Summer is three months of fabulous fun and sun…and it can also be a black hole when it comes to reading. Especially for kids who don’t like to read. Which is why we’ve put together this ultimate list of summer reads for kids who don’t like reading.
Not sure how to motivate kids to read? We can help with that. Looking for books that are specifically designed for reluctant readers? We publish books whose stories and physical layout are crafted with reluctant readers in mind.
Want to take this summer reading list with you? Download and print the list here:
Summer Reads for Reluctant Readers 2022
The Nevermore Series by Tyler Miller
Pages: Under 200
Reading Level: 4th – 8th Grade
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A fast, fun and highly-engaging series written and designed specifically with reluctant readers in mind. “Every single story in this series has some sort of awesome twist that makes you want more of the book.” — Maleigh, 7th Grader
Three Strike Summer by Skyler Schrempp
Pages: 320
Reading Level: 5th – 8th Grade
Available: August
Sandlot meets Esperanza Rising in this lyrical middle grade novel set in the 1930s about a strong-willed girl who finds her voice in a tale of moxie, peaches, and determination to thrive despite the odds.
The Goolz Next Door Series by Gary Ghislain
Pages: Under 200
Reading Level: 4.4
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Possibly the most striking, original and entertaining horror series on the middle grade market. Creepy and dark but laced with wit and humor, it offers a spot-on blend of fast-paced storytelling and fun, engaging characters.
The Black Slide by JW Ocker
Pages: 272
Reading Level: 6th – 8th Grade
Available: August
The Black Slide is no ordinary piece of playground equipment. What friends Griffin and Laila find at the other end of this strange portal is a cruel world, populated by bloodthirsty creatures on a quest to become immortal.
The Cookie Chronicles by Swanson & Behr
Pages: 304
Reading Level: 4.3
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Ben Yokoyama is a pretty literal kid. In fact, he even takes his fortune cookie literally and tries to live his life by its decree: Live each day as if it were your last. A hilarious series perfect for fans of Dog Man & Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Pages: 384
Reading Level: 5.7
Goodreads Rating: 3.71
A Newberry award-winning novel that includes a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, a homemade airplane, a man on a trike, a dancing plague, voices from the past, Hells Angels . . . and possibly murder.
Losers at the Center of the Galaxy by Mary Heider
Pages: 320
Reading Level: 6th – 8th Grade
Goodreads Rating: 3.78
When Lenny Volpe, former QB of the worst football team ever, leaves his family and disappears, his old team wins their first game in a long time. Fans are thrilled. The world seems to go back to normal. Except for the Volpe kids.
Strangeville School is Totally Normal by Darcy Miller
Pages: 256
Reading Level: 4th – 7th Grade
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Strangeville School is unlike any other. Alligators and cougars wander the halls. A black hole is discovered in the kitchen. The utility closet is a thing of evil. Welcome to the weirdest school year ever.
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher
Pages: 352
Reading Level: 5.2
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Sarah and Eric have been friends forever, drawn together his obesity and her scars, which made both of them outcasts. Now Sarah lies in hospital, and Eric must discover the terrible secret that put her there.
The Third Twin by CJ Omololu
Pages: 336
Reading Level: 4.6
Goodreads Rating: 3.78
As little girls, identical twins Lexi & Ava made up a third sister, Alicia. They blamed her for everything & used her as cover to date bad boys. But now one of the boys “Alicia” dated is murdered…and then another…
