Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)

The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Kids Ages 6 – 8

by Naima Jasmine Russell

School is almost out, which means it’s time for the four S’s: swimsuits, sunblock, summer reading challenges, and don’t forget, “I’m sooooooo boooored…what can I doooo? If you’re trying to keep kids entertained (without resorting to endless screen time or inflatable backyard disasters), we’ve got you covered.

Summer reading for rising 1st – 3rd graders is about finding books that keep them engaged, laughing, and coming back for more while reinforcing skills they learned in class, avoiding that summer slide (another “s”)!

This summer, let’s match books to classic seasonal activities — whether your kiddo spends their days at the pool, explores the backyard, or becomes a lemonade stand CEO. From picture books to illustrated chapter books and graphic novels, here are the best summer reads to keep young minds busy and boredom at bay!

  • Swimming

  • Swimming into Trouble

    by Angela Ahn, illustrated by Julie Kim

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Illustrated novels pair the text and storytelling of a short chapter book with the full-color illustrations of a picture book. This makes them a perfect bridge for 6- to 8-year-olds who enjoy picture books but are ready to read longer stories. In Swimming into Trouble, Julia is the youngest swimmer of the Vipers Swim Team and is anxious to prove herself in the pool. Not even an ear infection will keep her from competing.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • Swim School: A Bluey Storybook

    by Penguin Young Readers Licenses

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Eight-year-olds were around Bingo’s age when Bluey first came on the air, and there’s a good chance your kid adores the television show. Our family has grown up watching the beloved TV series, and we never pass up a chance to read a Bluey book. The “Swim School” episode from season two follows Bluey acting as a swim instructor and mom, dad, and Bingo as students trying to pass their swim test without “dobbing” on each other. Readers will love reading the familiar episode, and parents will love getting kids off screens.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • A Summer Project

  • It Began with Lemonade

    by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Lian Cho

    Learn More
    Available from:

    What’s summer without trying to become a young entrepreneur with your own one-of-a-kind lemonade stand? It's too bad all the other kids on the block have the same idea. So, this spunky heroine takes her lemonade stand on the road, searching for thirsty clientele, and ends up in unexpected places. This is a funny and engaging story about turning lemons into lemonade with a slight twist. The rich, colorful illustrations are jam-packed with funny, comic-book-style details.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • Troop Esme

    by Lourdes Heuer, illustrated by Marissa Valdez

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Esme! is another illustrated chapter book series for the transitional reading crowd. After meeting Wendall, a boy trying to earn a badge by selling Troop Badger cookies, Esme decides she wants to earn badges, too. She isn’t part of a Badger troop, so she starts her own and invites the kids in her apartment building to join. Her troop’s first task is to help Wendall sell all of his cookies. Esme is a can-do heroine with lots of heart, perfect for fans of Dory Fantasmagory.

    Learn More
    Also available from:

Looking for summer reading ideas for younger or older kids? Check out our 2025 lists for Kids Ages 3 – 5, Ages 9 – 12, and Teens.