School’s out! To keep kids reading over the summer — especially reluctant readers — grab these high-interest, page-turning titles for your middle-graders (3rd-6th) to encourage recreational reading and bust boredom all summer long.
Graphic novels are a great place to start. Those who love the format but are ready to move on to meatier stories should pick up Mexikid by Pedro Martin. This graphic memoir tells the moving and hilarious story of a family road trip to Mexico, in which Martin learns about his history from his legendary abuelito. In the Hooky series by Miriam Bonastre Tur, a pair of twins have missed the bus to magic school and need to find an alternative teacher before their parents find out. Manga-like illustrations accompany this magical adventure tale.
Also consider the nonfiction title This Book Will Make You an Artist by Ruth Millington, packed with fascinating bios of dozens of diverse artists, and instructions for creating your own artwork in their style. The projects are simple but significant, and the book is a brightly colored feast for the eyes. Outdoorsy kids may enjoy What a Rock Can Reveal by Maya Wei-Haas, a book that uncovers mysteries of the universe through clues hidden in rocks. This book, too, is awash in dazzling illustrations readers can pore over.
Sports lovers will devour Nic Stone’s Fast Pitch, a story that combines softball with a family secret protagonist Shenice must address before her team’s regional championships. If animals are more your thing, check out Katherine Applegate’s Dogtown, a sweet and funny story about a shelter dog searching for his forever home. (These popular titles are also available at ICPL in Read-Along format—a physical book with an audio player built into the front cover that narrates the book aloud.) For fantasy readers, try Geo’s Fortune by Amy B. Mucha, in which a kid runs a con selling fake fortunes. There are unforeseen consequences when her predictions start coming true.
There’s nothing better for summer reading than a juicy mystery, and The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln has the feel of a modern classic. A kooky family reunion provides the setting for a buried treasure and a murder. If an art heist is more your speed, check out The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day, a true story and a quick read told in such a clever and engaging style, your mind will be blown.
If your middle-grade reader is reward-motivated (who isn’t?), sign up for the Summer Reading Program at ICPL so they can earn prizes by reading, plus beat the heat with hundreds of events all summer long. Happy reading!
Anne Wilmoth is a children’s and collection services librarian at Iowa City Public Library. Her favorite local hiking trail is at F.W. Kent County Park. This article was originally published in Little Village’s June 2025 issue.
