12 Kids’ Books for Every Summer Day, Rain or Shine

Summer is for lazy days by the pool. Summer is for catching fireflies in the back yard. Summer is for riding bikes at the park and making a splash at the beach. Summer is a time to unwind, and a time to keep young minds active in the best possible way — through reading. And we’ve got a fun list of kids' books to read this summer, whether at camp, on the plane or to pass the time on a rainy day. From magical fantasy adventures and hilarious hijinks to page-turning graphic novels and heartwarming friendship tales, there are lots of books for 8- to 12-year-olds here. 

You already know that reading is a blast, but did you know that reading over summer vacation helps prevent the dreaded summer slide? Books are not just a passport to entertaining journeys, they help kids build vocabulary, boost confidence and open a world of curiosity. This summer, kids in grades 1-6 earn a FREE book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Read any eight books and record them in your Summer Reading Journal. When you’re done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose your free book! Redeemable 7/1-8/31. 

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It’s Captain Underpants like you’ve never seen him before! This re-imagined edition of the first chapter book is retold in an epic manga style for an exciting spin on the classic story.

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The Baby-Sitter’s Club faces its biggest challenge yet when Dawn heads to California for the summer. With the sun, surf and her dad there, she might never want to leave…but what does that mean for her friends back home?

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The graphic novel adaptation of the hit Warriors series continues with this edition of Midnight and Moonrise, the first two stories in The New Prophecy saga. The cats struggle to find meaning in the prophecy in this dangerous new quest.

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In Cassandra Calin’s follow-up to The New Girl, Lia navigates life with new friendships, big feelings and even a crush. Filled with humor and charm, this coming-of-age graphic novel is a perfect middle school read.

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Leo is back in the game, now on a more advanced team where new challenges await. When an old enemy tries to play dirty, he must do everything he can to help his team win.

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The drama continues in the latest Sweet Valley Twins graphic novel. The school’s mean girl gets a new horse, and horse-lover Elizabeth will do anything to be her friend.

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The beloved Chronicles of Whetherwhy series continues in this exhilarating sequel. After a mysterious visitor arrives, Elio sets off on a new mission to restore the magical balance of Whetherwhy.

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Daisy faces a daunting foe with all of Greenwild at stake. It’s the final showdown, and the clock is ticking.

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The iconic Spy School series continues in graphic novel form with book five. Ben Ripley goes undercover in the White House to prevent an assassination attempt in this high-stakes mission.

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Inspired by an actual wolf pup, A Wolf Called Fire packs the same emotional impact as A Wolf Called Wander, with plenty of thematic resonance to boot.

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This sweet story about an otter named—you guessed it, Odder – is the perfect read for the young animal lover or aspiring marine biologist in your life. Fans of The One and Only Ivan won’t want to miss this next touching tale from Katherine Applegate.

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This Minecraft-inspired graphic novel from gamer Aphmau follows a birthday party where everything unexpectedly turns into a video game, thanks to a little magic.

More Books to Read This Summer