Our Summer Reading Picks – Kids Edition
When the final bell rings on the last day of school, kids are looking forward to time with friends, camps or vacations and all the summer adventures that lie ahead. And what better adventure than getting lost in a good book?
We asked local readers for their recommendations to keep kids engaged, creative and inspired – all while helping to fight the summer slide.
For Building Self-Esteem (Preschool)
By Karen Beaumont
Full of energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves – inside and out.
-Mark Keeley, President & CEO, St. Louis Arc
Exploring Emotions (Preschool)
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
By Jo Witek
With poetic but direct language, readers encounter new words and opportunities to practice articulating emotions.
-United Way staff pick
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Ages 4-8)
By Arree Chung
In the beginning, the reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they’re the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book about acceptance and unity.
-Toni Jackson, Center Director, Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
Lessons About Disability (Ages 7-10)
By Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborated with her daughter Ryan to write this story about Callie and her twin brother Charlie, who has autism.
-Mark Keeley, President & CEO, St. Louis Arc
Local History (Ages 8-12)
Growing Up with the River: Nine Generations on the Missouri
By Dan and Connie Burkhardt
Readers meet nine generations of children who grew up along the Missouri River, from Hermann to St. Charles, in this story that is beautifully illustrated by Missouri landscape painter Bryan Haynes.
-United Way staff pick
For Inspiring Kindness (Ages 8-12)
By R. J. Palacio
Adapted into an acclaimed major motion picture, this unforgettable story follows Auggie, who was born with a facial difference, and his community’s struggle with empathy, compassion and acceptance.
-Susan Kidder, CEO, Safe Connections
Friendship and Grief (Teens and Young Adults)
By Alison McGhee
After his dad takes his own life, Will begins secretly helping the people around him – acts of kindness that eventually empower him to process his trauma.
– Lisa Krystosek, Counselor, Provident
Complexities of Race and Gender (Teens and Young Adults)
By Renée Watson
Acclaimed author Renee Watson offers a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it’s trying to break her.
-Troy Metheney, Executive Director, Illinois Center for Autism
Take action now:
- Looking for ideas for your own summer reading? Check out our list for grownups!
- Share this story with friends and family!
