ALSC Summer Reading 2025

Summer reading recommendations for children from birth through Grade 8.

2025 ALSC Summer Reading ListsSee the original list
View all years
Selections88
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
Sections4 sections

Birth–Preschool

22 selections

Cover of MAMÁ’S MAGNIFICENT DANCING PLANTITASMAMÁ’S MAGNIFICENT DANCING PLANTITASJesús Trejo, illustrated by Eliza KinkzReaders will enjoy Jesús’s misadventures in his new job as “Chief Plant Officer,” helping to take care of Mamá’s houseplants. His narration is full of humor and wit, like when he helps take care of a plant that “soiled” itself. But will he save the Golden Pothos? Birth—Preschool www.ala.org/alsc The 2025 Summer Reading List was created by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Titles on this list were selected by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee. For more booklists, please visit www.ala.org/alsc/booklists. © 2025 American Library Association ALSC reading lists are created by children’s librarians as a resource to share with patrons. These titles may also be available in ebook, audio book, braille, and large print formats. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore this list to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest. Connect with your local library to find out what’s happening this summer.Birth–PreschoolView book details
Cover of YOU DESERVE EVERYTHINGYOU DESERVE EVERYTHINGSteph Stilwell, illustrated by Steph StilwellHas Stilwell cornered the market on circular board books? Shaped like a bagel, this book is full of punny affirmations and delightful illustrations. Her other books include Dough Much Love, Pie Love You, and A Pizza My Heart . This book gets a round of applause! DIGITAL DIAL-A-STORY https:/ /www.lapl.org/kids/ fun/storytime-anytime The Dial-a-Story’s phone-in feature is available anytime for anyone, no library card required. There are new stories offered in English at (877) 737-8679 and en español al (888) 573-5275 every week. SMALL WONDERS (FOR FAMILIES) https:/ /www.gse.harvard.edu/ apps/early-literacy Adults and kids are encouraged to play together with games, songs, and activity ideas in this digital app from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Available in English and Spanish.Birth–PreschoolView book details

Grades K–2

23 selections

Cover of OVER AND UNDER THE WETLANDOVER AND UNDER THE WETLANDKate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealThe latest addition to the Over and Under nature series by this duo takes place in the Florida Everglades National Park. Readers’ curiosity will be piqued as they explore and learn about the plants and wildlife. READING LIST Grades K–2 www.ala.org/alsc The 2025 Summer Reading List was created by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Titles on this list were selected by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee. For more booklists, please visit www.ala.org/alsc/booklists. © 2025 American Library AssociationGrades K–2Lexile 720LATOS 4.6View book details
Cover of THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCHTHE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCHAdam Rubin, illustrated by LiniersGet ready for a peek into the secret lives of couches! A fancy red fox takes the stage, ready to spill all the juicy details about sofas—until a sharp-dressed opossum bursts in, accusing the fox of stretching the truth. Their bickering takes over the show, with the opossum slapping black tape over the fox’s silly charts. But in the end, they do agree on one thing: couches love to eat coins!Grades K–2Lexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
Cover of WE ARE DEFINITELY HUMANWE ARE DEFINITELY HUMANX. FangA recently landed group of aliens tries to convince their new hosts that they are definitely human. DIGITAL FIETE WORLD https:/ /www.ahoiii.com/fiete-world/ Explore the world and create your own stories in this role-play-inspired app from Ahoiii Entertainment. KHAN ACADEMY KIDS https:/ /learn.khanacademy. org/khan-academy-kids/ Keep learning going through summer, boost literacy skills, and develop social- emotional skills with this free app. ALSC reading lists are created by children’s librarians as a resource to share with patrons. These titles may also be available in ebook, audio book, braille, and large print formats. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore this list to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest. Connect with your local library to find out what’s happening this summer. Grades K—2Grades K–2Lexile AD530LATOS 3.5View book details

Grades 3–5

20 selections

Cover of MAGNOLIA WU UNFOLDS IT ALLMAGNOLIA WU UNFOLDS IT ALLChanel MillerIn this graphic novel, Magnolia and her new friend Iris set out in their New York City neighborhood to find matches for all READING LIST Grades 3–5 www.ala.org/alsc The 2025 Summer Reading List was created by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Titles on this list were selected by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee. For more booklists, please visit www.ala.org/alsc/booklists. © 2025 American Library Association ALSC reading lists are created by children’s librarians as a resource to share with patrons. These titles may also be available in ebook, audio book, braille, and large print formats. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore this list to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest. Connect with your local library to find out what’s happening this summer. of the missing socks at her family’s laundromat. Quirky and sweet!Grades 3–5Lexile 850LATOS 5.4View book details
Cover of YES! NO? MAYBE SO…: AMAZING ANSWERS TO MORE THAN 250 MIND- BLOWING QUESTIONSYES! NO? MAYBE SO…: AMAZING ANSWERS TO MORE THAN 250 MIND- BLOWING QUESTIONSJulie Beer, Paige TowlerThis book answers so many of the questions we all have. Can dogs tell time? Could technology from science fiction come true? Do most mammals get hiccups? This book is full of fun and interesting facts to satisfy readers' curiosity all summer long. DIGITAL MILLION BAZILLION https:/ /www.marketplace.org/ shows/million-bazillion/ Each episode of this Marketplace podcast humorously explores an economics question. Past episodes include “Why do prices end in $0.99?,” “Why are so many toys made in China?,” and “What’s up with those claw machines?” Hosted by Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar. REBEL GIRLS APP https:/ /www.rebelgirls.com/audio Enjoy an ever-expanding library of inspiring audio stories. Grades 3—5Grades 3–5View book details

Grades 6–8

23 selections

Cover of SHARK TEETHSHARK TEETHSherri WinstonIn this portrait of a family in crisis, seventh-grader Sharkita struggles to care for her siblings and hold her family together as they face the possibility of separation by the foster care system. READING LIST Grades 6–8 www.ala.org/alsc The 2025 Summer Reading List was created by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Titles on this list were selected by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee. For more booklists, please visit www.ala.org/alsc/booklists. © 2025 American Library Association ALSC reading lists are created by children’s librarians as a resource to share with patrons. These titles may also be available in ebook, audio book, braille, and large print formats. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore this list to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest. Connect with your local library to find out what’s happening this summer.Grades 6–8Lexile 669LATOS 4.3View book details
Cover of WEIRDOWEIRDOTony Weaver, Jr.When relentless bullying at school leads to a mental crisis for seventh- grader Tony, a move to a new school helps him find his own pack of “nerds” and embrace his own weirdness. DIGITAL 1 SECOND EVERYDAY APP https:/ /1se.co/ By taking one photo or video each day, young adults will create a visual record of their daily life. Journaling is important for a young adult to do each day, and this app provides a new way to capture a moment from their day. At the end of the year, a highlight reel is created. EXPLORE: LIVE WEBCAMS https:/ /explore.org/livecams Explore the world’s largest nature live-cam network, providing live views in real time of bears fishing, wildfires in action, eagle eggs hatching, and so much more. Hours of fun and entertainment along with information about the animals, locations, maps, viewing information, and more. KIDSTHINKDESIGN: A KIDS DESIGN COLLABORATIVE PROJECT https:/ /kidsthinkdesign.org/ This site is dedicated to the inspiration and education of future designers. Activities include access to books on design, a design lab that connects kids with professionals, and a website that showcases kids’ original designs and thinking. Grades 6—8Grades 6–8Lexile 491LATOS 3.3View book details