Pool Reads: Middle-Grade Books Set in the Summer

Alex has always known her best friend and next-door neighbor, Will, will be there for her. That’s just how it’s always been. Until a girl from the pool named Rebekah comes over to them and says hi. Suddenly, Will is changing his clothes, restyling his hair, and breaking all their summer plans, and Alex is not happy about it. Every summer, she and Will come up with a new challenge. This year, it’s a treehouse. Now Alex is wrangling up summer jobs and keeping tabs on the new girl, hoping that in completing their treehouse, she can keep from losing her best friend and her summer from falling apart. I inhaled this terrific summer read in one sitting and loved every single word. Grades 5+

What if all you wanted for the summer was to go to camp with your best friends and draw comics in peace — BUT your parents thought it was better to go to Honduras, where they’re from, instead? That’s Sue’s dilemma in Miss Quinces. And then, on top of that, she finds out that her family is throwing her a surprise Quincenera against her wish. Will Sue survive the summer? This is an engaging, immersive graphic novel about identity, Latin-American culture, a love for art, and family. Grades 5+

Pawcasso is what 11-year-old Jo names the basket-toting dog in town when a group of kids at the library mistake her for the dog’s owner. Jo is a lonely kid bored at home during the summer holidays and missing her father, who works in a different city and visits the family periodically. She’s seen the dog walking through her neighborhood several times. The dog goes grocery shopping and can find its way home through pedestrian traffic and everything in town. As the kids fall more in love with “Pawcasso,” and by extension, Jo, she begins to enjoy having friends in her life. But what happens when the lie is exposed? On top of all the issues, the town is engaged in a debate about whether Pawcasso should be allowed to roam free — off leash. Jo also begins to worry whether her new plan is endangering Pawcasso’s freedom. Pawcasso is an adorable middle grade graphic novel with a relatable protagonist and a sweet dog friend. Grades 4+

The Firefly Summer follows young Ryanna, who gets sent to a family summer camp with her mother’s extended family — who she hasn’t seen since her mom died when she was three. Ryanna goes to camp hoping for a low-key situation where she can spend time in peace and quiet with her grandparents but is surprised to find a slew of aunts, uncles, and cousins at Camp Van Camp. After a rocky start, she starts to learn more about her mom, even discovering a treasure map she created as a kid and reading the detective novels she used to enjoy. But when she discovers that the campgrounds will be torn down by a developer, Ryanna and her cousins have to band together to save the day. The Firefly Summer is a summer-infused middle grade book about family, summer camps, and learning more about a deceased parent. Grades 5+

The Best Worst Summer follows two sets of kids three decades apart. In the present, Peyton and her family have just moved from Minneapolis to a small town named Lake Springs, leaving her best friend and their summer soccer camp tradition behind. She’s having the worst summer! But her summer gains new life when she discovers a box of secrets: a cryptic note to a friend, half of a “best friends” necklace, a playlist and several other items. After making her first new friend in the library, Peyton is eager to get to the bottom of the time capsule mystery. Meanwhile, in 1989, best friends Jessica and Melissa are planning the best summer ever! They even plan to bury a time capsule. Jessica is an adopted Korean girl — one of the only Asians in her small town — and Melissa’s mom is hiding some deep secrets about their family. When the secret unravels, the girls’ lives are forever changed. That is until Peyton finds their time capsule in the present. The story alternates between past and present as we read Melissa and Peyton’s perspectives. This is a charming, engaging middle grade novel that manages to blend historical and contemporary fiction. Grades 6+

Eleven-year-old Abby is going to Camp Famous, but she has no idea. As far as she knows, her parents are sending her off to a sleepy sleep-away camp to (hopefully) make new friends. But when she arrives, she discovers it’s even better. She’s attending a fun summer camp with kid celebrities escaping the spotlight and constant paparazzi and new coverage. But as Abby starts to make friends at camp, she twists her personality and preferences to keep her camp friends interested in her. Plus, because she’s not a celebrity, finding and maintaining a cover story while being true to herself proves impossible. Will she make it? Camp Famous is a fun, insightful look at the impact of fame on kids and what it means to be a real friend. Grades 4+

There’s one thing to note about this summer’s theater show: it will be NOT starring Zadie Louise. Because of tight financial circumstances, Zadie’s summer activities have all been replaced with helping out (or at least trying not to cause a disaster) in the theater where her mom directs plays. Unlike her older sister, Zadie is not interested in acting and would rather hang out with the lights and tech crew, but it seems that she ruins everything she touches! Soon everyone is frustrated with her — and on top of that, she finds out her grandma who lives in their basement is moving! Can Zadie find her place this summer? Not Starring Zadie Louise is a funny, relatable summer read that tackled the real issue of familial financial insecurity. Grades 4+

This is a fun summer camp story starring Phoenny and her friends spending their last summer at SCCWEE, a camp for Chinese cultural enlightenment where kids can be immersed in their culture and bond with other kids of Chinese descent. This year, there are some changes with some new kids who’ve been adopted from China and seem unhappy to be at camp. There are also plenty of crushes, camp drama, and a racist incident on the camp’s social media account. This is a really robust, summery book with a large cast of characters that might be overwhelming for some readers. It’s also over 300 pages, so better suited for stronger readers. I liked it better on audio and Wang’s writing is enjoyable as usual, so if you loved The Many Meanings of Meilan, you will love this too. Grades 6+

Tahlia is excited to redeem herself at the end-of-school summer party hosted by the popular kid, Noah. The year before, she’d dressed in what she now realizes was a childish outfit (wearing a rashguard and shorts) while everyone else wore fancy swimsuits. This year, she’s ready to correct her mistakes and make a statement with her best friend Lily. That is until she gets her first period. It’s more stressful because her mother is out of town leaving her with her dad and two older brothers whom she can’t stand to tell about her period. With only Lily on her side, Tahlia has to figure out how to buy pads and tampons, use a tampon, avoid toxic shock syndrome, and make it to the pool party. Unbeknownst to her, life has a couple of other changes in store for Tahlia. This is a hilarious, relatable tale of growing up, getting your first period and figuring out the rollercoaster of puberty. Grades 5+

It’s the 90s, and Tori (Victoria) Reeves is planning the first magnificent summer with her father since he left their family over two years ago. He now has a new partner and two kids but is taking Victoria and her two siblings with his new family camping in Ohio. As the trip progresses, Victoria and her siblings realize that their father hasn’t changed much from the emotionally abusive parent he was. But will he stop Victoria from writing her own story? The First Magnificent Summer is a vivid, heartwrenching, and emotionally resonant book about dealing with difficult parents and navigating a first period. Grades 6+

Paul Marconi and his two besties, Beanpole and Shank, investigate the unusual appearance of a swarm of rubber duckies discovered on a neighbor’s lawn, bringing some life to their summer. This gentle low-stakes mystery is full of sneaky sleuthing, short, hilarious at times, and sweet. Grades 5+

Bea is winning at being a shortstop, finally making headway with her crush, and is excited to go to summer camp with her friends when her dad’s legal license is suspended in a town scandal. Suddenly, she develops a case of the yips and begs her parents to send her to another softball summer camp on Gray Island, where her mom grew up. Throughout the summer, Bea learns more about her parents’ previous marriages and other secrets. This is a sporty, summery, and serious coming-of-age story about a girl dealing with difficult emotions and circumstances. Grades 6+

Yumi, the book’s young heroine, wants to be a stand-up comic, but her immigrant Korean parents want a different path for her. When Yumi ends up in a comedy camp as a result of mistaken identity, she grabs the opportunity with both hands. This book is funny and relatable and features stand-up comedy, so if you have any young wannabe comedians, it will be extra appealing. Grades 5+

The Peach family is embarking on The Great Peach Experiment, their first one: making and selling pies out of a food truck! Oh, and they’ll be road tripping the whole summer too. Lucy, Freddie, and Herb have spent more time with each other than with their father since their mom died. The kids are hesitant at first, but Freddie is glad to miss summer school, so he gets on board super quickly. Firstborn and permanent watcher of her siblings, Lucy is suspicious but agrees because she wants her dad to be more present in their lives. Herb is just happy as long as he gets to swim every single day while they’re on the road. The family plans to also enter a food truck contest at the end of their trip to compete for $10,000. But along the way, they learn a lot about what really matters. This is a wonderful introduction a new middle grade series for fans of The Vanderbeekers. Grades 4+

What Happens Next is Claire Swinarski’s debut middle-grade novel. The book follows Abby McCourt, astronomy lover, and her family as they deal with her oldest sister, Blair getting diagnosed with anorexia. As Blair goes off to rehab, leaving a potential ballet career in the lurch, the McCourt’s small town is abuzz with a highly anticipated solar eclipse. Abby is not handling her sister’s absence very well. Especially because she was closest to Blair and doesn’t have the best relationship with her more brash middle-sister, Jade. At the same time, she stumbles upon a famous astronomer who’s staying at her family’s lodge. He enlists her to assist him in locating a lost telescope. Eager to avoid the pain of her sister’s situation, Abby throws herself into helping Professor Lacamoire. Interestingly, this story is told in alternating timelines, simultaneously showing readers how things went wrong for Blair and how Abby is coping with Blair’s departure and pending return from rehab. What Happens Next is a clever, moving debut about the impact of an eating disorder on a family. This book is well-researched and engaging. Grades 6+

Rylan agrees to work as a farm hand in France in order to reconnect with his used-to-be best friend, Wilder. Both their moms are friends and Wilder’s wealthier mom is happy to pay Rylan’s way. Wilder and Rylan’s friendship has been shaky since Wilder has been ditching Rylan for the cool kids. And the trip is about to get more complicated when Rylan’s mom tells him that his estranged father lives in France and wants to reconnect with him. When they arrive in France, Wilder quickly joins a different group of kids on the farm from Rylan’s deflating his hopes of reconnecting. Rylan has to find his way and decide whether or not to meet his dad. Will his French escape be worth it? My Not-So-Great French Escape is a funny, emotional, and adventure-filled book about changing friendships, cultivating self-worth, and learning the value of hard work. Grades 5+

Abby, Emma, and Ollie can’t seem to get it together. After months of squabbling, their parents ship them off to summer camp together to figure out their issues. The girls succeed in ignoring each other most of the time, but a hike gone wrong on their last day forces them to work together against hunger, near-drownings, and bear attacks. The story alternates between the past and the present so readers can see what went wrong with the sisters and watch them make their way back. This is a heartfelt survival middle grade book about sisterhood, tween angst, and identity. Starring three sisters between the ages of 9 and 13, this story will work for various ages and appeal to kids with diverse interests. Grades 5+

June is tired of having anxiety rule her life and has made a plan to kick it to the curb this summer. She’s going to put herself out there—she and her fierce single mom who works at the library. Fortunately, June meets Homer, a middle school boy who loves reciting poetry and believes in June! But there are a few bumps in the road for June. Will she win this summer? If you’re looking for a book about anxiety (June is so anxious she pulls her hair out—LITERALLY), summer, and friendship set in the library (June’s mom works there!) don’t miss this one! Grades 5+

When Caleb and his older brother meet a 16-year-old wise-cracking, smart-mouthed Styx Malone in their small town, they are enthralled with the young man and begin to look up to him. Even when Styx’s actions are questionable including lying, swindling, and petty theft, verging on illegal, Caleb and Bobby Gene continue to follow him, much to their parents’ concerns. As their summer adventure to raise enough money to buy a fancy motorcycle takes a turn, all three boys are surprised by how much they come to care for each other. I found this story impossible to put down and the premise so novel and fascinating, an interesting perspective on stranger danger and a sweet story about male friendship. I still did NOT like Styx, and while I wish him the best, I am still heavily side-eyeing him. Grades 5+

Maudie is a sweet, autistic girl spending the summer with her dad. When her dad’s home is razed in a California wildfire, they move to the small beach town where her father grew up. Throughout the summer, as Maudie makes new friends, starts learning to surf, and enters a surfing contest, a secret tugs at her–one her mother has asked her to keep from her dad. The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn is a vivid, triumphant, and authentic coming-of-age story about discovering one’s inner strength. Grades 6+

Willow (Lolo) Weaver’s summer is not going well. Her grandfather has recently died, her grandma isn’t herself, and she’s given away her grandfather’s foster dog, Hank. Lolo’s mother is heavily pregnant, and Lolo is in summer school because she didn’t do too well in her last exams. On top of that, their lake town isn’t a lake town anymore because the lake’s been drained and smells awful now. Lolo wants to help her grandmother feel better, and she’s convinced that getting back her grandfather’s dog will do the trick. The only problem is that the dog now belongs to someone else. So Lolo gets on Pop’s boat to steal Hank back—only to run into her summer school classmate, Noah (who’s the new dog owner). Lolo Weaver Swims Upstream is a charming story about persistence, unlikely friendships, and the enduring love for a grandparent despite the odds. Grades 4+

Max is a video-game-obsessed tween who’s qualified for the Gamerville finals when his parents decide that he’s too addicted to his devices and schlepp him over to Camp Reset, a technology-free camp where he’ll be stuck during the week of his Gamerville finals. There, Max gets thrown in the mix with campers Ari, Dylan, and Zazzi, who are dealing with upheavals in their own lives. Ari and Dylan are recovering from a falling out. Dylan has anger issues and bullied Ari in the past, and Zazzi is controlling and won’t let her besties do what they want and would rather stick to “tradition.” In all the mayhem, Max decides to break out of the camp for his finals. This was fun at times, but certain parts gave me pause, and it did feel a tad didactic, especially from Zazzi’s perspective. Still, I loved the camp vibes and the adventure and the community and friendships and the illustrations are lovely! Grades 5+

Drew and Mia were born on the same day in Half Moon Bay, California, but their lives have taken different paths. When Mia returns to Half Moon Bay where Drew still lives, both kids form a friendship and start training for a half-marathon together for different reasons. Mia wants to solve her family’s housing issues while Drew is doing it for his dad, who’s received a crushing diagnosis of ALS. Half Moon Summer is a moving, insightful, and hopeful book about dealing with devastating life changes with the aid of strong friendships and a supportive community. Grades 6+

Maggie’s summer is off to a rocky start when her parents announce that she has a half-sister—a daughter her father never knew about until now. Callie’s presence throws off soft-spoken Maggie’s dynamic with her outspoken best friend Daija, even more when Callie joins their hair-braiding business. The Braid Girls is a sweet, relatable middle grade book about sisterhood, entrepreneurship, and finding your voice. Grades 6+

Be Prepared is based on Vera Brosgol’s experience at Russian camp in her childhood. Vera is almost ten and now living in the US with her mom and her brother. They moved when Vera was still young, and though she understands Russian, she can’t speak as well. Her mother is back in school and the family is living on a tight budget. Vera feels like the outsider with her American friends who are more well-to-do and have slumber parties in their larger houses. When she tries and fails to fit in repeatedly, she decides that she will go to summer camp just as her friends do. This way, she’ll have something to say when they’re all sharing summer plans and experiences. However, the Russian Scout camp she and her brother are sent to is not at all like the American summer camp she envisioned. Gross toilets, snobby older kids, a lot of reading in Russian and tough outdoor conditions teach Vera much about life and friendships. Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol is a fun graphic novel about summer camp, friendships, Russian culture and traditions, as well as sibling dynamics. Grades 5+