The 2026 Summer Reading Guide

Looking for the extended version of the 2026 Summer Reading Guide with 60+ books instead of the 20 on the blog version? Just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!

The 2026 Summer Reading Guide is HERE!!

I spend pretty much 365 days of the year thinking about the next Summer Reading Guide.

Every book I read all year long, I think, “Does this deserve a spot??” or “What category would this book fit into?” And it’s so satisfying to see the whole thing come together!

It’s time to whip out your library card, load up your Kindle or order a few physical books for summer – whatever your preferred way of getting your hands on these titles is, these are all great books to read as warm weather and vacation arrive.

As in past years, I try to make sure it’s a good mix of both brand new releases and older titles because as a heavy library user myself, I know how deeply frustrating it is when I go to my library to request books from a summer reading list and every. single. book. has a request line 200 people long. No one needs that!

This is the twelfth annual Summer Reading Guide and whether you want something to read on your own or aloud to your kids, to listen to or read on paper, fiction or non-fiction, I hope you’ll find exactly the right titles to make your summer reading extra enjoyable.

This year, the summer reading guide consists of five categories with four books per category (don’t miss the bonus category on the extended Summer Reading Guide that’s available by email!) .

For each book, I’m sharing a short description of the book so you can quickly decide whether it’s something you’ll love or one you can skip.

And, like the last several years, I’ve included a printable version that you can get sent directly to your email (let me tell you, YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS – Kelsey on my team is the genius designer who brings it all to life and this year’s is the best yet with 60+ books instead of the 20 here on my blog!).

Not only does it have all the books in one handy place, but there are bonus book recommendations, an extra category, reading merit badges, team picks, read-alike suggestions, and lots of tips about reading with your kids or taking advantage of library resources.

Plus, it has all the titles in one spot if you want to print it out and take it to the library with you or mark them off as you read.

I hope it makes it easier than ever to have your best summer of reading. Just pop your email in the form below and it’ll come right to your inbox:

And now . . .drumroll please! The 2026 Summer Reading Guide!