Embark on a Smithsonian Summer Reading Adventure

Smithsonian museum educators have curated a list of their top picks for summer reading to keep kids engaged and their imaginations active, including free online resources you can access and download today

Summer is here – the season of possibilities, curiosity, and adventure! Whether it’s a deep dive into the mysteries of space, unraveling history’s hidden stories, or sparking a passion for science, reading can unlock endless opportunities for young minds.  This summer, the Smithsonian invites learners to embark on an unforgettable reading journey that will inspire discovery, creativity, and fun.

Why Summer Reading Matters 

When school is out, summer reading is a powerful way to keep young minds engaged, expanding their imaginations, and fueling a love for lifelong learning. It helps prevent learning loss, continues confidence-building, and opens doors to new interests.  

At the Smithsonian, we believe books can transport readers to worlds beyond their own, whether it’s celebrating trailblazing achievements throughout history, embracing powerful stories of identity and belonging, or uncovering fascinating facts about nature, these books inspire young minds to be curious and creative.

Summer Reading with Exclusive Smithsonian Online Resources 

This summer, young readers can explore topics that interest and inspire them with these digital offerings: 

• Discover the Secret Lives of Insects: For the budding entomologist, the Smithsonian Science Education Center offers the free eBook, Expedition: Insects. Journey around the globe as you learn about six fascinating insect species in their natural habitats, complete with a companion coloring book to bring discoveries to life. Best for upper elementary students.

• Choose an Artist Biography and Be Inspired: For the artistic and creative middle school reader, check out the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Drawn to Art: Tales of Inspiring Women Artists series that uses graphic novels to tell the stories of artists, some of whom may not have received the attention they deserved in their lifetimes. Subjects include a fiber artist, a printmaker, a painter, and many more inspiring artists. 

• Follow Varied Career Pathways in STEM: For middle school readers interested in advancements of science, technology, engineering, and math, enjoy this series of eBooks, Women in STEM, featuring trailblazers who made history through their scientific discoveries and innovation. Brought to you by the Smithsonian Science Education Center and featuring historical figures alongside contemporary scientists. 

• Grow Language and Literacy Skills with Activities and Museum Objects: Caregivers and educators can support early learners' language and literacy skills, using the Joyful ABC Activity Books series from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The booklets build on positive identity development characteristics aligned with each letter of the alphabet and featured in the title A is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book. Activity booklets are best suited for early learners, ages 3 - 5, or for infants and toddlers.Plus, don't miss an interactive series of short interactive and joyful lessons, alongside a special art project for each letter of the alphabet, perfect for learners ages 6-8.

• Practice Listening Skills with Storytime: For young learners who want to follow along with a story read-aloud, the National Air and Space Museum has curated playlists filled with stories inspired by their museum's collections. In its two story time series, "Flights of Fancy Storytime Online" and "Pilot Pals," the National Air and Space Museum offers stories for young children and their families inspired by their collection of air and space objects and historic photos. New episodes are released every month. In Flights of Fancy, museum educators Ann Caspari and Diane Kidd tell stories, do sketches, and demonstrate crafts that you can enjoy together at home. "Pilot Pals" explores pioneering pilots and aircrafts through fun characters your little ones will love.

• Introduce Learners to History through First-Person Diaries: Each story in the Nuestras Voces series features a young Latino character’s experience during key moments in American history. Set against rich and informative historical backdrops, Nuestras Voces presents exciting and accessible historical fiction that depicts a variety of time periods and experiences—including joys and challenges, trials and triumphs, and an inspiring spirit of resilience. The books feature a reading guide and accompanying Smithsonian Learning Lab collections to connect Smithsonian objects to these stories for upper elementary learners by the National Museum of the American Latino. 

• Celebrate Stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: Based on the anthology of profiles, We Are Here, introduce readers to Asian American and Pacific Islander artists, activists, scientists, writers, and more. Each Smithsonian Learning Lab collection includes access to objects, works of art, videos, archival materials, and websites that expand each person’s biography in We Are Here.

Books that Spark Curiosity and Interests

In addition to offering digital resources for young readers, this past fall, we teamed up with Prime Video, NFL Inspire Change, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to make books available to readers across the country! Through the TNF for Good initiative, we’re providing Smithsonian book titles in print and online digital literacy resources to help learners across the country discover stories that reflect their experiences, ambitions, and dreams. 

Learners across the country have received titles focused on science and innovation, where they've read move about topics like dinosaurs, space exploration, and groundbreaking inventions. They've explored stories in history and culture, with titles about diverse changemakers, untold histories, and inspirational journeys.  Finally, they've been introduced to books that encourage new hobbies, spark imagination, and showcase real-world career pathways.

For More Great Smithsonian Resources

If your reader can't get enough of Smithsonian resources, we've also curated some of our favorite activities for kids and teens. Art activities, online science games, and animal cams from the National Zoo are great avenues for learners to stay engaged this summer. Happy learning!

Tasha McMahan | Read More

Tasha McMahan is a museum education specialist dedicated to advancing digital learning experiences and strategic educational partnerships at the Smithsonian. She leads collaborative programming with national organizations, designing innovative digital content and inquiry – based training materials.  She holds a Master’s in Education from University of Missouri and a Post Master’s Certification in Project Management from Cornell University. Combining pedagogical insight with strong project management skills, she drives forward – thinking educational initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences. She also brings a love for reading, a taste for strong coffee, and a sense of humor to every challenge – because meaningful work should also be human.