Middle School Suggested Summer Reading
Dear Middle School Students and Families,
We are excited to share this year’s LMSD Middle School Summer Reading Suggestions for students at Bala Cynwyd, Black Rock, and Welsh Valley Middle Schools!
Reading is one of the most important ways students continue to grow as learners, thinkers, and creators. Strong literacy skills open doors to new ideas, experiences, and opportunities, and summer is the perfect time for students to discover books that inspire curiosity and joy. We encourage all students to keep reading this summer by visiting local public libraries, participating in summer reading programs, and exploring the attached suggested reading lists.
As middle school librarians, one of our favorite parts of the job is helping students discover books they truly enjoy. While we may not be able to personally match every student with the perfect book over the summer, we are excited to share a collection of engaging “sure-reads” to help students find stories that connect with their interests and reading levels.
This year’s suggested titles include books nominated for the 2026–2027 Mountain Laurel Book Award, a program sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Librarians Association that celebrates high-quality literature and encourages students to engage in meaningful and enjoyable reading experiences. We invite students to read at least one title from the list this summer and continue exploring books throughout the school year. Students who read multiple nominated books may also have opportunities to participate in optional activities and celebrations during the school year.
Attached, you will find:
- Grades 3-6: Mountain Laurel Award Nominees 2026-2027
- Grades 6-8: Mountain Laurel Award Nominees 2026-2027
- Young Adult: Mountain Laurel Award Nominees 2026-2027
- A Reading Journal students can share with their librarian in September
- Information about special in-person opportunity to purchase books
Books are available through Lower Merion public libraries and your favorite independent bookstores. We also hope you’ll join us at Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA, on Monday, June 10, from 3:00–6:00 PM for a special shopping event that supports our middle school libraries.
We are also thrilled to share that the Young People’s Book Festival of Greater Philadelphia (YO! Book Fest) will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Black Rock Middle School. This exciting event will bring together authors, illustrators, and readers from across the region for a day celebrating books, creativity, and storytelling. We hope students will look forward to participating and learning more about the festival throughout the school year.
Please remember that the recommended books represent a wide range of reading levels, themes, and levels of sophistication. We encourage caregivers to preview books and discuss selections with their students to determine what feels most appropriate for their family.
Whether students read one book or many this summer, we hope these stories spark imagination, discovery, and a lifelong love of reading.
We wish you a wonderful, relaxing summer filled with great books and meaningful adventures.
Happy Reading!
Kathryn Maahs, WVMS
Kelly McDermott, BCMS
Rachel Nichols, BRMS
LMSD Middle School Librarians