Summer Reading: Practice Kindness!
Spend lazy summer days curled up with a book! Summer is a chance to take a deep breath, even when the schedule can feel full with fun, camps, and vacation. Slow down and spend some time reading about kindness with these summer-themed chapter books about kindness.
Don’t forget to check out our collection of kindness read-alouds that spark big conversations for even more stories that focus on being kind to others.
Featured Title
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeeker siblings discover a neglected green space and work together to convert it into a healing garden for an ailing neighbor. Through incredible persistence and community organizing, they show how powerful a team of kids with a vision can be.
6+ as read aloud. 8+ as an independent read.
More DGT Favorites
Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate
This novel-in-verse follows the story of a dog (named Wombat) in the aftermath of a fire. It features themes of resilience, compassion, and surprising friendships. 6+ as read aloud. 8+ as an independent read.
Wild Robot series by Peter Brown
The adventurous and touching story of a robot stranded on an island who learns to adapt to the wilderness and befriend the suspicious animals around her. The first book takes place on the island, the second on a farm and a cross-country journey, and the third in the ocean. 6+ as read aloud. 8+ as an independent read.
One and Only Ivan series by Katherine Applegate
If you’re planning a trip to a zoo this summer, the four-book One and Only Ivan series will develop empathy for the animals on the other side of the glass. A beautiful story of friendship and the power of the conviction of a child. 6+ as read aloud. 8+ as an independent read.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Against the backdrop of the month of August, a girl develops a friendship with a dog that brings a community together. It will have your reader wanting to host a summer block party or community dinner. 8+
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Brother and sister Evan and Jessie compete by each starting a lemonade stand. What begins as a simple competition turns into a battle to see who can earn the most money before summer ends. Along the way, they learn important lessons about friendship, family, honesty, and working through misunderstandings. 8+
You Are Here: Connecting Flights, edited by Ellen Oh
Flying anywhere this summer? Pick up this anthology of stories from incredible Asian American authors edited by Ellen Oh of We Need Diverse Voices. It weaves the stories of a diversity of Asian American tweens and teens traveling through an airport, each with a unique story and each learning how to recognize and confront racism and speak up for themselves with friends, family, and strangers. 10+
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
Angry about the loss of his father, 12-year-old Finn vandalizes a tombstone, catapulting him into a journey in which he must climb all 46 of the Adirondack Peaks over three months. Alongside mentors, he journeys through mountains both real and metaphorical. A novel told in verse, through recipes, and a variety of other poetic forms, this book will inspire both hiking and healing among upper middle grade readers. 10+
A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya
Twelve year old Gonzalo Alberto García sets out on a road trip with his grandfather, hoping to mend their relationship. Along the way, unexpected detours—and small acts of kindness—help him discover courage, connection, and what it truly means to be a hero. 10+
Manatee Summer by Evan Griffith
A boy spending the summer in Florida forms an unexpected bond with a manatee and with his grandfather. As he learns to care for the gentle creatures, he discovers the power of empathy, healing, and small acts of kindness. 10+
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