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Jean Stehle’s Favorite Summer Books for Kids

To kick off our Ask the Librarian series, we asked literary influencer and Newton, MA middle school librarian Jean Stehle for her top summer reading picks for kids. A passionate advocate for children’s literature, Jean is a founding organizer of the Newton Children’s Book Festival and an ambassador for the Associates of the Boston Public Library.

9 books
Book Cover for: Fresh Start: A Graphic Novel, Gale Galligan
For readers ages 9-12

Fresh Start: A Graphic Novel

Gale Galligan

"This hilarious and heartfelt story follows perpetual new student, Ollie, as she navigates how to both be herself and make real friends in this graphic novel told in a manga-inspired style. A must-read for students entering middle school!"- Jean Stehle

Paperback, 2025

$14.99Member price:$7.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms, Jamar J. Perry
For readers ages 9-12

Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms

Jamar J. Perry

"A boy discovers his connection to a hidden African kingdom and must embrace his destiny to protect its legacy and unlock the power within himself. This is a great pick for readers who love a good adventure and for fantasy fans too!"- Jean Stehle

RTD CultureQuad-City TimesRTD Culture & Quad-City Times

Hardcover, 2022

$16.99Member price:$8.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: Scattergood, H. M. Bouwman
For readers ages 9-12

Scattergood

H. M. Bouwman

"Set in Depression-era Minnesota, twelve-year-old Ellie faces the emotional and financial fallout after her brother is sent to a reform school. As secrets unravel, Ellie must find her voice and stand up for what's right in a town divided by prejudice and hardship." - Jean Stehle

Hardcover, 2025

$18.99Member price:$9.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: Earthrise: The Story of the Photograph That Changed the Way We See Our Planet, Leonard S. Marcus
For readers ages 9-12

Earthrise: The Story of the Photograph That Changed the Way We See Our Planet

Leonard S. Marcus

"The true story about the astonishing photograph taken during the Apollo 8 mission that forever shifted the way we view ourselves and our planet. Kids who enjoy science, history, and/or climate action will really appreciate this one!"- Jean Stehle

Hardcover, 2025

$21.99Member price:$10.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: As You Wish, Nashae Jones
For readers ages 13-15

As You Wish

Nashae Jones

"Rising 8th grader Birdie learns the dangers of getting what she wishes for in this charming rom-com. The twist of West African folklore brings a fresh spin to the theme of friendship teetering on the edge of romantic possibility."- Jean Stehle

Hardcover, 2025

$17.99Member price:$8.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: A Match Made in Mehendi, Nandini Bajpai
For readers ages 13-15

A Match Made in Mehendi

Nandini Bajpai

"This charming, feel-good story about an Indian American teen who accidentally turns her family's matchmaking legacy into a viral dating app, discovers that love—and high school drama—are way more complicated than algorithms. Highly entertaining!"- Jean Stehle

Josh FunkLittle, Brown Young ReadersJosh Funk & Little, Brown Young Readers

Paperback, 2020

$14.99Member price:$7.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: Call Me Iggy, Jorge Aguirre
For readers ages 13-15

Call Me Iggy

Jorge Aguirre

"This not-to-be missed graphic novel follows a Puerto Rican middle schooler trying to reinvent himself at a new school—while heckled by the ghost of his outspoken grandfather— as he figures out who he is and what he stands for, and how to get a girlfriend."- Jean Stehle

First Second@pliny.bsky.socialFirst Second & @pliny.bsky.social

Paperback, 2024

$18.99Member price:$9.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: The Assassin's Guide to Babysitting: (A Suspenseful Young Adult Novel for Teens Ages 14-17 about Identity and Queer Romance), Natalie C. Parker
For readers ages 13-15

The Assassin's Guide to Babysitting: (A Suspenseful Young Adult Novel for Teens Ages 14-17 about Identity and Queer Romance)

Natalie C. Parker

"A teen girl trained to be an assassin ends up on the run with a baby—and has to figure out how to survive, keep secrets, and maybe become the hero she never planned to be. A great choice for fans of The Inheritance Games series."- Jean Stehle

Hardcover, 2025

$19.99Member price:$9.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Book Cover for: Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection, John Green
For readers ages 13-15

Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection

John Green

"From mega-popular YA author comes an honest (and funny!) look at what it’s like to live with a chronic illness while trying to figure out who you are, how to connect with people, and what really matters. This makes for a fantastic parent/teen read!"- Jean Stehle

Hardcover, 2025

$28.00Member price:$14.00 + Free shipping50% off your first book