Books About Summer Vacations

The Best Summer Vacations Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about summer vacations? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Story Girl
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Summer Vacations

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Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

As Brave As You

By Jason Reynolds

Two brothers' quest for bravery unravels secrets and challenges their beliefs.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2017)
410 pages· 76,056 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 8,521 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Genie and Ernie's summer in Virginia with their blind grandfather reveals unexpected truths. As Genie questions Grandpop's hidden fears and Ernie's reluctance to shoot a gun, they confront what true bravery means. Is it about proving oneself or understanding personal limits? Discover the secrets of a mysterious room and the courage to face one's own fears in this compelling tale of growth and discovery.
Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2012

Captain Awesome Takes a Dive

A young superhero must protect his swimming class from quirky villains.

128 pages· 5,230 words· Est. 59 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 274 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Eugene McGillicudy, aka Captain Awesome, faces a splashy summer challenge at the Sunnyview pool. With his trusty sidekick Nacho Cheese Man and Turbo, he must thwart a band of comical 'bad guys' threatening his swimming class. But can he conquer his own fear of diving into the deep end before summer's end? Dive into this fun-filled adventure where heroics meet hilarity, and every swim lesson is a chance for Captain Awesome to save the day. Will Eugene's courage rise to the surface, or will the deep end remain unconquered?
Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

Surf's Up, Creepy Stuff!

A boy is forced to go to the beach with his friend's family, where they encounter mysterious creatures and a hidden treasure.

128 pages· 4,414 words· Est. 50 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 414 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Desmond and Andres face a chilling challenge at the beach: bullies who are actually monsters. In Kersville, where ghosts and ghouls lurk, the duo must confront these eerie Mersurfers. Desmond is fearless, but Andres is scared of everything. Can they outsmart the supernatural threats and enjoy their beach day, or will the haunted waves prove too much? Dive into this thrilling adventure where the sand is haunted, and the stakes are high!
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1911

The Story Girl

A girl weaves irresistible tales, captivating a rural community.

238 pages· 87,917 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 12,830 ratings
$9.25Save 5%
Summary: In the quaint town of Carlisle, young Sara Stanley enchants everyone with her mesmerizing stories. As cousins Beverley and Felix join her for the summer, they are drawn into her world of thrilling adventures and mysterious family legends. What secrets will the Story Girl reveal, and how will her tales shape their lives?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1993

The Mystery Horse

A hidden horse sparks a mystery on Sunny Oaks Farm. Why is it locked away?

121 pages· 17,833 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 821 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: The Alden children are thrilled to spend time at Sunny Oaks Farm, enjoying farm life and new adventures. But their excitement turns to curiosity when they discover Star, a horse that looks just like the famous racehorse Wind Dancer, hidden in the stables. Why is this magnificent creature kept out of sight? As they dig deeper, the Aldens uncover secrets that could change everything. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2002

The Night Before Summer Vacation

A family packs for vacation, but something crucial is forgotten.

32 pages· 383 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 420 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: A little girl and her family are in a frenzy, preparing for a vacation. As they scramble to pack everything, chaos ensues, and something important is left behind. What could it be? This humorous twist on a classic tale promises a delightful surprise at the end. Will their vacation plans go awry, or will they manage to save the day? Join the adventure and find out what they forgot in this charming story.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989

The Lost Lake

A father and son seek a hidden lake, escaping the tourist crowds.

32 pages· 1,263 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 235 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Luke and his father venture into the wilderness, leaving behind the crowded shores of a once-secret lake. Their quest for a 'lost lake' promises discovery and solitude, but what will they find in the untouched wild? As they journey deeper, the natural world reveals its many moods, challenging their bond and resolve. Will they uncover the peace they seek, or will the wilderness hold unexpected surprises? This tale of exploration and connection invites readers to embark on a journey of their own, where nature's beauty and mystery await at every turn.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1987

Boy-Crazy Stacey

A beach vacation tests friendship as a crush on a lifeguard stirs trouble.

141 pages· 24,979 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 5,910 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Stacey and Mary Anne join the Pike family on a beach vacation, where Stacey falls for Scott, the charming lifeguard. As her heart leads her astray, Mary Anne warns her about neglecting responsibilities. Will Stacey's summer romance jeopardize her friendship and duties, or will she find a balance between love and loyalty?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Hot Mess

Greg's summer turns chaotic with family secrets and a crowded beach house.

218 pages· 19,621 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,557 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: Greg Heffley faces a summer of chaos as his family crams into a tiny beach house. With sweltering heat and family secrets bubbling up, can Greg navigate the madness or will it all boil over? As he tries to uncover the mystery behind Gramma’s famous meatballs, Greg finds himself in the middle of a hilarious family fiasco. Will he manage to keep his cool, or will this vacation become a hot mess?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

Grumpy Grandpa

By Heather Henson, Ross MacDonald (Illustrator)

Can Jack uncover the secret behind his grandpa's grumpiness?

40 pages· 1,046 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
3.4/5 Goodreads · 74 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Jack's grandpa is grumpy and a bit scary, with hair and teeth in odd places. Living with him feels like taming a lion. But Grandpa wasn't always this way. Can Jack bridge the gap and discover the truth behind his grandpa's grumpiness? Dive into a humorous tale of family, courage, and unexpected revelations.
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