Imagination Soup shares curated book reviews, book lists, and learning resources for parents, teachers, and librarians. As a former teacher, former literacy trainer, and a mother of two, you can trust my expertise in children's books, reading levels, developmental appropriateness, and education. Join my community of 35,000 subscribers by signing up for my weekly newsletter!
2025 Summer Reading Lists, Novels in Verse, & AAPI Heritage Month
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Recently, I've been getting emails from readers asking about the summer reading lists. All the lists are updated except the teen list. (It will be updated next week.) And yes, you have my permission to distribute the printed lists to your classes and libraries. However, please do not post the list on your websites. Instead, post a link to the post on my website. 2025 Summer Reading Book Lists (All Ages)Your goal is to get kids reading good books. How do you do this? By providing choices and access, whether you buy the books or check them out at the library. Which is why I'm giving you lots of recommendations from which to choose. (A mix of new and evergreen titles.) Let your readers choose the books they want to read! You could suggest they pick one book per genre or five books for the entire list. Choice = motivation! Every updated reading list includes a free printable download to get you started on your summer reading choices. Use the list for your child's current grade level or the next grade up. You know your reader(s) best. Here are the lists: Pre-Reader Summer Reading Book List 1st Grade Reading List (age 6 – 7) 2nd Grade Reading List (age 7 – 8) 3rd Grade Reading List (age 8 – 9) 4th Grade Reading List (age 9 – 10) 5th Grade Reading List (age 10 – 11) 6th Grade Reading List (age 11 – 12) 7th Grade Reading List (age 12 – 13) 8th Grade Reading List (age 13 and up / teen) Occasionally, the form for the printable doesn't show up. Clear the cache and try again, or reply to this email and tell me which lists you need. Outstanding New Middle Grade Books, April 2025 (Ages 9 - 12)These new middle grade books are so good that I added them to my summer reading lists! Reading Journal for Kids (Ages 7 - 11)My wide-ruled, full-color reading journal is a fun way for kids to reflect on and engage with the books they read this summer. Middle Grade Novels in Verse (Ages 9 - 12)If your readers aren't hooked on verse books yet, Poetry Month is a great time to introduce these incredible books! Here are my favorites. 100+ AAPI Heritage Month Books for Kids (Ages 3 - 12)May 1 begins Asian American Pacific Islander American Heritage Month (AAPI month)! To celebrate, read these brilliant children’s books with Asian and Pacific Islander representation. Star Wars Books (Ages 4 - 18)Here are fantastic Star Wars books for all ages. May the force (4th) be with you. (Coming up on May 4!) Happy spring! Love, Melissa Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | LinkedIn | Amazon | Blue Sky *If you find this newsletter helpful, please share it with a friend. They can subscribe here. |
Hi! I'm a Melissa Taylor of Imagination Soup.
Imagination Soup shares curated book reviews, book lists, and learning resources for parents, teachers, and librarians. As a former teacher, former literacy trainer, and a mother of two, you can trust my expertise in children's books, reading levels, developmental appropriateness, and education. Join my community of 35,000 subscribers by signing up for my weekly newsletter!
One of the most important thing you can do over the summer is ensure your readers are reading DAILY. Why? Because regression is real. To that end, here are several ideas to keep up the reading motivation this summer. Start a book club! Read a book with a movie or show. Grab my fun-filled Reading Journal. (Shown above. Interior pages here.) Make a cozy reading nook. Get a headlamp or book light and read under the covers. Read to a new (stuffed) reading buddy. Let your kids spend $20 at the...
Happy June! Have you tried to gamify your reading before? Yesterday, my twenty-year-old daughter explained to me that she and her best friend love playing a bookstore game. They look for the weirdest manga book titles. Here are some examples:Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?Because I, the True Saint, was Banished, that Country is Done For! Fun, right? You can do this, too! Think about what fun bookish games you could play with your readers. Maybe at the library they...
I'm thrilled to share a sneak peek at my first picture book, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION, which will be published on April 21, 2026 by Red Comet Press! How cute is this artwork from illustrator Aurélie Lise-Anne? TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a heartfelt and deliciously sweet story about food allergies, creativity, resilience, and the magic of family.Bursting with playful language, cozy charm, and a dash of culinary creativity, this story celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and the loving support...