Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Celebrate the arrival of Spring

Join us as we welcome the return of sunny days with spring-themed vendors and crafts. Full agenda to come but you can expect flower crowns, bookish crafts, and maybe a surprise or two!

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Upcoming Events

Laura Parnum Author Event + Tween Writing Workshop

Thu, Mar 19

Midsummer Books

Join us for a Jeong is Jeong storytime! There will be books, arts and crafts, light snacks, and lots of jeong! RSVP to let us know you can make it. You can also order your copy of the book in advance to guarantee a signed copy.

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Spring Jubilee

Sat, Mar 21

Midsummer Books

Join us as we celebrate the beginning of spring with crafts, stories, and spring activities!

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Flower Crown Workshop

Sat, Mar 21

Midsummer Books

Join us for a flower crown workshop where creativity blooms 🌸 We’ll provide all the materials and tools—you just bring yourself (and maybe a friend). For just $25, you’ll leave with a beautiful, handmade crown perfect for spring.

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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

Collage illustration of book covers from modern retellings of classic stories, arranged around the text “Classics Reimagined.” Featured titles include These Violent Delights, Beth Is Dead, Anne of West Philly, The Secret Garden on 81st Street, The Last Musketeer, and Reflection, with graphic and decorative elements layered throughout.

Classic Stories, Modern Voices: Why Retellings Work for Today’s Young Readers

There’s something I’ve been quietly dreading as a parent—long before I ever opened a bookshop: figuring out how to share my love of certain books that no longer fit the modern flow of storytelling. I grew up loving books like Little Women (and really, anything Louisa May Alcott ever wrote). I devoured novels layered with symbolism like The Great Gatsby . I disappeared into the magical world of Narnia and never wanted to leave. These books shaped how I think, how I read, and

Lindsay Li

Beyond the History Books: Contemporary Black Authors You and Your Kids Should Be Reading

Looking for more than just a history lesson? Discover contemporary Black authors for kids and teens that celebrate joy, magic, and everyday life. From picture books to YA, here are our favorite "must-reads" for Black History Month and beyond.

Lindsay Li

New Year, New Reads: A Giveaway to Help Kids Discover Unexpected Adventures

Visit Midsummer Books in Fishtown for New Year, New Reads for a giveaway that helps kids discover underrated middle grade and YA books.

Recommendations

Lindsay Li

The Latest from Midsummer Books

Nothing like a fresh stack of gently used books to start the week! We got in some great picks for all ages this weekend😍

So incredible to have the talented Sarah and Kat in the shop last night, sharing their music and stories with us in celebration of their new book “How to Release Music”
While not a musician myself I learned so much about the process and about how we as appreciators of music can support Indie artists. Likewise, I was so touched by the people who are making music who can use this book to increase their impact and reach.
A few copies are still in the shop! Swing by and check it out and also follow @sarahgulishmusic and @katreinhert so you can hear their latest music projects!!

Whether your kid believes in leprechauns, the Sidhe, or just the magic of a really good book, we’ve got something on the shelves for them.

Stop by and find your next lucky read. 🍀

Next week! Meet the Author: Laura Parnum for our Spooky Stories & Tween Writing Workshop

Calling all young writers and fans of spooky stories!
Join us at Midsummer Books for an author visit with middle grade author Laura Parnum, whose stories blend creepy settings, quirky characters, and plenty of humor.
Laura will share a reading and lead a creative writing workshop for tweens, showing how sensory details can turn an idea into a thrilling (or hilarious) story.
✨ Author reading ✏️ Guided writing activity 📖 Book signing

Age recommendations:
* Ideal for: Tweens (roughly ages 9–13) for the writing workshop portion.
* Younger siblings welcome: We’ll have a simple bookish activity set up for littler kids.

RSVP: at link in bio or https://www.midsummerbooks.com/author-visits/laura-parnum
Midsummer Books 1219 Frankford Ave Fishtown, Philadelphia

So excited to host Sarah and Kat in the shop as they share their new book: How to Release Music.

How to Release Music is a practical, encouraging guide for artists who are ready to move from writing songs to sharing them with the world.

Sarah and Kat will join us Saturday, March 14 at 7pm for an honest conversation about creating, releasing, and sustaining creative work. Plus, they will be doing a live musical performance!
Light snacks and drinks will be on hand for the event.

This one is for the teens and adults - come join us, support local artists and learn how you can release your own creativity out into the world.

RSVP helps us with planning. You can do so via our link in bio, or on the site: https://www.midsummerbooks.com/author-visits/release-music

Fill your Easter basket with soft new friends, and sweet new reads!

So excited for our author visit tomorrow with @jessyoonwrites! To read from her new picture book Jeong is Jeong, I have a special snack and Craft time together. A few spots remain so you can still RSVP at our link in bio or on our site.

Stacks and stacks of books getting prepped and ready for delivery to Adaire for Read Across America week!
We still got extra copies if you haven’t reserved yours!! #kidsread #authorvisit

Tomorrow is Read Across America Day! For our Monday morning storytime we will celebrate the joy of books with some of our littlest readers, because reading can be silly, interactive, and full of surprises.

From laughing our way through The Book With No Pictures to pressing, tapping, and shaking along with Press Here it's sure to be a good time.

#ReadAcrossAmerica #ToddlerStorytime #BooksForEveryone #EarlyLiteracy #ReadingIsFun

Who doesn’t love a good choose your own adventure?? And this hilarious story invites young readers into the center of the action. Excited to add this fun story to our collection of books that invites kids to decide what happens next! #chooseyourownadventure

A fresh stack of stories — new to our shelves, gently read, deeply loved.
This batch of YA titles just arrived at Midsummer Books: powerful, diverse voices; unforgettable characters; stories that twist the narrative and stay with you long after the last page. All are gently used, in great condition, and ready for their next reader.
If you’re looking to refresh your teen’s TBR (or your own), come check out the full selection!

#GentlyUsedBooks #YABooks #DiverseReads #IndieBookstore #BooksForTeens

We have so much reading joy planned over the next few weeks at Midsummer Books
* From Middle Grade Book Club (The Jumbies), to paper flower crafting, bookmark bedazzling (for kids and adults), and a special community storytime celebrating Ramadan at @hrzcoffeefishtown - there’s something for every kind of reader and maker.
Plus we will be welcoming authors to the shop next month, from a special storytime with @jessyoonwrites to a live music event for older teens and adults with @sarahgulishmusic to a spooky reading and writing workshop for tweens with @lauraparnum, there is something for everyone! we’d love to see you.
👉 Swipe for dates + details Check out the full events calendar at midsummerbooks.com
Reading is better together!
#phillyevents #kidsevents #communitybuilding #indiebooksellers

We are going back to the 90s and pulling out all our bedazzling gear for some fun crafting that is guaranteed to add a little sparkle to your life!

First up, our kid-friendly event:
We will be Bookmark Bedazzling (or they can bring a favorite book)
Feb 28, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
This will be a creative afternoon crafting experience for young readers who believe books deserve a little sparkle. Best for ages 9+ as bedazzling does require a little patience!

Next up on Mar 07, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30, join us for a craft night for book lovers. We're hosting an after hours hang out - we’ll provide the gems, tools, guidance, and some tasty treats 🍻 while we relax kid-free as we add a little subtle shimmer, dramatic edges or go full maximalist sparkle with a fave book from your shelf.

#bookbedazzle #bookishcraft #booklovers #fishtownphilly

Love the classics but having a hard time getting your reader into them?
Retellings can be a powerful way to meet kids where they are without giving up on great stories.
These books keep the heart of the original while updating the format, setting, or genre — making them perfect for side-by-side reading, comparison, and conversation. We especially love retellings as a pairing strategy: 📖 Read the modern version first to build interest and confidence 📖 Then return to the original with curiosity instead of resistance
Whether it’s Little Women reimagined with higher emotional stakes, or Pride and Prejudice retold through sci-fi adventure, these books invite readers to compare, question, and engage.

what’s your favorite classic and if you could sign it in a modern world, how would the story change?

If the halftime show had you wishing you remembered more from Spanish class… you’re not alone. 😉
We’ve been quietly building a beautiful Spanish-language section with picture books, early readers, and middle grade favorites. Because language is a bridge, and the earlier kids cross it, the better.
Come browse, discover a new favorite, and maybe even start your family’s bilingual reading journey. #spanishlanguage #bilingualkids #bilingualbooks

Today we’re out in the neighborhood doing one of our favorite things…restocking Little Free Libraries with books from the shop.

From time to time, we end up with surplus titles or books that aren’t quite the right fit for our shelves. They may not meet our selling standards, but they’re still perfectly readable stories that deserve to be discovered, shared, and loved by another reader.

So instead of letting good books sit in boxes, we send them back out into the world, tucked into Little Free Libraries across the city, ready for the next curious kid, teen, or grown-up who needs a story.

If you care for a Little Free Library that’s looking a little empty, let us know! We’d be happy to help fill it back up. Stories are meant to circulate, after all. #LittleFreeLibrary #CommunityReads #fishtownphiladelphia #BooksForAll
#TakeABookLeaveABook

Love stories aren’t just for February, but there’s something about this time of year that makes us want to hand-sell every tender, hopeful, heart-fluttering book on our shelves.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite love stories for readers of all ages — from gentle first crushes to unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime connections. Some will make you smile. Some might make you tear up a little. The best ones stay with you long after the final page.

Whether you’re shopping for a young reader, a teen, or yourself, we’d love to help you find the right match.

Stop by, and if you need a recommendation, just ask. Helping readers find the book they fall in love with is kind of our thing. ❤️

What’s a love story you’ve never forgotten?

Obsessed with these colorful designs by @loftipop - now in the shop!! Swing by and gift yourself some joy today

What does your February look like? Ours is full of stories and crafts! Come join us for one of our regular Monday story hours or Saturday bookish crafts or one of our many events in between!

Black History Month is here, and at the shop, we’re doing things a little differently this year. As a bookseller (and a parent!), I’ve noticed how often we default to the same “textbook” stories. And while those are vital, there’s a whole universe of current, vibrant, and joyful Black literature for kids and teens that we simply can’t miss!
I want our kids to see themselves as dragon-riders, prom queens, super-sleuths, and everyday heroes – not just figures from the past.

I’ve put together a list of my absolute favorite contemporary Black authors whose books are redefining what “Black stories” can be. From the laugh-out-loud to the deeply moving, these are the books flying off our shelves (and often making it into our pre-loved collection!).

Shop the curated list on our Bookshop.org page! Every purchase supports these incredible authors AND our independent bookstore. Let’s make sure these vital stories get the spotlight they deserve.
Tap the LinkInBio to explore!
#BlackHistoryMonth #DiverseBooks #KidsLit #YAbooks

Shelving some great gently used donations that were dropped off. If your reader has burned through all their favorites while stuck inside this week and needs a new series or recommendation stop by! We’re here til 6 today and have series for all ages and interests! #winterisforreading #cozyreads #chapterbooksforkids

Come create a little chaos with us! Give us your best unhinged book recommendations! Tomorrow, we’re asking you:
What book has an unreliable narrator that absolutely should not have been given to mic?
What children’s book is secretly feral?
And what book is so full of bad decisions that’s basically all that’s holding the plot together?
Come in and leave your recommendations or post them up in the comments if you can’t stand to get out of the house- we will compile the full list and share it later!

What if the things that go bump in the night weren’t just stories, but warnings?
The Jumbies is spooky, funny, and deeply rooted in Caribbean folklore, following Corinne, a brave (and very relatable) girl who must face mischievous spirits threatening her island and her home. This story blends chills with courage, humor with heart, and adventure with cultural storytelling that feels fresh and unforgettable.
This is the kind of middle grade book that:
* Scares you just enough to make you read faster
* Centers bravery without pretending fear doesn’t exist
* Invites kids into folklore and myth beyond the usual canon. #kidsbookclub #readingaddict #makeitfun

While we are all super excited for the fun in the snow, the thing I am really looking forward to is the excuse to lay under a blanket and curl up with a good book. But let’s face it, if I want quiet reading time, my kids need some pre-planned entertainment as well.

What better time than now to dive head first into a new series? We have great picks for all ages
Or learn a new skill? We’ve got drawing books, craft kits, and STEM activities

Want more family time? These gorgeous puzzles and trivia games are perfect for bonding time.
#SnowDayVibes #CozyReads #WarmUpInside #BookstoreLife #KidsRead

A huge thank you to Ms Chris @fishtown_playschool for leading the most adorable storytime this morning. From stories to tactile crafts, kids had a great hour with one of our favorite early childhood educators!

More storytimes coming soon, but you are always welcome to sit and read in our cozy nook even when we don't have anything on the schedule.

Do you have a story to share or want to lead a group? Let us know!

It’s a great morning to get out of the house before the impending storm. Join us for storytime and tactile play in our community room with @fishtown_playschool’s own Ms Chris!! Starting at 11, will open the doors a little early, so everyone can get in and get settled.
#storyhour #storytime #fishtown

We had the best time at our Zentangle workshop this week. With a younger crowd in the room, we focused on a Zentangle 101. We did simple patterns, focused on playful repetition, and lots of creative confidence-building to go with the flow of what felt right for each participant

One of my favorite parts of hosting workshops like this is meeting kids exactly where they are. Every session is shaped by the age, energy, and curiosity of the group. So whether that means slowing things down, keeping it tactile, or letting imaginations run wild.

I’d love to do more Zentangle workshops with different age groups, kids, tweens, teens, even grown-ups who want a little mindful creativity.
What would you want to see next? Different ages? Themes? Longer sessions?

Up next: Fantasy Map Making!
Next week we’re diving into world-building—drawing maps of imagined lands filled with rivers, kingdoms, forests, and stories waiting to be told. Perfect for fantasy lovers, writers, gamers, and creative kids who like to invent whole worlds.

Stay tuned, and keep the ideas coming!!

Winners of our New Year New Reads!!
Legendarios goes to Oliver, age 7
Ember, goes to another Oliver, age 7
Story Thieves goes to Malcolm age 5
Hulu goes to Zuzu
American Born Chinese goes to Julia
As Brave as You goes to Ace!

Thanks for all who stopped by and filled out a form. I will be emailing the winners to coordinate pick up. And thanks to my junior shop helper for pulling all the names for me.

Not all Valentine’s gifts are candy—and honestly, we think these are sweeter.

Books about love, friendship & big feelings
From Meet Cute (for romance-loving teens) to A Heartfelt Alphabet and How to Catch a Loveosaurus (perfect for little readers), these are stories that say I love you in a way kids can return to again and again.

A flower bouquet that lasts forever
The LEGO Tiny Wildflower Bouquet = flowers + creativity + zero wilting. A perfect Valentine for tweens, teens, or a grown-up who loves a hands-on gift.

Little extras that make it fun
Stickers, cards, cozy finds—easy add-ons for classroom valentines, best-friend gifts, or a thoughtful surprise “just because.”

Skip the sugar rush. Gift a story, a build, or a keepsake this Valentine’s Day. 💕

Find all of these and more in-shop now!

#BookishValentines #ValentinesDayGifts #GiftAStory #ScreenFreeGifts #KidsBooks

NEW GAMES JUST DROPPED

Books aren’t the only way we do screen-free fun around here
We just stocked a really good mix of games for every age and vibe:

Little Kids (4+)
Simple, playful games made for short attention spans and big imaginations—perfect for first game nights.

Starter Chess (5+)
A beginner-friendly chess set that makes learning the game feel exciting, not intimidating. Future grandmasters, welcome.

Family Trivia Games
Ideal for mixed ages, family game nights, and low-stakes competition where everyone actually has a chance.

Chronicle Books After Dinner Amusements vibes—cute, clever, pull-a-card-and-play games that are perfect for restaurants, road trips, or dessert time.

Han Solo Solitaire Cards
Yes, that Han Solo. Frozen in carbonite. A solo card game inspired by Star Wars that’s weird, wonderful, and an instant hit with fans of Han Solo.

All screen-free. All shelf-worthy. All dangerously fun.
Stop by and let us help you find the right game for your crew

#MidsummerBooks #ScreenFreeFun #FamilyGameNight #KidsGames #BoardGamesForKids TriviaNight StarWarsFun ChronicleBooks PlayMoreReadMore

New Stock Alert! ✨
Just landed: creative, colorful, screen-free favorites for curious kids and family fun.

🧪 STEM fun from Copernicus Toys
We’ve stocked hands-on science gifts like Terraform Magic, plus a restock of our wildly popular bouncy balls. Perfect for kids who love experimenting, building, and learning by doing.

🧩 Puzzles you’ll want to frame
Our newest addition to our screen free collection comes from @final_piece_puzzles are stunning. Think: family bonding time and frame-worthy art when you’re done. A puzzle + wall art win.

🎉 Cards & stickers that feel like a party
We’re obsessed with the bold, playful designs from @luckysardine. Bright birthday cards and colorful stickers that make gifts (and envelopes) extra special.

🎲 Writing dice = creativity unlocked
These writing dice are a favorite in our writing clubs — and just as fun at home. Roll to spark ideas, break through writer’s block, or turn storytelling into a game.

Come browse, play, and discover something new. #screenfreefun #indiebooks #shoplocal #fishtownhappenings #fishtownphilly

Book club picks are up and ready to read! Sign your reader up for a January or February book club and then come grab your copy!

Local artists & writers — this one’s for you.

In 2026, I want Midsummer Books to feature more local art, more local voices, and more creative programs for kids & teens that centers literacy, creative writing, and great storytelling.

That might look like:
> selling your work in the shop
> hosting a reading or storytime
> leading a workshop or club
> sharing your published work/hosting a book release
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to do something like that,” this is your sign.

Send a DM, email me at Lindsay@midsummerbooks.com or swing by the shop.
No formal pitch required, let’s just talk.

#PhillyArtists #PhillyWriters #KidLitCommunity #IndieBookstore

This year will always be special… the year Midsummer Books opened its doors for the very first time. The year we unpacked the shelves, learned your kids’ favorite genres, and watched this tiny dream become a place people walk into and smile.
A huge thank you to every person who walked through our door this year. To the families who adopted stacks of books. To the kids who told us their favorite characters. To the teens who found their nook. To the grown-ups who kept saying, “We need this.”
Here’s to the year ahead 🎉 let it be one full of stories, bookish joy, and new TBRs for everyone in your family.📚

#PhillyKids
#IndieBookstore #mgbooks #yabook #kidlit

January can feel a little cold and gray… but not at Midsummer Books.

We’re kicking off the new year with cozy storytimes, creative craft hours, book clubs, and writing clubs designed to keep the winter blues far, far away.

If your kids need something to look forward to (or you just need a screen-free hour), our January lineup is full of warm, bookish fun for every age.

Details for each event are live on our site.

#phillykids #fishtownphilly #winteractivitiesforkids #phillymoms #midsummerbooks #bookishkids #storytimephilly

Plotting... literally.
Big things are coming to Midsummer Books in 2026. Writing clubs, book clubs for different age and interests, bookish crafts, and plenty of new stories.
I’m currently mapping out the next 4 months of book clubs, craft nights, and guest readings. I want this season to be our best one yet!
Which event are you most excited for your kids to participate in this year?

Book Clubs: What genre are we craving?
Crafts: What should we make next?
Writing: Poetry, fiction, or journaling?
Let me know in the comments and I might just add a new sticky note to the board! 📝

#PhillyParents
#FishtownPhilly #PhillyBookstore #YouthWriting #ShopSmall

Running out of time?
We’ve got last-minute magic.
Books, craft kits, games, stocking stuffers — all curated for kids + teens, all ready to wrap.
Stop in, grab the perfect thing, rescue your holiday.
#ShopLocalPhilly #LastMinuteMagic #BookstoreGifts #PhillyMoms #FishtownKids

Need a little gift for someone with a good sense of humor? These "lumps of coal" are a perfect gift for a stocking, and are actually full of little surprises.

#holidayhumor #kidsgiftideas #shoplocal

Winter is coming… or at least winter break is. ❄️
If you’re bracing for the dreaded “I’m boooored!” and trying to avoid raising tiny screen zombies, we’ve got you covered.
From beginner sewing kits to activity books, solo-player games, drawing books, and more — we have something for every age and every creative spark.

#WinterBreakFun #ScreenFreeKids #CreativeKids #craftkitsforkids

Unbox with me!

New favorites just landed — for teens, tweens, early readers, word-game lovers, and creative kids.
From big-idea YA and fantasy series obsessions to first chapter books, screen-free games, and drawing books that actually get kids creating… this box had a little magic in it. We try to curate a little magic for every reader as we microchip to fill in the gaps for our collection of gently used books.
We’re open at 10 AM tomorrow starting our special holiday hours as we countdown to Christmas!

#UnboxWithMe #KidsBookstore #IndieBookstore
#TeenReads #TweenReads #EarlyReaders
#ScreenFreeFun #CreativeKids #MidsummerBooks

Got such a great haul of new *used* titles this weekend. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the titles hitting the shelves this week in middle grade and YA—fantasy, drama, romance, friendship, we’ve got it all!! And at used book prices many are as low as $5 each. #midsummerbooks #fishtownphilly #usedbookstore #kidsread #screenfreekids

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@midsummer_books

Celebrate the arrival of Spring

Upcoming Events

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

Classic Stories, Modern Voices: Why Retellings Work for Today’s Young Readers

Beyond the History Books: Contemporary Black Authors You and Your Kids Should Be Reading

New Year, New Reads: A Giveaway to Help Kids Discover Unexpected Adventures

The Latest from Midsummer Books

Follow us on Instagram

Winter Hours

Midsummer Books
is part of
Our Mutual Friend

Contact

Celebrate the arrival of Spring

Upcoming Events

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

Classic Stories, Modern Voices: Why Retellings Work for Today’s Young Readers

Beyond the History Books: Contemporary Black Authors You and Your Kids Should Be Reading

New Year, New Reads: A Giveaway to Help Kids Discover Unexpected Adventures

The Latest from Midsummer Books

​

Follow us on Instagram

Winter Hours

Midsummer Books is part of Our Mutual Friend

Contact

Midsummer Books
is part of
Our Mutual Friend