Summer is the perfect time for children to go on an adventure… through books! To encourage them to keep reading and strengthen their reading skills during the holidays, here are 10 vacation-themed book suggestions. These stories will take your students on journeys, make them dream, and bring lots of laughs all summer long!
ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis (BOOM! Box)
Lumberjanes follows five best friends—Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley—who spend their summer at a scout camp where they encounter supernatural creatures. Together, they face wild adventures, solve mysteries, and prove that friendship can overcome any obstacle. This energetic and funny graphic novel series is a must-read for fans of strong, adventurous girls and unforgettable summer fun.
Élise Gravel (Scholastic)
This young adult novel recounts the summer of Jessie, a somewhat fearful girl, just before she starts high school. Caught between childhood and adolescence, she experiences her first crushes and new challenges. Thanks to Élise Gravel’s humour, this sweet and funny story will charm anyone who wants to fully enjoy summer... or those who are already dreading the next school year!
Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds (Candlewick Press)
With everyone away on vacation, Judy faces a super boring summer… until she dreams up the most thrill-a-delic plan ever. Get ready for wild adventures—a treasure hunt, a midnight stakeout, a runaway ice-cream truck, and a splash of Bigfoot—making these the most unforgettable summer holidays ever!
Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Scholastic Canada)
Sunny Lewin is sent to Florida to spend the summer with her grandfather, expecting fun and adventure, but instead finds herself bored and surrounded by old people. Everything changes when she meets comic book obsessed Buzz; together they embark on unexpected adventures, from alligator encounters to solving neighbourhood mysteries. But as Sunny searches for excitement, she uncovers a family secret that explains why she’s really spending her summer in Florida.
Melanie Watt (Tundra)
Scaredy Squirrel prefers the safety of his nut tree and is not a fan of the great outdoors. When he decides to watch a show about camping from the comfort of his couch, he realizes he needs to venture outside to find an electrical outlet. This funny picture book follows Scaredy’s cautious adventure and shows whether his careful plans will help him.
Emily Gravett (Pan Macmillan)
Sunny the meerkat finds his home in the Kalahari Desert too crowded and sets off to visit his mongoose relatives in different parts of the world. During his journey, Sunny discovers he doesn’t quite fit in with any of the other mongoose families, and he notices someone seems to be following him. “Meerkat Mail” is a humourous picture book full of detailed illustrations, postcards, and fascinating facts about different mongoose species, making it a delight for young readers.
Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler (Andrews McMeel)
This graphic novel invites young readers to discover the adventures of the orphan Anne Shirley in a contemporary and humorous version of the classic Anne of Green Gables. Thanks to the magnificent illustrations, you’ll travel to Prince Edward Island and be charmed by its nature and lush green landscapes.
James Dean and Kimberly Dean (HarperCollins)
Join Pete the Cat for a sunny day of sandcastles and shell-hunting at the beach! When the sun gets too hot, Pete faces his fears and discovers the fun of splashing in the ocean. This funny story is all about summer adventures and trying something new. Perfect for young readers!
Jeanne Birdsall (Random House Children's Books)
This summer, the four Penderwick sisters are off for an unforgettable holiday at the enchanting Arundel estate, where magical gardens, secret treasures, and friendly rabbits await. There, they befriend Jeffrey, the owner’s adventurous son, and together dive into a world of hidden attics and gingerbread delights. But with the strict Mrs. Tifton watching their every move, will they manage to stay out of trouble and make memories that will last forever? Perfect for the most advanced readers!
Simon James (Aladdin)
Dear Mr. Blueberry is a charming story about a young girl named Emily who believes she has seen a whale in her pond and writes letters to her teacher for help. Throughout their correspondence, Mr. Blueberry provides scientific facts about whales, but Emily’s imagination and curiosity create a heartwarming exchange. By the end of the book, both Emily and Mr. Blueberry are changed by what they learn—from facts about whales to the power of wonder and belief.