As we lean into summer, I’m curating a gentle but enriching stack of books for my girls. I want stories that stretch their imaginations, build empathy, and fill their hearts with wonder. Here’s what we’re reading this season, divided by grade level with a little note on each one. Some are timeless classics, others are newer gems, and each one is chosen with care.

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📚 For My Rising 3rd Grader

These chapter books are full of heart, adventure, and characters she’ll remember long after the last page.

1. The Moffats by Eleanor Estes
A charming story about a quirky, lovable family navigating life in a small town. Perfect for fans of gentle humor and old-fashioned fun.

2. Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold
Harriet isn’t thrilled to spend the summer with her grandmother—until she discovers a mystery waiting to be solved. A thoughtful, relatable story about family and growing up.

3. Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski
Set in the rural South, this Newbery winner follows the spirited Birdie as she works to help her family succeed in a new farming community. Rich in culture and history.

4. Midnight in the Dollhouse by Marjorie Filley Stover
A magical little mystery unfolds when a dollhouse may or may not come to life. A cozy, curious read with a touch of enchantment.

5. Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
A beautifully written slice-of-life story about Garnet, whose summer turns into an unforgettable adventure. Ideal for lovers of nature and simple joys.

6. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
This classic tale of a spirited pioneer girl offers plenty of adventure and boldness—great for readers who love Little House stories but want a feistier heroine.

7. Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards
A sweet and imaginative story about a girl who finds a secret cottage in the woods and makes it her own—written by the Julie Andrews!

8. The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
A powerful and beautifully told story from the perspective of an Ojibwa girl in 1847. A perfect companion to Little House—and an important one.

9. Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary
When Maggie refuses to learn cursive, she ends up being the class messenger—ironic and hilarious. A relatable read about perseverance.

10. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A timeless classic of transformation, friendship, and the healing power of nature. An ideal read-aloud or buddy read.

11. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
A longer and more challenging read, full of puzzles, secret missions, and brave, clever children. We’ll read this one together!

12. Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
An enchanting story of two cousins who stumble upon a forgotten summer colony. Quiet, mysterious, and full of nostalgia.

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📚 For My Rising 1st Grader

This list blends early chapter books and picture books with sweet characters, gentle humor, and a little bit of magic.

1. Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor (Picture Book)
Fox pretends to be a tiger, and discovers something surprising about bravery. Simple text and delightful illustrations make this an easy win.

2. Good Night Owl by Greg Pizzoli (Picture Book)
When Owl hears a mysterious sound, he can’t sleep until he finds it. A fun, silly, and slightly suspenseful bedtime story.

3. Polly Diamond and the Magic Book (Book 1) by Alice Kuipers
Polly’s notebook makes everything she writes come true—chaos and hilarity follow. A great bridge to longer chapter books.

4. Slug Days by Sara Leach
A gentle, honest look at life through the eyes of a girl on the autism spectrum. Beautiful and important.

5. Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo
From one of our favorite authors, this sweet tale of a rat and an owl highlights unlikely friendship and bravery. Gentle and rich.

6. Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes
Beatrice does things her own way—and that’s a good thing. A fun early chapter book with heart.

7. Ivy Lost and Found by Cynthia Lord
Part of the Book Buddies series, this tender tale features a well-loved stuffed animal and celebrates the magic of being found again.

8. Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
Set in modern-day Africa, this series is warm and vibrant. Anna is sweet, curious, and full of personality.

9. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka (Picture Book)
The wolf gets to tell his side of the story—with plenty of laughs. A fractured fairy tale classic.

10. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (Picture Book)
A powerful little picture book about creativity and self-expression. One of our all-time favorites!

11. Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows (Book 1) by Asia Citro
Zoey and her cat Sassafras use science to solve magical creature problems. Engaging and educational.

12. Sophie Mouse: A New Friend (Book 1) by Poppy Green
Sophie Mouse and her animal friends navigate the ups and downs of school and friendship in this gentle woodland series.