5 Funky Fresh Summer Reading Recs

Summertime is in our sights! The first thing on our “school’s out, sun’s out” to-do list? Relax and stick our noses in a good book. If you’re like us and plan to dive into new stories, revisit old favorites, or let your imagination run wild by the pool, in a hammock, or in the A/C, you know it’s the best time of year to lose yourself to some storytelling.

But before you settle in—we asked the experts (librarians nationwide!) to make your students’ summer reading truly sensational—or rather, sun-sational! They helped us curate the book list for this year’s Britannica Education FREE Sun-sational Summer Reading Packet. Their reading recs are full of new releases and timeless classics for readers of all ages! 

Your Easy, Breezy Book List

We’re not going to gatekeep your love of reading! Meet the five librarians and their picks for young fiction and nonfiction lovers alike.

Patricia Alvarado
Library Media Services Director
Dallas ISD, Texas

1. It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit by Justin A. Reynolds
2. Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla, illustrated by Tania de Regil
3. The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
4. Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Tami Charles, illustrated by Sharon Sordo
5. La Guitarrista by Lucky Diaz, illustrated by Micah Player

Susan Henke Brinkman
Library Media Specialist
James Wilson Young Middle School, New York

1. A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
2. What is Color? by Steven Weinberg
3. The Language of Plants by Helena Haraštová, illustrated by Darya Beklemesheva
4. The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
5. Olivetti by Allie Millington

Jennifer Fleck
Selection Librarian
King County Library System, Washington

1. Mural Island by Katie Yamasaki
2. Brave by Weshoyot Alvitre
3. I Got You: A Brother’s Promise by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
4. Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat
5. Faith Takes the Train by Kesi Augustine, illustrated by Mokshini

Uma Nori
Selection Librarian
King County Library System, Washington

1. Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
2. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
3. She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice For Change by Suma Subramaniam, illustrated by Shreya Gupta
4. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
5. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Karina Quilantan-Garza, MLS, EdD.
Library Media Specialist
Jaime Escalante Middle School, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), Texas

1. What Fell from the Sky by Adrianna Cuevas
2. The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming
3. Dinosaur Sanctuary by Itaru Kinoshita
4. Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr., illustrated by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo
5. Louder than Hunger by John Schu

Which of those would you read first? Downloading the packet might make your decision easier, since it also lists each book’s general grade level, subject matter, and even additional reading links to Britannica School and Britannica Library.

Plus, beyond that list, the full packet can be your ultimate reading companion for your summer, and even supplement any programming you’re facilitating or participating in. You’ll get:

Make the Most of Your Summer Reading

At the end of the day though, summer reading is about fostering a love for reading! It also can boost literacy skills, reduce stress, and even prevent learning loss. Here’s some things to try to make it work for you and your readers:

1. Set Reading Goals
   Want to read five books this summer? Or maybe 10? Whatever your goal is, make it realistic, and keep track of your progress. Having a goal makes reading even more rewarding.
   
   
2. Mix It Up
   Use a book list (ours or otherwise!) to discover something new. No matter your age, you don’t have to stick to one genre. Explore a mix of fiction, nonfiction, verse, and graphic novels. It’s the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone!
   
   
3. Join a Summer Book Club
   Reading with others is always more fun! Whether it’s a group of friends, family, or even an online community, sharing your thoughts on books can lead to great discussions and new perspectives.
   
   
4. Get Creative
   Try drawing your favorite scene from a book, writing a letter to a character, or even imagining an alternate ending to a story. The possibilities are endless!
   

Time for Some Fun in the Sun

It’s easy to get started! Just fill out the form below, download the packet, and let the summer reading fun begin. Your summer of books and adventures is only one click away. And, contact us anytime to learn more about how Britannica School and Britannica Library can be a summer reading resource!

Shoutout to you—the rockstar librarians and educators wrapping up the school year. Your well-earned summer reads are waiting.