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 3.9AR points 0.5View book detailsALSC Summer Reading 2026
Summer reading recommendations for children from birth through Grade 8.
2026 Summer Reading ListsSee the original list
Selections93
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
Sections4 sections
Browse sections4 sections
Grades 3–5
11 of 23 selections on this pageContinued from page 1
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 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 850LATOS 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 2.0AR interest 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 HL610LATOS 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 800LATOS 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 3.9AR interest 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 NPATOS 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 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 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 370LATOS 2.9View 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 800LFountas & Pinnell 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 2.6AR interest 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 6–8ATOS 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 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 GN390LATOS 3.1View 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 4.3AR interest 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 5.1AR interest 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 5.3AR interest 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 5.1AR interest 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 880LFountas & Pinnell 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 5.2AR interest 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 780LATOS 6.3View 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 840LATOS 5.9View 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