Summer, Basketball, And More Great Kids’ Books!

This is a sweet Indigenous picture book about environmentalism and welcoming Grandfather Sun. Bo’s family has taught him to give thanks to Mother Earth and Grandfather Sun. As the summer solstice approaches, Bo notices people throwing trash at a local park. On the solstice, he has an idea. He gathers other children in the park, and they all clean up litter. In the evening, they have a picnic.

This is an evocative, lyrical celebration of all things summer. The young narrator loves the fresh fruit, pool days, and family cookouts that summer brings. It’s her favorite season of the year, and she wishes summer would stay. The vibrant illustrations depict gorgeous summery scenes full of Black joy.

This lovely picture book is based on the author’s childhood. Every summer, Mama takes the narrator and her sister to the library. They can only check out books about Black people. They get as many books as the library allows and take them home, devouring them as a family, then having book review contests. Memorable, collage illustrations accompany the text. An author’s and illustrator’s notes follow.

This is a heartwarming middle grade novel-in-verse about the summer before middle school. Phee spends much of her day in a quiet alley, watching as the city passes by from the safety of a treehouse, journaling. The alley comes alive in her journal. When a new girl moves in nearby, Phee wonders if she should try to join the world. But the new girl’s snark makes it difficult to do so.