The best book I read in June (2025)

[C.J.]

In my part of the world, June kicks off summer reading programs in libraries everywhere. There are book blasts and beach reads and all kinds of incentives to fit in some leisure reading. Well? How did June go for you all? Tell us about the middle grade books you found last month!

For me ...? Huh! I often pick a non-kids book series to tackle for the summer, just to shake things up. So I've been diverted by a LitRPG series. But I'm all caught up and reading MG again in July. I can offer these:



Quagmire is left on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere by his mom & must be rescued by an uncle he's never met. Trex and his mom never stay in one place for long, since there are mysterious men who are after them. And Clare is dead, but also undead. Normally, his job of guiding the spirits of animals toward their place in the afterlife is so simple. But along comes badger (he hates badgers) and there's this prophecy ...!

How about you? What are your best recommendations for the group?

[Becky]

I love reading Middle Grade in the summer. I think it takes me back to my childhood when I would spend hours and hours lost in the pages of books.

I really enjoyed these two in June:


Podkin One-Ear is an animal adventure story that captured my imagination. It’s the first of the Long Burrow series, and I’m having fun reading the second book in that series now. I’m a sucker for books like this that have maps and detailed illustrations.

Out of My Mind isn’t a particularly happy book, but it was moving and has stuck with me. I find myself more aware and my heart full of compassion for those dealing with disabilities, who are trapped in bodies that won’t cooperate with them. My daughter asked me to read this one years ago, and I should have listened sooner.

I hope you all are having as much fun reading this summer as I am. ❤️

[C.J.]

Becky wrote: "Podkin One-Ear is an animal adventure story that captured my imagination:..."

This has been on my To Read pile for a long time. Maybe I'll nudge it closer to the top of my stack.

[Angela]

Been reading more YA this summer, but my favorite middle grade read for June was the ghost story, I.R.L.! It's pretty short at 169 pages, but the meat of the story starts from the first chapter, it is suspenseful and evenly paced. It offers mystery, a creepy isolated location, and an interesting premise in the way the ghosts can use power/technology.

[C.J.]

Angela wrote: "... my favorite middle grade read for June was the ghost story, I.R.L.!

Oh! This looks really good! I've added it to my To Read list. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Harley]

The Last Cuentista

[C.J.]

Harley wrote: "The Last Cuentista"

Adding!

[Harley]

Angela wrote: "Been reading more YA this summer, but my favorite middle grade read for June was the ghost story, I.R.L.! It's pretty short at 169 pages, but the meat of the story starts from the ..."

Looks good.