Best Summer Books For Kids 2018
15 Summer Reads Your Kids Will Get Totally Lost In
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
During the hot, lazy months of Summer, there's nothing like curling up in an air-conditioned room with an enthralling book that takes you on a journey to someplace else. While it can sometimes be hard to get kids to pick up a book during their break from school, if you give them the right one, they'll be hooked in no time. Try to cultivate a habit for your kids to read for just 20 to 30 minutes a day wherever they go for the next few months, whether it's the pool, the park, or the beach. Reading about other people's adventures, mysteries, romances, and tragedies opens the door for imaginative possibilities unlike anything else children can experience. Keep reading for our top picks for the most riveting characters and stories available for kids of all ages this Summer.
1 Lions & Liars
A riot of a book, Lions & Liars tells the life-changing story of a fifth grader named Frederick who accidentally gets sent to a Summer disciplinary camp for boys. Along with befriending unlikely characters, Frederick has to survive a category five hurricane and in the process, learn about the true meaning of friendship.
Appropriate For Ages: 8-12
Where to Buy: Lions & Liars ($14, originally $17)
2 Beyond Pretty
Beyond Pretty is an empowering read for young girls that sends the message that beauty is only skin deep. Written by a former model, the book moves through the letters of the alphabet with positive rhymes like "A is for pretty Ambitious; Girls who work hard to succeed."
Appropriate For Ages: 4-8
Where to Buy: Beyond Pretty ($13)
3 I See Summer
I See Summer is a colourful picture book for young readers that explores a variety of adventures that Summer brings, such as swimming and going to the park.
Appropriate For Ages: 2-4
Where to Buy: I See Summer ($5, originally $6)
4 The Hate U Give
The Hate U Give is a must read for coming-of-age kids as they grapple with the culture of racism and police brutality.
Appropriate For Age: 13+
Where to Buy: The Hate U Give ($13, originally $19)
5 The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions
The first in its popular book series, The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions, has all the ingredients for a fun Summer read — nighttime adventures, friendships, and a large dose of mystery.
Appropriate For Ages: 7-12
Where to Buy: The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions ($7, originally $9)
6 Where The Socks Go
Perfect for readers starting to become more aware of the world, Where the Socks Go is a unique and whimsical story that tells the story of missing socks as they travel through different cultures.
Appropriate For Ages: 4-7
Where to Buy: Where the Socks Go ($12)
7 One Crazy Summer
One Crazy Summer is a poignant book about the journey of three sisters travelling to California one Summer to meet the mother who abandoned them. Along with being a National Book Award finalist, this witty story has also received a Newbery Honour.
Appropriate For Ages: 8-12
Where to Buy: One Crazy Summer ($6, originally $8)
8 Mouse's First Summer
Mouse's First Summer is a delightful picture book for tiny readers. The colourful pictures help tell the story of Mouse going to a picnic at the park!
Appropriate For Ages: 2-4
Where to Buy: Mouse's First Summer ($8)
9 Saffron Ice Cream
The story of Rashin's first visit to the beach artfully shares a child's unique experiences as an immigrant trying to settle into her new life.
Appropriate For Ages: 4-8
Where to Buy: Saffron Ice Cream ($17, originally $18)
10 Beach Bugs: A Sunny Pop-up Book
A terrific introduction to Summer bugs, Beach Bugs: A Sunny Pop-up Book introduces little ones to creatures like lady bugs, fireflies, and more.
Appropriate For Ages: 3-7
Where to Buy: Beach Bugs: A Sunny Pop-up Book ($11, originally $13)
11 Letters From Camp
Letters From Camp tells the story of a brother and sister who are spending their Summer at the very peculiar Camp Happy Harmony. Told through the letters they write back home, this is a must read for any kiddo about to head off to camp!
Appropriate For Ages: 8-12
Where to Buy: Letters From Camp ($6, originally $7)
12 The Cardboard Kingdom
A delightful graphic novel about friends who use their creativity to turn household objects into something magical, The Cardboard Kingdom will inspire your children to start thinking (and creating) outside the box.
Appropriate For Ages: 9-12
Where to Buy: The Cardboard Kingdom ($8, originally $13)
13 Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea
Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea is a lovely story about two sisters being packed away for the aquatic adventure of a lifetime with lots of discoveries along the way.
Appropriate For Ages: 8-12
Where to Buy: Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea ($15, originally $17)
14 Dumplin'
Dumplin' is a hilarious and brilliant story of a girl who chooses to see herself differently than the rest of the world. It's the perfect beach read for teenagers with an important message about self-love.
Appropriate For Age: 13+
Where to Buy: Dumplin' ($8, originally $10)
15 The Book Thief
The Book Thief is the story of a young girl during the time of Hitler's Germany and will resonate with teens long after its final pages have been read. A serious read, no doubt, but well worth the time.
Appropriate For Ages: 13+
Where to Buy: The Book Thief ($11, originally $15)
