Summer Reading List for Kids of All Ages 2022
While summer is an exciting season filled with events and fun, sometimes we need that peace and relaxation to revive us for the next adventure. And no… we don’t mean through TikTok and Netflix! Ditch the screens and instead encourage your family to spend that time reading a new riveting book this summer. Reading is a great pastime activity for kids. Not only does it create an engaging way to explore realms of creativity, but also allows them to experience new worlds within each page of a story.
Whether it be on the beach or a road trip, books are a perfect accessory. However, with so many options, you’re bound to get lost in a sea of books. Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered. Check out this summer reading list filled with great books for kids of all ages!
Psst… check out the roundup of 10 Kid Books to Read During Pride Month 2022
Early Readers
The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague
It’s so important to understand the individuals that make us who we are. From immediate family to classmates and teachers, everybody has their unique group community around them. The Circles All Around Us, teach the story of growth through experiences with others through the concept of kindness and inclusion toward others. Not only does this book teach a great lesson, but is filled with simplistic hand-drawn characters and writing. Grades K+
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Millard
Bread played a very significant role in the history and lives of Native Americans. Teach your child the history of Native Americans and what concepts such as fry bread mean to various peoples. Written by a member of the Seminole Nation, this story was thoughtfully written and is filled with fine details within its beautiful illustrations. This is a book that your kids will continue coming back to and gain a new understanding each time. Grades Preschool-1
Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol
After picking berries Freda is disappointed to hear that she can’t keep her blueberries forever and must wait until next season for more. However, Freda then discovers that her berries can be salvaged through a jam, so she beings saving all of her favorite things and collects an overwhelming amount. Realizing that she can’t save everything, she learns that some things are better saved as memories rather than collected over time! With engaging illustrations, this is a humorous read that includes a great life lesson as well. Grades Preschool-3
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Owl has been determined to become the knight he hatched. With this dream comes his responsibility, so he protects the castle. However, Owl is slightly frightened to see that there is a real intruder present this time! Read about Owl’s adventure while protecting the castle and becoming a real knight. This story touches on family, cleverness, and bravery and is a great read for anyone looking to enjoy a light-hearted and optimistic summer read. Grades Preschool-3
Upper-Level Readers
Skandar and The Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
Books are meant to take readers to a whole new world, and this book does exactly that. Follow Skander through his journey to saving the secret Island where unicorns run free. Not only is this book filled with epic battles, villains, and newfound friendships, but also takes a spin on traditional fantastical unicorns. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a riveting story to add to their summer fun! Grades 3-7
Restart by Gordan Korman
Chase wakes up in the hospital one day to find out that he has completely lost all of his memory. After his first day back at school, he realizes that this restart into who he once was will take a bit more effort than he realized. Chase must figure out who he was and who he will be. Indulge in this mysterious and comical tale that also brings up issues of bullying, choices, identity, and inclusivity. Grades 3-7
Northwind By Garry Paulsen
Award-winning author, Garry Paulsen’s, newest book Northwind similarly transforms his well-known book Hatchet from the woods to the ocean. Leif, an orphan living in the coastal wilderness, is forced to take out his boat as a plague has gotten to the fish in the area. Unsure of his next destination, follow along with Leif as he ventures down the water. This book can be a great family read as it’s fitting for all ages (as long as you can handle a big adventure!) and follows a captivating plot. Grades 4-6
Spy School the Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs
Despite being an awkward middle schooler, Ben Ripley has been placed in the junior CIA academy which focuses intensely on his science capabilities. Follow along as Ben endures hilarious misadventures and realizes that he’s not half bad at being a spy. Just because it’s a chapter book doesn’t mean that it can’t have pictures! This is a great read for middle schoolers or anyone looking for a fun graphic novel this summer. Try out Spy School the Graphic Novel this summer for a fun middle school adventure story. Grades 3-7
8th Grade & Young Adult
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
As the winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, The Girl Who Drank the Moon does not disappoint. In the land of Protectorate, babies are given as offerings to Xan, who they believe to be an evil witch. However, this witch is kind and sends these babies to new families on the other side of the forest and nourishes them with starlight on the way. One day Xan accidentally gives one baby moonlight instead and decides then to raise the child whose newfound powers will slowly emerge. This story is one of magic and adventure mixed in with twists. This enchanting tale is perfect for anyone who loves classic fairy tales. Grades 5-9
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
Sometimes others have the power to change our world. Libby Strout and Jack Masselin, on the outside, are unsimilar. But after the two get tangled up in a high school game that results in them in group counseling and community service, they learn what it means to love someone for who they truly are. The story of Holding Up the Universe is one of friendship, understanding, identity, and strength. This is a great read for young adults and a must-read for those who previously loved The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Grades 9-12
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
From the author of To All The Boys I Loved Before and the inspiration of a new hit Prime Video series, Jenny Han is back in The Summer I Turned Pretty. This contemporary fiction story is about a girl named Belly. Belly measures her life in the summers. They consist of the beach, ocean air, romance, and most importantly her, closest friends. However this summer everything changes for the better. This book is a hot pick for the summer and if you don’t have access (or even if you do) to the beach, this is the perfect summer read to evoke that sweet beach feeling. Grades 8+
All My Rage: A Novel by Sabaa Tahir
This book depicts a love story of tragedy and what it means to feel different. Switching between the past and present, this story is both about a Pakistanian family who moves to Juniper, California for a fresh start as well, as the perspective of their son who is now struggling to hold it all together. This raw novel meshes concepts relating to family relationships and intense love and anger, while also piecing in the importance of forgiveness and redemption. This book is an emotional one, so get your tissues ready and begin reading! Grades 9-12
