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Mrs. Laura Bush's 2021 Summer Reading List for Kids

Recommended reading for youngest, elementary, and middle school readers.

May 17, 2021 // 2 minute read

As libraries across the Nation begin to open, parents and caregivers can use this summer reading list as a resource to keep their youngest readers through middle schoolers engaged. Selections highlight books focused on diversity, inclusion, and kindness; and the list features a title by the late Beverly Cleary.

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Books for youngest readers

When Charley Met Emma
by Amy Webb
Illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard

I Will Be Fierce
by Bea Birdsong
Illustrated by Nidhi Chanani

Little Sunny Sunshine/Sol Solecito
by Susie Jaramillo

Me & Mama
Written and Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3
by Bill Martin, Jr. and Michael Sampson
Illustrated by Lois Ehlert

Books for elementary school readers

Lady Bird Johnson, That’s Who!
by Tracy Nelson Maurer
Illustrated by Ginnie Hsu

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Written and Illustrated by Angela Dominguez

Warren & Dragon 100 Friends
by Ariel Bernstein
Illustrated by Mike Malbrough

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World
by Malcolm Mitchell
Illustrated by Michael Robertson

The Mouse and the Motorcycle
by Beverly Cleary
Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers

This is Your Time
by Ruby Bridges

Books for Middle School Readers

The Last Last Day of Summer
by Lamar Giles
Illustrated by Dapo Adeola

Return to Sender
by Julia Alvarez

The Breadwinner
by Deborah Ellis

Stella by Starlight
by Sharon M. Draper

Projekt 1065
by Alan Gratz

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