ReadWorks 2026 Summer Reading List for Teachers

For educators, summer is a time for two things: a deep exhale and a chance to finally tackle that "TBR" (To Be Read) stack on our nightstands. Whether you’re lounging in the backyard, heading to the beach, or helping your students find their next favorite adventure, the right gear makes the reading experience even more joyful.

At ReadWorks, we’re all about building knowledge and vocabulary—but we’re also about the love of reading. To help you dive into your summer books, we’ve pulled together a list of essentials available at some of our favorite shops.

​1. The "Read Anywhere" Tech & Tools 

Summer reading is all about flexibility. These tools make it easy to take your library on the go. Our literacy experts recommend listening to professional development books like Rock Your Literacy Block, by Lindsay Kemeny, or Small Groups, Big Results, by Julia Lindsey. 

• Audible Membership: Summer is the season of the road trip, the long walk, and the "busy hands" (think gardening or beach-day setup). This is where audiobooks shine. You can actually grab a 30-day Free Trial of Audible right now, which usually includes a free audiobook to keep. It’s a great way to test-drive a few titles before the school year starts!
• NOOK Reading Tablet: For those who love the feel of a digital library in a lightweight frame, the NOOK is perfect for travel. 
• Portable Reading Light: Whether you're reading in a tent or during a late-night flight, a clip-on LED light with adjustable warmth is a must to prevent eye strain.
• Reading Timer: If you're encouraging your students to keep up their "Article-A-Day" habit over the summer, a simple handheld digital timer can help them track their reading stamina goals.
  
  

2. Cozy & Functional Accessories for Reading

Creating a "reading sanctuary" shouldn't stop at the classroom door.

• Weighted Reading Blanket: There is nothing like the comfort of a cool, weighted throw for an afternoon of deep focus.
• Thumb Page Holder: A small wood or plastic "wing" that fits over your thumb, making it easy to hold a thick paperback open with just one hand while you enjoy a summer iced tea.
• Transparent Sticky Notes: Perfect for the "professional" summer read. You can annotate books without marking pages—keeping your books pristine!
  
  

3. Teacher Self-Care

Stay cool while the plot heats up.

• Yeti Rambler or Stanley Tumbler: Ice stays ice, even at the beach. Keeping hydrated is the secret to finishing that 500-page memoir in one weekend.
• Insulated "Snackle Box": Load this up with grapes, cheese, and crackers for a mess-free snack while you read by the pool.
• Minimalist Tote Bag: You need a sturdy (and stylish) bag to haul your library books, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 
  
  

4. Prevent the Summer Slide: Summer Literacy Fun for Kids

The best free resource for preventing the summer slide is the ReadWorks Article-A-Day summer packet, which provides 8 weeks of evidence-based reading practice. We love summer reading journals, and these pool floats are perfect for reading on water. 

• Summer of ReadWorks packets: The workbook includes 8 weeks of reading practice with high-interest, nonfiction articles delivered within our popular Article-A-Day topical format that is designed to build background knowledge, and new vocabulary, and keep kids learning all summer long. This is an easy, 10-minute daily reading that is aligned to grade-level expectations. Perfect for travel, summer routines, and keeping skills sharp.
• Summer Reading Journals: Encourage students to jot down their favorite "Knowledge Drops" or new vocabulary words they encounter while exploring the ReadWorks summer collections.
• Inflatable Pool Floats with Cup Holders: Because sometimes the best way to get a reluctant reader to pick up a book is to let them do it while floating!

Final Thoughts
Summer is the bridge between what we’ve learned and what we’re about to discover. We hope these essentials help you find your "flow" and recharge your batteries for the year ahead.

What’s on your summer reading list this year? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
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