Summer Reading

Summer Reading 2026

June 13th – August 22nd

This summer, we’re bringing beads back! Earn a bead for every 30 minutes of reading. Color in a block on our tracking sheet for every 30 minutes and earn one bead for every block. Pick up a special bead for every six blocks.

For an extra challenge (and an extra prize), work your way through our outdoor challenges! Take on every obstacle to collect a prize.

Also visit the library for a new candy estimate raffle each week!

Questions? Click an arrow for an answer.

How do I start?

Stop by the children’s room to sign up for the challenge and to pick up a tracking sheet and a necklace. Then read, read, read! Bring your sheet back to the library to pick up your beads.

Who can participate?

Anybody! No age limits here. Both independent reading and being read to count toward your minutes read.

What counts as reading?

Fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks, read-togethers, graphic novels, you name it! You can read by yourself or out loud to another person. You can listen to an audio book or listen to someone else read to you.​ If it has words and no moving pictures, it probably applies!

What if I lose my sheet/outdoor challenges/necklace?

Links to a printable tracking sheet and outdoor challenges brochure are coming soon! If you have not yet registered, please visit the children’s desk to sign up for the challenge!

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Level Up summer readers!

During the summer of 2025, 482 kids leveled up with us at the Wellesley Free Library, completing hundreds of dungeon maps, reading sheets, and beaded necklaces. We’re so proud of each of you!

Check out a few reviews written by our summer readers:

"I like this book because the main character is happy for herself, and she was good. I would recommend this book to my grandma because she wants to hear about it." Reese, Age 6
"I like this book because Itty Bitty Princess Kitty's dad opens a sweetshop and the king tries to sneak into the kitchen and it's a silly scene. My favorite part is when the mom glares at the dad to get him to do what she wants. I would recommend this book to my friend who likes cats." -Reese, age 7
Review of "Winter: a Solstice Sotry" bu Reese, Age 9: "I like this book because it has cute little animals on the cover. My favorite part is when the squirrel was laying on the clouds. I would recommend this book to Kindergarteners because it's their level." Image description: Brown and dark blue text on a light blue background, with the book cover in the upper lefthand corner.
Review of "Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters" from Lazarus, age 9: "I like that Percy is alwys really brave and disobeys the rules to save his friend. My favorite part is when Percy fights the cyclops Polyphemus. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars." Image description: light and dark brown text on a very light brown background, with the book cover in the upper left corner
Review of "Upside-Down Magic" by Scarlett, age 8: "I like it because it takes me to a whole different world. My favorite part is when I learned about all the different powers her classmates had. I would recommend this book to 3rd graders because it's an awesome book." Image description: green and purple text on a light breen background, with the book cover in the top left corner
Review from Zahara, age 7 of "Upside Down Magic: Night Owl:" "I like it because it is about friends who come together to make someone else happy. My favorite part is when Nory hears the batting of a night owl's wings. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Image description: purple and pink text on a light lavender background, with the book cover in the top right
Review of Babysitter's Club book 1 by Ella Chen, 4th grade: "I like this book because it inspired me to make my own club. My favorite part was when Kristy thought of the club. I would recommend this to [my friend] because she loves graphic novels. I give this book 4.5/5 stars." Image description: purple and hot pink text on a yellow background with a blue border and 4.5 blue stars. The book cover is in the top left corner.
Yellow and blue square with 4-star review of Kelly Yang's "Front Desk" by Grayson, age 10: "I like this book because it talks about the unfairness of racism, and how people treat immigrants. My favorite part was when Mia's family shocked Mr. Yao when they gave him $300,000. I would recommend this book to people who don't know that immigrants are struggling when they travel the U.S. searching for a better life."

Wellesley Public Schools Summer Reading Site:

Wellesley Public Schools Summer Reading Printable List

Wellesley Middle School Summer Reading 2025

Book Lists:

Previous Summer Reading Lists

Wellesley Public Schools K-5 Summer Reading Lists From Previous Years

Wellesley Middle School Summer Reading Lists From Previous Years

More Summer Reading Lists

2025 Summer Reading Lists by Age from the American Library Association (ALA)

Massachusetts Children’s Book Awards (MCBA)

Wellesley Free Library Children’s Reading Challenge Page

Wellesley Free Library Book Awards Page

Minuteman Book Awards Lists

Related Pages