Best Summer Reading Lists for All Grade Levels

Spring reading is about to give over to summer reading, because–let's face it–around here the reading never stops. So, get your library card out for these summer reading lists for all grade levels, chock full of great book recommendations.

There is something so wonderful about reading outside on hot, lazy days. If you enjoy making kids' summer reading special you'll find this summer reading list of books, literacy resources, summer reading activities and tips useful.

While these summer reading resources will get your started, make sure to allow your child to choose their own books. If they want to spend all summer with a book full of comics, that counts as reading, too!

Summer Reading Lists

Most of my summer reading book lists are arranged by general age level, and for families who like to read aloud. While these lists are organized by grade level, take it as a general guide. Reading levels vary!

Elementary School

• Kindergarten summer reading list - picture books to read aloud
• Beginning readers summer book list - easy readers
• 1st grade summer reading list (ages 6-7)
• 2nd grade summer reading list (ages 7-8)
• 3rd grade summer reading list (ages 8-9)
• Chapter book summer reading list (ages 6-9)
• 4th grade summer reading book list (ages 9-10)
• 5th grade summer reading book list (ages 10-11)
• Classic summer reading list for tweens (ages 9-13)

Middle School

• 6th grade summer reading list (ages 11-12)
• 7th grade summer reading book list  (ages 12-13)
• 8th grade summer reading list (ages 13-14)

High School

• 9th grade summer reading list (ages 14 and up. This list is good for all high school students.)
• Recommended YA books

Guess what! You can also get a free, printable version of all the summer reading lists. Just fill in the form below and it will be rushed right to you.

Recommended read aloud books

• Summer read alouds the whole family will love
• Picture books for summer read alouds

And don't forget, I have over 300 book lists, so if one of the above lists doesn't suit your child, be sure to check out the archives and the index of all our book lists here:

• Index of themed and leveled book lists

MORE: Summer poems for kids

Summer Literacy Activities

• Summer literacy ideas that don't use a book! 
• Library coloring page and reading log
• Summer reading bookmarks to color
• For pre-readers: the lazy mom's guide to teaching phonics
• Summer Reading BINGO - two versions, with free printable!

PERENNIAL FAVORITE: Summer Word Vocabulary Jar

MORE: Take the Great Library Challenge, including a super fun scavenger hunt

• 10 weeks of summer reading activities -- I love this one! ( from Reading Rockets)

Summer Reading Programs

• The first stop should be your local public library!
• Scholastic's website and facebook page have book suggestions and activities.
• Barnes and Noble: read books to get a free book at participating stores

Summer reading tips

• How to choose early chapter books
• How to help young children love chapter book read alouds
• The best reasons to read aloud to older kids
• How to read books yourself without neglecting your kids

I share book lists every Monday, so if you don't want to miss out, be sure to add yourself to our weekly newsletter list.

Happy summer reading!

Final summer reading TIP: If your kids would rather watch a YouTube video than read, show them this one: