Summer Reading List 2021: Books for Kids Ages 6 – 8

Is there a better time to squeeze in fun reading than during the summer months? I don’t think so!

With extra hours at home or traveling for vacation, reading books is a great way to fill those long (glorious) summer hours. Plus, reading helps prevent the summer slide.

Whether you’re reading together or your child is going solo, here’s a list of terrific new books that hit on all kinds of interests.

Puzzlooies! Space Cats to the Rescue

by Russell Ginns and Jonathan Maier, illustrated by Kristen Terrana-Hollis

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In this installment of Puzzlooies, the Earth is in for a fright as a giant asteroid heads straight for it. The only thing that can save the precious planet is a team of four cats. However, to get through the story, you have to solve various puzzles along the way. This interactive series is silly, unique, and full of challenges to get that brain going!

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Kingdom Caper #1

by Brett Bean

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The zoo is typically a very peaceful place, but both the lion and king cobra have disappeared! The Zoo Patrol Squad comes together for their very first adventure in this new graphic novel series for younger readers. It’s sure to grasp the attention of your child with its fun-filled story and bright illustrations.

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J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

by J. Dillard, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

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J.D. can’t believe his bad luck. The night before the first day of third grade, he lets his mom cut his hair. The results are awful. J.D. knows it, and so does everyone at school. Because it can’t get much worse, J.D. decides to tackle the regrettable haircut himself. He discovers that he has a knack for cutting hair and starts a bedroom barbershop. Will the local barbershop let J.D. get away with stealing some of their clientele?

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Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell

by Melanie Watt

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Scaredy Squirrel is hitting the graphic novel scene! Things haven’t changed much, though. He still likes the security of his home in the tree, and all the unknowns outside of it frighten him. But he can’t stay at home forever. Will he be brave enough to talk to the bunny that approaches him?

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The Ramble Shamble Children

by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Lauren Castillo

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Two-time Newbery Honor author, Christina Soontornvat, is back with a fantastic new picture book. Five siblings love their disorderly house just the way it is until they see an “acceptable” home in a book, and it leaves them second-guessing their current set-up. Will making their home look like the house in the book work out for the best?

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Cookie and Broccoli: Ready for School!

by Bob McMahon

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Cookie and Broccoli are nervous about starting first grade at a new school. Together, they figure out the ropes on the first day and create a club for shy friends. This early reader graphic novel is perfect for kids that enjoy reading Narwhal and Jelly!

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Good Dogs on a Bad Day

by Rachel Wenitsky and David Sidorov, illustrated by Tor Freeman

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When three dogs with very different personalities meet at doggy daycare, the outcome becomes unpredictable. Without their owners, the dogs get into trouble — and it snowballs throughout the day. This hilarious new series is sure to win over any reader!

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Planet Omar: Incredible Rescue Mission

by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik

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Omar is back again with the third book in this highly illustrated series! He continues to be the king of missions and once again faces a challenge when his teacher decides not to return to school the following year, but no one will tell him why. The investigation begins. Clues and tidbits of information lead Omar and his friends to believe the reason is aliens! Can they solve the mystery? Can it really be aliens?

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Mermicorns #1: Sparkle Magic

by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

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There’s so much to love about the new book series, Mermicorns! Part mermaid, part unicorn, Sirena is excited to use her magical unicorn horn at school. She soon learns that she isn’t the best at magic, and her frustration makes it even harder. This story is full of friendship and problem-solving. Don’t miss the second installment of this series, Mermicorns #2: A Friendship Problem, a book about including everyone!

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The Magnificent Makers #3: Riding Sound Waves

by Theanne Griffith, illustrated by Reggie Brown

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Calling all science and adventure lovers! Pablo and Violet are excited about their field trip to the science museum and can’t wait to check out the Maze to learn about touch, hearing, and vision. Things become challenging when they get teamed up with Henry, a boy with a sensory processing disorder. The Magnificent Makers series is full of excellent themes like friendship, learning new things, and accepting others.

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Babymouse: Beach Babe

by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

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Babymouse is on another adventure, but this time it's at the beach. Her plans for this vacation include all beachy things — sand, sun, seashells, and surfing! Unfortunately, Babymouse forgot the ocean also has sharks. Will she make it back home in one piece or end up being a shark’s lunch? Find out in this silly, clever third book of the Babymouse series!

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Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel

by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Kelly Matthews and Nichole Matthews

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One of the most read chapter books is now available in graphic novel form! Siblings Jack and Annie find a mysterious tree house that sends them on a dino-filled adventure. Can they figure out how to get back home, or will they have to sleep with the dinosaurs? Check out this new version of Magic Tree House, with the same remarkable story in a brand new format!

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She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor

by Meg Medina and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint

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The picture book series, She Persisted inspired this new early chapter book series highlighting women who persevere and defy the odds. Sonia Sotomayor didn’t have an easy childhood, but that didn’t stop her from becoming the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. This chapter book is informative, engaging, and inspirational.

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Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed

by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang

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The ever-popular Jim Panzee takes his weekly Wednesday morning walk with his stress orange in hand. Nothing is more relaxing than being by himself on these mornings. But he runs into a problem when every jungle animal wants to join him. To lessen his anxiety, Jim squeezes his stress orange and turns it into a squishy mess. Read through this hilarious graphic novel to see if Jim and his “helpers” can find him another stress orange.

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Kitty Quest

by Phil Corbett

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The story starts with two kittens who need some serious cash. They decide to be expert monster slayers, even though they don’t know the first thing about beasts, fighting, or how to be heroes. This charming, funny graphic novel will keep you on your toes.

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The Tree in Me

by Corinna Luyken

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Corinna Luyken, the bestselling author of My Heart and The Book of Mistakes, hits another home run with this beautiful new picture book. The stunning pictures go hand in hand with the message of inner strength and how it ties to the Earth.

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Ballet Bunnies: The New Class

by Swapna Reddy, illustrated by Binny Talib

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Millie is the new girl at Miss Luisa’s School of Dance. She loves the class but doesn’t know all of the choreography like her classmates do. Soon, she discovers the secret ballet bunnies that no one else knows about. The small fluffy dancers help Millie pick up the steps as they become fast friends.

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Journey to the Moon #1

by Cathy Hapka and Ellen Vandenberg, illustrated by Gillian Reid

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Val is an expert on outer space. When one of her missions goes wrong, she must work with her neighbor, Wallace, to figure out how they will get home. Check out the entire Astronaut Girl series for more exciting early chapter books featuring the young scientist.

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