2026 Summer reads for older kidsLike this list

40 items

• Search for a Giant Squid

  Forrester, Amy Seto

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  Learn about deep sea expeditions as you search for the elusive Giant Squid in this choose your own adventure style book. Ages 6-9

• The Aquanaut

  Santat, Dan

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  Sophia discovers an “aquanaut” suit piloted by four sea creatures in an aquatic theme park. She joins with her new friends and uses the suit to uncover dark secrets in the theme park, taking them on a daring underwater adventure. Ages 8-12

• Orca Rescue!

  the True Story of An Orphaned Orca Named Springer

  Sandstrom, Donna

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  In 2002, a young orca was discovered in Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington -- lost, starving, alone and 300 miles away from her home waters in Canada. Six months later, the orca, named Springer, was rescued and reunited with her pod near the north…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Space Chasers. [Volume 1]

  Melvin, Leland, 1964-

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  Created by real life astronaut Leland Melvin, this graphic novel brings together a team of kids-turned-astronauts as they work together to get back home from outer space. It blends teamwork, science, and lessons from life for budding explorers. Ages…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A Galaxy of Whales

  Fawcett, Heather (Heather M.)

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  When young photographer Fern learns about a photo contest with a big cash prize, she is determined to follow in her recently departed Dad’s footsteps and take a prize-worthy photo of a whale. Ages 8-12

• The Curse of Eelgrass Bog

  Averling, Mary,

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  Dark secrets and unnatural magic abound when twelve-year-old Kess Pedrock ventures into a bog full of witches, demons, and possibly worse, to break a mysterious curse. Ages 8-12

• The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur

  a Graphic Novel Based on a True Story

  Wolf, Allan

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  This graphic novel tells the bizarre but true story of a Louisiana lake that vanished. It collapsed suddenly after a drilling accident. The book offers compelling visuals and scientific context. Ages 10-14

• Across So Many Seas

  Behar, Ruth, 1956-

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  Spanning over five centuries, Across So Many Seas tells the stories of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many of them forced to leave their country and start a new life. Though time and seas separate these girls, they are…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Unicorn Boy

  Roman, Dave

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  In this graphic novel, a young boy navigates school, friendship, and identity while growing a singing unicorn horn. It explores self-acceptance, resilience, and the courage to be yourself even when the odds are against you. Ages 8-12

• The Pale Queen

  Aldridge, Ethan M.

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  This graphic novel tells a heartwarming story following Agatha, an aspiring astronomer, as she comes across a mysterious being known as the Lady. She discovers secrets that lay hidden in the greater world around her. It is a classic story that…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Great Turkey Walk

  Bischoff, Léonie,

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  A graphic novel-reimagined version of the 1998 classic, this book explores grit, friendship, and turkeys as they embark on a thousand-mile trek. It offers insight into courage and unity in a fun, adventurous package. Ages 8-12

• Speak Up, Santiago

  Anta, Julio

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  Santiago joins his school soccer team but must learn to speak up and defend himself when he has a hard time fitting in. This graphic novel explores standing up for yourself, the power of teamwork, and finding your voice. Ages 9-12

• Space on Earth

  How Thinking Like An Astronaut Can Help Save the Planet

  Williams, Dave (Dafydd Rhys), 1954-

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  Some ideas born on a space station could help sustain life here on Earth. Astronauts living on the International Space Station learn to conserve water, air, food, energy, and waste, and these efforts have led to amazing ideas for air quality, food…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Space Case

  the Graphic Novel

  Gibbs, Stuart, 1969-

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  Dashiell “Dash” Gibson lives on Moon Base Alpha, where he’s bored until a fellow lunarnaut dies in an accident. Only, it’s not an accident! The graphic novel combines mystery, humor, and space adventure as Dash uncovers secrets and races to solve a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Humpback Whale

  a First Field Guide to the Singing Giant of the Ocean

  De Vos, Asha,

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  Acclaimed marine biologist Dr. Asha de Vos explains how humpbacks use special bubble nets to catch fish, and why their poo is so important! Ages 9-12

• The Magnificent Book of Monsters

  Ferguson, Diana, 1947-

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  Learn about dozens of ghastly, gruesome, and magnificent monsters from myth, legend, and folklore. Includes many illustrations and intriguing facts that bring these creepy creatures to life. Ages 8-12

• Galactic Unicorn

  Simpson, Dana, 1977-

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  Ten-year old Phoebe and her magical unicorn friend embark on an adventure full of humor and interstellar fun as they navigate challenges in outer space. Ages 8-10

• Besties. Set Sail

  Miller, Kayla

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  Best friends Beth and Chanda head out for an ocean cruise. They snorkel, swim, and move through the ocean as they prepare for the emotional waves life has to offer. It explores growing up, supporting each other, and navigating friends and family.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Bea Wolf

  Weinersmith, Zach, 1982-

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  A retelling inspired by Beowulf, this graphic novel follows the adventures of Bea, a kid warrior tackling monsters. It explores what it means to be brave, as she faces her doubts and insecurities. Ages 8-12

• Garlic & the Witch

  Paulsen, Bree

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  Garlic sets off on a journey to the Magic Market to find a magical ingredient for her friend, all the while dealing with unexpected changes brought on by garden magic. This graphic novel explores friendship, courage, and self-acceptance as Garlic…Read moreRead more of this annotation