Off the Shelf: “All Together Now” Summer Reading Program Book List for Youth

Posted June 27, 2023

By Apryl Flynn Gilliss
Public Relations Specialist

The W-TCPL’s Summer Reading Program encourages children to keep reading over the summer months. Summer reading helps children retain knowledge and skills learned in the school year. Kids can avoid the “summer slump” by participating in the Summer Reading Program and can win prizes for reading and learning! There is still time to sign up; the program runs through July 29, 2023.

This year’s free Summer Reading Program theme is “All Together Now,” which embraces kindness, friendship, and unity. Besides participating in lots of fun events at all W-TCPL libraries, check out this reading list for kids of all ages that embraces the “All Together Now” theme. These books are all available through the W-TCPL system.

For Babies
Global Baby Playtime by Maya Ajmera (2021)

Babies all over the globe play in different ways. They play with balls, rattles, and blocks–and with other babies. No matter how they play, they’re learning about the world around them.

Playdate by Maryann Macdonald and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell (2019)

Children playing in charming illustrations demonstrate simple concepts such as old and new, fast and slow, and happy and sad.

For Toddlers
The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague (2021)

When we’re first born, our circle is very small, but as we grow and build relationships, our circle keeps getting bigger and bigger to include family, friends, neighbors, community, and beyond.

The Kindness Book by Todd Parr (2019)

No matter what other people choose to do, you can always choose to be kind–and what a wonderful thing to be! This book is the perfect introduction to a timely and timeless topic.

For Preschoolers
I Can Help by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Mikela Prevost (2021)

A gentle, sensitive portrayal of reaching out, facing peer pressure, and learning from past mistakes. This book will open discussions about choosing kindness in the classroom and beyond.

Just You and Me: Remarkable Relationships in the Wild by Jennifer Ward (2021)

Celebrate perfect partnerships in nature with this rhyming picture book exploring symbiosis with vibrant illustrations and fun facts for young animal enthusiasts.

For Middle Grade Students
Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol (2018)

In this nonfiction graphic novel, a misfit girl and her brother attend Russian summer camp, where they struggle with primitive plumbing, snobby tentmates, and boys-versus-girls competitions.

 
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Patricia Castelao (2020)

This sequel to The One and Only Ivan follows Bob and his two best friends as they find courage and learn the true meaning of friendship, family, and hope.

For Young Adults
Happiness Hacks: How to Find Energy and Inspiration by Aubre Andrus, Karen Bluth, and Veronica Collignon (2018)

Being happy is good for you. When you’re happy, you’re energized and motivated to get things done. If you’re looking to find more joy in life or are feeling a little defeated, the projects in this book can help.

 

 
Home Home by Lisa Allen-Agostini (2020)

An award-winning novel about a girl on the verge of losing herself and the unlikely journey to recovery after she is removed from everything and everyone she knows to be home.

 

Want to read more?

Use the library’s Novelist Plus online research resource and type in a keyword. It will offer up a list of similar books about your topic or reading level.