As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to dive into a new book (or two!) with your kids. Whether you’re planning a summer book club, looking to create a mini unit study, or simply seeking engaging independent reading for your child, these 5 summer reading picks are sure to inspire.
Every book we indulge in offers the opportunity for deeper exploration, so I included suggestions for optional activities that add a hands-on, multisensory twist.
From entrepreneurship to adventure, these stories will not only keep kids engaged, but also encourage them to think critically and creatively while having fun this summer.
Without further adieu, here are my 5 picks:
1. The Lemonade War
Author: Jacqueline Davies
Age/Grade Level: 8-10 years (3rd-5th grade)
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Adventure
Summary:
In The Lemonade War, siblings Evan and Jessie compete to see who can make the most money with their lemonade stands. Along the way, they learn lessons about business, rivalry, and family relationships. It’s a fast-paced, engaging read that provides insight into the entrepreneurial spirit, with plenty of fun and light-hearted moments.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
This is a fantastic book for the summer because it ties into the fun of running a lemonade stand! It’s a great way to turn reading into a real-world project, perfect for kids who love hands-on activities. It also makes a great starting point for discussions on business and economics in a way that feels relevant and fun.
Optional Hands-On Activities:
- Make your own lemonade at home and set up a neighborhood stand to test out what you’ve learned about business and marketing.
- Build a lemonade stand using simple materials or even try creating your own version of the stand from the book.
- Learn basic math by calculating profits and expenses for your lemonade business!
Related Books:
There are sequels to The Lemonade War which continue the adventures of Evan and Jessie:
- The Lemonade Crime
- The Bell Bandit
Final Thoughts:
A perfect book to kick off summer, The Lemonade War not only entertains but also introduces valuable lessons about business, family, and competition. Whether you’re reading it for fun or using it to dive into entrepreneurship, it’s a great summer read.
2. The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Author: Beverly Cleary
Age/Grade Level: 7-9 years (2nd-3rd grade)
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Summary:
In The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Ralph, a mouse who lives in a hotel, gets his paws on a toy motorcycle and embarks on an exciting adventure. This story combines humor, action, and the theme of independence as Ralph learns to handle his newfound freedom. It’s a delightful story for younger readers with a taste for adventure.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
The book is set during the summer, making it perfect for kids reading about vacation and exploration. The playful spirit of Ralph’s adventure resonates with kids who are eager for their own summer adventures, and the story is both exciting and easy to read.
Optional Hands-On Activities:
- Dissect an owl pellet to explore mouse bones and learn more about the natural world. We purchased ours from a local zoo!
- Visit a pet store and observe real mice or other small animals to see how they behave in real life.
- Try a creative writing activity based on the idea of personifying an animal like Ralph. What would your pet or favorite animal do if it had human abilities?
Related Books:
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is part of the Ralph S. Mouse series, with books like Runaway Ralph and Ralph’s Mouse continuing Ralph’s adventures.
Final Thoughts:
A fun and imaginative read for younger kids, The Mouse and the Motorcycle encourages independence, adventure, and a little bit of mischief. It’s the perfect summer story to inspire creativity and exploration.
3. How to Eat Fried Worms
Author: Thomas Rockwell
Age/Grade Level: 8-10 years (3rd-5th grade)
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Humor
Summary:
In How to Eat Fried Worms, Billy accepts a challenge to eat 15 worms in 15 days for a cash prize. What starts as a bet between friends quickly turns into a hilarious test of willpower, as Billy struggles with the gross factor of eating worms while trying to win the bet. Filled with humor and moments of friendship and peer pressure, this story will have kids laughing while also learning about resilience and overcoming challenges.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
This book is perfect for summer because it’s lighthearted and full of funny moments that kids will enjoy. Whether reading on their own or as part of a summer book club, How to Eat Fried Worms is a great conversation starter about peer pressure, friendship, and making decisions. Its engaging plot and humor make it an ideal choice for kids to enjoy during their break.
Optional Hands-On Activities:
- Worm-Themed Science: Make gummy worms to go along with the story! Try experimenting with the texture and taste of different gummy candies, comparing them to real worms.
- Creative Cooking: Challenge kids to come up with their own “worm recipes” using ingredients like spaghetti or licorice.
- Write a Letter: Have kids write a letter to Billy offering advice on how he could have handled the bet differently or asking him about his favorite part of the challenge. This is one component of the lapbook project we recently completed.
Related Books:
If kids enjoy How to Eat Fried Worms, they’ll love the sequels which continue the fun adventures and challenges:
- More How to Eat Fried Worms
- How to Lose All Your Friends
There is also a movie adaption of the same name, but beware the plot is quite a bit different than the book. Rather than just a bet between friends, Billy is portrayed as a kid who is being bullied.
Final Thoughts:
A delightful and funny read for kids who love humor and a bit of gross-out fun, How to Eat Fried Worms is an excellent summer choice. It’s a great way to engage kids with themes of friendship and perseverance while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
4. The Wild Robot
Author: Peter Brown
Age/Grade Level: 8-10 years (3rd-5th grade)
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
Summary:
In The Wild Robot, Roz the robot wakes up alone on a remote, wild island, with no memory of how she got there. As she navigates the island’s wilderness, she learns to adapt to her new surroundings by observing and interacting with the animals. Along the way, Roz learns valuable lessons about nature, survival, and connection. It’s a heartwarming tale of a robot finding her place in the natural world, making it a unique mix of technology and the great outdoors.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
This book is perfect for summer as it takes place on an island, where Roz must learn to live in harmony with the environment. It’s an adventure full of discovery and problem-solving, which can spark children’s imaginations while they learn about nature and survival. The island setting adds an element of mystery and excitement, making it a perfect summer read.
Optional Hands-On Activities:
- Create a Nature Journal: Like Roz, kids can observe their environment and keep a nature journal to document animals, plants, or weather patterns in their own surroundings.
- Build a Shelter: Have kids try to build a simple outdoor shelter using natural materials, mimicking Roz’s resourcefulness on the island.
- Animal Observation: Visit a local park or nature reserve and observe animals in their natural habitat. Kids can sketch or write about the animals they see, just like Roz learns to understand the creatures on her island.
Related Books:
If kids enjoy The Wild Robot, they’ll love The Wild Robot Escapes, the sequel that continues Roz’s journey as she faces new challenges and adventures.
There is also a new movie adaption of the same name that was released in 2024.
Final Thoughts:
The Wild Robot is a beautifully written story of survival, self-discovery, and the relationship between technology and nature. With its engaging island setting and meaningful themes, it’s an excellent choice for summer reading that will inspire kids to think deeply about the world around them.
5. Flora & Ulysses
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Age/Grade Level: 8-10 years (3rd-5th grade)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
Summary:
In Flora & Ulysses, Flora, a comic book enthusiast, and Ulysses, a squirrel with superpowers, embark on an unlikely friendship. After Ulysses is accidentally sucked up by a vacuum cleaner, he gains extraordinary abilities, and Flora becomes determined to help him navigate his new life. The book is full of quirky humor, heartwarming moments, and illustrations that bring the story to life.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
This book is perfect for summer because it not only takes place during the summer, it also blends adventure, humor, and heart. Flora and Ulysses’ journey is an exciting and lighthearted read that will keep kids engaged and entertained. The illustrations also make it feel like a fun, interactive read, great for summer downtime or a book club.
Optional Hands-On Activities:
- Comic Creation: Like Flora, create your own comic book featuring your favorite animals or superheroes.
- Squirrel Science: Learn about squirrels and their behavior, or create a nature journal tracking local wildlife.
- Superpower Writing: Have kids invent their own superhero powers and write a short story about their adventures.
Related Books:
If you love Flora & Ulysses, check out other books by Kate DiCamillo for more heartwarming adventures:
- Because of Winn-Dixie
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
There is also a movie adaption of the same name that was released by Disney in 2021.
Final Thoughts:
Flora & Ulysses is a unique and charming book that will make kids laugh, think, and feel. With its mix of humor, adventure, and meaningful themes about friendship and resilience, it’s a great summer read for young readers.
6. Wishtree
Author: Katherine Applegate
Age/Grade Level: 8-10 years (3rd-5th grade)
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Friendship
Summary:
In Wishtree, the story is told from the perspective of an old oak tree named Red, who watches over the neighborhood and the people in it. Red has been a “wishing tree” for many years, where people tie their wishes to her branches. When a new family moves in, Red becomes involved in helping them find a sense of belonging, while also trying to bring the community together. This beautifully written story tackles themes of kindness, inclusion, and the power of community.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
This book is a perfect summer read because it’s heartwarming and thought-provoking. It teaches the importance of community, kindness, and standing up for what’s right, values that are great to ponder during the slower, reflective summer months. Red’s perspective gives a fresh take on everyday life, making it an engaging read.
Optional Hands-On Activities:
- Create Your Own Wish Tree: Have kids make their own “wishing tree” by writing down positive wishes or goals for their community or themselves and hanging them on a tree branch.
- Kindness Challenge: Set up a kindness challenge where kids perform small acts of kindness throughout the week.
- Nature Journal: Take a walk through a local park or neighborhood and create a nature journal based on the sights, sounds, and feelings inspired by Red’s perspective.
Related Books:
If you like Wishtree, try The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park for more stories of resilience and community.
Final Thoughts:
Wishtree is a beautifully written and thoughtful story that will resonate with young readers. It’s a perfect read for summer, offering valuable lessons on kindness, friendship, and inclusion while telling an engaging and heartfelt tale.
Are you ready to get reading?
These six books are perfect choices for summer reading, each offering something unique and exciting for young readers.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, humor, or heartwarming tales, these books will keep kids engaged while helping them learn important lessons about friendship, resilience, and the world around them. From the island adventures in The Wild Robot to the super-powered antics in Flora & Ulysses, and the community-building themes of Wishtree, these stories are sure to make your summer reading memorable.
Whether reading independently, in a book club, or alongside a fun unit study, these picks are a great way to inspire imagination and reflection all summer long. Happy reading!