Summer is here, and we just love it. The days are longer, the bedtimes are later, and somehow every single snack in the pantry disappears by noon. For parents and caregivers, it’s also the time when we try to strike that perfect balance between screen-free fun and sneaky learning. 

That’s where a summer reading bucket list comes in—part adventure, part goal-setting, and all kinds of fun. Even better? When that list is paired with the Once Upon a Book Club Tween Book Box, it becomes a game-changing way to keep kids reading without ever having to say, “Put your phone down.”

What Is a Summer Reading Bucket List?

Unlike a traditional reading list that often feels like homework in disguise, a summer reading bucket list is packed with personality and purpose. It’s all about creating personal reading goals that are fun, imaginative, and built around discovery, not obligation. 

This list isn’t necessarily about suggesting what to read; it’s more of an invitation for tweens to choose how, where, and why they read. With a bucket list, they can explore stories that align with their interests, try new formats like graphic novels or audiobooks, and even set quirky goals like “read upside-down on the couch.” Tweens love a little autonomy, and a bucket list gives them just that, plus the satisfaction of checking off each new adventure.

 

How to Build a Tween-Friendly Reading Bucket List

Step 1 – Start with themes and genres your tween already loves

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just decorate it with glitter and googly eyes. Start by asking your tween what they’re already into. Dragons? Baseball? Space aliens who moonlight as musicians? Whatever their vibe, use it as a springboard. If they already love fantasy, add a quest-themed read. If they’re curious about history, toss in some time travel or historical fiction. The goal is to keep it relevant and irresistible. Bonus points if you get a few oohs and aahs when they flip through their new book box.

Step 2 – Include a mix of challenges

The best part of a bucket list? It’s not just about titles, it’s about the how. Turn reading into a challenge by mixing up the environment, genres, or formats. Include fun prompts like “read under a blanket fort,” “read to a pet,” or “read a book with a one-word title.” Getting your tween to set their own challenges or challenge their friends definitely adds that bit of excitement.

It becomes a scavenger hunt of sorts where each checkmark is a mini-victory. This helps keep things interesting and encourages even the most reluctant readers to see books as an adventure, not a task.

Step 3 – Create a visual checklist or printable tracker

Let’s be honest, there’s something supremely satisfying about checking things off a list. Make the experience tangible with a printable tracker or a DIY wall poster. Decorate it with stickers, washi tape, and doodles. 

You can even create a passport-style logbook (like the one included in our Tween Book Box!) where kids jot down their favorite parts of each story. It’s part scrapbook, part brag book, and is all about building pride in their reading journey.

 

Step 4 – Add rewards or celebrations for milestones

Remember, even grown-ups like rewards (hello, loyalty points and punch cards), and tweens are no different. Add a little motivation with milestone prizes, maybe it’s a movie night after finishing three books, a trip to the bookstore, or a surprise bookish gift. 

This is where the OUABC Tween Book Box really shines! Each box includes surprise gifts tied to key moments in the story, transforming reading into an exciting and interactive experience. It’s like unwrapping a little magic with every milestone.

Step 5 – Make it social — invite friends or siblings to join

Everything’s more fun with friends. Invite siblings, cousins, or neighborhood pals to make their own lists and compare progress. Yes, it’s time to start a casual summer book club where your tweens can share their favorite reads, reenact their scenes, or even trade book recommendations. 

Many local libraries host summer reading programs, so make sure to check out what themed events or community challenges might be happening near you. Community + books = a winning combo.

Book Picks to Jumpstart the List

Looking for a few page-turners to kick things off? These Once Upon a Book Club tween reads are bursting with imagination, mystery, and adventure.

 

Much Ado About Baseball by Rajani LaRocca

This sporty, brainy tale brings together math puzzles and baseball in the most unexpected way. When Trish and her rival Ben find themselves teamed up in both sports and problem-solving, strange coincidences and a mysterious booklet take them on a thrilling summer journey. It’s equal parts brain teaser and home run.

Our "Math & Fastballs" full box was a big hit! Featuring this fun read plus FIVE surprise gifts that brought this book to life, the Once Upon a Book Club way! 

 

Gloom Town by Ronald L. Smith

Eerie, magical, and downright spooky (in the best way possible). Rory takes a job at a creepy mansion, only to discover that his employer is stealing shadows. Gloom Town, with its seafaring mythology and gothic vibe, is perfect for tweens who love mysteries with a twist. 

Our December 2023 full box, “Shadows by the Sea”, included this spooky story and three surprise gifts that brought the pages of this eerie read to life!

 

Trouble in the Stars by Sarah Prineas

Meet Trouble, a shape-shifting escapee with a heart of gold and a knack for causing chaos. This galactic read is filled with quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a profound message about identity and belonging. 

We featured this wonderful book in our October 2023 box, “The Shapeshifter”, plus three adorably wrapped surprise gifts that take reading to the next level!

 

The Wolf of Cape Fen by Juliana Brandt

If your tween is a fan of moody fantasy and sibling bonds, then this one is for them. We loved this story with its magical bargains and a haunting winter wolf, which is bound to hook your tween from the first page. It’s beautifully written and perfect for readers looking for heart and suspense. 

We featured this book in our June 2023 box, “Journey of the Wolf”, which included those famous surprise gifts that bring the magic back to reading! Order your box now and enjoy 50% off the current price!

 

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard

Get ready for a clever, swampy mystery where science meets the supernatural. Kick Winter thinks she can solve the town’s curse with logic and a little fake-psychic flair, but things are never that easy. Especially when glowing creatures and missing kids make her question everything..

We featured this fabulous book in our March 2023 box, “The Bayou Curse”, plus three gifts that brought this exciting adventure to life! This full box is currently on sale, order now before stock runs out!

All of our ready-to-ship tween book boxes come packed with themed surprises and page-linked gifts! Check them out here.

Add Immersive Fun with Once Upon a Book Club

The OUABC difference is all about bringing stories to life. Our Tween Book Box transforms ordinary reading into a hands-on, interactive experience. Each box includes an exciting middle-grade novel, 3-5 wrapped gifts linked to specific pages, and extras like bookmarks, activity pages, and even book passports. It’s more than just a book; it’s an adventure your tween gets to live!

Keep the Momentum Going All Summer

Bucket lists are fun! They give you something to aim for, and there is nothing better than reaching your goals! For us, it is all about celebrating the journey without stressing about the finish line. If your tween reads three books or twelve, it’s still a win. We are all about keeping things flexible, adjusting the list as needed, and focusing on what matters most—encouraging curiosity, joy, and a lifelong love of reading.

One List, a Whole Summer of Fun

Creating a summer reading bucket list isn’t just about filling time and keeping digital distractions to a minimum. It’s about giving your tween the power to explore, imagine, and grow on their own terms. With the right tools (and the right book box), you’re not just preventing the summer slide, you’re encouraging a love for books, one surprise-filled page at a time. Grab your tween and explore our Ready-to-Ship Boxes or our Tween Book Subscription Boxes, and let the summer stories begin.

If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to check out Year-Round Reading Challenges to Keep Kids Engaged and The Best Tween Books to Spark Creativity and Adventure!

Sources

United Through Reading. (2024, February 7). Cultivating curious minds: Seven ways to model good reading habits for children. https://unitedthroughreading.org/seven-ways-to-model-good-reading-habits-for-children/