Summer reads for kids and teens from A Book Place in Riverhead
School may be out for summer, but don’t forget to keep your kiddos reading this season. From board books for the youngest readers to chapter books for your young adult, these selections are perfectly picked for summertime. Pick up these reads and more at A Book Place, 489 E. Main St., Riverhead.
Baby Loves: Automotive Engineering!
By Ruth Spiro
Board Book 0-4 years
Babies love things that go — and this board book delivers on the go fun! Packed with eye-catching illustrations and kid-friendly facts, it’s perfect for pint-sized gearheads and curious minds alike. Little readers will discover what makes wheels spin and what engineers do, all while fueling their sense of wonder.
Rainbow Panda
By Lisa Muchnik
Picture book 3-7 years
Deep in the forest, yoga-loving pandas are finding their balance — and so will your little one in Rainbow Panda! This uplifting picture book follows Little Panda as Mommy Panda gently teaches him about the colorful “wheels” inside him — an imaginative introduction to mindfulness, movement, and self-awareness. Kids will stretch, breathe, and explore their inner rainbow through simple yoga poses and vibrant illustrations. Rainbow Panda is a joyful celebration of color, energy, and the positive energy inside us all.
Backpack Explorer: Spotting Snakes and Frogs
Activity Book 4-8 years
Grab your magnifying glass and head outside! This fun field guide is perfect for spotting slithery, slippery creatures in ponds, creeks, and probably even puddles. With an “I Spy” twist and vibrant illustrations, it makes learning about reptiles and amphibians an interactive outdoor adventure. The latest in the Backpack Explorers series, it’s a must-have for little nature lovers.
Unicorn and Yeti #5: Fair and Square
By Heather Ayris Burnell
Easy Reader 5-8 years
Meet Unicorn and Yeti — two best friends who may be very different, but always find joy in trying new things together. Through playful adventures, they celebrate creativity, fairness, and individuality. With positive language, simple sentence structure, and an engaging layout, this early reader series is a delightful choice for kids just beginning to read on their own. Whimsical and heartwarming, Unicorn and Yeti make friendship — and reading — magical.
ON GUARD
By Cassidy Wasserman
Middle grade 10-15 years
A perfect start to summer reading, On Guard! is a standout debut graphic novel from Long Island author Cassidy Wasserman. Fans of Growing Pains and Drama will love this heartfelt story about shifting friendships, family changes, and discovering new passions. With expressive illustrations and honest, relatable dialogue, this book explores tough middle grade moments with warmth and humor. Quirky, real, and full of heart—it’s a read that will leave kids smiling and feeling seen.
We Were Liars
By E. Lockhart
Young Adult 12+ years
Now streaming on Amazon Prime, this American psychological thriller is a must-watch — but trust us, read the book first. You'll want to know the characters before the unraveling begins. What seems like a picture-perfect, privileged family vacationing on their private island quickly twists into something far more unsettling. It’s the ultimate summer binge-read, followed by a binge-worthy watch. You’ve been warned... and you're welcome.