3 2 1 TO THE MOON! A COUNTING BOOKStacy McAnulty, illustrated by Joey ChouFrom its rotating cover showing the moon’s phases to a final countdown, this quirky little sibling to the Our Universe picture books (also by McAnulty) is a fun introduction to everything lunar. Chou’s pastel rendition of an anthropomorphic moon with twinkling eyes and blushing craters will draw in young space travelers ready to blast off!Birth–PreschoolView book detailsALSC Summer Reading 2026
The 2026 edition contains 93 selections published by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALA). The source organizes the selections into Birth through Preschool, Grades K through 2, Grades 3 through 5, and Grades 6 through 8. It is one annual edition of ALSC's summer recommendations for young readers.
2026 Summer Reading ListsSee the original list
Selections93
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
Sections4 sections
Browse sections4 sections
Birth–Preschool
25 selections
3 2 1 TO THE MOON! A COUNTING BOOKStacy McAnulty, illustrated by Joey ChouFrom its rotating cover showing the moon’s phases to a final countdown, this quirky little sibling to the Our Universe picture books (also by McAnulty) is a fun introduction to everything lunar. Chou’s pastel rendition of an anthropomorphic moon with twinkling eyes and blushing craters will draw in young space travelers ready to blast off!Birth–PreschoolView book details
THE BEDTIME BOOKTodd Parr, illustrated by Todd ParrIn true Todd Parr–style, this bright and humorous board book shows various animals getting ready for bed and the various reasons they can’t get to sleep!Birth–PreschoolView book details
BIG FAMILY BEACH DAYNina Crews, illustrated by Nina CrewsThis short and simple picture book depicts a large, extended family spending a fun, love-filled day at the beach.Birth–PreschoolView book details
BLUESuzanne Kaufman, illustrated by Suzanne KaufmanA child and a great blue heron spend a day together by the water, splashing, chasing, and soaring the day away. You get to decide if it really happened or was all in the child’s imagination.Birth–PreschoolView book details
BROKENX. Fang, illustrated by X. FangMei Mei accidentally broke Ama’s favorite cup! When Mei Mei decides to blame the innocent cat, her emotions become too much.Birth–PreschoolLexile Text Measure AD460LATOS Book Level 2.0View book details
EVERY MONDAY MABELJashar Awan, illustrated by Jashar AwanMabel gets up early every Monday, the best day of the week, to sit outside and wait for the garbage truck as it goes from house to house collecting the week’s trash.Birth–PreschoolATOS Book Level 1.9AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
FLUSH! FLUSH! FLUSH!Douglas Florian, illustrated by Christiane EngelThis rhyming board book on potty training shows children with can-do attitudes.Birth–PreschoolView book details
HOMEMatt de la Peña, illustrated by Loren LongWhere is home? Is it a place? Is it people? De la Peña’s lyrical prose and Long’s beautiful illustrations show that home is where you are.Birth–PreschoolLexile Text Measure AD910LFountas & Pinnell Text Level OView book details
HOW WE LOVELittle Feminist, Kati Douglas, Ashley JeffersonBright photographs of families fill the pages of this engaging board book. Love is a big concept, handled here in inviting, short sentences with corresponding photos that joyfully reflect a variety of people and family types.Birth–PreschoolView book details
LET’S BE BEESShawn Harris, illustrated by Shawn HarrisA child and parent play a joy-filled game of pretend, imagining all of the things they could be in the animal and natural world.Birth–PreschoolView book details
MAISY’S ROCKETLucy Cousins, illustrated by Lucy CousinsA bright rocket-shaped board book featuring a favorite character’s trip to space.Birth–PreschoolView book details
MENUDO SUNDAY: A SPANGLISH COUNTING BOOKMaría Dolores Águila, illustrated by Erika MezaA big family with lots of kids and dogs gathers; what could go wrong? Practice counting in Spanish as they prepare their meal and then again as they clean up the spill. Includes a Spanish glossary in the back.Birth–PreschoolLexile Text Measure 540LFountas & Pinnell Text Level MView book details
NITA’S FOOD SIGNSKathy MacMillan, illustrated by Ekaterina LadatkoA sturdy board book with sliding flaps features a family using American Sign Language to discuss common toddler foods.Birth–PreschoolView book details
THE PIGEON WON’T COUNT TO TEN!Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo WillemsEveryone’s favorite sassy pigeon unwittingly counts from one to eleven.Birth–PreschoolView book details
TEN LITTLE DINOSAUR EGGSRoger Priddy, illustrated by Samantha MeredithRaised touch-and-feel eggs, vibrant colors, rhymes, matching fun, and dinosaurs! What else do you need in a board book for summer fun?Birth–PreschoolView book details
TIGER, DON’T WORRY!Daishu Ma, illustrated by Daishu MaTiger and Mei want to help their family prepare tea, but their enthusiasm leads to less-than-ideal results.Birth–PreschoolView book details
TO ACTIVATE SPACE PORTAL, LIFT HEREAntoinette Portis, illustrated by Antoinette PortisThis clever interactive book about aliens is sure to make you laugh. Read and find out who the aliens are when the space portal is open.Birth–PreschoolView book details
TODDLER TALK: ALL GONE!Nosy Crow Ltd, illustrated by Carolina BúzioThis board book—designed with first phrases related to mealtimes—supports toddlers’ language development.Birth–PreschoolView book details
YOU DESERVE EVERYTHINGSteph Stilwell, illustrated by Steph StilwellShaped like a bagel, this circular board book is full of punny affirmations and delightful illustrations. Stillwell's other books include Dough Much Love, Pie Love You, and A Pizza My Heart. This book gets a round of applause!Birth–PreschoolView book details
YOUR FORESTJon Klassen, illustrated by Jon KlassenThis title joins Your Farm and Your Island as part of a sweet, comforting series of board books. With smooth, slow pacing, Klassen creates a world built just for you, for whenever you want to go there. Whimsical illustrations of common objects, all with eyes, allow a layer of humor to shine.Birth–PreschoolView book details
YOU’RE MY LITTLE STAREric Carle, illustrated by Eric CarleThis beloved author’s eye-catching touch-and-feel board book features lift-the-flaps, soft animals, and a mirror.Birth–PreschoolView book details
ZIP ZAP WICKETY WACK: A STORY ABOUT SHARINGMatthew Diffee, illustrated by Matthew DiffeeSheep and Goat each want to be the only animal that says Baaaa. Can they work out their disagreement with the help of the other animals on the farm?Birth–PreschoolATOS Book Level 2.1AR Interest Level LG K-3View book detailsOther resourceKIDLITTVkidlit.tvThis website offers videos, a podcast, and craft ideas to inspire a love of reading.Birth–Preschool
Other resourcePBS KIDSpbskids.orgThis website hosts videos and games related to PBS Kids television programming for children ages two to eight.Birth–Preschool
Other resourceSMALL WONDERS (FOR FAMILIES)gse.harvard.edu/apps/early-literacyFamilies 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–Preschool
Grades K–2
23 selections
ANOTHER WORD FOR NEIGHBORAngela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thai My PhuongA reclusive elderly widower is persistently befriended by his new neighbors, two lively siblings.Grades K–2View book details
BIG BIKE, LITTLE BIKEKellie DuBay Gillis, illustrated by Jacob SouvaWith whimsical and charming illustrations, this story about the journey of a bike that is reused and repurposed will delight readers.Grades K–2View book details
A BOOK OF MAPS FOR YOULourdes Heuer, illustrated by Maxwell Eaton IIIThis is a story full of kindness, community, and maps with details that draw the reader in and, perhaps, inspire a summer activity of drawing one’s own maps. Keep an eye out for a surprise at the end.Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 3.5AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
CRANKY, CRABBY CROW (SAVES THE WORLD)Corey R. Tabor, illustrated by Corey R. TaborCrow seems cranky and wants everyone to leave him alone. Is there more to Crow than just being cranky?Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 1.8AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
DON’T TRUST FISHNeil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan SantatSure, fish seem nice and quiet— but did you know that they are planning to take over the world?Grades K–2Lexile Text Measure AD470LFountas & Pinnell Text Level OView book details
FIREWORKSMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia ChienColorful and playful, this story is perfect for summer! Readers follow a fun-filled summer day through the eyes of two children as they play, eat juicy watermelon slices, and marvel at the fireworks. A special gatefold reveals the full kaboom of the spectacular final display.Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 3.5AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
HENRY’S PICTURE-PERFECT DAYJenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika SongHenry, a young boy on the autism spectrum, wonders how his class could possibly have a picture-perfect day. After all, his tooth is loose, he hasn’t practiced smiling, and his shirt has stripes.Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 2.7AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
THE HISTORY OF WENikkolas Smith, illustrated by Nikkolas SmithThis picture book explores humanity’s African origins, imagining the ingenuity and achievements of our earliest ancestors and celebrating the shared history that connects every person on Earth.Grades K–2Lexile Text Measure 680LFountas & Pinnell Text Level RView book details
HURRICANEJason Chin, illustrated by Jason ChinA hurricane is on its way to Hatteras Island, North Carolina. Meteorologists, weather pilots, and the community work together to keep everyone safe from the devastating storm. Even the island’s stray cat gets involved in the preparations.Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 5.8AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
MAMA CARLucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen GeorgeA child shares her favorite things about her mom’s wheelchair in this authentic slice-of-life story written by a disabled disability advocate.Grades K–2View book details
MIDNIGHT MOTORBIKEMaureen Shay Tajsar, illustrated by Ishita JainA mother and daughter escape the overwhelming jungle heat with a special nighttime ride.Grades K–2View book details
NANI AND THE LIONAlicia D. Williams, illustrated by Anna CunhaIn a quiet village, brave Nani plays her drum for an ornery lion who dances to exhaustion.Grades K–2View book details
ORRIS AND TIMBLE: STAR STORIESKate DiCamillo, illustrated by Carmen MokIn this early chapter-book series, which began with Orris and Timble: The Beginning (2024) and Orris and Timble: Lost and Found (2025), Orris the rat and Timble the owl are friends. Their friendship began when Timble was a young, lost owl, but can that friendship continue as Timble grows up? Can they stay friends even though they are so very different?Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 2.8AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
OVER AND UNDER THE CORAL REEFKate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealIn the latest installment in Messner’s Over and Under series, readers dive in to explore the vibrant coral reef. Includes an author’s note, informative back matter about the animals featured, and resources and websites for further reading. Great for STEM connections.Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 4.2AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
RUMPELSTILTSKINMac Barnett, illustrated by Carson EllisA witty retelling of the fairy tale classic about a girl tasked with spinning straw into gold and the trickster with whom she strikes a deal.Grades K–2ATOS Book Level 2.4AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
SAFE CROSSINGKari Percival, illustrated by Kari PercivalEvery spring, amphibians take a perilous journey to vernal pools to mate and lay eggs. Children learn that our slow-moving friends can use a little help from the superhero Amphibian Migration Team!Grades K–2Lexile Text Measure 620LView book details
THREAD BY THREADAlice Brière-Haquet, illustrated by Michela Eccli, Sarah ArdizzoneOh no! The mouse family’s house is unraveling! After being chased over the water and into the unknown, how will they ever knit a new home? This book explores forced migration and displacement in a way children can understand.Grades K–2View book details
TO SEE AN OWLMatthew Cordell, illustrated by Matthew CordellJanie really, really, really wants to see an owl. But spotting owls is very hard to do. Most come out at night and are well hidden during the day. However, with patience, persistence, and even more patience, she just might see an owl.Grades K–2Lexile Text Measure 510LFountas & Pinnell Text Level NView book details
WELCOME TO OUR PLAYGROUND: A CELEBRATION OF GAMES CHILDREN PLAY EVERYWHEREMoira Butterfield, illustrated by Harriet LynasDiscover new activities and games for the summer! This fascinating book presents a wide range of games, toys, and playtimes from around the world, organized by type—such as "Catch and Kick" and "Draw on the Ground."Grades K–2View book details
WORDS WITH WINGS AND MAGIC THINGSMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Doug SalatiWith imaginative poems that play with words and meaning and enchanting illustrations by Caldecott medalist Salati, this spellbinding book will delight readers and listeners of all ages. DIGITALGrades K–2Lexile Text Measure NPView book detailsOther resourceHIGHLIGHTS KIDShighlightskids.comAll the fun of Highlights magazine—on a colorful, interactive website.Grades K–2
Other resourcePBS KIDSpbskids.orgThis website hosts videos and games related to PBS Kids television programming for children ages two to eight.Grades K–2
Other resourceREADING RAINBOWreadingrainbow.org/watchEnjoy original and new episodes of Reading Rainbow, featuring librarian Mychal Threets, on this website.Grades K–2
Grades 3–5
23 selections
3 WEEKS IN THE RAINFOREST: A RAPID INVENTORY IN THE AMAZONJennifer SwansonSelected as an NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children, this photographic nonfiction book journeys to the Amazon alongside the rapid inventory team from the Field Museum in Chicago. Includes author’s notes, index, and photo credits, with a free activity kit also available on the publisher’s website.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 920LView book details
AKEEM KEEPS BEES! A CLOSE-UP LOOK AT THE HONEY MAKERS AND POLLINATORS OF SANKOFA FARMSKamal Eugene William Bell, Akeem Bell, illustrated by Darnell JohnsonThis graphic-novel-style nonfiction book is conversational yet educational, with speech bubbles, traditional text, illustrations, color photos, a glossary, and an index. Kids will be inspired to take a closer look at bees this summer!Grades 3–5View book details
BAD BADGER: A LOVE STORYMaryrose Wood, illustrated by Giulia GhiginiSeptimus the badger isn’t sure he’s a badger. Is that why he can’t find his friend, Gully? Determined to find where his only friend went, Septimus goes on a journey where he may also find himself.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 660LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
THE BLACK MAMBAS: THE WORLD’S FIRST ALL-WOMAN ANTI-POACHING UNITKelly CrullThis fantastically multilayered nonfiction book is about the formidable group of women in Africa who protect critically endangered rhinos and pangolins. Forty-two pages of kick-butt vibes may inspire kids to do something for their community during their summer vacation.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 720LATOS Book Level 4.6View book details
BUSTEDDan GemeinhartOscar’s normal summer day is turned upside down when he ends up on a wild road trip with a senior ex-mobster.Grades 3–5ATOS Book Level 3.7AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
CASEY’S CASES: THE MYSTERIOUS NEW GIRLKay HealyUpbeat but clueless Casey must solve the mystery of who the new girl is at her school.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 329LATOS Book Level 2.4View book details
CHICKENPOXRemy LaiIn 1994 Indonesia, twelve-year-old Abby is forced to quarantine at home with her wild siblings when the whole family comes down with chickenpox.Grades 3–5ATOS Book Level 3.0AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
DREAM ONShannon Hale, illustrated by Marcela CespedesCassie is tired of her life. She feels constantly overlooked by her family, and her best friend has found another. A sweepstakes surprise in the mail promises that she’s the winner! Will this give her what she needs to stand out?Grades 3–5Word Count 11,998View book details
THE EXPERIMENTRebecca SteadNathan believes he is an alien who is part of an experiment on Earth, along with the rest of his family. When strange events start happening, like growing a tail, Nathan is thrust into an adventure that will make him question everything he thought he knew about his life.Grades 3–5ATOS Book Level 4.2AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
THE FIVE WOLVESPeter McCartyFive wolves wander the world looking for new vistas to draw and paint. Follow their adventures and investigate the incredibly detailed illustrations they leave behind.Grades 3–5View book details
GABBY TORRES GETS A BILLION FOLLOWERSAngela DominguezWhen fourth-grader Gabby wants to start a social media profile for her club, her parents try to warn her about the difficulties of life online. When a mean comment is left on a post, Gabby spirals out of control trying to find out who “anonymous” could be.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 490LATOS Book Level 3.5View book details
A HERO’S GUIDE TO SUMMER VACATIONPablo CartayaGonzalo, who recently lost his father, feels shunted away with a grandfather he hardly knows. It doesn’t help that his grandfather is a world-famous fantasy author who seems to connect with everyone but his own grandson. Will it take a cross-country road trip on the way to promote his grandfather’s final book to help them find out who each other is?Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 781LATOS Book Level 5View book details
I’M A DUMBO OCTOPUS! A GRAPHIC GUIDE TO CEPHALOPODSAnne LambeletDon’t let your brain turn to mush this summer! Can you guess how many brains an octopus has? Nine! Learn more about octopuses in this conversational graphic novel with light humor and lots of facts.Grades 3–5ATOS Book Level 3.9AR Points 0.5View book details
JOURNEY OF THE HUMPBACKSJuliana Muñoz Toro, illustrated by DipachoDid you know that humpback whales are the most acrobatic of all whales? Readers will learn fascinating facts about the humpback in this beautifully illustrated nonfiction book. Includes infographics, back matter, and a special note from the creators.Grades 3–5View book details
JUST IN CASE: SAVING SEEDS IN THE SVALBARD GLOBAL SEED VAULTMegan Clendenan, illustrated by Brittany CiccheseKeep cool this summer by learning about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, where more than 580 million seeds are kept safe deep underground. With a new conservation perspective—it is not just animals that need our help—this seed vault makes sure unused seeds from all over the world do not become extinct.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 850LATOS Book Level 4.8View book details
OASISGuojingIn this powerful graphic novel for middle-grade readers, two siblings befriend an intelligent robot in a dystopian desert world.Grades 3–5ATOS Book Level 2.0AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
OCTOPUS MOONBobbie PyronFifth-grader Pearl loves watching the sea life at the local aquarium. If only life was as calm and easy as swimming around and around. Pearl feels that life is changing too much, making it too hard to do things she used to enjoy. This novel in verse explores depression in children and the healing that is possible.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure HL610LATOS Book Level 4.1View book details
A SEA OF LEMON TREES: THE CORRIDO OF ROBERTO ALVAREZMaría Dolores ÁguilaYoung Roberto loves school, even though he knows he’s sometimes treated differently because he is the son of Mexican immigrants. When the school board decides to send the Mexican children to a separate school and provide them with fewer resources, Roberto and his family stand up for what’s right. This novel is based on the true story of the first successful desegregation suit, Roberto Alvarez v. the Board of Trustees of the Lemon Grove School District.Grades 3–5Lexile Text Measure 800LATOS Book Level 5.1View book details
SECRETS OF THE SNAKESTONEPiu DasGuptaZélie is stuck as a maid for an odious woman in 1890’s Paris, torn away from her beloved Baba, who was left behind in India. Trouble is afoot when she discovers that an exotic locket belonging to her father has been found in the Paris sewers. Can she save her father and, thus, the world?Grades 3–5View book details
XOLODonna Barba Higuera, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz JohnsonIn this creation tale from Aztec mythology, Xolo, a dog-headed god of lightning, death, and misfortune is an unlikely hero. Illustrations in the style of the Codex Borgia, an ancient Mexican manuscript, are rich in color and capture the reader’s curiosity. DIGITALGrades 3–5ATOS Book Level 3.9AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book detailsOther resourceGREEKING OUTnationalgeographic.com/podcasts/greeking-outNational Geographic’s podcast Greeking Out introduces children to stories of ancient Greece.Grades 3–5
Other resourceNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDSkids.nationalgeographic.comFun trivia, puzzles, quizzes, and video games for STEM-loving kids on this interactive website.Grades 3–5
Other resourceWOW IN THE WORLDtinkercast.com/wow-in-the-worldThis weekly Tinkercast podcast gets kids excited about science and technology.Grades 3–5
Grades 6–8
22 selections
ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKYRenée WatsonAfter losing her best friend on her thirteenth birthday, Sage navigates grief and guilt in this moving novel in verse.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure NPATOS Book Level 5.0View book details
THE ATLAS OBSCURA EXPLORER’S GUIDE TO INVENTING THE WORLDDylan Thuras, Jennifer Swanson, illustrated by Ruby FressonJourney through time in this enjoyable look at inventions from around the world. The book is organized into categories, from fire, ancient renewables, binary numbers, and so many more, all the way to AI. For example, readers discover that the earliest found lens is 2,700 years old, and from there, learn about lenses in telescopes and microscopes. Longitude and latitude are included for each invention, which can be put into an online map to see where it occurred.Grades 6–8View book details
BLOOD IN THE WATERTiffany D. JacksonWhen a popular local teen is found dead during her summer on Martha’s Vineyard, twelve-year-old Kaylani turns amateur sleuth to uncover the truth in this gripping mystery.Grades 6–8ATOS Book Level 4.3View book details
A DANGEROUS IDEA: THE SCOPES TRIAL, THE ORIGINAL FIGHT OVER SCIENCE IN SCHOOLSDebbie LevyIn 1925, Tennessee lawmakers banned the teaching of evolution in their classrooms. John Scopes mentioned the theory in passing during science class, thus starting a nationwide conversation about what should or shouldn’t be taught to our nation’s youth during the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. Author Levy shows why that conversation happened and why it is still occurring today, one hundred years later.Grades 6–8View book details
THE FORGOTTEN SUMMER OF SENECACamryn GarrettFantasy and history converge in this captivating coming-of-age story. Twelve-year-old budding photographer Rowan isn’t looking forward to summer with her aunt in New York City, but then she steps through a portal that takes her into the city’s past, launching an adventure full of friendships and discoveries she’ll never forget.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 710LView book details
HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN CUBANDaniel Miyares, illustrated by Daniel MiyaresThis powerful graphic memoir recounts the experiences of Carlos, the author’s father, who escaped from Cuba at age twelve during the Cuban Revolution.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 370LFountas & Pinnell Text Level XView book details
THE MOON WITHOUT STARSChanel Miller, illustrated by Chanel MillerMiddle-schooler Luna’s skills in bibliotherapy and the unexpected success of her zine shift her social status in this philosophical look at friendship dynamics.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 800LFountas & Pinnell Text Level ZView book details
THE NEW GIRLCassandra Calin, illustrated by Cassandra CalinHow does it feel to start all over in a new country? Lia leaves behind Romania and has to figure everything out in a new country, new home, new language, and even a seemingly new body as she struggles with getting her period for the first time.Grades 6–8ATOS Book Level 2.6AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
RIALTOKate MilfordTwo sisters struggling with their sibling dynamic spend summer vacation in a magic-tinged town where lore around an abandoned amusement park enthralls them.Grades 6–8View book details
SCARLET MORNINGND Stevenson, illustrated by ND StevensonViola’s and Wilmur’s lives are turned upside down when Captain Chase arrives at their door. They are in for the trip of a lifetime as they set sail in this funny and fast-paced fantasy pirate adventure.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 931LATOS Book Level 6.1View book details
A SONG FOR YOU AND IK. O'Neill, illustrated by K. O'NeillRowan wants nothing more than to be a ranger protecting their village. But when their reckless actions lead to disaster, a surprising relationship will help Rowan appreciate a different speed of living.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 890LView book details
SPEAK UP, SANTIAGO!Julio Anta, illustrated by Gabi MendezSantiago leaves New York City for a summer with his abuela to improve his Spanish skills. He looks forward to playing soccer with new friends, but Santi’s lack of fluency makes him feel left out among the Latine community of Hillside Valley, thinking he may be a "fake" Colombian. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Santi’s reactions jeopardize his relationships with friends and family.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure GN390LFountas & Pinnell Text Level WView book details
THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND: A WORLD WAR II STORYDaniel NayeriOrphaned siblings navigate the perilous landscape of neutral Iran as Axis and Allied forces converge there in 1941 in this poetic and gentle World War II story.Grades 6–8ATOS Book Level 4.3AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROESKate MessnerAfter damaging a tombstone, Finn must hike the forty-six Adirondack peaks, where he learns about himself and deals with the trauma of his father’s death.Grades 6–8ATOS Book Level 5.1AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FORESTAubrey HartmanClare ushers animal souls to their afterlives, but the arrival of stubborn badger Gingersnipes sends Clare off on a treacherous mission to find answers to questions Clare fears asking; a tender and quirky masterpiece.Grades 6–8ATOS Book Level 5.3AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
THE VANISHING OF LAKE PEIGNEUR: A GRAPHIC NOVEL BASED ON A TRUE STORYAllan Wolf, illustrated by Jose PimientaFor fans of the I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis, this tells the little-known true story of a mining disaster that caused a whole lake in Louisiana to disappear. Great for fans of both historical and environmental reads. Pair it with Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom, also by Wolf.Grades 6–8ATOS Book Level 5.1AR Interest Level MG+ 6 and upView book details
WHALE EYES: A MEMOIR ABOUT SEEING AND BEING SEENJames Robinson, illustrated by Brian ReaJames Robinson has a visible disability, exotropia, which means his eyes are not aligned. Through unconventional formatting and multimedia, readers are able to view the world as James does and to explore the power of human connection.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 880LFountas & Pinnell Text Level YView book details
WINNIE NASH IS NOT YOUR SUNSHINENicole MellebyThere’s a lot on Winnie’s plate this summer, from her dad’s new job to her mom’s post-miscarriage pregnancy. To top it all off, Winnie’s parents ask her to go back into the closet while she’s staying with her grandma in New Jersey. Winnie spends the summer figuring out how to be herself while doing her best to live up to expectations that don’t quite fit. Winnie’s challenges and hopes are handled with honesty and humor in this heartfelt tween novel about pride, community, friendship, and family.Grades 6–8ATOS Book Level 5.2AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
A WORLD WITHOUT SUMMER: A VOLCANO ERUPTS, A CREATURE AWAKENS, AND THE SUN GOES OUTNicholas Day, illustrated by Yas ImamuraThis engaging nonfiction book tells the story of Mount Tambora’s 1815 eruption and the “Year Without a Summer,” connecting the dots by exploring the global impact of this event on weather, society, art, and literature.Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 780LFountas & Pinnell Text Level ZView book details
A WORLD WORTH SAVINGKyle LukoffWhen A came out as trans, his parents were less than thrilled. Now he’s stuck in an anti-trans group while his parents try to “fix” him. The problem is, not only is A in danger, but the whole world is also in peril from pain-eating demons. If A can’t even get his parents to accept him as he is, how is he going to save the world?Grades 6–8Lexile Text Measure 840LFountas & Pinnell Text Level ZView book detailsOther resourceKIDSTHINKDESIGN: A KIDS DESIGN COLLABORATIVE PROJECTkidsthinkdesign.orgThis site is dedicated to the inspiration and education of future designers. Activities and resources 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 6–8
Other resourceTEDED VIDEOSed.ted.comOn this website, both TED talks and original animations spark middle-schoolers’ curiosity in a wide range of fields.Grades 6–8