School’s Out: 25 Spectacular Summer Reads

by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar

A love story that successfully blends the lighthearted with the serious to demonstrate the power of community. Full review >

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by Erin Baldwin

A sunny, Sapphic rom-com. Full review >

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by Jas Hammonds

A gut-wrenching story that honestly explores the normalization of alcoholism. Full review >

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by Kaitlyn Hill

A lesson in trusting oneself when doubts (and stakes) are high. Full review >

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by Hannah Reynolds

Light, sweet, and a little salty: just beachy. Full review >

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by Samuel Teer ; illustrated by Mar Julia ; color by Ashanti Fortson

Beautifully profound. Full review >

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by Jeff Zentner & Brittany Cavallaro

A smart, swoony, and witty romance. Full review >

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by Sarah Beth Durst

Compelling and fascinating; brings history to life. Full review >

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by Robin Easter ; illustrated by Robin Easter

Summer theater camp sets the perfect stage for an angsty, queer, and romantic middle school story. Full review >

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by Nina Hamza

Simply charming. Full review >

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by Justina Ireland

A hair-raising good time. Full review >

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by Violet Chan Karim ; illustrated by Violet Chan Karim

Delightful. Full review >

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by Erin Entrada Kelly ; illustrated by Erin Entrada Kelly

A charming dog’s tale sure to reward curious readers. Full review >

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by Patricia MacLachlan

Quietly joyful and triumphant. Full review >

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by Julie Murphy & Crystal Maldonado ; illustrated by Emma Cormarie & Jenna Stempel-Lobell

A fun summer romp with honest portrayals of friendship woes and the pitfalls of well-meaning adults. Full review >

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by Brian "Smitty" Smith ; illustrated by Brian "Smitty" Smith

Pitch-perfect and fast-paced, this series hits all the right notes. Full review >

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by Anne Ylvisaker

Transporting. Full review >

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by Jenna Lee-Yun

Rich in Korean mythology and suspense; will keep readers guessing. Full review >

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by Jami Gigot ; illustrated by Jami Gigot

There’s lots of fun to be had in your own backyard—and in this lively book. Full review >

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by Deborah Hopkinson ; illustrated by Kenard Pak

Spare, rhythmic, luminous…nighty night. Full review >

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by Melvina Noel ; illustrated by Daria Peoples

A sumptuous story of summertime Black joy, and a master class in fostering family literacy. Full review >

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by Dorson Plourde ; illustrated by Isabella Fassler

Lyrical, absurd, and full of wonder. Full review >

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by Sam Usher ; illustrated by Sam Usher

A great storytime find. Full review >

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by Renée Watson ; illustrated by Bea Jackson

An utterly immersive celebration of the boundless joys of summer—may they never end! Full review >

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by Ashley Woodfolk ; illustrated by Niña Mata

A radiant love letter to family, beachy summer days, and the freedom to let your hair down. Full review >

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