Summer is full of sunshine, popsicles, and family adventures, but it can also come with something parents don’t always expect: the “summer slide.” That’s the term educators use to describe the academic regression many kids experience during long breaks from school—especially in reading. But here’s the good news: You don’t need a complicated curriculum to keep your child learning this summer. A few good books (plus a cozy reading spot) can go a long way. In fact, summer reading can feel like a mini-vacation of its own. And we have the right stories to put in your kids’ hands.
In this post, I’m sharing a list of 11 fun, thoughtful, and beautifully written books that are perfect for kindergarten through 2nd-grade readers. These books aren’t just educational, they’re packed with adventure, laughter, heart, and just the right amount of summer magic.
*We use affiliate links to share products with you. If you use the link to make a purchase, the cost of the book doesn’t go up for you. However, we will receive a commission and we do appreciate your support.
Why Summer Reading Matters More Than You Think
If your child isn’t reading regularly over the summer, they could lose some of the skills they worked hard to build during the school year. But the benefits of summer reading go way beyond academics:
-
Prevents Learning Loss
-
Builds Vocabulary and Critical Thinking
-
Sparks Creativity and Imagination
-
Promotes Empathy by Exploring New Perspectives
-
Creates Quality Family Time
The best part? These benefits all come from stories that your kids will want to read.
Books With Big Summer Energy
These books capture the magic, freedom, and feel-good vibes of summer break.
Summer Days and Nights
by Wong Herbert Yee
This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the magic of summer through a child’s perspective. From playing in the sunshine to watching the stars come out at night, it highlights fleeting summer moments that resonate with children.
Swimmy
by Leo Lionni
In this charming story, Swimmy the fish helps his friends devise a plan to escape from a hungry tuna. It teaches teamwork and creativity while celebrating the beauty of the underwater world, making it an ideal read for ocean-loving kids.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree
by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
Nothing says summer like a nice, cold glass of lemonade. And what better (even though surprising!) way to get it than from a lemon tree gifted to you by grandma?
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree is about a little girl who receives an unexpected gift of a lemon tree. She decides to put the time into caring for the plant, and the whole experience blooms into much more than she originally imagined. She learns to enjoy patience, the beauty of the outdoors, and good community.
Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!
by Sally Lloyd-Jones
I couldn’t help but smile the entire time I read this book. It’s quirky, fun, and drives home a great lesson: in kindness, we should be intentional about making sure others feel welcome and loved.
Mr. Pockles is an interesting dog with an extraordinary hat collection. He owns a hat for every occasion imaginable. Honestly, you name it; there’s a hat for it. In the story, he befriends a panda bear in her time of need and finds himself included in a very special event along with a number of other new friends.
What summer hats have you decided to sport this season? Find some inspiration from Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!
Stella Diaz Never Gives Up
by Angela Dominguez
This book is the second in a series, which is about a very shy Mexican-American girl. The author very creatively incorporates Spanish words into the text. It is a great way to teach context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
I have had the pleasure of reading the first book, but this one is on my personal summer reading list. Stella’s interest in becoming an environmental activist is why it is so appealing to me! This is always an important message to start encouraging to our younger kids, and what better time than during the summer when many of us are out exploring the beaches and parks around us?
Join Stella on her family vacation to Mexico to learn about marine animals and what she can do to reduce the pollution in the ocean!
Jackie & Me
by Dan Gutman
America’s favorite pastime is the great sport of baseball. This summer, grab some peanuts and cracker jacks and curl up with this Dan Gutman book.
Joe Stoscack is a boy with special baseball cards that allow him to travel through time. For a school report, he uses his Jackie Robinson card to learn more about the man who broke through the color barrier in the major leagues.
Each of Dan Gutman’s Baseball Card Adventure books focuses on one player from a significant period of history. It’s fascinating to learn about the important American events, the big cities where they took place, and the players who have helped to shape our country’s history.
Fireflies!
by Julie Brinckloe
One summer I had the pleasure of running around in a grassy field with a wide-mouth mason jar catching fireflies. It was mesmerizing to observe their tiny bodies blinking on and off in a slow cadence.
That is why I enjoy reading this book! It describes this experience so well. You can almost smell the fresh cut grass and the warmth of the evening coming over you. Grab Fireflies! and share it with your kids!
Flotsam
by David Wiesner
In the wordless picture book of Flotsam, the setting is the beach. It’s the quintessential way to spend your summer! David Wiesner’s illustrations allow you to feel like you are right there, toes in the sand. This book won a Caldecott Medal the year it was published.
This is a creative book that I enjoy sharing with kids of all ages. Flotsam refers to the floating remains of something washed up by the sea. With that in mind, Wiesner uses only illustrations to tell his story of a camera that has been washed ashore. It is discovered by a young boy who, through the power of observation, is able to determine what has happened with this unusual looking camera…it’s definitely not a cell phone!
The Proudest Blue
by Ibtihaj Muhamma
I feel this is a wonderful book to add to our summer reading list because it allows readers the opportunity to experience a culture that might not be familiar to them. The author is an Olympic medalist who competed for the United States wearing a hijab in honor of her Muslim heritage.
In this story she describes the first day of school for a young girl named Faizah. This day is special because it is also her older sister’s first day of hijab. She sees her sister as beautiful, but she quickly begins to realize that not everyone around her feels the same way. People begin to make fun of what they find to be confusing and different.
Faizah learns to be strong and proud of her family and what they stand for. Her sister’s hijab is The Proudest Blue. This story will likely bring up some great questions and the opportunity to share the importance of loving others for who they are.
Grumpy Monkey
by Suzanne Lang
Grumpy Monkey has an important lesson for kids to learn: it’s okay to experience negative feelings! I enjoyed reading this book because it reminded me of the many times that I try to cover up my frustration and put on a happy face for those around me.
Jim, the chimpanzee, struggles with the same idea. His friends want him to get over the grump because it’s a beautiful day. However, that is not always the best way to deal with our feelings. By the end, he realizes he shouldn’t let his emotions affect others, but it is okay to express himself.
This is another great read for this time when we are experiencing so many emotions. Even as an adult, I need to hear this message again!
Nancy Clancy
by Jane O’Connor
Summer is an excellent time to start reading through a series. Nancy Clancy is a great option because many younger kids might already be familiar with and love Fancy Nancy. She has grown up, but she still has a strong affinity towards excellent vocabulary.
Super Sleuth is the first in the series. Nancy and her best friend are working together to solve a crime in their classroom. Join the team and follow the clues.
Encouraging Summer Reading Without the Stress
Even the best book list doesn’t mean much if it just sits there collecting dust. Here are some simple, low-pressure ways to actually use it:
-
Create a Reading Routine
Set aside 10–20 minutes a day—maybe right after lunch or before bed. -
Visit the Library
Let your kids choose their own books. The sense of ownership can be a game-changer. -
Start a Simple Reading Challenge
Check off books read, earn stickers, or enjoy a small reward. Keep it fun! -
Read Together
Take turns reading pages or cuddle up for a read-aloud. It’s connection and learning all in one. -
Talk About the Stories
Ask what they liked, what surprised them, or what they’d do differently than the main character. -
Tie Reading to Activities
Read Fireflies! and then go outside with a mason jar. Read Stella Díaz and then pick up litter on your next beach walk.
If you would like some more encouragement or ideas for making time to read with your kids, be sure to check out my post 10 Ways to Make Time for Reading with Your Kids.
Need a Hand Picking Books? I’ve Got You.
Every child is different—and every reader is too! If you’d like a personalized list based on your child’s age, reading level, and interests, I’d love to help. Just click the button below to tell me a little about your kiddo, and I’ll send you custom book picks.
You don’t have to scroll through endless reviews or guess what your child will actually enjoy. I’m here to help you save time and feel confident that the books you bring home are books worth reading.
Let’s Make This a Summer to Remember
You don’t need to plan a cross-country road trip or fill every day with outings to make this summer special. A good story can transport your child to new places, spark meaningful conversations, and even sneak in a little learning along the way.
Here’s to popsicles, fireflies, and reading under a shady tree. 💛 Let’s stop the summer slide—and raise readers who love the journey.
