The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Kids Ages 6 – 8
by Naima Jasmine Russell
School is almost out, which means it’s time for the four S’s: swimsuits, sunblock, summer reading challenges, and don’t forget, “I’m sooooooo boooored…what can I doooo? If you’re trying to keep kids entertained (without resorting to endless screen time or inflatable backyard disasters), we’ve got you covered.
Summer reading for rising 1st – 3rd graders is about finding books that keep them engaged, laughing, and coming back for more while reinforcing skills they learned in class, avoiding that summer slide (another “s”)!
This summer, let’s match books to classic seasonal activities — whether your kiddo spends their days at the pool, explores the backyard, or becomes a lemonade stand CEO. From picture books to illustrated chapter books and graphic novels, here are the best summer reads to keep young minds busy and boredom at bay!
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Backyard Exploration
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We Dig Fossils
Buy from:If your new reader needs books with basic vocabulary, familiar words, and short sentences, try the Step into Reading series. There are hundreds of books to choose from that cover a variety of interests. The latest book, We Dig Fossils, follows a little girl named Ava, a budding paleontologist, and her family as they search for fossils.
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City Summer, Country Summer
Buy from:City Mouse, Country Mouse meets Black Boy Joy in this ode to the friendships made during summer vacation. Three boys visiting their grandmothers in the deep South find freedom in playing games and forging kinship in the Mississippi woods. With lyrical text from award-winning author Kiese Laymon and Alexis Franklin’s moving and visually expressive illustrations, this picture book is a beautiful tribute to summer.
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What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest?
Buy from:This book is the newest title in Rachel Ignotofsky’s beautiful nonfiction What’s Inside series. What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest? gives readers a snapshot of our winged friends from the moment they hatch until they take to the sky. Engaging information, concise text, and detailed illustrations answer curious readers’ questions. Take this book along with What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? and What’s Inside a Flower? outside on a warm summer day, and enjoy exploring nature.
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Swimming
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Swimming into Trouble
Buy from:Illustrated novels pair the text and storytelling of a short chapter book with the full-color illustrations of a picture book. This makes them a perfect bridge for 6- to 8-year-olds who enjoy picture books but are ready to read longer stories. In Swimming into Trouble, Julia is the youngest swimmer of the Vipers Swim Team and is anxious to prove herself in the pool. Not even an ear infection will keep her from competing.
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Swim School: A Bluey Storybook
Buy from:Eight-year-olds were around Bingo’s age when Bluey first came on the air, and there’s a good chance your kid adores the television show. Our family has grown up watching the beloved TV series, and we never pass up a chance to read a Bluey book. The “Swim School” episode from season two follows Bluey acting as a swim instructor and mom, dad, and Bingo as students trying to pass their swim test without “dobbing” on each other. Readers will love reading the familiar episode, and parents will love getting kids off screens.
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A Summer Project
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It Began with Lemonade
Buy from:What’s summer without trying to become a young entrepreneur with your own one-of-a-kind lemonade stand? It's too bad all the other kids on the block have the same idea. So, this spunky heroine takes her lemonade stand on the road, searching for thirsty clientele, and ends up in unexpected places. This is a funny and engaging story about turning lemons into lemonade with a slight twist. The rich, colorful illustrations are jam-packed with funny, comic-book-style details.
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Troop Esme
Buy from:Esme! is another illustrated chapter book series for the transitional reading crowd. After meeting Wendall, a boy trying to earn a badge by selling Troop Badger cookies, Esme decides she wants to earn badges, too. She isn’t part of a Badger troop, so she starts her own and invites the kids in her apartment building to join. Her troop’s first task is to help Wendall sell all of his cookies. Esme is a can-do heroine with lots of heart, perfect for fans of Dory Fantasmagory.
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Summer Camp & Camping
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My Teammate is a Hot Head (Disney Camp Lil Vills, Book 2)
Buy from:If your reader knows who Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay are (mine do!), chances are they are a Disney Descendants fan. We know that the Descendants are the children of Disney Villains, but what were those villains like as kids? Did they cause trouble? Of course they did! When young Hades gets to the most magical summer camp, the ropes relay course is no match for his hot temper. This chapter book series features black-and-white illustrations, short chapters, and hilarious summer-themed scenarios, perfect for a road trip to Disney World (or land).
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Would You Rather? Summer Fun Box Set
Buy from:This set of three “Would You Rather?” books is bursting with questions about favorite summer activities like campfires, whitewater rafting, and pool parties. Readers will find thought-provoking scenarios and games to entertain and challenge kids to think creatively and speak persuasively. While this is listed for 8- to 12-year-olds, it’s a great addition to any family’s summertime activities.
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The Best Worst Camp Out Ever
Buy from:Join a father and son duo as they embark on a journey filled with unexpected mishaps and endless laughs. From a crowded camping ground to rainy nights and failed fishing attempts, nothing seems to go according to plan. But don't be fooled by the surface level chaos, as this delightful early comic teaches us that sometimes, the biggest adventures are the ones that don't go as expected.
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Blockbuster Adventures
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Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem
Buy from:Graphic novel lovers will want to read Peggy Pancake’s latest superhero adventure with her sidekick, Luc Croissant, as they battle Dr. Evil Breakfast Sandwich and his sinister Henchtoasts. In the second book of this graphic novel series, Peggy’s everyday life gets in the way of her superhero duties, and she soon finds herself facing an unexpected villain of her own making! This series is a fan favorite in our household, and we are anxiously awaiting the third book, Super Pancake and the Terrible Toast, coming November 2025.
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The Underdogs Catch a Cat Burglar
Buy from:In this hilarious mystery, The Underdog Detective Agency investigates a string of burglaries by a sly cat burglar. To catch the burglar, they do the unthinkable and bring on a brand new detective — a cat! This first title in The Underdogs chapter book series will keep young readers laughing as they try to crack the case. It’s excellent for cat and dog lovers and may inspire little readers to hunt for their own mysteries to solve.
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Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island
Buy from:With its vibrant illustrations, this graphic novel series will entice screen-loving kids away from their devices. The Boggle family has arrived on Animal Island, and Max can’t wait to explore! When he learns about a mysterious creature called the Chaffy, Max takes his notebook and a few clues and sets out to find it.
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Elvis Is Missing #1
Buy from:Short chapters mixed with black and white illustrations make this new early chapter book series fly. When Elvis the dog chases a strange creature through the neighborhood and vanishes into a portal, three kids and their babysitter have no choice but to follow him. They soar through deep space, encounter aliens, dodge asteroids, and defy gravity as they attempt to find their furry best friend (and return home before bedtime!). Add a few pizzas, and you have a new favorite series.
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Magnificently Major: Princess Cinderella’s Horse (Disney’s Horsetail Hollow, Book 5)
Buy from:Fans of horses and Disney princesses will fall in love with Maddie, her little sister, Evie, and their magical adventures on their new farm. When a wish gone wrong brings fairy tale horses to their farm, the sisters step in to save their happily-ever-afters. In this fifth book in the series, they help Major, Cinderella’s horse. This series by the creator of the Disney: The Never Girls series is excellent for readers transitioning from leveled readers to chapter books.
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Max Meow 6: When Pancakes Go Bad (Really Bad!)
Buy from:If your reader loves to “meow-l” with laughter, check out the fan-favorite Max Meow graphic novel series. In this installment, Max Meow and his best friend Mindy (Science Kitty) save Kittyopolis from monster pancakes, wild dreams, and familiar villains. Can Max’s friends help contain the breakfast chaos and stop a newly organized Legion of Nasty from putting Max on permanent pawse?
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Looking for summer reading ideas for younger or older kids? Check out our 2025 lists for Kids Ages 3 – 5, Ages 9 – 12, and Teens.
You might also like:
- Mystery Books for 6- to 8-Year-Olds
- Summer Learning Loss Prevention Tips for 6- to 8-Year-Olds
- The Best Learning Apps to Keep Kids Engaged All Summer
- Books To Keep Kids Entertained During Summer Road Trips
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2025.