There’s something magical about summer reading — the way a good book can turn an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable adventure. In this reflection on the power of summer stories, I wrote about how books shaped my own childhood and why today’s kids still need time to read freely, just for the joy of it.
Now, we’re taking that idea one step further with a carefully curated summer reading list for kids, gathered from people who know and love children’s books best.
We asked local booksellers, librarians, and children’s authors to share their favorite summer reading picks for kids. From fantasy-filled quests to resilient heroes in historical fiction, this summer reading list for kids spans genres, reading levels, and time periods — but they all have one thing in common: a story that sticks with you.
Looking for even more inspiration? Combine this summer reading list for kids with Seattle Public Library’s Book Bingo challenge — it’s a fun, prize-filled way to help your young reader stay excited about books all season long.
“Matilda“ by Roald Dahl | Ages 6-10 | “It’s hard to pick one Roald Dahl, but I think all kids like to imagine they can force themselves to have magical powers. So I could really relate to this book.” — Jason Robertson, Co-Owner, Ophelia’s Books, Fremont
“We Are Water Protectors“ by Carole Lindstrom | Ages 6 – 10 | “This is a great book for second, third, and fourth graders that talks about water rights, indigenous rights, and standing up for your community. Plus, different ages will get different meanings from it.” — Fabiola Sotero, Children’s Librarian, Seattle Public Libraries
“Aquicorn Cove” by K. O’Neill | Ages 7 – 10 | Aquicorn Cove, is “a lightly fantastical story of learning your role as an environmental steward in our surprising and magical world, with artwork that’s as refreshing as dipping your toes in cold water on a hot summer day.” — Ellis Breunig, co-manager and lead buyer, Page 2 Books, Burien
The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin | Ages 7 – 11 | “As a child, I loved (loved, loved!) The Babysitters Club. I spent most of my life chasing the high of being in a solid group of friends.” — Sunshine Bacon, author most recently of “Rabbit Rabbit”
“Crow” by Barbara Wright | Ages 8 – 12 | “Crow is historical fiction for middle readers set at the turn of the 20th century, when a thriving African-American community in Wilmington, North Carolina becomes targeted by cruel and calculating local politicians. The subject matter is difficult, but the first-person narrative is “deeply touching.” — Sara Anderson, author of “A Day at the Market,” among others
“Lion Dancers” by Cai Tse | Ages 8 – 12 | “In this fast-paced graphic novel of friendship and heartache, you can hear and feel the action, sights, and sounds of this dynamic art form with pulse-pounding dance and drums.” — Mei-Mei Wu, Children’s Services Librarian, King County Library System
“Island of the Blue Dolphins“ by Scott O’Dell | Ages 8 – 12 | “I read Island of the Blue Dolphins at least four times. The main character, Karana, became a hero to me. I still draw on her resilience today.” — Sara Anderson, author of “A Day at the Market”, among others
“Dragon Rider“ by Cornelia Funke | Ages 9-12 | “It’s a funny and fantastical adventure story about a dragon named Firedrake and his medley of friends trying to find a new home for Firedrake’s dragon family because humans are going to flood the valley they’ve been hiding in.” As a bonus, “the audiobook is read by Brendan Fraser and my family listened to it many times together on long road trips.” — Ellis Breunig, co-manager and lead buyer at Page 2 Books, Burien
“Hatchet“ by Gary Paulson | Ages 9 – 12 | The protagonist, Brian, “learns to care for himself–physically, emotionally, and mentally. His resilience and transformation are remarkable.” — Jewell Parker Rhodes, author most recently of “Will’s Race for Home”
Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke | Ages 9 – 12 | “The Inkheart Series are the books that made me a reader.” — Fabiola Sotero, Children’s Librarian, Seattle Public Libraries
“The Wildcat Behind Glass“ by Alki Zei | Ages 10-12 | “It’s not a new book (it came out in Greek in 1963), but it was recently translated into English for the first time, and its story of family secrets during a time of political turmoil might feel familiar to today’s readers.” — Haley Stocking and Tom Nissley, owner, Phinney Books, Phinney Ridge
“Nation” by Terry Pratchett | Ages 11 – 13 | Prachett is a wonderful writer. The main character isn’t a king and doesn’t have a birthmark that makes him great. He is resilient, he actually considers things, and he thinks about people.” — John Watkins, owner, Twice Sold Tales, Ballard
“Rabbit Rabbit“ by Dori Hillstead Butler and Sunshine Bacon | Ages 11 – 13 | “It’s about two 12-year-old cousins — one in Seattle and one in rural Minnesota — who are trying to figure out why their families are estranged. In 2020. It’s about loving each other and moving forward despite holding different values.” — Sunshine Bacon, author most recently of “Rabbit Rabbit”
