125 Books to Read This Summer!

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Amazing Books to Read Right Away! 

Summer is upon us and we all know that this often times means a little extra down time, or, if nothing else, just a little different schedule than the rest of the year. With all of the kids home from school, we know that you are probably trying to find a few extra ways to fill up their time. Today, we have for you the best, most amazing, top reads for this summer!! You and your family will LOVE all of these options and be coming back to this post time and time again for the next book to pick up!{Let’s be honest, you should probably just bookmark this post right now!}

125 Fabulous Summer Reads!

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In this post you will find: 

  • 28 Great Summer Reads for Kids
  • 29 Top Books to Read with Your Kids
  • 34 Fabulous Books to Read This Summer
  • 34 Books to Read Before Watching the Movie

WOW!! Right!?! We promise that these books are going to be on your ‘must read” list!!

 

28 Great Summer Reads for Kids

Top Kid's Books!

Summer Book List

1. The Black Lagoon Series – A fun and exciting kids’ series all about the scary goings on at school!

2. American Girl SeriesThis series has multiple books all about amazing girls from history, and more! {If your younger reader enjoys this one, know that there are many more like this, and this that they can pick up as well!}

3. Amelia Bedelia SeriesSilly Amelia just can’t seem to get anything correct.

4. Arthur SeriesArthur has so many great stories! Your kids will love reading the whole series!

5. Berenstain BearsOne of my favorites growing up, my kids already have many of these in their collection.

6. Cam Jansen SeriesGreat transition to chapter books about the heroine, Cam Jansen!

Top kid's book to read this summer!

7. Clementine SeriesThe stories of third grader Clementine are sure to please any young reader.

8. Diary of a Wimpy KidA favorite of many kids!

9. Dr. Suess BooksDr. Suess’s books are so much fun with their mixed up silly words and phenomenal characters!

10. Elephant and Piggie SeriesKids absolutely adore the silly stories of Elephant and Piggie!

11. The Fancy Nancy Series – This fancy little lady has some high adventures!

12. The Flat Stanley Series – Where will Stanley end up next?

Top kid's books!

13. Fly Guy SeriesThe adventures of Fly Guy are a great read for those just beginning to break into chapter books.

14. Frog and Toad SeriesFrog and Toad are classics that belong on every reading list.

15. Go, Away Big Green Monster! We LOVE this book at our house! If you enjoy this one as much as we do you will also love this, and this by the same author!

16. Hank the Cowdog This series is based on the humorous antics of the canine Head of Ranch Security.

17. Henry and Mudge SeriesRead all about this fabulous duo in all of the Henry and Mudge books!

18. Horrible Harry SeriesThis series will become a favorite in no time.

Fun book list for kids!

19. Humphrey Series – Read all about Humphrey as he navigates the wilds of school with the students of Room 26.

20. Judy Moody and Friends SeriesA great collection for any young reader.

21. The Junie B. Jones Series – I absolutely adore this series and always enjoyed reading them with my First Grade students when I taught.

22. The Magic Treehouse SeriesThese classic stories will never get old!

23. Pigeon SeriesSilly Pigeon will keep your kids laughing with these humorous books!

24. Pinkalicious SeriesThe perfect books for every little lady in your life.

Reading list for kids!

25. The Boxcar ChildrenThere are plenty of these to keep your kids reading all summer long!

26. The Story of FerdinandWhile this one is only a single book it will always be a classic!

27. Robert Munsch Collection – So many favorites all packed into one place.

28. Time Warp Trio SeriesNo one’s ever bored when the Time Warp Trio is around!

SO many great options, right!?! Now that we have taken care of books FOR your kids, take a peek at the fantastic books to read WITH them!

29 Top Books to Read with Your Kids

Family read aloud book list!

Family friendly books!

29. A Tale Dark and GrimmHansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic fairy tales. {If you love book 1 make sure you grab books 2 & 3 as well!

30. A Wrinkle in TimeThe tales of Meg Murry will become a family favorite!

31. Anne of Green GablesThis classic just had to make the list.

32. Beezus and RamonaThe great stories of Ramona will keep your family reading this summer!

33. Esperanza Rising – Read about how Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances!

34. Freckle JuiceMore than anything in the world, Andrew Marcus wants freckles!

Great family read aloud books!

35. FrindleWhat is a Frindle you may ask? Read this fun story to find out!

36. GoosebumpsA fun and thrilling series that will keep your kids on the edge of their seats.

37. The Hatchet Series – I LOVED this series growing up! I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to enjoy them as well! {If you love this book then be sure to check out books 2, 3, 4, & 5!}

38. Janie Johnson SeriesThe mystery of Janie Johnson will shock and surprise your entire family.

39. Gregor the Underland Chronicles – Follow along as Gregor pursues his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment building!

40. Little House on the Prairie SeriesThis series of stories will forever hold a place in my heart!

Family Friendly Reads!

41. My Father’s Dragon TrilogyA three book set that your family will love!

42. Naya NukiThis story includes it all! Authentic information about Indian lore, survival skills, and the West before the white man. Naya Nuki was a favorite of mine growing up.

43. Peter and the Starcatchers The story of a young orphan named Peter and how he became the forever-young boy.

44. Pippi Longstocking – Pippi has crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, and a horse that lives on her porch!

45. Shel Silverstein’s Poems – A quick and easy read for every family.

46. Running out of TimeJessie lives with her family in the frontier village of Clifton, Indiana in 1840 – or so she believes.

Family books that everyone will love!

47. The BFGThis book will be one that your family will reach for time and time again!

48. The Borrowers – The stories of the the tiny, stouthearted Borrowers!

49. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – Trouble brews and friendship bubbles when Elizabeth meets an honest-to-goodness witch!

50. The Chocolate TouchSilly story of a boy who acquires a magical gift that turns everything his lips touch into chocolate!!

51. The Chronicles of NarniaRead all about Narnia in this amazing series!

52. The Indian in the CupboardIn this classic, a young man receives two presents that will change his life.

Books that are Family Friendly

53. The Invention of Hugo CabretOrphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity.

54. The Mouse and the MotorcycleFollow Ralph as he journey’s through life in this fun loving family favorite.

55. The Westing GameA bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will.

56. Percy Jackson SeriesPercy Jackson will become a favorite over night!

57. The Wayside School SeriesWhen the builder misunderstood the plans for Wayside School he starts a series of hilarious stories everyone will enjoy.

The kids are now fully taken care of and it is your turn to kick back with a fabulous book! You are going to LOVE every one of these!

34 Fabulous Books to Read This Summer

Summer Reading List!

Book recommendations from The Dating Divas!

58. EdenbrookeSO many of the Divas suggested this book, it was probably our top recommended book for this post!

59. A Court of Thorns and RosesWhen nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it.

60. And Then There Were NoneThe mystery and suspense in this story will leave you reading for hours not able to put the book down!

61. AustenlandJane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man.

62. Choose Yourself – A self help book all about learning how to better yourself!

63. Darcy’s StoryWhat is Mr. Dacy’s side of the story!?

Top Diva recommended books!

64. Divergent SeriesThe full Divergent series – you will want to order them all together because you won’t be able to read just one.

65. ElantrisA one volume fantasy that you will love.

66. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of LessThe way of the essentialist is about getting the right things done.

67. His Fair Assassin TrilogyThe trilogy of seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage.

68. Happy Wives Club One woman undertakes a worldwide search to learn the secrets of a great marriage – and finds one fundamental truth that could change everything.

69. Jane EyreOriginally published in 1847 – Jane Eyre follows the emotions and experiences of Jane as she matures and grows.

Top Dating Diva book list!

70. Man’s Search for MeaningAn eye opening memoir written by Viktor Frankl. His story will amaze you with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps, and its lessons for spiritual survival.

71. Matched Series“The Society” decides every life decision, until there is a glitch for just a moment, and it leaves Cassia questioning everything.

72. No Excuses!: The Power of Self Discipline – A book about how self discipline is really the true path to success.

73. Me, Inc.In Me, Inc., Simmons shares a lifetime of field-tested and hard-won business advice that will provide readers with the tools needed to build a solid business.

74. Pride and PrejudiceThere is no way that we could leave this one off of our list!

75. RebeccaFollow Mrs. Maxim de Winter as she recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew

Summer Reading List!

76. The Book ThiefLiesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing, when she encounters something she can’t resist … books – inside the war-torn, starved nation of Nazi Germany.

77. The Girl of Fire and ThornsThis trilogy has it all. It’s packed full of adventure, sorcery, heartbreak, and power.

78. The Great GatsbyThe story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby, and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan!

79. The Secret KeeperDuring a picnic at her family’s farm in the English countryside, sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson witnesses a shocking crime.

80. The Screwtape Letters – This classic is a must read for everyone.

81. The Little Lady AgencyMelissa Romney-Jones can bake a perfect sponge cake, type her little heart out, and plan a party blindfolded. But none of that has helped her get far in life or in love.

Summer Reading Book List!

82. The Selection Series35 girls. 1 crown. The competition of a lifetime.

83. Theft of Swords SeriesThey killed the king. They pinned it on two men. They chose poorly.

84. Throne of GlassIn a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle.

85. The Whole-Brained Child12 revolutionary strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind.

86. Tiger LillyA stunning re-imagining of J. M. Barrie’s beloved classic Peter Pan.

87. Uglies SeriesIn Tally Youngblood’s world, looks matter.

Young Adult Summer Reading List!

88. UnbrokenFrom a delinquent youth, to the Olympics, and then World War II, discover the story of Louis Zamperini.

89. WarbreakerWhen the youngest sister is forced to wed the silent king of a faraway nation, in place of the eldest, a secret is uncovered that will shake the very foundation of society!

90. Mistborn SeriesYou won’t be able to set this one down until you have read the whole series!

91. The Rent CollectorThis fictional story, based on actual accounts, follows a Cambodian family that lives, and makes their living, at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia.

Oh my! SO many great books! Now lets add just a few more fantastic titles.  These great reads also have fabulous movies that have been created about them that you can watch after reading the book!

34 Books to Read Before Watching the Movie

Movie and book combos for the entire family!

Summer bucket list books!

92. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day! Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair. And it only got worse! {Click here for the movie!}

93. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass The classic story of Alice will be the perfect book/movie paring! {Click here for the movie!}

94. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Who doesn’t love this story!? {Click here for the movie!}

95. Charlotte’s Web – A favorite of my childhood; your family will adore this fabulous read! {Click here for the movie!}

96. The Complete Adventures of Curious GeorgeThe entire family will love the silly tales of this adventurous monkey! {Click here for the movie!}

97. Ella Enchanted At her birth, Ella of Frell was given a foolish fairy’s gift; the “gift” of obedience. {Click here for the movie!}

Top book and movie list!

98. The Da Vinci CodeA story like no other, that you are sure to LOVE! {Click here for the movie!}

99. Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find themGet going on this read now so you will be ready to see the movie when it comes out later this year!

100. Harry Potter – The family will love this series even more when they read them together! {Click here for the movies!}

101. Holes – A fun family read! {Click here for the movie!}

102. How to Train Your DragonYour whole family will adore this fun story. {Click here for the movie!}

103. If I StayIn the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen -year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. {Click here for the movie!}

Read these books and then watch the movie!

104. James and the Giant PeachRoald Dahl has done it again with this classic! {Click here for the movie!}

105. Mary PoppinsReading this story before watching the movie as a family will cause all of you to love the story just that much more! {Click here for the movie!}

106. Me Before YouGet a jump start on this book so you can watch the newly released film!

107. Nim’s IslandA girl. An iguana. An island. And e-mail. Meet Nim–a modern-day Robinson Crusoe! {Click here for the movie!}

108. Nurse Matilda – Your children may already know her as Nanny McPhee! {Click here for the movie!}

109. Peter & Wendy Oh, how we love the story of Peter Pan! {Click here for the movie!}

Movie plus Book combos!

110. Stuart Little – Silly Stuart will take your entire family on an adventure! {Click here for the movie!}

111. Matilda – This was one of my all time favorite growing up! {Click here for the movie!}

112. The Complete Wreck Series {A Series of Unfortunate Events} All 13 books together in one pack! Read these unfortunate tales before watching the movie! {Click here for the movie!}

113. The Fault in Our Stars – Read the story of Hazel’s cancer and how it all changes, because of one individual. {Click here for the movie!}

114. The Help – The tales of Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter, placed in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962. {Click here for the movie!}

115. The Hunger GamesEven if you have already seen the movies, it is a whole new experience to read the books! {Click here for the movies!}

Fun book and movie parings for everyone!

116. The LoraxAnother fun family read that everyone can get involved in. {Click here for the movie!}

117. The MartianSix days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there. {Click here for the movie!}

118. The Neverending StoryBastian embarks on a wild adventure when he enters the magical world of Fantastica; a doomed land that brings him many exciting experiences. {Click here for the movie!}

119. The Night at the MuseumCheck out this funny book that inspired the great film! {Click here for the movie!}

120. The NotebookA love story like none other. {Click here for the movie!}

121. Pride and Prejudice and ZombiesAn interesting twist on a classic tale. {Click here for the movie!}

 Fun list of books to read and then watch!

122. The Princess BrideHow can you not love this one? {Click here for the movie!}

123. The Wonderful Wizard of OzI can’t wait to read this one to my kids! {Click here for the movie!}

124. To Kill a Mockingbird The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town, and the crisis of conscience that rocked it. {Click here for the movie!}

125. Twilight – Read Bella’s story that became an instant hit! {Click here for the movies!}

And there you have it! 125 top books to read this summer!

Looking for more fabulous summer ideas? Be sure to check out these fabulous posts!

50 Fun Family Activities for Summer

Summer Olympic Yard Games

Niki

I am a crafting, baking, blogging wife and mother. I love nothing more than time with my family while playing games, watching movies, and just being together!

Learn more about Niki
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Recent Comments

  1. I was so pleased to see three Brandon Sanderson selections (Elantris, Warbreaker, Mistborn) included. His fantasy cultures are complex and diverse. When you tire of teen angst, try one of his books!

  2. As a former teacher, I have read SO many of these kids’ books… it’s not even funny! LOL I also love SO many of the “adult” books recommended… The Selection, Matched, etc. GREAT round-up!!!!