10 Books to Read Before the School Bell Rings

Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to fit in one more great reading adventure before the school bell rings!

Whether your child is learning to read, moving into chapter books or already flying through an entire series, a trip to the library is an easy way to keep young minds engaged during the final days of summer.

We gathered 10 fun family favorites for readers of different ages and interests. Add a few to your library list, curl up together and finish summer with a story worth remembering!

 10 Books to Read Before the School Bell Rings 

One more reading adventure before back-to-school!

 1. Dragons Love Tacos 

By Adam Rubin | Great for ages 3–7

Dragons love tacos—but they definitely do not love spicy salsa! This silly, laugh-out-loud story is packed with colorful illustrations, unexpected chaos and plenty of opportunities for kids to join in during storytime.

 2. The Day the Crayons Quit 

By Drew Daywalt | Great for ages 4–8

Duncan opens his box of crayons and discovers that they have each written him a letter. Some feel overworked, some feel ignored and others have a few complaints to share. Creative and funny, this story encourages children to see familiar things from a new perspective.

 3. The Gruffalo 

By Julia Donaldson | Great for ages 3–7

A clever little mouse takes a walk through the woods and invents a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo to outsmart the animals hoping to eat him. But what happens when the imaginary Gruffalo turns out to be real? The playful rhymes make this a favorite for reading aloud.

 4. Ada Twist, Scientist 

By Andrea Beaty | Great for ages 5–9

Ada is endlessly curious and determined to discover how the world works. When a mysterious smell fills her home, she begins asking questions, forming theories and conducting experiments. This inspiring story celebrates curiosity, persistence and creative problem-solving.

 5. Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark 

By Mary Pope Osborne | Great for ages 6–9

Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house filled with books—and soon find themselves transported to the age of dinosaurs. With short chapters, adventure and just the right amount of suspense, this is a great introduction to chapter-book series.

 6. Dog Man 

By Dav Pilkey | Great for ages 7–10

Part dog, part police officer and completely hilarious, Dog Man takes on villains while learning about friendship, responsibility and doing the right thing. The graphic-novel format and nonstop humor make this series especially appealing to reluctant readers.

 7. The Wild Robot 

By Peter Brown | Great for ages 8–12

After a shipwreck, a robot named Roz wakes up alone on a remote island. She must learn how to survive, communicate with the animals and find her place in an unfamiliar world. This imaginative adventure blends action, humor and plenty of heart.

 8. Wonder 

By R.J. Palacio | Great for ages 9–13

Auggie Pullman is starting school for the first time after years of being homeschooled. As he navigates friendships, challenges and the reactions of his classmates, his story offers a meaningful look at kindness, empathy, courage and acceptance.

 9. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief 

By Rick Riordan | Great for ages 9–13

Percy Jackson discovers that the Greek gods are real—and that he has a surprising connection to them. Soon, he is sent on a dangerous quest filled with monsters, mythology and unforgettable characters. It is a fast-paced choice for readers who love action and adventure.

 10. The One and Only Ivan 

By Katherine Applegate | Great for ages 8–12

Ivan is a gorilla who has spent years living in a shopping mall exhibit. When a young elephant named Ruby arrives, he begins to see his home—and his future—differently. This moving story about friendship and hope can spark meaningful family conversations.

 Turn It Into a Family Reading Challenge! 

Choose a few simple goals to help your family finish summer on a book-filled note:

• Read together for 20 minutes each day.
• Visit a local library and let each child choose a book.
• Read one story aloud as a family.
• Try a book from a new author or genre.
• Finish one final chapter before bedtime.

Reading does not need to feel like homework. Let your children choose what interests them, make space for a few extra bedtime chapters and enjoy one more adventure together before the school year begins.