Growing Reader

The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Kids Ages 6 – 8

by Dena McMurdie

There’s no question that this summer is an unusual one. My kids have been out of school since the middle of March and it’s uncertain whether or not they’ll be heading back to the classroom in the fall — an uncertainty shared by parents and children everywhere. Because of this extended absence from formal classroom learning, it’s more important than ever to keep kids reading over the summer. Reading every day is the best way to prevent the summer slide, or at least reduce it as much as possible.

Whether your kids like fascinating nonfiction or stories that will make them laugh, there are a host of new books to explore. From biographies to fantasy, here are the must-have books for kids this summer.

The President of the Jungle

by André Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo and Pedro Markun

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When the jungle animals get tired of having a king, they decide to elect a president instead. From the announcement of candidates to voting and everything that comes in between, this book introduces children to the democratic process, just in time for election season. Kids will learn election-related vocabulary, what a rally is, and how voting works. A glossary is included in the back.

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I am Leonardo da Vinci

by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

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It takes a special set of skills to become the best at what you do. Kids that love this nonfiction picture book series will be delighted to get their hands on this biography about one of the most interesting artists and inventors in history. They’ll learn all about Leonardo da Vinci’s childhood influences, his life, and his work.

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Thank You, Helpers

by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Michael Emmerson

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There has never been a better time to foster gratitude for our essential workers. From doctors and teachers to grocery stores and delivery workers, it takes many people to keep society running. This upbeat and cheerful picture book is a love letter to the people who work hard to make sure we have the things we need.

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How to Solve a Problem

by Ashima Shiraishi, illustrated by Yao Xiao

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This is the picture book that everyone needs right now. World-class rock climber Ashima Shiraishi shares with readers the lessons she has learned about perseverance and determination. Using rock climbing as a metaphor, she teaches young readers how to analyze and conquer a problem. Even if the only way forward is filled with rough patches and unexpected turns, every obstacle can be overcome.

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Jack at the Zoo

by Mac Barnett, iIllustrated by Greg Pizzoli

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If your child hasn’t discovered this hilarious early reader series yet, this summer is the perfect time to introduce them to it. In this installment, Jack, the Lady, and Rex visit the zoo. After a mixup, Jack finds himself stuck in a cage while a koala heads home with the Lady. Early readers won’t be able to set this book down until they find out how the story ends.

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Purrmaids #7: Kittens in the Kitchen

by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

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If your kids like cooking shows, they’ll love this new addition to the popular Purrmaids chapter book series. After a field trip where they learn about different kinds of food, the kittens try cooking with the new ingredients. But when things don’t go as planned, the kittens will have to think fast in order to save their dishes.

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Dory Fantasmagory: Tiny Tough

by Abby Hanlon

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Kids with big imaginations and a great sense of humor will devour this chapter book series. Get ready to laugh and cheer along with Dory as she goes on a swashbuckling adventure. With lost treasure, pirates, friendship trouble, and the appearance of her arch-nemesis, Dory has her work cut out for her. Make sure to check out the other books in the series for more madcap fun.

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Narwhal on a Sunny Night

by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by AG Ford

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Annie and Jack are back in their latest adventure. The magic tree house sends them to Greenland, where the two kids will meet a famous explorer and save a narwhal. If your child wants to dive deeper into the facts behind the story, pick up the nonfiction companion book, Narwhals and Other Whales.

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Yo-Ho, Yo . . . NO! #8

by Nancy Krulik, illustrated by Ian McGinty

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Send your child on a pirate adventure with Princess Pulverizer. When a pirate captures a gentle mermaid, Princess Pulverizer makes it her mission to save the mythical creature. But doing so will require her to disobey her father and could cost her the knighthood she has been working toward. Kids will love the latest addition to this funny and action-packed series!

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The Hall of Fame Heist

by Mike Lupica

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Mystery lovers will find much to enjoy in the newest addition to this sports-themed series. Zach and Zoe go on a field trip to a baseball museum, but one of the items is missing from its display case. The twins have to follow the clues and find out who took the missing item.

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Fierce Competition! (DC Super Hero Girls)

by Erica David

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Superhero fans won’t want to miss this exciting new chapter book series starring all their favorite superhero girls. Metropolis High is hosting a track-and-field meet, and Diana is excited to show off her athletic skills. But when the competition gets too fierce, Diana and her friends will have to work together to save the day. With themes of competition, sportsmanship, and friendship, this early chapter book is bound to be a favorite.

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Unicorn Academy #8: Ariana and Whisper

by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman

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If your child is obsessed with mythical creatures and magic, you need this series on your radar. In this story, Ariana and her unicorn Whisper love each other, but their bond is shaky. When animals start to disappear from the forest, both girl and unicorn will have to set aside their differences and work together. With eight books in the series (and more on the way), your child will have enough reading material to keep them busy for a good long time.

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Our Friend Hedgehog

by Lauren Castillo

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When Hedgehog’s toy dog disappears during a storm, she sets out to find him. Along the way, she meets new animals and discovers long-lasting friendships. This charming chapter book is the beginning of a cozy new series with the feel of a classic. It’s perfect for fans of Toy Story and Winnie the Pooh.

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Rollo's Many Coats

by Reed Duncan, illustrated by Keith Frawley

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Introduce your kids to the hilarious and mischievous dog named Rollo. This new chapter book series is perfect for kids who love their pets, even when they’re misbehaving. Rollo is a bulldog with a big personality and a talent for finding trouble. Kids will be in stitches as they read about his misadventures.

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The Unbelievable Oliver and the Four Jokers

by Pseudonymous Bosch, illustrated by Shane Pangburn

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Magic tricks, mystery, and humor combine in this delightful chapter book series that will have your kids reaching for their magic wands. When Oliver is accused of robbery at his first gig as a professional magician, he has to follow the clues and clear his name. Toss in some stage fright and a hilarious talking rabbit, and you have a story that kids will find irresistible.

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Jasmine Green Rescues: A Piglet Called Truffle

by Helen Peters, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

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Young animal lovers and aspiring veterinarians will love this farm animal rescue series. When Jasmine visits a farm with her mom, she discovers a piglet that is too small to take care of itself. The farmer can’t help the piglet, but Jasmine decides that she will do whatever it takes to save the animal.

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Magic on the Map #4: Escape From Camp California

by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

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For fans of the Magic Tree House series, this chapter book series whisks readers away on adventures all across the United States. In this book, the magical camper transports twins Molly and Finn to California, where wildfires are running rampant. The siblings have to help the people endangered by the blaze before returning home again.

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More Great Summer Reads for 6- to 8-Year-Olds

Jasper & Ollie

by Alex Willan

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There Are No Bears in This Bakery

by Julia Sarcone-Roach

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A Piglet Named Mercy

by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

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Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!

by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by David Litchfield

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The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney

by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle

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The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare

by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Leuyen Pham

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Jada Jones #3: Sleepover Scientist

by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Nneka Myers and Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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Magic on the Map #1: Let’s Mooove

by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky

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Warren & Dragon: Volcano Deluxe

by Ariel Bernstein, illustrated by Mike Malbrough

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Freya & Zoose

by Emily Butler, illustrated by Jennifer Thermes

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Crafty Science: More that 20 Sensational STEAM Projects to Create from Home

by Jane Bull

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Unlock Your Imagination: More Than 250 Boredom Busters

by DK

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Looking for summer reading ideas for younger or older kids? Check out our 2020 lists for Kids Ages 3 – 5, Ages 9 – 12, and Teens.