With summer approaching, the perfect way to occupy the children in your life is to pull out a good book for them to read. Sure, running around outside is good for their health and will let them exert all that extra energy, but for long car rides, winding down in bed or on days when it’s just too hot to deal, a good book can be the perfect companion for the kids in your life.

Here are 17 books they should read this summer:

1. Penny and the Magic Puffballs

Check out this tale about a young girl inspired by her puffs, as opposed to wearing her hair down.

2. Julian, Secret Agent

Julian, Huey and Gloria set out to catch a bank robber, but will the kids get in trouble?

3. Lola Reads to Leo

Lola, who loves to read, wants to share stories with her little brother, Leo.

4. The Patchwork Quilt

Tanya works with her grandmother on a quilt that tells her family’s story.

5. Curlilocks and the Three Pink Pandas

Curlilocks forgets her manners when she enters the panda family’s house.

6. Kitchen Dance

When these kids wake up at night, it turns into a dance party with their parents.

7. Please, Puppy, Please

This book written by Spike and Tonya Lewis-Lee is the story of two toddlers and their adorable puppy.

8. Don’t Let Auntie Mable Bless The Table

This book is the epitome of the black family, tying in prayer and family rituals.

9. Summer Sun Risin’

This is a timely selection for any kid in the country having fun on a farm.

10. Aunt Flossie’s Hats (and Crab Cakes Later)

These girls have fun on a Sunday afternoon with their Aunt Flossie.

11. Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton

The incredible story of this North Carolina slave who bought his way to freedom.

12. The Barber’s Cutting Edge

This story shows us how that special relationship between a man and his barber develops at a young age.

13. Momma, Where Are You From?

This young girl learns the story of how her mother grew up in a different time.

14. STAT: Standing Tall and Talented #2: Double Team

In this book from Amar’e Stoudemire’s series, how will his friends react to his success?

15. Twintuition: Double Vision

books for the black child — Photo: Amazon

This book by Tia & Tamera Mowry is about teen sisters with magical powers.

16. President of the Whole Fifth Grade

Becoming class president is Brianna’s first step toward creating her cupcake empire.

17. P.S. Be Eleven

These sisters come home independent after spending the summer with the Black Panthers!

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