Summer Reading List: Books That Travel the World
- pandetashvi
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Vacations may end at the beach or the backyard, but stories? They can go anywhere. Books open the door to different worlds, languages, foods, and festivals. This summer, give kids a passport powered by pages with this culturally rich reading list designed for ages 5–16.
These stories don’t just entertain—they nurture empathy, curiosity, and global awareness.
Ages 5–8:
1. “Thank you, Omu!” by Oge Mora (Nigeria/USA)
A vibrant story about community, kindness, and food, infused with Nigerian-American warmth.
2. “My Name Is Yoon” by Helen Recorvits (Korea)
A thoughtful tale of identity, belonging, and what it means to carry your name across borders.
3. “If You Lived Here: Houses of the World” by Giles Laroche
From Mongolian yurts to Bolivian adobe homes, this nonfiction book invites kids into homes around the globe.
4. “The Proudest Blue” by Ibtihaj Muhammad (Muslim culture)
A beautiful, lyrical book about hijab, confidence, and sisterhood.
Ages 9–12:
5. “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai (Vietnam/USA)
A poetic novel about a girl’s refugee journey from Vietnam to Alabama—deeply emotional and accessible.
Link: https://amzn.to/4kEeCBE
6. “Iqbal” by Francesco D’Adamo (Pakistan)
Inspired by a real child labor activist, this book gently introduces young readers to themes of justice and global rights.
7. “The Year of the Dog” by Grace Lin (Taiwanese-American)
A charming semi-autobiographical novel about identity, family, and Chinese New Year traditions.
8. “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park (Sudan)
Based on a true story, this gripping book introduces readers to life in rural Sudan and the global water crisis.
Ages 13–16:
9. “The Breadwinner” by Deborah Ellis (Afghanistan)
A moving novel about resilience, bravery, and life under the Taliban from a young girl’s perspective.
10. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie (Native American/Spokane)
A raw, humorous, and eye-opening story of life on and off the reservation.
11. “Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo (Dominican Republic/USA)
Told in verse, this novel explores grief, sisterhood, and identity through a cross-cultural lens.
12. “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi (Iran)
A graphic memoir that introduces teens to modern Iranian history and the fight for personal freedom.
Link: https://amzn.to/4nOceL4
Here's a book world map to take note of where these books originate from:
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