10 Must-Read Books for Kids This Summer Vacation
Summer vacations are the perfect time for kids to unwind, explore new hobbies, and most importantly get lost in a great book. Whether your child loves fantasy, mystery, humor, or real-life adventures, the right book can transform their summer into a magical journey.
As a book blogger and mom of two curious readers, I’ve handpicked 10 amazing books that kids aged 7 to 15 will absolutely love. Each one is fun, age-appropriate, and perfect for building imagination, empathy, and reading confidence.
Let’s dive into this summer’s reading treasure chest!
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Age: 7–11 | Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
When young Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket inside a chocolate bar, he wins a tour of Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. What follows is a sweet, wild ride full of surprises and life lessons.
Did you know? This classic book was inspired by Roald Dahl’s childhood visits to a Cadbury chocolate factory!
2. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Age: 8–12 | Genre: Animal Fiction / Friendship
Ivan, a gorilla living in a shopping mall, hardly remembers the jungle. But when he meets a baby elephant named Ruby, he begins to see his cage differently and sets out to help her.
Did you know? The The One and Only Ivan is inspired by a real silverback gorilla who lived in a mall in Washington for 27 years.
3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Age: 10–15 | Genre: Mythology / Fantasy
Percy, a dyslexic twelve-year-old, discovers he’s the son of Poseidon. Soon he’s off on a quest across the U.S. to prevent a war among the gods.
Did you know? Rick Riordan (The Lightning Thief) created the series for his son, who struggled with ADHD and dyslexia, just like Percy.
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Age: 9–12 | Genre: Humor / Graphic Novel
Greg Heffley tries to survive middle school and awkward social situations, all while doodling his way through life in a hilarious diary format.
Did you know? The Diary of a Wimpy Kid (20 book series) has sold over 250 million copies worldwide and is still going strong!
5. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Age: 8–12 | Genre: Sci-Fi / Adventure
A robot named Roz wakes up on a remote island and must learn to survive in the wild while forming unlikely friendships with animals.
Did you know? The book Wild Robot blends nature and technology and is often used in classrooms for eco-literature discussions.
6. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Age: 10–14 | Genre: Fantasy / Mystery
Amari’s brother is missing. When she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, she discovers a secret world of magic and joins a supernatural summer camp to solve the mystery.
Did you know? B.B. Alston was inspired by Men in Black and Harry Potter while writing this bestseller.
7. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Age: 10–15 | Genre: Realistic Fiction
August Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, enters mainstream school for the first time. The story beautifully explores kindness, acceptance, and courage.
Did you know? The book Wonder sparked the global “Choose Kind” movement in schools.
8. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Age: 7–11 | Genre: Fantasy / Fairy Tale
A tiny mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart sets out on a daring quest to save a princess.
Did you know? The book The Tale of Despereaux won the Newbery Medal and was later adapted into a major animated film.
9. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Age: 11–15 | Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy
Meg Murry travels across time and space to rescue her scientist father. A blend of science, mystery, and magic, this book is ideal for curious minds.
Did you know? A Wrinkle in Timewas one of the first sci-fi novels with a strong female lead and was rejected 26 times before publication!
10. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Age: 10–14 | Genre: Fantasy / Magical Realism
A witch named Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling her with magic. The girl grows up to discover her powers—and her true story.
Did you know? This book The Girl Who Drank the Moon won the 2017 Newbery Medal for its lyrical storytelling and emotional depth.
Conclusion
Books are more than just stories. They're time machines, dream factories, and gentle mentors. If your kids pick up even one book from this list, their summer is bound to be filled with imagination and inspiration.
Visit your local library or download the ebook/audiobook versions for easy access on summer trips!