2025 Second Grade to Third Grade Summer Reading Book List Second Grade to Third Grade Summer Reading Book List Sea Turtles (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)Laura MarshSea turtles may drift with ocean currents, but they’re strong swimmers with amazing instincts. They return to their birth beaches to lay eggs, guided by a natural GPS. Kids will love learning about these peaceful reptiles through vibrant photos, fun facts, and trusted National Geographic Kids content.Mae JemisonJodie ShepherdMae Jemison loved science, excelled in school, and never gave up on her dreams. Despite doubters, she became a doctor, a dancer, and the first African American woman in space, proving that determination, curiosity, and hard work can launch you to the stars.Simone BilesJoanne MatternMeet Simone Biles. From the time she was a little girl, Simone wanted to be a world-class gymnast. Through hard work and determination she made her dreams come true. Read this book to learn all about Olympic champion Simone Biles and her path to glory.Shark LadyJess KeatingPacked with fin-tastic facts, read about the inspiring biography of a persistent scientist as unafraid of sharks as she was of defying norms.Amazing Ancients!: EgyptGabby Vernon-MelzerPerfect for young explorers, this book blends Egyptian history with hands-on activities. Kids can decode hieroglyphs, make papyrus, and cook ancient dishes while learning about life along the Nile. Fun, educational, and interactive—ideal for curious makers who love history and culture.Before She Was HarrietLesa Cline-RansomeThis lyrical picture book honors Harriet Tubman through evocative verse and stunning watercolors. From young Araminta to brave General Tubman, it traces her many roles: slave, liberator, spy, and suffragist. A powerful tribute to an American hero, beautifully illustrated and perfect for introducing children to her extraordinary life and legacy.The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple GrandinJulia Finley MoscaThe Girl Who Thought in Pictures tells the inspiring story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a scientist with autism who used her unique mind to revolutionize animal care. With rhyming text, fun facts, and a timeline, this engaging book shows kids how being different can lead to extraordinary achievements in science.The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul ErdosDeborah HeiligmanPaul Erdős was a brilliant, quirky mathematician who loved collaboration more than solitude. He traveled the world, solving problems with others and publishing hundreds of papers. This lyrical picture book with rich illustrations introduces young readers to his unique mind and shows that math—and life—can be full of connection.Malala’s Magic PencilMalala YousafzaiIn her first picture book, Malala shares how a childhood wish for a magic pencil grew into a dream to change the world. As she saw injustice, she realized hard work, not magic, could make a difference. This beautifully illustrated story inspires young readers to believe in hope, courage, and their voice.She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the WorldChelsea ClintonThrough vivid stories and bold illustrations, this empowering picture book shows that persistence can overcome obstacles—and reminds kids that their voices, dreams, and actions truly matter.Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie GermainCheryl BardoeThis inspiring true story follows eighteenth-century mathematician Sophie Germain, who defied gender barriers to pursue her passion for math. Studying in secret and writing under a male name, she solved a groundbreaking equation on vibrations and became the first woman to win France’s Academy of Sciences grand prize.The Story of Simone BilesRachelle BurkDiscover how Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history through hard work, daily training, and determination. This kid-friendly biography features short chapters, simple language, and critical thinking questions. Learn how Simone’s journey opened doors for female athletes and continues to inspire young readers everywhere. WishBarbara O’ConnorIn this heartfelt bestseller by Barbara O’Connor, eleven-year-old Charlie’s secret wish may finally come true—just not how she expected. With a stray dog, a surprising friend, and a caring new family in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlie discovers that sometimes what you need is better than what you wished for.The One and Only IvanKatherine Applegate“The One and Only Ivan” is a Newbery Medal-winning novel by Katherine Applegate, inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla. The book tells the story from Ivan’s perspective as he lives in a mall, focusing on his friendships with other animals and his journey to find a better life for himself and others.The Paperboy (Caldecott Honor Book)Dav PilkeyFrom bestselling author Dav Pilkey comes a Caldecott Honor book about a boy and his dog delivering newspapers in the quiet before dawn. As they ride through the sleeping world, they share a peaceful, special bond. This gentle story celebrates friendship, routine, and the beauty of early morning silence.Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s LibraryChris GrabensteinTwelve kids attend a sleepover in Mr. Lemoncello’s new library, filled with puzzles and mysteries. They race to solve book-themed riddles to escape first. Packed with adventure and humor, this fun series is loved by readers who can’t get enough of the thrilling challenges and stories.Sejal Sinha Dives for Diamonds on NeptunePrasad, MayaFascinated by the theory that it rains diamonds on Neptune, eight-year-old science whiz Sejal and her cousin Ash set off on an outer space adventure to see for themselves.The Wild RobotPeter BrownThe Wild Robot is a trilogy of science fiction novels for children and teenagers by American writer and illustrator Peter Brown, which consists of the following novels: The Wild Robot, The Wild Robot Escapes, and The Wild Robot Protects.Because of Winn DixieKate DiCamilloTen-year-old Opal Buloni finds a scruffy dog, Winn-Dixie, at the supermarket, changing her summer and helping her make friends. Through Winn-Dixie, Opal learns about friendship, family, and courage. This Newbery Honor book by Kate DiCamillo celebrates dogs and the power of connection.Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen DiamondsDavid AdlerSuper-sleuth Cam Jansen uses her amazing photographic memory to solve mysteries! When a jewelry store is robbed, Cam spots the real thief, but the police arrest the wrong person. With her friend Eric, she works to catch the true criminal. Perfect for young chapter readers!Charlotte’s WebE.B. WhiteCharlotte’s Web by E.B. White is a beloved classic about friendship, love, and life. It tells the story of Wilbur, a runt pig, and Charlotte, a spider who saves him. With timeless themes and charming illustrations, this Newbery Honor book continues to inspire readers of all ages.The True Story of the 3 Little PigsJon ScieszkaThe True Story of the Three Little Pigs reveals the Big Bad Wolf’s side in this funny, clever fractured fairy tale. With humor and twisty storytelling, Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith show the misunderstood wolf’s version of events, inviting readers to decide who’s really “big and bad.”The Giving TreeShel SilversteinShel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree is a timeless picture book about love and selfless giving. It tells the story of a tree’s endless generosity to a boy who grows up wanting more. Cherished for over fifty years, this poignant tale beautifully explores kindness, acceptance, and the gift of love.Third Grade AngelsJerry SpinelliGeorge “Suds” starts third grade determined to earn “the halo,” awarded to the kindest, best-behaved student. But being perfect is harder than he thought, especially outside school. This funny, warm prequel to Fourth Grade Rats explores kindness, school challenges, and growing up with humor and heart. About VSA Future Learning CenterFounded in 2015, VSA Future Learning Center offers engaging academic enrichment to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. In Reading & Writing, Math, Public Speaking, SAT, and more, they’ve developed active learning models in their classrooms, where students have the chance to engage with new concepts, participate in meaningful group discussions, and build confidence in small-group settings, both virtually and in person. Between 2021 and 2025, 118 VSA students have earned regional and national awards in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. VSA enrollment is open for its summer camp, summer evening classes in ELA, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension, and its full slate of 2025–26 school year classes in English, Math, Reading & Writing, and Public Speaking. Learn more at www.vsafuture.com, call 973-951-9600, and visit at 600 S. Livingston Ave, Ste 105, Livingston, NJ 07039.
