The Abridged 2025 Summer Reading Guide

Kaylani’s summer in Martha’s Vineyard takes a dark turn when a neighborhood teenage boy is murdered. Jackson redefines the middle grade mystery genre with this suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller. An absolute homerun for kids who want actual murder in their mysteries. Ages 10+

Anxious kid Chuck learns to manage his emotions with the help a new canine friend in this charming graphic novel about anxiety and loving a dog. This sweet, action-packed story features wholesome friend and family dynamics and plenty of pet love. Hand to dog lovers and kids who love sports–especially agility contests. Ages 8+

When Juniper is discovered to have more than the small bit of seasonal magic that everyone has, she is whisked away from her village to join the Thistledown Academy of Enchantment. This cozy school fantasy series is brimming with magical creatures, spell classes, and moon roads. Ages 9+

In this sweet and thoughtful Groundhog Day romance, teens Sydney and Marcus meet at a Dunkin’s on September 24 and keep meeting every day until they can figure out how to break the cycle. Readers will be surprised by the emotional plot twists in this story and moved by the way it explores grief, destiny, family, and facing today’s trials to find hope for tomorrow. Ages 11+

Catholic private school newcomer is still struggling to find her footing when she encounters Miles–an older high-school dropout–dumpster diving. Suddenly, she begins to see the world in a different light. This poignant, highly discussable upper middle grade book will get tweens thinking and talking about right and wrong, family, friendship, sports, ambition, social status, and consequences. Ages 10+

After years of being her family’s underachiever, Esme discovers that she’s actually a strong swimmer and finds real friends on the team. However, Esme’s mother’s hypercompetitiveness threatens to ruin the joys of summer swim team and sportsmanship in this relatable summery splash of a story with compelling themes. Ages 9+

ATTEND WENDY WAN-LONG SHANG’S AUTHOR VISIT

In this gorgeously written YA novel in verse, 15-year-old Esme navigates being a dancer with a larger bust, contending with unwanted sexual attention, and adjusting to a quickly changing friendship with her best friend, all while exploring first love and overcoming family challenges. Ages 11+