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Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Upcoming Events

Pre-Order Anticipated 2026 Titles

Upcoming Events

YA Book Club - The Grace Year

YA Book Club - The Grace Year

YA Book Club - The Grace Year

Mon, Sep 14

Midsummer Books

This is a YA book adults will want to talk about. “A visceral, darkly haunting fever dream of a novel and an absolute page-turner.” – Libba Bray, New York Times bestselling author

Midsummer Nights: Embroidery basics

Midsummer Nights: Embroidery basics

Midsummer Nights: Embroidery basics

Tue, Sep 15

Midsummer Books

Stitch a little literary magic, one hoop, one pattern, one relaxing evening.

Story and Craft

Story and Craft

Multiple Dates

Story and Craft

Wed, Sep 16

Midsummer Books

Story time plus glue, googly eyes, and a take-home project — every Wednesday morning.

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

The Latest from Midsummer Books

Did a little collab with my favorite bookseller today… if your kid loves wings of fire and hasn’t discovered warrior cats yet she’s got a recommendation for you.

Did a little collab with my favorite bookseller today… if your kid loves wings of fire and hasn’t discovered warrior cats yet she’s got a recommendation for you.

Got a thing for creepy stories? A big imagination? Maybe a mysterious object hiding somewhere in your house?
Come get a little spooky with local horror writers Laura Parnum and Nicole M. Wolverton at Midsummer Books!
This interactive writing workshop for ages 9–14 will explore a question we all know the answer to: Why do we love being scared?
Laura and Nicole will talk about how stories can help us explore fear, courage, and all those deliciously creepy things that make a good story impossible to put down. Then writers will get to try it out with creative writing exercises. And here’s the fun part: bring a small object from home that feels strange, mysterious, or just a little spooky. We’ll use it to build a story of your very own.
Come ready to be creepy. Come ready to write. Come see what kind of story is hiding inside the weirdest thing you can find.
Thursday, September 24 | 5–6:30 PM Midsummer Books Ages 9–14
RSVP at our link in bio or events page and save your spot!

Got a thing for creepy stories? A big imagination? Maybe a mysterious object hiding somewhere in your house?
Come get a little spooky with local horror writers Laura Parnum and Nicole M. Wolverton at Midsummer Books!
This interactive writing workshop for ages 9–14 will explore a question we all know the answer to: Why do we love being scared?
Laura and Nicole will talk about how stories can help us explore fear, courage, and all those deliciously creepy things that make a good story impossible to put down. Then writers will get to try it out with creative writing exercises. And here’s the fun part: bring a small object from home that feels strange, mysterious, or just a little spooky. We’ll use it to build a story of your very own.
Come ready to be creepy. Come ready to write. Come see what kind of story is hiding inside the weirdest thing you can find.
Thursday, September 24 | 5–6:30 PM Midsummer Books Ages 9–14
RSVP at our link in bio or events page and save your spot!

Next week! Join us as we welcome @amandafoody to ask “What happens when you get to build a whole world from your imagination?”

We’ll kick things off with a fun, hands-on activity where you get to create your very own creature. Then we’ll dive into Wilderlore with a special preview of the first book.

And finally, get a peek behind the pages: What’s it actually like to invent an entire world from scratch? Amanda will take your questions about creatures, characters, world-building, and all the wild ideas that make Wilderlore come to life.

Bring your burning questions. Bring your imagination. Maybe bring your best creature idea, too.
Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM Midsummer Books Come join us for books, creativity, and a little Wilderlore magic!

Next week! Join us as we welcome @amandafoody to ask “What happens when you get to build a whole world from your imagination?”

We’ll kick things off with a fun, hands-on activity where you get to create your very own creature. Then we’ll dive into Wilderlore with a special preview of the first book.

And finally, get a peek behind the pages: What’s it actually like to invent an entire world from scratch? Amanda will take your questions about creatures, characters, world-building, and all the wild ideas that make Wilderlore come to life.

Bring your burning questions. Bring your imagination. Maybe bring your best creature idea, too.
Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM Midsummer Books Come join us for books, creativity, and a little Wilderlore magic!

All set up and ready to celebrate the incredible creativity of my dear friend @sarahgulishmusic tonight and tomorrow at @secretcircusphilly

All set up and ready to celebrate the incredible creativity of my dear friend @sarahgulishmusic tonight and tomorrow at @secretcircusphilly

Just assessed, tagged and shelved an incredible collection of gently use books thanks to this incredible community! We love it when you bring such good books to us, and we are so excited to have fully stocked shelves for the weekend, especially with the upcoming Fishtown Fair @nowandthen_marketplace happening Sunday!

Just assessed, tagged and shelved an incredible collection of gently use books thanks to this incredible community! We love it when you bring such good books to us, and we are so excited to have fully stocked shelves for the weekend, especially with the upcoming Fishtown Fair @nowandthen_marketplace happening Sunday!

It's happening next week! Amanda Foody, author of the Wilderlore series, is coming to Midsummer Books!

Remember that book that hooked you and made you fall in love with books? If you have a reader between the ages of 9-13 this might be the book series for them!

This one is for the fans of fantasy and adventure, of unlikely heroes, of characters who are emotionally rich and relatable.

Join us next Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM to meet Amanda, hear about the world of Wilderlore and how it has grown since The Accidental Apprentice, and get your books signed.

We're also kicking off a Wilderlore book club for readers who want to really get into the series.

📚 Wednesday, Sept. 16
⏰ 5 PM
📍 Midsummer Books · 1219 Frankford Ave.

Come to meet the author. Stay for the books. Maybe leave plotting your own magical creature adventure.

Free to attend. All are welcome!

It's happening next week! Amanda Foody, author of the Wilderlore series, is coming to Midsummer Books!

Remember that book that hooked you and made you fall in love with books? If you have a reader between the ages of 9-13 this might be the book series for them!

This one is for the fans of fantasy and adventure, of unlikely heroes, of characters who are emotionally rich and relatable.

Join us next Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM to meet Amanda, hear about the world of Wilderlore and how it has grown since The Accidental Apprentice, and get your books signed.

We're also kicking off a Wilderlore book club for readers who want to really get into the series.

📚 Wednesday, Sept. 16
⏰ 5 PM
📍 Midsummer Books · 1219 Frankford Ave.

Come to meet the author. Stay for the books. Maybe leave plotting your own magical creature adventure.

Free to attend. All are welcome!

When I say you could finish this book in two days, I mean, you will be so compelled if you want one to put it down. And then you will want to talk about it! So while there’s still time, grab one in the shop and then join us Monday evening to discuss with Grace Year. We will have plenty of snacks and tasty beverages as part of the experience.

When I say you could finish this book in two days, I mean, you will be so compelled if you want one to put it down. And then you will want to talk about it! So while there’s still time, grab one in the shop and then join us Monday evening to discuss with Grace Year. We will have plenty of snacks and tasty beverages as part of the experience.

We’re past Labor Day so as far as I’m concerned, it is spooky season, and I am covering the shelves in Halloween themed stories, tales of mystery and murder, and several homages to the king of creepy, Edgar Allen Poe.
There’s also a couple of fall themed things in there as well 👻

We’re past Labor Day so as far as I’m concerned, it is spooky season, and I am covering the shelves in Halloween themed stories, tales of mystery and murder, and several homages to the king of creepy, Edgar Allen Poe.
There’s also a couple of fall themed things in there as well 👻

Baby’s first #TBR!
My 13-year-old was recently assigned to build his very own to be read list by his teacher - and here is what I love about it. They could put a picture book on it. They could pick any book they want. They were given agency in choosing and they were asked to do it for the joy of reading. This teacher is amazing. I cannot meet her at back-to-school night. But aside from that I think it’s really telling how sometimes kids have to hear something from someone other than ourselves. I have been trying to get my son out of a reading rut for a long time. And although this is an assignment, he is now excitedly reading books that I have been waiting for him to pick up… I love this pile and I can’t wait to see what his next list looks like because he’s already thinking about how quickly he’ll get through the age and be able to move onto the next and I’m thinking oh you sweet sweet fool once you’ve started a TBR pile, it will never end 🤣

Baby’s first #TBR!
My 13-year-old was recently assigned to build his very own to be read list by his teacher - and here is what I love about it. They could put a picture book on it. They could pick any book they want. They were given agency in choosing and they were asked to do it for the joy of reading. This teacher is amazing. I cannot meet her at back-to-school night. But aside from that I think it’s really telling how sometimes kids have to hear something from someone other than ourselves. I have been trying to get my son out of a reading rut for a long time. And although this is an assignment, he is now excitedly reading books that I have been waiting for him to pick up… I love this pile and I can’t wait to see what his next list looks like because he’s already thinking about how quickly he’ll get through the age and be able to move onto the next and I’m thinking oh you sweet sweet fool once you’ve started a TBR pile, it will never end 🤣

Something wild is coming to Midsummer Books…

Join us Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM for a very special Meet the Author event with Amanda Foody, author of the Wilderlore series!

Come meet Amanda, hear about the world of Wilderlore, ask your burning questions, and get a behind-the-scenes peek at how she creates such wonderfully wild creatures and adventures.

And if your reader is already obsessed with Wilderlore (or needs a new fantasy series to fall into), they can sign up for our Wilderlore Book Club at the event! We will be reading the full series together and Amanda has graciously volunteered to drop in along the way!

Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM

Bring your questions, your imagination, and your love of magic and wild things.

Come meet the author. Stay for the adventure.

Something wild is coming to Midsummer Books…

Join us Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM for a very special Meet the Author event with Amanda Foody, author of the Wilderlore series!

Come meet Amanda, hear about the world of Wilderlore, ask your burning questions, and get a behind-the-scenes peek at how she creates such wonderfully wild creatures and adventures.

And if your reader is already obsessed with Wilderlore (or needs a new fantasy series to fall into), they can sign up for our Wilderlore Book Club at the event! We will be reading the full series together and Amanda has graciously volunteered to drop in along the way!

Wednesday, September 16 at 5 PM

Bring your questions, your imagination, and your love of magic and wild things.

Come meet the author. Stay for the adventure.

We are kicking off September with so many great events and author visits.

The highlight of the week is our upcoming visit on Sunday with @jessyoonwrites who will share her beautiful new picture book, The Legend of Ban-Dal - join us in the shop on Sunday at 11 am for story, crafts, and Q&A.

Other highlights for the week!
The official launch of Midsummer Nights - our weekly Tuesday night crafting event for adults only. Each week we will have a different craft, sometimes led by our team and sometimes featuring guest artists

Plus story and crafts across ages.

For all our Midsummer events visit Midsummerbooks.com/events

We are kicking off September with so many great events and author visits.

The highlight of the week is our upcoming visit on Sunday with @jessyoonwrites who will share her beautiful new picture book, The Legend of Ban-Dal - join us in the shop on Sunday at 11 am for story, crafts, and Q&A.

Other highlights for the week!
The official launch of Midsummer Nights - our weekly Tuesday night crafting event for adults only. Each week we will have a different craft, sometimes led by our team and sometimes featuring guest artists

Plus story and crafts across ages.

For all our Midsummer events visit Midsummerbooks.com/events

A mess was made but we had such a good time!

A mess was made but we had such a good time!

Today our storytime was all about the dark - we read the beautiful picture book "Do you know the dark" written and illustrated by the wonderful @roz_maclean - then we took to the craft table to try our hand at making illustrations on black paper, exploring how we can use different colors on darker backgrounds to create new images - mostly space themed today - but as the book points out, the possibilities are endless.

Our story and craft hour is a low key, low barrier to entry experience. We read, we craft, and we have fun, but we don't worry about doing everyhing just right. Wiggles and giggles are always welcome!

you can drop-in with us next week - although RSVPs help us plan our craft space and supplies!
midsummer.com/events

Today our storytime was all about the dark - we read the beautiful picture book "Do you know the dark" written and illustrated by the wonderful @roz_maclean - then we took to the craft table to try our hand at making illustrations on black paper, exploring how we can use different colors on darker backgrounds to create new images - mostly space themed today - but as the book points out, the possibilities are endless.

Our story and craft hour is a low key, low barrier to entry experience. We read, we craft, and we have fun, but we don't worry about doing everyhing just right. Wiggles and giggles are always welcome!

you can drop-in with us next week - although RSVPs help us plan our craft space and supplies!
midsummer.com/events

Happy back to school week!!

Those first days back are full of excitement but also a little scary for some. We have the solution - join us on Friday at 4:30 in our community room for some messy fun as we create our own stress balls.

Yes, Needohs are great, but they are impossible to find. Who needs them when we can customize our own?

We have tons of supplies but space is limited to sign up to secure your spot!

see our link in bio or go to MidsummerBooks.Com/events to view all our upcoming events

#backtoschool #kidcraft #kidfriendlyphilly #stressball

Happy back to school week!!

Those first days back are full of excitement but also a little scary for some. We have the solution - join us on Friday at 4:30 in our community room for some messy fun as we create our own stress balls.

Yes, Needohs are great, but they are impossible to find. Who needs them when we can customize our own?

We have tons of supplies but space is limited to sign up to secure your spot!

see our link in bio or go to MidsummerBooks.Com/events to view all our upcoming events

#backtoschool #kidcraft #kidfriendlyphilly #stressball

So excited for this absolutely massive stack of titles to give away Saturday for the @phillybookcrawl - which title is calling your name? We will be open 9-8 with @fingerprint.bookshop at @ourmutual_friend

So excited for this absolutely massive stack of titles to give away Saturday for the @phillybookcrawl - which title is calling your name? We will be open 9-8 with @fingerprint.bookshop at @ourmutual_friend

Ok it is official Fishtown is for book lovers!! I mean can we talk about how awesome it is that we have this much representation on the @phillybookcrawl map! I’ll need to find a way to sneak out for an hour on Saturday so I can visit our neighbors on this awesome day: @american_grammar @theheadandthehand @runehammer.store @harrietts_bookshop

Ok it is official Fishtown is for book lovers!! I mean can we talk about how awesome it is that we have this much representation on the @phillybookcrawl map! I’ll need to find a way to sneak out for an hour on Saturday so I can visit our neighbors on this awesome day: @american_grammar @theheadandthehand @runehammer.store @harrietts_bookshop

Delighted to personally deliver and fulfill the library and classroom wish lists for a local school today just in time for the 26-27 school year to start!! Partnering with schools to get more books the kids want to read into classrooms is something I am super passionate about. Looking forward to working with more Philly schools and Philly students this year!

Delighted to personally deliver and fulfill the library and classroom wish lists for a local school today just in time for the 26-27 school year to start!! Partnering with schools to get more books the kids want to read into classrooms is something I am super passionate about. Looking forward to working with more Philly schools and Philly students this year!

Whether you’re an author, artist, educator, crafter, scientist, musician, historian, gardener, game designer, or simply someone with something wonderful to share, we’d love to hear your ideas.

We’re especially interested in:
• Creative writing and storytelling
• Art, illustration, and comics
• Crafts and maker workshops
• Book discussions and literary events
• Dungeons & Dragons, RPGs, and board games
• Journaling and paper crafts
• Fiber arts, embroidery, crochet, and sewing
• Local history and folklore
• Language and cultural experiences
• Music and performance
• Seasonal and holiday programming
• Workshops inspired by books and reading

Have another idea? Pitch it! We love unique programming. Just message us here or send an email to Lindsay@midsummerbooks.com and we can discuss from there!

Whether you’re an author, artist, educator, crafter, scientist, musician, historian, gardener, game designer, or simply someone with something wonderful to share, we’d love to hear your ideas.

We’re especially interested in:
• Creative writing and storytelling
• Art, illustration, and comics
• Crafts and maker workshops
• Book discussions and literary events
• Dungeons & Dragons, RPGs, and board games
• Journaling and paper crafts
• Fiber arts, embroidery, crochet, and sewing
• Local history and folklore
• Language and cultural experiences
• Music and performance
• Seasonal and holiday programming
• Workshops inspired by books and reading

Have another idea? Pitch it! We love unique programming. Just message us here or send an email to Lindsay@midsummerbooks.com and we can discuss from there!

Just got back with a massive haul of gently used titles ready to hit the shelves in time for the Philly Book Crawl on Aug 22– in addition to the great author, Evans and sale activities we have planned we want to have our shelves fully stocked with great reads.
We try to keep the shop an equal blend of new and used so everyone can find the titles they want while keeping great used books in circulation and making sure youth have access to affordably priced books!
#phillybookstore #usedbookstore #fishtownphilly #childrensbooks

Just got back with a massive haul of gently used titles ready to hit the shelves in time for the Philly Book Crawl on Aug 22– in addition to the great author, Evans and sale activities we have planned we want to have our shelves fully stocked with great reads.
We try to keep the shop an equal blend of new and used so everyone can find the titles they want while keeping great used books in circulation and making sure youth have access to affordably priced books!
#phillybookstore #usedbookstore #fishtownphilly #childrensbooks

Fresh drop off of gently used books and they are all manga! We have a lot of kids who come in looking for these so I am so excited to add them to our collection.

Fresh drop off of gently used books and they are all manga! We have a lot of kids who come in looking for these so I am so excited to add them to our collection.

The Grace Year is what happens when Lord of the flies meets the Handmaids Tale. It’s a dark dystopian novel about a 16 year-old girl, living in an impressive patriarchal county where they are banished to the wilderness to read themselves of their dangerous, so-called magic in order to get married. This book has sat with me for days and I think it’s going to make an excellent discussion piece whether you love it or hate it there’s a lot to talk about! Sign up in the shop or under our events calendar at midsummerbooks.com —we will be meeting on August 31st at 7pm.

The Grace Year is what happens when Lord of the flies meets the Handmaids Tale. It’s a dark dystopian novel about a 16 year-old girl, living in an impressive patriarchal county where they are banished to the wilderness to read themselves of their dangerous, so-called magic in order to get married. This book has sat with me for days and I think it’s going to make an excellent discussion piece whether you love it or hate it there’s a lot to talk about! Sign up in the shop or under our events calendar at midsummerbooks.com —we will be meeting on August 31st at 7pm.

Just walking around my little bookstore and feeling so lucky that I get to call this place mine and that I get to partner alongside @fingerprint.bookshop and @gusandrubyresale to create a collective shop in @ourmutual_friend - how cool is it that we are each having this chance to follow our passions and support each other in the process.
#fishtownphilly #bookshop #literacyforall #readersgonnaread

Just walking around my little bookstore and feeling so lucky that I get to call this place mine and that I get to partner alongside @fingerprint.bookshop and @gusandrubyresale to create a collective shop in @ourmutual_friend - how cool is it that we are each having this chance to follow our passions and support each other in the process.
#fishtownphilly #bookshop #literacyforall #readersgonnaread

Hey Philly teachers (and those who love them), this one is for you!

To every teacher building a classroom library on a teacher’s budget: we made this for you. Tell us your grade level and what you can spend and we’ll fill a box with books your kids will actually read. Hardcovers, paperbacks, a few surprises, all picked by hand by a local bookseller, not an algorithm.

Pre-K through senior year. Starting at $25.

Tag a teacher who needs this! Or visit midsummerbooks.com/teachers to get started

Not a teacher but want to sponsor one? We can curate a box for them as well just fill out the form with all the information including the teacher contact and we will work with them to fulfill the order!
@philly_schools help us spread the word!

#BackToSchool #TeacherAppreciation #phillyschools
#phillyteachers #literacy

Hey Philly teachers (and those who love them), this one is for you!

To every teacher building a classroom library on a teacher’s budget: we made this for you. Tell us your grade level and what you can spend and we’ll fill a box with books your kids will actually read. Hardcovers, paperbacks, a few surprises, all picked by hand by a local bookseller, not an algorithm.

Pre-K through senior year. Starting at $25.

Tag a teacher who needs this! Or visit midsummerbooks.com/teachers to get started

Not a teacher but want to sponsor one? We can curate a box for them as well just fill out the form with all the information including the teacher contact and we will work with them to fulfill the order!
@philly_schools help us spread the word!

#BackToSchool #TeacherAppreciation #phillyschools
#phillyteachers #literacy

Want to make sure you get that signed copy from one (or all) of the authors stopping by the shop for the @phillybookcrawl?

Behold! A landing page with all the details of the event, plus the option to reserve your copy of all our authors' titles and automatically get entered into our raffle for the day. And if you can't make all three author visits but desperately want a signed copy, we can take care of that for you.

Visit MidsummerBooks.com/events/philly-book-crawl for all the details

Want to make sure you get that signed copy from one (or all) of the authors stopping by the shop for the @phillybookcrawl?

Behold! A landing page with all the details of the event, plus the option to reserve your copy of all our authors' titles and automatically get entered into our raffle for the day. And if you can't make all three author visits but desperately want a signed copy, we can take care of that for you.

Visit MidsummerBooks.com/events/philly-book-crawl for all the details

Love a good, niche board book? We’ve got you covered! From the Odyssey to Gamers first 100 words and all the joyful chaos in between. Now available in the shop.

Love a good, niche board book? We’ve got you covered! From the Odyssey to Gamers first 100 words and all the joyful chaos in between. Now available in the shop.

This is the day we’ve been waiting for.
Our first Philly Book Crawl is almost here, and we’re pulling out all the stops. Three incredible authors. Exclusive Book Crawl giveaways. Special discounts. Raffles. Tote bags, the list goes on!
Whether you stop in for one author or stay all day, we can’t wait to welcome you to Midsummer Books. Let’s make our first Philly Book Crawl one to remember.

Plus, all day long you’ll find: Book Crawl-exclusive discounts, Raffle entries with every purchase, A free tote with any $35+ purchase (including at least one book from Midsummer or @fingerprint.bookshop while supplies last). Midsummer Books is part of @our_mutual_friend  Special @phillybookcrawl Hours on Aug 22: 9 AM–8 PM

We’re so excited to welcome back Eli Elliott, co-author of Bonebag, during this year’s Philly Book Crawl!
 Bonebag is the perfect middle grade adventure for readers who love mysteries that edge on the creepy side. There’s great character and world development in this story - I simply loved reading it and know your kids will too!! 
Join us from 11-12 to meet Eli, hear about the inspiration behind the book, ask questions, and get your copy signed.
 If you’ve got a young reader who’s already counting down to Halloween...this is the event for them.
Saturday, August 22 | 11 AM-12PM Midsummer Books at Our Mutual Friend
#PhillyBookCrawl #MiddleGradeBooks #Bonebag #AuthorEvent #IndieBookstore

We’re thrilled to welcome @lauragennauthor , author of the debut novel Between Sun & Shadow, to Midsummer Books for the Philly Book Crawl. It has been so exciting watching Laura share her story with the world and we couldn’t be more pleased to have her join us for this book crawl event.

This debut YA novel reimagines Hades and Persephone on a tidally locked planet. A science fantasy “Beauty and the Beast,” this action-packed adventure is written in dual point of view and layered with a charming robot, a cuddly three-headed dog, mind-bending twists, and sapphic yearning.

📖 Saturday, August 22 | 1–2 PM 📍 Midsummer Books at Our Mutual Friend
#PhillyBookCrawl #YoungAdultBooks #ScienceFantasy #DebutAuthor #lgbtqlit

From SLAY to The Jump and now her newest novel, This Book

This is the day we’ve been waiting for.
Our first Philly Book Crawl is almost here, and we’re pulling out all the stops. Three incredible authors. Exclusive Book Crawl giveaways. Special discounts. Raffles. Tote bags, the list goes on!
Whether you stop in for one author or stay all day, we can’t wait to welcome you to Midsummer Books. Let’s make our first Philly Book Crawl one to remember.

Plus, all day long you’ll find: Book Crawl-exclusive discounts, Raffle entries with every purchase, A free tote with any $35+ purchase (including at least one book from Midsummer or @fingerprint.bookshop while supplies last). Midsummer Books is part of @our_mutual_friend  Special @phillybookcrawl Hours on Aug 22: 9 AM–8 PM

We’re so excited to welcome back Eli Elliott, co-author of Bonebag, during this year’s Philly Book Crawl!
 Bonebag is the perfect middle grade adventure for readers who love mysteries that edge on the creepy side. There’s great character and world development in this story - I simply loved reading it and know your kids will too!! 
Join us from 11-12 to meet Eli, hear about the inspiration behind the book, ask questions, and get your copy signed.
 If you’ve got a young reader who’s already counting down to Halloween...this is the event for them.
Saturday, August 22 | 11 AM-12PM Midsummer Books at Our Mutual Friend
#PhillyBookCrawl #MiddleGradeBooks #Bonebag #AuthorEvent #IndieBookstore

We’re thrilled to welcome @lauragennauthor , author of the debut novel Between Sun & Shadow, to Midsummer Books for the Philly Book Crawl. It has been so exciting watching Laura share her story with the world and we couldn’t be more pleased to have her join us for this book crawl event.

This debut YA novel reimagines Hades and Persephone on a tidally locked planet. A science fantasy “Beauty and the Beast,” this action-packed adventure is written in dual point of view and layered with a charming robot, a cuddly three-headed dog, mind-bending twists, and sapphic yearning.

📖 Saturday, August 22 | 1–2 PM 📍 Midsummer Books at Our Mutual Friend
#PhillyBookCrawl #YoungAdultBooks #ScienceFantasy #DebutAuthor #lgbtqlit

From SLAY to The Jump and now her newest novel, This Book

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.

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.

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

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

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

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Follow us on Instagram

@midsummer_books

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