Summer is a time for rest, joy, family, and new experiences. It is also a wonderful time for scholars to keep reading.
Reading over the summer does not have to feel like homework. It can happen in small moments: before bed, on the train, at the library, outside on a sunny day, or together as a family. What matters most is helping scholars stay connected to stories, ideas, language, imagination, and the habit of learning.
At Democracy Prep, we believe the work scholars do now helps prepare them for the futures they are building. Reading is one powerful part of that work. It helps scholars build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, deepen curiosity, and see the world through new perspectives.
To help families get started, we pulled together a few summer reading recommendations across our elementary, middle, and high school communities. These are not required assignments, but they can be a helpful starting point as families look for books that are engaging, meaningful, inclusive, and age-appropriate.
Many of these books may be available through the New York Public Library, local branches, or digital library apps like Libby, which allows families to borrow free eBooks and audiobooks with a free library card. Families can click each title to search for availability.
For families at Democracy Prep Endurance Elementary School, Democracy Prep Harlem Elementary School, and Harlem Prep Elementary School
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
A beautiful picture book about courage, belonging, and what it means to enter a room even when you feel different. This is a wonderful option for younger readers and families reading together.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
A warm, thoughtful story about gratitude, community, and seeing beauty in the world around us. This book is a great way to spark conversation with young readers.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
A tender story about names, family, identity, and heritage. This is a strong choice for families looking for a book that celebrates where we come from and the stories that shape us.
For families at Bronx Prep Middle School, Democracy Prep Charter Middle School, and Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School
New Kid by Jerry Craft
A graphic novel about friendship, identity, fitting in, and finding your voice in a new school environment. This is an engaging and accessible read for middle school scholars.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
A story about music, culture, creativity, and learning how to be yourself. This is a great option for scholars who enjoy bold characters and stories about identity and self-expression.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
A moving graphic novel about family, hope, and resilience, based on Omar Mohamed’s childhood in a refugee camp. This is a powerful read for scholars interested in true stories, courage, and connection.
For families at Bronx Prep High School, Democracy Prep Charter High School, Democracy Prep Endurance High School, Democracy Prep Harlem High School, and Harlem Prep High School
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
A moving novel in verse about family, grief, identity, and discovering the truth about the people we love. This is a strong summer read for high school scholars who appreciate powerful, lyrical storytelling.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
A timely and thought-provoking novel about race, justice, identity, and what it means to make sense of the world around you. This book can spark important reflection and conversation.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
A powerful novel about immigration, family, belonging, and finding your place in a new country. This is a meaningful choice for high school scholars interested in stories about identity, resilience, and home.
A Few Summer Reading Tips for Families:
- Let scholars choose books that interest them. Choice makes reading feel more personal and enjoyable, and if they discover they don’t love a book, that’s a great opportunity to reflect on what they’re learning about themselves as a reader.
- Read together when possible. Younger scholars benefit from reading aloud, being read to, or taking turns reading together, while older scholars often benefit most from conversations about what they’re reading and what it means to them.
- Visit the library. Local libraries, along with their free digital collections through apps like Libby, make it easy to discover and borrow new books at no cost.
- Make reading part of a routine. Even 15 to 20 minutes a day can help scholars stay connected to the habit.
- Talk about the story. Ask who the main characters are, what challenges they faced, how they tried to solve them, and what your scholar learned about themselves or the world from the story.
Summer reading isn’t just about finishing books. It’s about building a love of reading that can last a lifetime. It’s a chance for scholars to explore who they are as readers, discover what they enjoy (and what they don’t), expand their vocabulary, build knowledge about the world, and keep their curiosity growing all summer long.
For even more recommendations, explore the American Library Association’s curated book lists, including graphic novels, audiobooks, and print and digital titles.
This summer, we hope every Democracy Prep scholar finds something worth reading, something worth thinking about, and something that reminds them of what is possible.
Work Hard. Go to College. Change the World.