Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Join our Summer Reading Challenge

win prizes for reading all summer long

Summer Classes

Join us for eight weeks of story-inspired classes, workshops, clubs, and creative experiences for babies, toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens.

Every session is designed as a complete stand-alone adventure, making it easy to drop in for a single class or join us all summer long.

Read. Create. Explore. Imagine.

Find a class

Upcoming Events

Multiple Dates

Literacy Passport - Space and Stars

Wed, Jul 29

Midsummer Books

The stars have inspired stories, dreams, and questions for thousands of years.

Details

Little Readers, Big Feelings - Worry & Anxiety

Wed, Jul 29

Midsummer Books

Everyone worries sometimes, but worries feel lighter when we share them.

Details

Writer's Room for Teens - Secrets, Magic & Story Hooks

Multiple Dates

Writer's Room for Teens - Secrets, Magic & Story Hooks

Tue, Jul 28

Midsummer Books

What makes readers stay up way too late turning pages? We'll explore page turning hooks and incredible premises that make you want to find out what's next

Details

Beyond Books

Midsummer Books has the gifts your kids will love to give and receive, available for in-store pickup

Shop our curated lists on bookshop.org to find great new books for kids and teens

The Latest from Midsummer Books

A good pencil case says, “This is where great ideas live.”
Okay...and also 17 pencils, three mystery eraser caps, two paperclips, a tiny dinosaur, and somehow a rock.
Our new back-to-school pencil cases are here! They’re roomy, durable, and genuinely adorable. Stop by to find one before the school year sneaks up on us.
 We are so excited about the new pencil cases we have in the shop, and they’re anything but boring.
- Plenty of room for pencils, markers, scissors, erasers, sticky notes, and all the little treasures that somehow end up in every backpack.
- Durable enough for everyday school life. (Also washable!)
- A few even have satisfying sensory textures for kids (and adults) who can’t resist fidgeting.
 Bonus points if you leave with a new book to go inside that backpack too.

Help us fill the shelves! We’re buying books.
If you’ve got children’s books gathering taking up space, we’d love to take a look.

We’re especially looking for:

Classic Picture Books
The books everyone asks for over and over again. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Owl Moon, Corduroy, Madeline, Blueberries for Sal, and other timeless favorites.

Early Chapter Books
We’re currently running low on:
• Princess in Black
• Zoey and Sassafras
• Owly
• Ivy + Bean
• Unicorn Academy
Press start
• Notebook of Doom

Popular Graphic Novels
The shelves never stay full for long. We’re especially looking for:
• Dog Man & Cat Kid Comic Club
• Baby-Sitters Club Graphix
• Wings of Fire & Warrior Cats Graphic Novels
• Amulet
• InvestiGators
• Hooky and other great witchy stories
• Smile, Sisters, Guts
• The Tryout
• The Cartoonists Club

Tween & Teen Favorites
Fall book shopping starts now, and we’re on the hunt for great used books to fill our shelves before the leaves (and ghosts) arrive.

Plus, we always want more of the books older kids are actually reading:
• YA horror
• YA romance
• Fantasy
• Manga
• Thrillers
• Contemporary coming-of-age stories

Bring your books into the shop during business hours, and we’ll sort through them together. We offer store credit or cash for books we’re able to use.

Every great used book on our shelves started in someone else’s home. Thanks for helping us keep good stories in circulation.

So excited to have these free @gooddaygoodneighbor zines in the shop! The zine is a guide to getting out and making a difference in your neighborhood- something we absolutely love. Stop by and grab a copy while they last!!
#beagoodneighbor #zine #community

Exciting news! We’re inviting young artists (ages 4–18) to create the next official Midsummer Books bookmark.

We love tucking a new bookmark in with every purchase, but what better way to say we are part of a community of readers than with a bookmark designed by you(r kids)!

From now until August 16 you can download our template or pick it up in store and the winning designs from each age group will be professionally printed and shared with our readers throughout the year.

Our theme is Whimsy. What that means to you (your artist) is totally open ended so long as it is original artwork! Artists can use any medium, including digital. Drop off your submissions

We will be taking submissions through August 16 and sharing them as they come in. We can’t wait to see all the creative interpretations of whimsy!!

(Oh, and there are prizes). #indiebookshop #kidsbooks #fishtownphilly #whimsy

Excited to be part of this incredible lineup of amazing bookstores/ indie book sellers for this after hours book fair. Good times will be had by all!! Hope you can make it there is a link to tickets in our bio

Looking for baby shower or new baby gifts? Our answer is always books. I always love to pick a great book for the baby library as well as something that parents will enjoy reading aloud especially in the first year, because reading to babies from the beginning is an incredible tool for building vocabulary, it should also be enjoyable for the parent. So I love to tuck in a classic or a beautifully written, middle grade or YA novel that the parent can read to the child today and then the child can be on their own as they grow. Even though the babies won’t understand every word they’re sucking up the rhythm of language from day one. Besides when you give gifts that aren’t just for the first year you’re helping build a library that says I can’t wait to watch you grow!
#babyshowergift #readaloud #bookseller #indiebooksellers #fishtownphilly

There are some series that I forgot about and am so excited to rediscover!
Oppels series gives us an unusual but compelling cast - bats. These vulnerable creatures cross continents, navigate stars, face predators, and discover ancient mysteries.

Silverwing introduces Shade, a young bat separated from his colony who embarks on an unforgettable journey home.

Sunwing expands the world even further, taking readers into strange new places filled with danger, mythology, and wonder.

These books are perfect for readers who love:
Animal adventures with real stakes and worlds inspired by nature

And of course it is now also available as a graphic novel!

I've read so many great stories this year but here are a few of the recent releases that really stand out for me
- for more details about each title and a few others that didn't make the recording, check out my latest post up at Midsummerbooks.com and while you're there explore our upcoming events.

From dragon alphabets and cryptid field guides to fantasy writing workshops and creature-filled storytimes, we’re spending the week exploring some of our favorite mythical worlds. Story Lab: Dragons & Cryptids (Ages 0–5)
Meet tiny heroes, brave dragons, and discover what courage really looks like.
Story Seekers (Ages 5–8)
Design your own magical companion and explore legendary creatures.
Hand Lettering: Dragon Alphabets & Fantasy Initials (ages 9+)
Learn decorative lettering inspired by medieval manuscripts, castles, and ancient legends.
Plus fantasy writing, comic storytelling, junk journaling, teen makers, and much more throughout the week. Visit our link in bio to learn more or visit MidsummerBooks.com/summer-programming

Judge this book by its wrapping!
One of my favorite things to watch in the shop is when someone takes a chance on a book they never would have picked up otherwise. With our Surprise Stories, you’re putting your trust in us to pick an excellent book and we take that trust seriously. To help you make your pick, each book is wrapped with just a few clues: ✨ A one-line hook ✨ Themes you’ll love ✨ A few tiny doodles as clues ✨ Absolutely no title or cover

Some of my favorite books are hiding in these packages—including magical adventures, unforgettable coming-of-age stories, graphic novels, cozy fantasies, and page-turners I recommend all the time.

Plus a few fun extras: stickers, pens, key chains and fun little note pads.

The only question is...Which surprise will you choose?
 Surprise stories are wrapped with middle grade and YA gems, but many of them can be loved and enjoyed by adults as well.

Some of my favorite discoveries for the shop happen when I’m in and I’m so excited that two of the graphic novel series I fell in love with in the UK are finally on our shelves!

Rune by Carlos Sánchez is packed with fantasy, adventure, gorgeous artwork, and a world full of magic and mystery. If you love stories with quests, found family, and unforgettable creatures, this one’s for you. This is such a beautiful series and perfect for fans of Lightfall and Amulet.  Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam. This is such a funny, heartfelt, and charming series. It follows Meesh, a demon who would much rather help people than scare them, making it the perfect pick for readers who love humor, heart, and a little bit of magical chaos.

Back with part two of excellent books to add to your TBR this summer whether it’s for you or for your teen reader.

If you’re looking for a new read, we’ve got recommendations! So many in fact that I’m making this a two part video so check out the recommendations in this one and then tomorrow I’ll upload the second half of the list of great reads from our YA section

I’d recommend these for ages nine and up. Every read through can be unique because your choices actually make a real difference!

One thing I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is making room for analog joy. Limiting Screen Time is really important in our family but then what are the kids going to do if it’s not a screen?

Books already ask us to slow down, imagine, and pay attention. I want the shop to do the same.

That’s why I couldn’t resist bringing these book nook kits back after seeing them everywhere in Europe. They’re tiny worlds you build with your own hands—part craft project, part miniature library, part reminder that not everything has to happen on a screen.

As Midsummer grows, I hope you’ll see more things like this alongside the books: thoughtful projects, creative kits, and hands-on ways to spend an afternoon making something beautiful.

Because stories don’t always end when you close the book. Sometimes they become something you build.

So excited for our first class this morning all the supplies are loaded and we are ready to unlock some creativity on this dreary day. There’s still a few drop-in spots so swing on by with you’re two to 5-year-old for some hands on fun!!

I’m banking going on authenticity. I’ll be seeing a lot more of my strange little videos because behind this bookshop is a human who cares very deeply about the stories that we curate. This box was very exciting. I always love getting in a good new selection of graphic novels and it’s always fun to see which stories I’ve ordered end up in the same box together. Hope you find some inspiration for reading here!

We are doing something this summer for every kind of kid….the ones who live inside books and the ones still looking for their book. The ones who love arts and crafts and the ones who love to write. The dreamers and the realists.

Mid-Summer of Stories runs July 6–August 28 at Midsummer Books.

Classes are for ages 2 through teen. All available as drop-in but registration is limited. Check our link in bio for details.

#midsummerbooks #fishtownphilly #kidsclasses #phillykids

Excited to go through this massive pile of books that were dropped by the shop while I was out of town. Sooo many titles hitting the shelves soon!!
As a reminder we are always taking books to help keep prices in the shop reasonable and good gently used books in circulation. You can drop them off for store credit/cash or donate them! Any books we don’t take for the shop we use to stock local @littlefreelibrary locations around the city

I’ve been away from the shop a few weeks, so it felt like Christmas when I got home to these gorgeous new goodies! First up some portable mugs that you won’t want to put stickers on because the artwork is too pretty!! next a sneak peek at some of the new puzzles we have in stock from @final_piece_puzzles - their selection has been such a big hit, and I am so excited about these new designs. If you have a beach week planned, it’s always good to have a a portable bottle for your beachy beverages and a new puzzle packed just in case you have a rainy day!!
#artpuzzles #bookshopgifting #beachdaypackinglist #fishtownphilly

Nothing says summer like a chance to choose your own adventures! These stories transform reading into a game, where every decision changes the story and no two reading experiences are exactly the same.

These books are perfect for
- Reluctant readers who like being in control
- Kids who love puzzles, games, and problem-solving
- Reading together as a family (and comparing endings!)
and of course my favorite, re-reading again and again to discover what happens next

One book. Dozens of adventures. Come grab your next adventure in the shop!

On our vacation from the shop practicing what we preach. Always pack a good book or two for those moments when waiting isn’t easy…

Skip Prime. Shop Independent. Anti-Prime Day is on!

From today through June 26, you'll get FREE SHIPPING sitewide at Bookshop.org. Every order helps support independent bookstores like Midsummer Books.

Bookshop is all about indie, that means...
No memberships.
No giant warehouses.
Just great books and the local bookshops that love recommending them.

Whether you're stocking up for summer reading, grabbing a gift, or finally picking up that book you've been meaning to read, now's a great time to shop.

Because every order is a vote for diverse books, neighborhood bookstores, and a healthier book ecosystem.

🔗 Shop our Bookshop.org storefront (link also avail in bio) https://bookshop.org/shop/midsummer

#AntiPrimeDay #BookshopOrg #ShopIndie #IndependentBookstore #SummerReading

Tress of the Emerald Sea is Sanderson at his most whimsical. Instead of the sprawling epics and endless lore of Stormlight, this one feels like a fairy tale told by someone who can’t resist making clever asides and is reminiscent of AA Milne. Tress herself is wonderfully refreshing heroine. She’s a practical girl whose superpower isn’t destiny or swordsmanship, but curiosity and competence.

The world building is great but also approachable. you’ve got oceans made of deadly spores, eccentric pirates, dragons, talking rats, and some of Sanderson’s funniest writing. The story is ultimately about love, friendship, and how ordinary people become extraordinary simply by deciding to act.

While Sanderson is primarily known for his epic adult fantasy, Tress is widely categorized as a Young Adult (YA). I’d say the book bridges the gap and is easily enjoyed by adult readers as well as young adults.

Readers who have found his epic fantasies intimidating may discover that this charming standalone is the perfect place to begin.

What I loved
A genuinely delightful heroine
A magical setting unlike anything else in fantasy
Humor that lands surprisingly well
Cozy adventure vibes but still with emotional depth

Perfect for readers who love:

* The Princess Bride
* Howl’s Moving Castle
* Legends & Lattes
* Character-driven fantasy with humor and heart
* Competent heroines and found-family crews

Favorite takeaway:
Tress reminds us that courage doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s simply choosing to leave home, ask questions, and keep going

Happy Midsummer Day!!

It's our namesake holiday, so we're celebrating the longest day of the year with a little something special.

✨ TODAY ONLY • June 21 ✨

Take 20% off all Midsummer Books items when you shop in person.

That includes all kids/youth new & used books, creative goodies, gifts and surprises

No code needed; your discount will be applied at checkout.

Come celebrate the season that inspired our name with stories, sunshine, and a little midsummer magic.

In-store only ☀️ Sunday, June 21
📍 Midsummer Books at Our Mutual Friend

Just a little reminder that Father’s Day is tomorrow!

Whether he’s the bedtime story reader, the comic book collector, the dad-joke champion, or the one who always says “just one more chapter,” we’ve got books for dads, grandpas, uncles, and all the grown-ups who share stories with the kids they love.

Stop by this week for picture books, graphic novels, epic tales, and plenty of ideas for every kind of reader.

Wandering around Copenhagen and doing what I always seem to do…popping into bookstores, and I couldn’t help smiling when I spotted some of my favorite titles translated into Danish.

There’s something special about seeing stories you love living new lives in another language. A reminder that great books really do travel.

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Follow us on Instagram

@midsummer_books

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Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Join our Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Classes

Upcoming Events

Beyond Books

Shop our curated lists on bookshop.org to find great new books for kids and teens

Best Books of 2026 so far: Picture Books

Introducing the Midsummer Summer Reading Passport

What Does “Young Adult” Really Mean? A Guide from Midsummer Books

The Latest from Midsummer Books

Follow us on Instagram

Eventbrite service is temporarily unavailable.

Hours

Midsummer Books
is part of
Our Mutual Friend

Contact

Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Join our Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Classes

Upcoming Events

Beyond Books

Shop our curated lists on bookshop.org to find great new books for kids and teens

Best Books of 2026 so far: Picture Books

Introducing the Midsummer Summer Reading Passport

What Does “Young Adult” Really Mean? A Guide from Midsummer Books

The Latest from Midsummer Books

​

Follow us on Instagram

Eventbrite service is temporarily unavailable.

Hours

Midsummer Books is part of Our Mutual Friend

Contact

Midsummer Books
is part of
Our Mutual Friend