Get your teen to read this summer! Teens may be going through a lot of changes at this point in their lives, and many use books as a form of escape from the real world. Inspire them to conquer their fears and find themselves with this guide to summer reading books for teens.
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
By Michael Scott
Random House/Delacorte, 2007
Siblings Josh and Sophie make a startling and magical discovery in their local bookstore; the owner is the legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel!
Does My Head Look Big in This?
By Randa Abdel-Fattah
Scholastic/Orchard Books, 2007
When Amal, an outspoken, fashion loving sixteen-year-old decides to wear her hijab full-time, she’s faced with criticism from classmates, townspeople and even her own family.
Bad Island
By Doug TenNapel
Graphix, 2011
In this gripping graphic novel, Lyle, Karen, Janie and Reese must find a way to get themselves off of a strange island filled with dangerous creatures.
Better Nate Than Ever
By Tim Federle
Simon & Schuster, 2013
Nate has a dream: He wants to be in a musical. And not just any musical – he wants the leading role in E.T. the Musical on Broadway! He has the perfect plan to get from his boring Pennsylvania town to fabulous New York City. Will it work?
Drama
By Raina Telgemeier
Graphix, 2012
Drama isn’t reserved only for the stage in this hilarious graphic novel about school theater productions.
Counting the 7’s
By Holly Goldberg Sloan
Dial, 2013
When tragedy changes Willow’s comfortably quirky life, she chooses to adapt. As she gets use to these changes, she sees how they affect the lives of those around her.
Dogs of War
By Sheila Keenan, illustrated by Nathan Fox
Graphix, 2013
Read about four war heroes in this graphic novel; World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War are featured. All of these heroes had something in common – they all walked on four legs!
The Screaming Staircase
By Jonathan Stroud
Disney-Hyperion, 2013
London is overrun with ghosts and the go-to company for protection is Lockwood & Co.! Lucy works with the agency to combat hauntings and protect London from the ghosts!
Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends
By Shannon Hale
Little, Brown, 2013
In this quirky reimagining of fairy tales, we find that Raven Queen doesn’t want to be evil like her mother and Apple White doesn’t want to be quite as innocent and nice as her mother Snow White.
The Grimm Legacy
By Polly Shulman
Putnam, 2010
Elizabeth begins to discover some of the strange secrets surrounding her new job and the people at the New York Circulating Material Repository.
The Mark of the Dragonfly
By Jaleigh Johnson
Random House/Delacorte, 2014
After Piper rescues a girl named Anna from a meteor shower, both girls realize that something is amiss when they’re chased by a strange man and stow away on an armored train to escape him.
The Wednesday Wars
By Gary D. Schmidt
Clarion, 2007
This tells the story of Holling Hoodhood, a youth growing up in the 1960s. Follow his coming of age story as he deals with the stress of adolescence and grows under the eyes of his teacher and through the words of legendary playwright William Shakespeare.
The Lions of Little Rock
By Kristin Levine
Putnam, 2012
Marlee is put in the spotlight when her 1950s Arkansas town becomes divided on segregation.
Wonder
By R.J. Palacio
Alfred A. Knopf, 2012
August Pullman, a fifth-grader with a facial deformity, is about to start mainstream school for the first time.
Searching for more summer reading books? For kids in kindergarten, first grade and second grade, click HERE.
For summer reading books for kids in third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade, click HERE.
Share your child’s favorite book in our comments section! And click HERE for how to design a reading corner!
