Middle School Summer Reading List

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When school lets out and the summer sun comes in, there’s no better time for middle schoolers to dive into a good book. Whether you are at the beach, sitting under a shady tree, or traveling with family, a book is a great companion.

RIF has created a Summer Reading Program including curated reading list for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Designed to entertain and build literacy skills, these best summer reads will be sure to keep middle schoolers engaged all summer long.

Reading over the summer helps students maintain the progress they’ve made during the school year. Summer reading should spark creativity, curiosity, and empathy. Our selection of summer reading books include stories that middle schoolers won’t want to put down.

Whether your child loves adventure, humor or fantasy, our recommended lists have something for every kind of reader. And, special for this summer, RIF shares a collection of titles aligned to its summer reading theme….summer reading camp anchored on camping, the great outdoors, and friendships.

What Makes a Great Summer Read?

The best summer books for middle schoolers are more than just exciting reads. They are stories that stay with young readers long after they finish.

A great summer read usually has an exciting plot that grabs readers right away. It includes relatable characters who show the thoughts and feelings of middle schoolers. The story also has light-hearted themes that make reading enjoyable and easy.

When you help your child pick books for their summer reading list, consider their interests. This applies to 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. When children get to choose the books they read, they are more motivated to read more!

RIF’s Top Picks for 6th to 8th Grade Summer Reading Books

Looking for the perfect summer reading books to keep your middle schooler turning the pages? We have selected a list of must-read books for our summer reading program. Each book is chosen to engage readers in grades 6 to 8.

Be sure to check out our full collection of summer titles here:

1. “Gamerville” by Johnnie Christmas

Max Lightning is howling at the moon. He has finally qualified for Gamerville. This is a championship where players compete to be the best in the multiplayer game Lone Wolf of Calamity Bay. But his dreams of domination face doom when his parents send him to Camp Reset. Can Max escape Camp Reset and level up at Gamerville, or has he finally played his last match?

2. Summer Vamp” by Violet Chan Karim

After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she looks forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen. These days, this brings her more joy than hanging out with her friends, that is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp!

3. “Goosebumps: The Curse of Camp Cold Lake” by R.L. Stine

Sarah hates Camp Cold Lakes. None of her bunkmates like her. To get their attention, she pretends to drown in the cold, slimy lake, but that doesn't end up being such a good idea. A ghost named Della has other plans.

4. “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia

Eleven-year-old Delphine has it together. Even though her mother, Cecile, abandoned her and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, seven years ago and now they are being sent to stay with her for the summer. When the girls arrive in Oakland in the summer of 1968, Cecile wants nothing to do with them. Instead of spending time with them, Cecile sends Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern to a summer camp. The Black Panthers, a revolutionary group, run this camp. At this camp, the girls receive a new and radical education.

5. “Camp Confidential: Natalie’s Secret” by Melissa J. Morgan

Summer camp means many things: new friends, roommates, bug bites, and bathroom duty. It’s also a chance to be independent and to change how you see yourself. A shy girl can become the belle of the ball, and a jock might find new competition. Natalie, Jenna, Grace, and Alex have all found themselves at Camp Lakeview for different reasons. And each is keeping a secret. But if everyone is hiding something, how will they ever become friends?

6. “Unplugged” by Gordon Korman

As the son of the world’s most famous tech billionaire, spoiled Jett Baranov has always gotten what he wanted. When his father's private jet lands in the Arkansas wilderness, Jett can't believe it. He is at a place called the Oasis. He has to give up his cell phone, eat grainy veggie patties, and join in fun activities with the other kids. As the weeks pass, Jett begins to adjust to life without screens and even connects with the other kids. He notices that the adults at the Oasis are acting really strange. He is determined to learn why.

7. “Camp Average” by Craig Battle

A group of 11-year-olds arrives to spend six weeks playing sports at Camp Avalon. They lovingly call it Camp Average because they never win at any sport. And that’s the way they like it. This summer, the new camp director, Winston, hates losing. He has some especially competitive ideas to improve their performance, whether they like it or not!

8. “Wild River” by Rodman Philbrick

Daniel Redmayne is fast asleep on the first night of a white-water rafting trip, when he's awoken by screams. The dam has failed. The river is surging, and their camp will be underwater in a matter of moments. As the shrieking roar of the river rushes closer, the kids scramble to higher ground. They make it; their counselors do not. This exciting survival story from the Newbery Honor author of Wildfire is full of thrilling adventures and real bravery.

9. “Confessions of a Nerdy Girl” by Linda Rey

Shared bunk beds… Stolen underwear… Cheesy camp songs… My first camp experience just might be my last! When a major mix up sends me, anerdy girl, to a sports camp for Olympic hopefuls instead of science camp, I know anything that can go wrong, will. My only hope is to suck it up and try not to mess anything up.

Each of these titles is part of our summer reading collection for 6th to 8th graders. You will also find read-alouds, as kids are never too old to enjoy a great story. There are summer reading activities and much more available.

Best Summer Reads

There’s something magical about summer reading. Without the pressure of homework or tests, students can explore stories that spark joy, curiosity, and imagination. Our summer reading list for 2025 has something to offer for all ages.

Encourage your child to set reading goals, try new genres, and explore the wonderful world of books this summer.

Remember, reading is more than just an academic skill—it’s a path to understanding the world and themselves. Let’s make this summer one filled with stories, imagination, and discovery.