At SA, reading is everything, especially over the summer. Kids who have access to books over the summer perform on average 35% to 40% better when they come back to school. SA scholars know that oftentimes the best adventures are in the pages of a good book — whether that’s traveling back in time through a magical treehouse, exploring nature, or learning lessons about love and friendship. With their help, we’ve curated the ultimate summer reading list for elementary and middle schoolers to enjoy. We’ll be back in school in only two weeks, but scholars can extend the summer by checking out our reviewers’ favorite books and some of their favorite spots to read below!
The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osbourne
“I love these books because they are full of adventure and the treehouse is so mysterious! My favorite way to read is curling up on our lounge chair — it has lots of pillows and is so comfy! We make hot cocoa and cozy up with one of these books before bed.”
—Melissa Beran, Fourth Grade, SA Hudson Yards
Witches in Brooklyn by Sophia Escabasse
“This book makes my imagination go WILD — there are so many mysteries in it! Every week, my family takes turns reading five pages in our favorite book, and we make the voices sound funny! We love reading in our living room on our big comfy couch.”
—Sophia Almanzar, Fifth Grade, SA Midtown West Middle School
This family has read 194 books together this summer alone! Our SA scholars are always going beyond Z!
Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book by Dr. Seuss
“I love this book because everyone gets to sleep and be happy! My favorite character is Van Vleck — he makes everyone sleepy when he yawns. I love reading in the living room, especially on the couch, because it’s soft and very snuggly! Sometimes my family and I will take turns acting out the characters in the book and it’s so fun!”
—Giovanni Phelps, First Grade, SA Rosedale
Otto’s Orange Day by Frank Cammuso
“In this book, Otto the fox wishes that everything in the world was his favorite color, orange! I love this book because orange is also my favorite color. It also teaches us that the world is amazing because of all its differences. Each color makes the world bright! I read everywhere; it’s fun wherever you can get comfortable!”
—Nathaniel Matasaru, Second Grade, SA Hudson Yards
This family has read 250 books together this summer!
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey and Don Wood
“The little mouse is my favorite character in this book because he appreciates nature and everything that surrounds it! I love reading at my desk and my bed. We read together every night.”
—Ashley Marte, First Grade, SA Bronx 3
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
“My favorite book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because Harry goes through many obstacles and learns to overcome them. I love reading on my balcony since it’s so peaceful and I can see outside.”
—Adolfo Sinchi, Seventh Grade, SA Midtown West Middle School
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
“I like this book and the character Charlotte because she is small and smart and helps Wilbur the pig! It’s really nice that she helped him and he didn’t become bacon. It’s a really great friendship. I love reading on the beach or near a pool when I can, but since we live in NYC I mostly read in bed!”
—Ella Altimare, Second Grade, SA Upper West
My Mom Has Two Jobs by Michelle Travis
“My favorite book is My Mom Has Two Jobs because it talks about moms and all the hard work that they do, just like my mom! My family loves to read and relax with music for an hour each day.”
—Jazmine Reyes, Second Grade, SA Bronx 3
Martina The Beautiful Cockroach by Carmen Agra Deedy
“This book is a Cuban folktale that is filled with humor and magic! Martina is my favorite character because she doesn’t know anything about love, but luckily she has her Cuban family to help. We love reading in a tent outdoors with cozy pillows and lights that look like stars.”
—Sophie Campos, Second Grade, SA Washington Heights
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
“This is the first book in the Land of Stories series. I love fantasy books and all of the magical places in them. Alex is my favorite character in the book because she always looks for the good in people and is so generous. I love reading on my bed with my fox pillow!”
—Zaynab Bah, Seventh Grade, SA Hudson Yards Middle School
