The best books for kids this summer

Looking for some fun books to keep the kids entertained this summer? Brothers Harlen, 11, and Micah, 8, have done the homework for you! From fantasy sagas to animal adventures, their favourite picks are perfect for long flights, before lights-out, or just quiet time away from screens. Whether your child’s a reluctant reader or a fully-blown bookworm, these will keep the pages turning over the weeks to come.

By Harlen Hamilton

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
What’s it about: Five dragonets who are destined to end a great war. Each one has a unique background, and as they explore their histories, they uncover secrets that go beyond their imagination. This series is great for fans of adventure and fantasy.
Why it’s good: It’s told from the perspective of a different dragonet. For example, the first book is from Clay’s perspective, while the second book is from Tsunami’s perspective.
Great for: 8 – 13 years

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
What’s it about: Percy Jackson discovers he is the demigod son of Poseidon and finds himself at Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods.
Why it’s good: It’s a mix of mystery and adventure. I was excited whenever there was a fight scene!
Great for: 9 – 13 years

Keeper Of The Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
What’s it about: Sophie meets a boy named Fitz on a school trip to the museum. He reveals that she is an elf and takes her to the elven capital. As she explores her true identity, her troubled past comes back to haunt her.
Why it’s good: This book made me think about how the world could be more strongly united instead of having borders to separate everyone. It makes the reader curious about all the mysteries and secrets Sophie and her friends uncover.
Great for: 8 – 13 years

A Wish In The Dark by Christina Soontornvat
What’s it about: A boy named Pong who was born and raised in Namwon, a prison for women and children. Pong escapes Namwon and meets father Cham, a kind monk who takes him in and trains him to become a monk.
Why it’s good: It explores justice and freedom, and questions the implications of a society built on secrets and power. This book made me feel hope and inspiration as I followed characters who choose kindness and courage in a world that tries to control both.
Great for: 8 – 13 years

Rangers Apprentice by John Flanagan
What’s it about: This book series features Will, a small orphan chosen as a Ranger apprentice rather than a knight. Alongside his mentor, Halt, he learns how to protect the Kingdom of Araluen from various threats.
Why it’s good: This book teaches you about the value of sticking together. The Emperor of Nihon-Ja is Book 10, and this one especially talks about important stuff like knowing your worth and working as a team.
Great for: 8 – 13 years

Warriors by Erin Hunter
What’s it about: When ‘kittypet’ Rusty strays into the forest and is ambushed by a wild cat, life as he knows it is over. After a brave fight, he is invited to leave the Twoleg world and join ThunderClan, one of four cat tribes, to train as a warrior.
Why it’s good: This series made me feel the importance of loyalty, because of how loyal the wild cats are to each other. I also like how this series splits each book between characters. Fans of adventure and mystery will like these stories.
Great for: 8 – 13 years

Gregor The Overlander by Suzanne Collins
What’s it about: Gregor follows his sister Boots down a vent in his laundry room and ends up in the “Underland”, a world located under New York City.
Why it’s good: It combines adventure with emotion, focusing on a kid who’s thrown into a dark, dangerous world, but still holds onto his love for his family.
Great for: 8 – 13 years

Theo Tan And The Fox Spirit by Jesse.Q Sutanto
What’s it about: Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit follows 12-year-old Theo, a Chinese American boy who inherits his older brother’s mischievous fox spirit, Kai, after Jamie’s mysterious death. Together, they uncover secrets tied to a tech company and must navigate magic, culture, and danger to solve the mystery and honor Jamie’s legacy.
Why it’s good: This book combines modern life and Chinese mythology, creating an exciting world where culture and magic interact. It’s great for middle-grade readers (ages 8 -12) who enjoy fantasy. I felt energised as I followed Theo’s journey into a hidden world of magic and secrets.
Great for: 8 – 12 years

The boys read anytime, anyplace, anywhere!

By Micah Hamilton

Zoe’s Rescue Zoo by Amelia Cobb
What’s it about: Zoe lives at her Great-Uncle Horace’s zoo. She can talk to the animals, and they love her!
Why it’s good: I really like these books because Zoe can talk to animals, and that is SO COOL! She helps those that are hurt or scared, and she’s really kind and caring. My favourite part was when the baby animals came to the zoo and Zoe helped them feel better. The animals are cute and funny. I wish I could be her friend and visit the zoo.
Great for: 5 – 9 years

Real Pigeons by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood
What’s it about: A group of pigeons who fight crime. They each have special powers.
Why it’s good: Because it made me laugh! The pigeons fight the bad guys using their powers. The best pigeon is Tumbler – his power is being super bendy. This book is perfect for kids who like humour and action.
Great for: 7 – 10 years

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
What’s it about: Diary of a Wimpy Kid is about a boy named Greg and his best friend, Rowley Jefferson. They always get into mischief and end up in trouble. My favourite book in the series so far is The Long Haul. I think most kids will find these stories really funny – my friends all love reading them too.
Why it’s good: These books are great for everyone. The series makes me laugh and laugh and laugh!
Great for: 8 – 12 years

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
What’s it about: This is about a character who is half dog and half human. He fights crime and chases bad guys. One of the villains is a cat named Petey.
Why it’s good: I love all the characters. They have silly jokes, fun action, and the illustrations are drawn like comics.
Great for: 6 – 10 years

Bunny vs Monkey by Jamie Smart
What’s it about: This is a super silly and exciting comic book series. Bunny, Monkey, and other animals live in the woods and like to go on crazy adventures.
Why it’s good: Bunny is smart and wants peace and quiet, but Monkey always tries to take over the forest with his wild inventions. This series is hilarious and full of action. It makes me chuckle every time I read it. It suits kids who like a bit of mischief and fun.
Good for: 6 – 10 years

Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior by Cube Kid
What’s it about: This series is soooo awesome! It’s about a Minecraft guy named Runt who wants to be a warrior, but he starts off as a farmer. He trains, fights zombies and creepers, and goes on adventures with his friends.
Why it’s good: It’s full of cool Minecraft stuff. This book series made me feel happy, and I couldn’t stop reading it!
Great for: 8 – 12 years

Dragon Masters by Tracey West
What’s it about: Dragons and the kids who take care of them. There are lots of different dragons like sun dragons, water dragons, and many more.
Why it’s good: Dragon Masters go on adventures, battle bad guys, and use magic to save their kingdom.These stories made me want to read about every dragon – there are loads! These books are good for kids who love magic and dragons.
Great for: 6 – 9 years

Animal Stories by Holly Webb
What’s it about: Each book is about a super-cute puppy or kitten who needs help or gets lost, and a kid who tries to save them. The animals are adorable, and the stories can be a little sad, but they always have happy endings.
Why it’s good: This series made me want to get a puppy! Sometimes it made me feel sad, but I always felt happy at the end. Perfect for animal lovers!
Great for: 7 – 10 years