imogen, Obviously – Imogen Scott prides herself on being a great ally – she’s straight, after all, just very supportive of her LGBTQ friends. But when Imogen spends spring break visiting her best friend at college, she meets a girl who makes her question everything she thought she knew about herself. This warm, funny coming-of-age story follows Imogen as she navigates confusing new feelings and discovers that figuring out who you are isn’t as simple as labels.
Bonus Book # 101 – A Personalized Artkive Book!
Looking for a creative way to cherish your child’s artwork and turn your kid into a published author in their own right? Artkive is an amazing service that takes your child’s drawings and crafts and turns it all into a beautiful book of art.
This keepsake is more than just a book – it’s a celebration of your child's creativity and artistic journey! By preserving your kid's artwork, you're also boosting their confidence. Besides, what better book could you add to your summer reading list than the one your child created?!
Each of these books brings something special – whether it’s a laugh, a lesson, or a new perspective. This list has picture books that inspire play and empathy. It also includes YA novels that address real-world issues. These books are a treasure trove of summer reads.
Here's to a fun-filled summer full of adventure, imagination, and discovery!
Happy reading!