The New Books of Summer Kids Will Love

Summer is the perfect time to reset reading routines and keep kids excited about books. Whether you’re heading out on road trips, in the midst of camp days, or even enjoying slower afternoons at home, having fresh stories on hand helps turn reading into a fun, everyday habit, not just a school-year responsibility.

This season's new releases are packed with laugh‑out‑loud moments, imaginative adventures, and page‑turning series that make it easy for kids to stay engaged all summer long. From playful picture books to exciting graphic novels and immersive middle-grade adventures, there’s something new for every kind of reader.

Silly, Sweet, and Perfect for Summer Read‑Alouds

Looking for books that bring big laughs during family reading time? I Wish I Had a Polar Bear With Ice Cream! delivers exactly that kind of fun. With its playful premise and energetic storytelling, it’s a great pick for sparking creativity and getting kids to giggle during read alouds.

For families looking for a thoughtful book to help ease those first-day-of-school jitters, Just for Today is a gentle (and beautiful) picture book about friendship, worries, and learning to navigate life’s uncertainties. When Elba’s worries begin taking over, her friend Norris helps her see that the stories we tell ourselves can shape how we experience the world. Warm, hopeful, and emotionally resonant, it’s a wonderful story for kids and adults and a great way to encourage conversations about feelings.

Stories to Inspire New Perspectives

Summer is also a perfect time for kids to discover stories that expand their world and encourage them to explore new or current interests.

Fútbol Is Life! / Fútbol es vida! is a heartfelt bilingual picture book inspired by Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández’s own childhood. When an injury sidelines young Cristobalito from the sport he loves, he discovers new passions, family traditions, and unexpected ways to grow. Featuring both English and Spanish text throughout, this joyful story celebrates resilience, culture, and the idea that there’s more than one way to score in life. 

Series Kids Will Want to Read Nonstop

There’s a reason so many kids gravitate toward series in the summer: once they connect with characters they love, reading becomes effortless. These latest installments deliver plenty of humor, adventure, and suspense while giving kids familiar worlds they'll be excited to revisit.

Super‑Villains in Training #2: A Wickedly Evil Pet continues the mischievous, action‑packed adventures of Vicky von Evil from book #1, blending humor and high‑energy as she cotinues to plot to become the baddest, most-evil villian of all time. Part of the Scholastic Branches line for newly independent readers, this is an exciting series for growing readers looking for something fast‑paced.

The Terrible Trio #3: The Mystery of the Lost Cape delivers another round of clever antics and mystery from Zeb the zebra, Marg the penguin, and Barry the lemur, keeping kids hooked with humor, friendship, and just the right amount of suspense as the characters use their unconventional superpowers.

For Graphic Novel fans, I Survived Graphic Novel #14: The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 brings pivotal moments to life through the bestselling series’ signature blend of action and historical storytelling. Readers follow Danny Crane as he experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor firsthand, making this an engaging pick for kids who love adventure while learning about real historical events. 

Magical Stories with Heart

For readers craving a more immersive adventure, The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia follows a rare fire mage whose powers barely spark, until she arrives at a magical academy determined to grow stronger. When a mysterious illness begins draining the other students’ magic, Sparrow and her new friends are pulled into a dangerous search for answers. Blending mystery, friendship, and self‑discovery, it’s a story that reminds readers magic isn’t just about power — it’s about believing in yourself. The compelling story is also filled with gorgeous illustrated details that elevate the story even further.

Summer reading can be something kids genuinely look forward to each day. By offering a mix of humor, imagination, and exciting new books in favorite series, June’s new releases make it easy to keep kids engaged, curious, and confident as readers.

From silly picture books to magical adventures and can’t‑miss sequels, these stories are ready to travel wherever your summer takes you.

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