A Summer Reading Adventure Kids Can Choose Themselves

This summer, your young readers can chart their own course to fun and adventure. Scholastic’s free printable helps kids track their reading, plan their next titles, and feel real accomplishment. Download the poster and print it out to help launch your reader on their journey. (You can also download a poster-sized version to print at an office supplies shop.)

Summer reading is more than just a way to help kids retain what they’ve learned during the year. It’s a chance to build academic confidence, develop lifelong reading habits, and best of all, have some fun! (And let’s not forget the benefits of a calming screen-free activity like reading a favorite book during the summer bustle of camps and activities.) 

So, what’s the best way to encourage kids to read during the summer? So what’s the best way to encourage kids to read all summer long? Let them choose the books or topics that interest them. Scholastic’s research has shown that when kids choose, they read. Having your young readers choose which books to read will boost their engagement with the story … and make them eager to read more books. 

Whether your reader loves sports or sharks, dinos or unicorns, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help them get started on their summer reading journey. And don’t forget to trace the path of their adventures on our free printable map. Who knows where it will take them! 

All-Star Arena: Great Books About Sports

The best thing about sports books is that there’s literally something for everyone. Your kiddo might love sportsball-type games like football and basketball, or prefer spectacle-based fun like monster trucks — no matter what, there’s a great read out there that’s perfect for them. 

Want to expand your favorite sports fan’s horizons? Get an overview of everything amazing that happened in the world of sports this year with Scholastic’s annual Year in Sports guide.

Dino Dig Zone: Great Books About Dinos

Dinosaurs are basically the perfect special interest for readers of any age. Reading about dinos gives kids lessons in history, biology, and climate science. Plus, they’re just cool; ask your dino fan which one is their favorite and why, and have the best conversation of your life. 

Dinos are also a great entry point for other important discussions between parents and kids. There are dinosaur-themed books that teach manners, explore feelings, and encourage kids to use their imagination.

Magic Meadow: Great Books About Unicorns

Speaking of imagination, what better creature to inspire your kids to dream big and think creatively than unicorns? Everyone’s favorite mythological creature teaches kids everything from friendship and teamwork (hello, Grumpycorn!) to believing in the impossible (There’s No Such Thing as Unicorns).

Dragon’s Den: Great Books About Dragons

Summer is the perfect time to dive into fantasy reads, especially those that feature the other best mystical creature: dragons. What’s more engaging than a creature that can roast marshmallows or menace enemies with just one fiery breath? 

Best of all, dragon books often come in series. Early readers can dive into Dragon Masters, part of the Branches series of beginner chapter books, while elementary and middle-grade readers will be enthralled by Wings of Fire and Dragon Girls.

Courage Castle: Great Books About Courageous Characters

Want more swords and sorcery? Dig into books about princesses, castles, and amazing adventures. Your magic-minded readers will love classics like the Magic Tree House, in which two siblings discover a tree house full of enchanted books, or contemporary favorites like Princess Truly, featuring a title character with plenty of leadership skills.

Joke Jungle: Great Comedy Books

Everyone loves a laugh, kids most of all — and boy, do these books deliver. Whether your young reader loves joke books, fairytales, or the adventures of Captain Underpants, there’s something here to tickle their funnybone.

Coral Reefs: Great Books About Sharks 

Scares. Science. And lots of TEETH. Shark books have everything you need for some serious summer reading fun. 

Young readers can settle in with Ms. Frizzle for a shark-centered underwater adventure or dive into history with I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916. There are cute shark books, sciency shark books, and lots and lots of silly shark books. Let your kids take a bite out of their favorites and watch them swim back for more.

Wildlife Trail: Great Books About Animals 

If you had to choose one genre for the whole summer, which would you choose? For many kids, animal books would be the winner every time. There are just so many different animals to choose from, from Clifford the Big Red Dog and Pig the Pug to bugs, bears… and Bob.

Puzzle Peaks: Great Books About Video Games 

If you have a gamer in your household, you know that there’s never such a thing as learning too much lore. The good news is that gaming companies and authors are ready to oblige, creating tons of tie-in reading material featuring your kid’s favorite games and characters. 

So, whether your reader loves Roblox and Minecraft or classic games like Mario and Zelda, they’re sure to find reads that will engage their interests and light up their imaginations.

Turbo Track: Great Books About Cars & Trucks 

Got a kiddo who can’t get enough of things that go? Parlay that passion into a to-be-read pile featuring cars, trucks, and bikes. 

The Things That Go book set is a great starter pack for readers. It includes a wipe-clean activity book, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Truck, Duck on a Bike, and I Spy: Things That Go. (Pro tip: Take I Spy with you on your next car trip and see how many wheeled things you can spy!)

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