💓Fun Summer Reads for Girls 📚
When it's Summer time and the sun is up, there’s nothing better than curling up with a great book (bonus points if it’s under a tree, in a hammock, or on a beach towel!). If you’re looking for fun, engaging summer reads for elementary-aged girls, especially stories that reflect a variety of voices and interests—this list is for you.
These books are filled with animal friends, brave little girls, curious minds, and laugh-out-loud moments. Many feature Black girl leads or diverse characters that all girls can enjoy and learn from. Add a few to your library bag or road trip tote, and you’ll have a summer full of smiles and stories
🐭 Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm
🐭 Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm
Babymouse dreams big, whether she’s imagining herself as a rock star or navigating the wild world of elementary school. With hilarious illustrations and relatable drama, this graphic novel series is full of personality and fun, especially for reluctant readers.
🧪 Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro
Zoey is a science-loving girl who discovers magical animals in her backyard—and helps heal them using real science experiments! With the support of her lovable cat Sassafras and her encouraging mom, Zoey models curiosity, problem-solving, and kindness. A must-read for girls who love STEM, animals, and adventure
🌍 Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
Anna lives in "amazing Africa" with her big, loving family. Her stories are warm, funny, and full of cultural richness, making everyday life feel magical. These chapter books gently introduce readers to African culture through relatable themes like family, friendship, and growing up.
🐷 Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
Mercy is a toast-loving pig who causes all kinds of delightful chaos for her neighbors, the Watsons. With vibrant illustrations and quirky characters, these stories are ideal for emerging readers who like silliness and light mystery.
🧠 The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty
This series stars curious and creative kids like Ada Twist the scientist, Rosie Revere the engineer, and Sofia Valdez the future president. Each story inspires girls to ask questions, dream big, and change their world with brains and heart. A favorite for budding innovators!
🐭 Sophie Mouse by Poppy Green
Sophie is a kind and thoughtful mouse who loves art and nature. Her stories explore friendship, creativity, and gentle adventures in a charming forest community—perfect for early readers transitioning to chapter books.
🍕 Pizza and Taco by Stephen Shaskan
What happens when a slice of pizza and a taco are best friends? Hilarious comic-style chaos! These books are easy to read and packed with kid humor, making them ideal for reluctant readers and graphic novel fans.
🐘 Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems
This beloved early reader series follows best friends Gerald (an anxious elephant) and Piggie (an exuberant pig) through silly, emotional, and hilarious situations. These books are perfect for reading aloud together and building confidence.
🦄 Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti
When Sam visits her aunt on a mysterious island, she discovers real unicorns in danger—and uncovers her own surprising gifts. A magical chapter book with mystery, family secrets, and adventure. A great bridge into longer fantasy reads.
🦉 Beak & Ally by Norm Feuti
Beak is a noisy, social bird. Ally is a grumpy alligator. Their odd-couple friendship makes for fun and heartwarming stories told in graphic novel format, great for newer readers who love cartoons and humor.
🦉 Wallace and Grace Take the Case by Heather Alexander
Two owl detectives solve mysteries in their forest home. With gentle suspense and big-hearted sleuthing, this early chapter book series encourages observation and teamwork—perfect for animal lovers and mini mystery fans.
🩰 Ballet Bunnies by Swapna Reddy
Millie is a new dancer at Miss Luisa’s Ballet School, where she gets help from a group of magical bunnies. These short chapter books combine ballet dreams with gentle encouragement for nervous or shy readers.
🐳 Narwhal and Jelly series by Ben Clanton
With adorable underwater characters, light humor, and a comic-style layout, this series is a gentle introduction to graphic novels. The stories are short and sweet, perfect for early readers who want to feel successful while reading something fun. Great for kids who enjoy friendship stories, sea animals, and silly puns.
🚗 Getting Us to Grandma’s by Nadja Holm
A heartwarming picture book about a young girl and her dad making their way across town to see Grandma—by any means necessary! Bursting with determination, creativity, and Black family love, this book is a joyful celebration of persistence and connection.
🌳 Heartwood Hotel Series by Kallie George
When Mona the mouse finds shelter in the grand forest hotel, she discovers a magical world of woodland creatures and hospitality. These heartwarming stories are great for kids who love animals and gentle, cozy tales.
📘 Bonus Nonfiction Pick: Backpack Explorer Series by Editors of Storey Publishing
Not storybooks but interactive nature guides that turn hikes, gardens, and backyards into full-on summer adventures! With stickers, scavenger hunts, and fun facts, these books invite girls to explore the world around them with wonder.
Take Away
Summer reading should feel like freedom, not homework. With these lighthearted, meaningful, and magical books, your elementary-aged girl will discover stories that make her laugh, wonder, and feel seen. Whether she’s into unicorns, science, ballet, or backyard mysteries—there’s something on this list just for her.
Happy reading and happy summer!
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