K-2 Tigers' Summer Reading List
Enjoy some of these great reads with your family this summer! Choose fiction or nonfiction options.
Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte
In this book, Carlitos lives happily with his mother and abuela in Cataño, a ferry ride away from Old San Juan. As Carlitos wonders about his father’s life away from them, he journeys to the city. Over the course of his search, Carlitos encounters the vibrant sights and sounds of the city.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
A group of diverse students is shown throughout the school day having fun together, with an emphasis on how all are welcome. The story ends at a neighborhood gathering where all are welcome!
All the Animals Where I Live by Philip C. Stead
Follow the story of the author, who recently moved from the city to the country, and see the moments that shape his and his dog Wednesday’s world.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma learns the stories behind the wonderful people who influenced her name.
Another by Christian Robinson
In this wordless picture book, readers are taken on a fantastical journey through a young girl’s dream.
Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings by Francie Latour
A young girl explores her identity and culture through her aunt’s striking artwork.
Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris
This hilarious picture book and heartfelt message celebrates the joy and fun that's in store when you embark together on a ride of a lifetime. After tumbling into a river, Bear is swept into an epic journey, collecting woodland companions along the way. Surprising page turns to form a rollicking adventure and bonding connections.
Camp Tiger by Susan Choi
A young boy finds friendship in a talking tiger while on his family’s camping trip. Along with the amazing pictures, readers will love the adventure these two have.
Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freeman
Carl is an earthworm who wonders why he matters in this ecological and philosophical picture book.
Double Bass Blues by Andrea J. Loney
Nic is an aspiring musician whose life spans two different worlds--his suburban school where he wows his friends in orchestra, and the busy city streets of his home where he's jostled by the crowd. Nic makes his way home from a busy day at school with a double bass on his back, the symphony of his surroundings in his heart, and a sweet surprise for the reader at the end of his journey. This is a sweet, melodious picture book about how dedication, music, and family can overcome any obstacle.
Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor
Fox wishes he were a tiger— fast and big and sneaky— and pretends to be one, until he meets someone who likes him for being a fox—fast and big and sneaky.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
The big moment has come for Jabari to jump off the diving board, but is he ready?
Just in Case You Want to Fly by Julie Fogliano
What do you need for your next adventure? Explore this nurturing tale through colorful pictures and lyrical text.
Llama Destroys the World by Jonathan Stutzman
A funny, silly llama eats too much cake, and the resulting silliness takes the reader on a rollicking journey through his wild adventures.
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi
Meet Yasmin, a bright, fun Pakistani American secondgrader. With her oversized imagination and a little help from her family, there’s no problem she can’t solve.
Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! by Kara West
Mia embarks on a super journey after finding out that she has a super secret.
My Hair is a Garden by Cosbi A. Cabrera
After a day of being taunted by classmates about her unruly hair, Mackenzie cant take any more and she seeks guidance from her wise and comforting neighbor, Miss Tillie. Using the beautiful garden in the backyard as a metaphor, Miss Tillie shows Mackenzie that maintaining healthy hair is not a chore nor is it something to fear. Most importantly, Mackenzie learns that natural black hair is beautiful.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
Daisy’s father is a carpenter who comes from work in the evening to take her on an electrifying motorcycle ride where she gets to see her grandparents’ yellow house, the church, and also other carpenters at her dad’s work as well as the changes in her busy Latinx neighborhood.
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Clover's mom says it isn't safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups' rules by sitting on top of the fence together.
Our Celebración! by Susan Middleton Elya
Join a spirited, bilingual summer fiesta complete with a parade, costumes, and fireworks.
The Patchwork Bike by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Against a backdrop of dynamic, action-filled paintings, a young girl describes, with tremendous pride, the bike that she and her brothers made from scrap material, and the adventures they have.
Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths by Graham Annable
When a hurricane blows their tree away, Peter, Ernesto, and their friends must find a new tree suitable for a group of sloths.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali
Faizah’s older sister, Asiya, is a princess. She certainly looks like one on her first day of sixth grade and her first day wearing her beautiful, bold blue headscarf to school.
A Ride to Remember by Sharon Langley
A Ride to Remember tells how a community came together—both black and white—to make a change. When Sharon Langley was born in the early 1960s, many amusement parks were segregated, and African-American families were not allowed entry. This book reveals how in the summer of 1963, due to demonstrations and public protests, the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and opened to all for the first time. Co-author Sharon Langley was the first African-American child to ride the carousel. This was on the same day of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Langley’s ride to remember demonstrated the possibilities of King’s dream. This book includes photos of Sharon on the carousel, authors’ notes, a timeline, and a bibliography.
Saturday by Oge Mora
Ava’s mom works all week long, but Saturday is their special day off! When their plans don’t go as expected, can Ava and her mom still have a perfect day?
Summer by Cao Wenxuan
Readers find out how some of their favorite animals stay cool during the summertime in this whimsical, poetic book.
¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market by Raúl Gonzalez
Little Lobo and his dog, Bernabé, make their rounds in a bustling border town market in this charming story that is sprinkled with Spanish and cultural references throughout. There is always more to see and do at el mercado, so let’s go because you never know who you’ll find there.
When Spring Comes to the DMZ by Uk-Bae Lee
Each season, a grandfather brings his family to visit the 154-mile wide DMZ. From the observatory, the family observes rare animals frolicking in the inadvertent nature preserve formed between the barbed wire, while soldiers march and warships gather in the distance. Meanwhile, grandfather gazes wistfully across to the other side.
Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez
A young girl is asked where she is from, so she turns to her abuelo for help answering and gets a very unexpected response.
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln is a story about Venezuelan born Teresa Carreño who started playing the piano as a very young girl and was writing songs by age six. Forced to flee Venezuela, she moved to New York, traveled to other cities to play the piano, and was invited to play for President Abraham Lincoln.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Morales and her young son discover how they fit into their strange, new country when they find the public library in this gorgeous, personal picture book.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis
Join a young girl as she explores her surroundings and sees that water is everywhere. But water doesn't always look the same, it doesn't always feel the same, and it shows up in lots of different shapes. Water can be a lake, it can be steam, it can be a tear, or it can even be a snowman.
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
In this inspiring picture book biography, Denise lyrically shares the life and work of librarian, storyteller, author and library advocate Pura Belpré. Following her from Puerto Rico to her new life in Nueva York, Denise’s text captures Belpré’s lifelong passion for storytelling and public libraries.
Skulls! by Blair Thornburgh
A book all about skulls and their many functions!
Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh
The story of Mexican American activist and World War I soldier José de la Luz Sáenz is told with exquisite detail in this picture book biography. His struggle against racism and injustice in early 20th century Texas is presented in a concise but thorough manner, complemented by extensive notes.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
Following a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences, this book shares the contemporary life of the Cherokee people, highlighting their tradition of gratitude.