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!
This summer, I started volunteering at a horse therapy (hippotherapy) barn. When I walk into the barn, the sounds and smells immediately make me feel more relaxed, joyful, and energized.Yes, I’m volunteering to give to others, but really, the experience is giving so much more to me. Do you have any experiences like this in your life? Melissa with Blondie at The Right Step New Nonfiction Books, August 2025 (Ages 4 - 12) Are you ready to see what’s new and wonderful in nonfiction kidlit that...
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