Summer Reading List for Kids 8+

I predict middle-grade readers are going to have a super-duper book-filled summer, because look at the number of books on this list! They are truly spoilt for choice at the moment, what with every publisher racing to put their best middle-grade book forward.

Gurgles (10) has been handed these books, and he is working through the list, while gorging on mangoes. Hope your kids find their summer favourite in here!

These books are perfect for middle-grade readers because

1. They are short chapter books that help young readers finish the book they started
2. Illustrated books give them relief from text-only books that may seem monotonous to them
3. Interesting stories and age-appropriate characters as leads that they can absolutely relate to
   BONUS: Shop them all by clicking on the links!
   

Sneaker Paati
Anita Nair

Live through your summer holidays with Kittu, who can’t wait for his headstand-doing, Japanese-speaking, sneaker-wearing Shobha Atthai to arrive! Join them as they take down neighbourhood bullies and solve mysteries while bringing home an adorable dog! As all Anita Nair’s books are, the characters in Sneaker Paati will remain etched in your mind! Buy here

Kanmani and Co
Lalitha Ramanathan

Remember Malgudi Days from your childhood? Here is your chance to give your child a little bit of that Swami and Co. magic with Kanmani and Co. Join Kanmani and her friends as they navigate a difficult school year in small-town Tamil Nadu, all while learning important lessons in kindness and friendship and enjoying the innocence of childhood. Buy here.

A Patch of Sun and a Patch of Shade
Vidya Nesarikar

Lalli and Champa are girls from very different worlds, but they come together to form a friendship that will define the summer for both of them. Their childhood games, innocent jokes, and fierce bond are a delight to read about! Set in interior Karnataka, this book examines the plight of migrant communities, class divides, societal pressure, and more. This was one of my favourite books of 2025, definitely a must-read! Buy here.

A Girl, A Tiger, and a Very Strange Story
Paro Anand and Priya Kuriyan

Part story, part graphic novel, this is a unique book that tells the story of Junglee, a girl from the Pardhi community, and Raunaq, a tiger cub she befriends when they both lose their families. As they come together to learn how to survive the jungle without family, they form a bond so deep that it will have you question everything you know about animals. Together, they help and save one another and pledge to find the truth about what happened to their families. Read this book to know about the Pardhi community, human-animal conflict, and to be mesmerised by the amazing story and gorgeous illustrations. Buy here.

The Sunshine Project
Uma Krishnaswami and Chetan Sharma

This book by Uma Krishnaswami is a must-read for all young eco-warriors. Anil loves karate and is passionate about a project to see his community adopt solar power. But at what cost? He soon learns that the big corporations are planning to build a solar panel factory on mangrove forests. Join Anil and his friends as they learn about all aspects related to being an eco warrior. What does it mean for those dependent on the land for food? Can a decision be justified just because it means well for one community? Get this book to find out! Buy here.

Rocket Champs
Niyatee Sharma

Meet Arjun, obsessed with science and forced to work with Kiara, the person he hates the most, on a group project for the big science competition. Arjun decides to go at it alone. He now needs to make a rocket, hide the experiment from his mom, and still make sure he wins the competition! Will he succeed and, along the way, learn the importance of friendship? Buy here

Song of the Asunam
CG Salamander and Rajiv Eipe

This is the first book in a new graphic novel series by CG Salamander and Rajiv Eipe. Song of the Asunam is about Vetri, who spends his days learning about fantastical creatures and dreams of one day being the world’s best hunter. One day, a rainbow-coloured Asunam swoops down on his village, and it is up to Vetri to figure out what the Asunam wants. What follows is a beautiful story brought to life by gorgeous illustrations. Buy here

Brachio
Venkataraghavan Srinvasan and Ananya Broker Parekh

This is a heartwarming story of an exceedingly tall man and the beautiful ways in which he understands the meaning of home and community. Beautifully illustrated by Ananya Broker Parekh, this tender story by Venkataraghavan Srinivasan will stay with you long after you are done reading the book. This is one of those books that are quiet, yet powerful and one you will find yourself reaching for more than once. Buy here.

Name, Place, Magic! How Indian States Got Their Names
Shweta Ganesh Kumar and Vibha Surya

This is such a fun way to learn about our country! Ever wondered how the state you live in was named? Shweta Ganesh Kumar turns to mythology to find the story responsible for the name of our state. We travel from State to State, through stories, all the while learning about our country and what it has taken for us to be here, today! Cannot think of a more fun way to engage kids in a history/geography lesson. Buy here.

The POFFS Collection of Funny Stories
Cyrus Broacha, Bijal Vachharajani, Sadaf Siddique, Lavanya Karthik, Sanjana Kapur Illustrator: Ayesha Broacha, Canato Jimo, Riya Nagendra, Lavanya Karthik, Sunaina Coelho 

A collection of five books written and illustrated by some of the best authors and illustrators in the Indian kidlit world! Laugh your way through five hilarious books as children tackle everything from crazy family holidays to climate change. Solve a mystery with a dog or tackle class bullies head-on! This is a book series that will keep your child occupied all summer long. Buy here.