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πŸ“• July Reading Picks - Books you need to read

Check out these July reading picks for the whole family

By Devon Sayre | Macaroni KID Greater NW Houston with Partnership with Friends of the Fairbanks Library July 6, 2026
 
 

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July Reading Picks

Books for Every Little (and Big) Reader

From board books to YA thrillers, we have something for every age this summer. Happy reading!

 
 
A note from the recommender These books are recommended by Rebecca, the Vice President for the Friends of the Fairbanks Library. Our organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose goal is to support programs at the Fairbanks Branch Public Library and further support literacy in the community. We fundraise throughout the year to provide funding for all of the free children, adult, and family programs at the library. Our next big fundraiser is the semi-annual book sale on November 14th. These books are all personal recommendations. YOU are the subject matter expert for your child, so please make sure to review the book and subject matter before deciding to read or share the titles with your child.

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Harris County Summer Reading Program

Kids AND adults can track their reading all summer long for a chance to win some seriously cool prizes through August 1st!

πŸ“š Free Books🚲 Chance to Win a Bike🎟 Event Tickets

πŸ”– BookmarksπŸ… Medals
Join the Challenge at HCPL →

Ends August 1st • Free for all ages • Harris County Public Library

πŸŽ‡ July Picks

What We're Reading This Month

The Night Before the Fourth of July

by Natasha Wing

This perfectly timed holiday-themed book is such a fun way to talk a little about the reason for the celebration. The whole series is great, but this one is extra special for July! πŸŽ†

Find at Library →

Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur

by Colleen Patterson

Summer schedules = busy days + more meltdowns. This book teaches kids (and honestly, parents too!) how to calm down. Bonus: it ties in perfectly with the Harris County Summer Reading Challenge theme!

Find at Library →  ⭐ Matches the Reading Challenge theme!

Count the Monkeys

by Mac Barnett

A fan favorite that works for all ages! Younger kids practice counting, older kids love the interactive prompts. Our publisher's 8- and 6-year-olds have been pulling this one off the shelf for years and it never gets old.

Find at Library →

Axolotl and Axolittle

by Jess Hitchman

Axolotls are officially the "it animal" of the moment, and this sweet sibling story leans right in. Perfect for families with multiple kids who will definitely relate to the squabbling between the main characters!

Find at Library →

I Spy Treasure Hunt

by Jean Marzollo & Walter Wick

The vacation-themed opening is such a fun summer vibe. I Spy books are perfect for practicing rhyming and picture detective skills. Sometimes it's the one thing that gets siblings cooperating!

Find at Library →

The Tree House That Jack Built

by Bonnie Verburg

Adventure-loving, imaginative kids are going to love this one. Illustrations are by Mark Teague, the same artist behind the beloved "How Do Dinosaurs" series, so you know they're going to be spectacular.

Find at Library →

Investigators: Ants in Our P.A.N.T.S.

by John Patrick Green

Ants and summertime just go together. This graphic novel series is SO popular and perfect for reluctant readers. There are 10 books in the series, so if your reader gets hooked, you're all set!

Find at Library →  10 books in the series!

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

A summer adventure classic! Full of Dahl's signature whimsy with vocabulary that'll stretch any tween's mind. Pro tip: read it as a family, then watch the movie together when you're done!

Find at Library →  🎬 Watch the movie after!

In Case I Go Missing

by R.N. Swan

A YA mystery/thriller that will grab any teen with a curious and investigative mind. Friendship and detective skills go hand in hand. It's pretty new so some branches may not have it yet, but you can always put it on hold!

Find at Library →

I'll Be the One

by Lyla Lee

This YA novel follows a young girl who makes it into the world of K-Pop and discovers that bigger bodies aren't always celebrated. A beautiful story about embracing confidence and being yourself, even when the world doesn't seem ready.

Find at Library →

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

by Kristin Harmel

For the parents! This historical fiction page-turner brings to life the story of a WWII jewel thief and the life she's built since coming to America. An easy, engaging read that's perfect for a summer afternoon.

Find at Library →  Parents' pick!
 
 
 
Don't forget to sign up for the HCPL Summer Reading Challenge before August 1st.

These book recommendations are personal suggestions. YOU are the subject matter expert for your family. Please review each title before sharing with your child.