30+ Best Kids Books to Read in August
We love reading great books together! That’s why I’ve committed to share some of our favorites with you every month.
These books are perfect for reading aloud with kids from preschool through high school because the benefits of reading aloud don’t stop when kids learn to read independently. Plus, it’s a great way to foster connection in your homeschool. Since we practice interest-led learning, we like to choose ones that spark our curiosity and books about topics we find interesting.
Choosing books that line up with upcoming holidays and events is a great way to encourage reluctant readers and ensure your kids love every minute of it! The month of August has a lot to celebrate and a lot to read about too. Check out my August list of over 30 amazing books for kids of all ages including books for back to school, National Roller Coaster Day, and World Humanitarian Day.
The Best Books For Each Month Of The Year!
Great stories bring us opportunities to learn and explore together or independently. These books will feed your child’s curiosity with beautiful illustrations, fascinating characters, and new mysteries to solve.
Grab my printable monthly book list for August and check out some of our favorites at your local library or snap them up at your favorite book shop. We hope these August books inspire your family to fall in love with reading with some of our favorite books for the end of summer and “back-to-school” season.
30+ August Books for Kids of All Ages
This fun collection of books for August is perfect for kids from preschool to twelfth grade. You’ll find fascinating new books for World Humanitarian Day on August 19, National Roller Coaster Day on August 16, and even International Cat Day! Whether you’re searching for picture books, chapter books, or graphic novels, there’s something for everyone on our printable book list.
Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
August 19 is World Humanitarian Day, a day to pay tribute to humanitarian workers and honor all their efforts to provide support to people most in need. This year, read about Archbishop Desmond Tutu, known for his work helping victims of apartheid in South Africa and winner of the Nobel Price for Peace in 1984. In his picture book Desmond and the Very Mean Word, he reveals the power of words and the important lesson that all people are worthy of compassion.
Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People, and War by Yukio Tsuchiya
Faithful Elephants by Yukio Tsuchiya is a true story told through beautiful illustrations about what happened to elephants at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo during WWII. World Elephant Day on August 12 brings awareness to the plight of elephants in Africa and Asia. Tsuchiya’s book recounts the story of three special elephants and the keepers who work to keep them safe.
Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow
We love beautiful meaningful picture books that open the doors to history and science, but we also enjoy silly picture books with great illustrations, rhyming words, and stories that make us giggle. Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow is a hilarious picture book about what happens when an elephant plays hide-and-seek.
Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
Another great read for World Humanitarian Day is Malala’s Magic Pencil. This book, written by Malala Yousafazai, a Pakistani education activist, tells the story of a girl realizes that she can make a difference in the world around her and begins working to effect change. It’s a powerful book for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Monet’s Cat by Lily Murray
Did you know that August 8 is International Cat Day? Emily loves cats and art. If you want to learn more about Claude Monet, don’t miss Monet’s Cat by Lily Murray.
The famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet kept a tiny white porcelain cat displayed in his studio. With a little bit of magic, Monet’s little white cat jumps into his paintings and hops from piece to piece, staying just out of his reach and we get to follow along in this picture book.
Pete the Cat: Rockin My School Shoes by James Dean
Fans of Pete the Cat will love this August book for cat day and “back-to-school.” Follow along as James Dean brings this cool cat to life in Pete the Cat: Rockin My School Shoes. It’s the perfect picture book to share with young readers before back-to-school shopping.
Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee
If you’re planning to enjoy some of the last days of summer at an amusement park, you might be surprised to know that August 16 is National Roller Coaster Day. You can enjoy this celebration for thrill seekers right at home with Marla Frazee’s book Roller Coaster. The book reads just like a roller coaster with all the tension, twists, and thrills we’ve come to love from this iconic ride.
School Is More Than a Building by Kelley Donner
Another fun picture book for the back-to-school season is Kelley Donner’s School Is More Than a Building. It’s filled with watercolor illustrations and special introductions to the school environment and the people who work there. This book can help kids overcome first day jitters and feel comfortable in the classroom this August.
Stories Told by Mother Teresa by Edward Le Joly
Picture books are an excellent way to explore characters and events throughout history. Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, is a renowned humanitarian who spent her lifetime helping the poor in India.
In the book Stories Told by Mother Teresa, Edward Le Joly shares a collection of the humanitarian’s own favorite stories from the streets of Calcutta. It’s a beautiful way to learn more about what it means to be a humanitarian with learners of all ages.
When Amelia Earhart Built a Roller Coaster by Mark Weakland
When she was only seven years old, Amelia Earheart and her uncle built their very own roller coaster. The coaster had a ramp and a wooden box for a seat. In Mark Weakland’s fascinating new picture book, When Amelia Earhart Built a Roller Coaster, kids can get a glimpse of the famous aviator as a child and celebrate National Roller Coaster Day at the same time!
When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco
August is part of storm season on the Atlantic coastline, so it’s a great time to explore weather with your children. The award-winning illustrations of Patricia Polacco and her soothing stories can help kids feel less nervous about severe weather.
In When Lightning Comes in a Jar, Polacco tells the story of wonder, togetherness, and weather your whole family will love. You can learn more about lightning and other forms of weather in our Weather & Natural Disasters Unit Study for kids of all ages.
Picture books are perfect for learners of all ages. Emily is an auditory learner and I’m a visual learner. We love reading picture books together because we’re both getting what we need.
There are also lots of excellent chapter books that early readers, middle-grade students, and young adults can enjoy independently or as read alouds for the whole family. Check out some of our favorite August chapter books below.
An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo
Celebrate World Elephant Day with Michael Morpurgo’s book An Elephant in the Garden inspired by a true story about a family who becomes attached to an elephant named Marlene during World War II. When the city is bombed, the family flees with the elephant in tow.
Bringing Down the Mouse by Ben Mezrich
In Bringing Down the Mouse by Ben Mezrich, a boy named Charlie Lewis goes on a roller coaster ride that parallels the New York Times Bestseller Bringing Down the House. The story features thrills, risk, gaming, and lots of math. It’s part of The Charlie Numbers Adventures, a book series that brings math concepts to life for middle grade readers.
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Newberry Medal winning author Katherine Applegate’s novel Crenshaw is an unforgettable tale of magic, friendship, and resilience. In the book, a boy named Jackson and his imaginary cat Crenshaw discover that friends matter, whether they’re real or imaginary. It’s a perfect read aloud for International Cat Day with upper elementary students.
Dewey the Library Cat by Vicki Myron
This inspirational picture book is a true story! The whole family will fall in love with Dewey the Library Cat in Vicki Myron’s book about how a tiny kitten found a home inside the public library in Spencer, Iowa after being abandoned in the book drop.
Frindle by Andrew Clements
Frindle by Andrew Clements is one of our favorite read alouds for fourth graders and it’s perfect for back-to-school season. The story follows a boy curious boy named Nick who wonders why we call things by certain names and what would happen if we didn’t. It’s sure to have your kids calling their pens “frindle” throughout the school year!
Foreverland by Nicole C. Kear
Margaret, the main character in Nicole C. Kear’s book Foreverland, is running away to her favorite amusement park. However, hiding at the park is tricky until she meets a thrill-seeking friend who helps her stay one step ahead of security. This novel for older elementary and middle school readers is a coming of age story about finding your way back home.
Marvin the Math Cat by H. Blackburn and N. Blackburn
Marvin the Math Cat Series by H. Blackburn and N. Blackburn is a fun book series that brings math to life with real-world math problems for kids to solve involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, order of operations, and more. It’s perfect for International Cat Day on August 8.
One Amazing Elephant by Linda Oatman High
Linda Oatman High’s middle grade novel One Amazing Elephant is a heartwarming story about a girl named Lily and an elephant (Queenie Grace) who face the same devastating loss when Grandpa Bill, Queenie Grace’s owner, dies. Lily and the elephant bond over their loss and realize they share the same powerful love.
The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson
The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson is a fun read aloud for back-to-school season. Fans of the Herdmans and their hilarious antics will love reading about how they get into trouble in the classroom. This fun book teaches kids the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion with lots of laughs along the way.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf
This middle grade novel is ideal for back-to-school season and World Humanitarian Day because it follows the story of Ahmet, a Syrian refugee child, in a world that doesn’t always make sense. Everyone in his new school is curious about him and together they come up with a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family.
You’ll love The Boy at the Back of Class by Onjali Q. Raúf. It’s an empowering hopeful and award-winning book you don’t want to miss.
The Cat of Bubastes by G.A. Henty
Living books are an excellent way to explore history with kids. Great stories bring the past to life and The Cat of Bubastes by G. A. Henty is a great book to read aloud as you study Ancient Egypt. It’s also a fun book to read for International Cat Day.
The Magician’s Elephant Kate DiCamillo
Another one of our favorite elephant stories is Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant. This illustrated chapter book is ideal for younger elementary students who are ready to tackle chapter books. Kids will be fascinated by the impossible events that happen after a boy named Peter visits the fortune teller and is given the answer that an elephant will lead him to his missing sister.
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr. by Bonnie Bader
We love the Who Was? book series because it brings important historical figures to life in a way that’s accessible for kids. The book Who Was Martin Luther King Jr. is perfect for introducing kids to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., important humanitarian and civil rights leader. Keep the learning going with our mini-unit study for kids of all ages: Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?
Who Was Nelson Mandela? by Meg Belviso
Another great Who Was? book for World Humanitarian Day introduces kids to Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president, an anti-apartheid leader and philanthropist. Check out Who Was Nelson Mandela? by Meg Belviso at your local library or favorite bookstore.
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
Graphic novels make it easy to explore different mediums for storytelling. They’re ideal for reluctant readers and quirky kiddos because they appeal to every learning style. Graphic novels help kids identify context clues, onomatopoeia, and help them to develop critical reading skills.
Awkward by Sveltana Chmakova is a fun middle-grade graphic novel for the back-to-school season that explores the emotions many kids face as they try to find ways to “fit in” with their peers. It’s the first book in the Berrybook Middle School book series about a girl named Peppi and her “cardinal rules” for surviving middle school.
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Binky the Space Cat book series by Ashley Spires is an excellent graphic novel for all ages. Your kids will love Binky’s silly antics as he works hard to “save” his owners from all the dangerous aliens, a.k.a. bugs, around them and build his secret rocket ship to outer space.
Great Lives in Graphics Series from Button Books
The Great Lives in Graphics book series from Button Books is a great way for kids to explore important historic figures, including humanitarians like Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela. These nonfiction graphic novels are perfect for visual learners.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Jerry Craft’s Newberry Medal winning graphic novel New Kid follows the story of a seventh grader named Jordan Banks starting over at a new school. Jordan just wants to draw cartoons and go to art school, instead his parents send him to a private school known for academics where he is one of only a few kids of color in the seventh grade. This Coretta Scott King Author Award winning book is an excellent choice for middle schoolers to read this August.
The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels: The Amusement Park Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner
If your kids are fans of Gertrude Chandler Warner’s Boxcar Children series, they’ll love the graphic novels. These books bring the stories to life in a whole new way! The Amusement Park Mystery is a fun book to read together this August, just in time for Roller Coaster Day.
More Activities for Learning this August
Don’t miss all the fun learning activities in our FREE bundle of August Homeschool Printables! These activities are easy to take with you on an upcoming family vacation and perfect for rainy days this August. Lots of fun printables for the back-to-school season are included.
If you have a favorite August book for kids that isn’t on my list, please share it in the comments. We would love to read all your favorite books this month too!