Summer Learning keeps moving forward, and we are here to help inspire your reading and learning this summer. If you haven't already, you should sign up for Summer Learning to log your reading and win prizes. Make sure to check out some of the themed booklists. This week, hear what your fellow summer readers have been diving into. These book reviews may give you some great ideas about what to read next.
Summer Reading Book Reviews
Macey, age 2.5
"It is useful to know how the frogs grow up.”
Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth by James Dean
Roger, age 5
"I like it because Pete the Cat became the new Tooth Fairy. He took the tooth and gave a coin. Platypus didn’t have teeth but he still got a coin. The book taught me about kindness."
Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
Caleb, age 6
"The book is for anytime even in the night."
Zali Sparkles by Maddy Mara
Ananya, age 7
"Sally didn’t know how good she was at crafting, well actually she did. When there was a dance and singing performance they had to do Sally actually didn’t wanna share her singing."
Officer Spence Makes No Sense! by Dan Gutman
Ivanka, age 7.5
"Someone is stealing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Officer Spence is arresting people because someone has to go to jail."
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Piper, age 8
"Pippi Longstocking is a very crazy girl and she doesn't have any parents and she likes to do different things that you wouldn't usually do. I like this book because it is very funny and crazy."
Macy, age 9
"I really liked this book! Maybe it's because I play softball and that makes it a little more interesting. This book was about a girl named Kristy who wanted to start a Softball team called Kristy's Krushers. I give this book 5 stars!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
Long, age 9
"Omg! This is a marvelous book! I read this book a lot of times. Petey is an evil villain, Piggy is the leader of the FLEAS , and includes evil and good. What a great match! I love this book so much! I recommend this book for ages 7+! It involves crimes , mystery, cruel consequences, and funny parts too! Little kids like under 7 will not understand the book. I mean like the kind of person! But ADULTS CAN READ IT TOO! Dav Pilkey, GREAT GOING! I love your dog man books!"
Poison in the Colony by Elisa Lynn Carbone
Jolly, age 10
"This book was absolutely amazing. It was balanced between mystery, action, and emotion. I love how Samuel was a good person, and I loved reading about how Virginia evolved over time. All the main characters were very likable, and book will have a special place in my heart forever. 💖"
Sunny Makes Her Case by Jennifer L. Holm
Andy, age 11
"This. Book was the best book I have ever read in the history of my graphic novel career. Because it taught me how to win debates."
Bungo Stray Dogs volume 8 by Kafka Asagiri
Shasmeen, age 13
"I cannot describe how much I LOVE this book. It's mostly about Chuuya's background and ability, also including Paul Verlaine and Rimbaud. It was so well written, and the dialogue was perfect. 162827/10 read, would recommend."
Circe by Madeline Miller
Emma, age 16
"Circe is a book that spans thousands of years in the life of the Greek goddess Circe. But despite its epic proportions and the famous heroes, gods and legends that appear like pieces of a tapestry, Circe is a deeply intimate book. It’s very moving, and Circe’s journey (both the book and the character) had me crying at the end. Happy tears, happy tears."
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Rebekah, age 18+
"🧋- life is worth reading fun books, even if they aren't "real" food.
I'm sure there are just as many reviews of this Book and I'm sure there are many people who hate it because well it's not the most believable book in the world. But I am not reading it because it's the most believable book in the world, I'm reading it because I'm on vacation and it's bringing me joy."
Want to submit your own review? Sign up for Summer Learning
None of these books sound up your alley? Check out a themed booklist for other recommendations to help you decide what to read next. You can also access booklists year round at the Staff Picks page. Prefer to read through your Kindle or phone? We have you covered!
In a hurry? Our always available streaming audiobooks and ebooks on Overdrive are ready for you with no holds or wait time. Or check out what Hoopla Digital has to offer, where you can also find graphic novels, movies, and music.
However you prefer to read, San Jose Public Library has you covered this summer!
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(Information Updated: June 2025)
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