Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Spring Into Reading Bingo is Here!

Pick up your Bingo card in-store and start your kid's next reading adventure. Complete challenges, discover new books, and earn rewards!

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Upcoming Events

Multiple Dates

Monday Morning Storytime

Mon, May 11

Midsummer Books

A gentle start to the week for our littlest readers.

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Wings of Fire: Darkstalker Two-Part Book Club

Multiple Dates

Wings of Fire: Darkstalker Two-Part Book Club

Thu, May 14

Our Mutual Friend | Midsummer Books

Start with the graphic novel, then dive deeper into the full story. We’ll explore how storytelling changes across formats, and what gets added, lost, or transformed.

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Multiple Dates

Philly Story Studio Storytime (1)

Fri, May 15

Our Mutual Friend | Midsummer Books

Philly Story Studio promotes early literacy with interactive classes centered around great kids' books! Our classes go beyond storytime, making the experience interactive with music, movement, and art. Each class will feature a book (or two!) that we read as a group.

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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

The Latest from Midsummer Books

Oh hello, welcome! Apparently there are over 400 of you here now, which means I am legally obliged to share an "about me" post.

So hi! I'm Lindsay and I own (and obsess over) Midsummer Books - a youth bookshop inside @ourmutual_friend in Fishtown. I spend most of my time in the shop:
- aggressively recommending middle grade and YA fantasy
- laughing at the hilarious stickers I find on Faire
- carrying around boxes and stacks of books that are objectively too tall
- saying "I have an idea" and then immediately attempting to execute said idea in the most borderline insane way possible.

The shop is a special part of my life story, and I am so excited about this chapter. I opened Midsummer Books because I wanted to create the kind of bookstore I wish I had growing up. One that takes young readers seriously, celebrates imagination, welcomes teens, and feels genuinely centered on the youth experience.

And honestly, now that I am doing it, I love it more than I can explain. Even on the days when I am working with my partners @gusandrubyresale and @fingerprint.bookshop to build ikea furniture and rearrange the shop, yet again...(currently doing that now actually), or staying up way too late reading book reviews and obsessively trying to find a story for everyone, this space and this community we are building has become my true happy place.

So thank you for being here. Truly. Every follow, RSVP, repost, conversation, book purchase, and "my kid loved that recommendation" message means the world to me. Thanks to my shop partners for going on this crazy adventure with me, and special thanks to @ssmphotog at @icimageworks for taking these gorgeous pics of the shop!

And because I deeply want to know this about everyone I meet now...what book turned you into a reader?

This week at Midsummer Books:
Friday at 11:30AM: @phillystorystudio class- an early literacy class for kids and caregivers! �All weekend long: Shop the whole store and help us raise funds for Adaire while we restock the library classrooms and your own personal bookshelves! �Saturday at 11AM: Meet author Kristen Mei Chase and enjoy free pastries as we discussed social and emotional learning through storytelling with her Gracie Wei series- this is a special time for moms and kiddos to bond over books�Saturday at 1PM: Make a pressed flower bookmark for mom
All events are in our community room. Come hang out, make something sweet, support a local school, and stock up on books while you’re here. Is it our Lincoln bio all the event details!
@thatkristenagain @ourmutual_friend @tiny.jawn #fishtownphilly #phillyliteracy #kidsread #phillywithkids

A ton of new picture books in stock… I don’t just go for pretty covers (altho children’s book illustration is often stunning). I understand that when it comes to early reading, the reader is often the parent who has to read these stories over and over again. So I make an effort to find stories I could read on repeat in the hopes that if it becomes your little one’s favorite, you’ll enjoy it the first time and the hundredth time they ask for it…
#readinglist #picturebooks #readtoyourkids

This Mother’s Day weekend, join us at Midsummer Books for a special Mom and Me Book Club Brunch with author Kristen Mei Chase.

We’ll be celebrating her wonderful Gracie Wei series, which follows determined fourth-grader Gracie Wei as she tackles everything from spelling bees to summer adventures with heart, humor, and plenty of books along the way.

To make the weekend feel extra special, we’ll have pastries, treats, and plenty of cozy conversation as we chat about: • books and reading • social-emotional learning • growing up and growing together • motherhood and connection

Perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory — especially readers who love funny, heartfelt stories full of big feelings and big imagination.
Come celebrate stories, family, and a little bookish joy with us. Join us at 11 on May 9 at Our Mutual Friend in the community room - and PJs are encouraged!! RSVP at our link in bio

Taking place during @nowandthen_marketplace   Be sure to check it out: @fishtownhappenings @fishtownneighbors @tiny.jawn

A new adventure is growing at Midsummer Books…

Calling all kids who love secret worlds, dangerous forests, magical creatures, and stories that feel like stepping through a hidden door.

Our Greenwild Book Club starts May 15th.

Over 3 weeks we will be diving into Greenwild: The World Behind the Door. We will begin the story together and at each meeting spend and time on:
- discussion
- themed crafts & activities
- adventure + worldbuilding
This will be a fun, low-pressure book club atmosphere

Perfect for readers who love:
- Wings of Fire
- Keeper of the Lost Cities
- Amari and the Night Brothers
And other great fantasy with big adventure vibes

No
Spots are limited — RSVP from our link in bio. #kidsreading #kidsreading #phillyfamily

Congratulations to our @librofm golden ticket winner Katie and our #indiebookstoreday swag bag winner Megan!!
And a huge thank you to all who came out and shopped our little Indie bookshop and @fingerprint.bookshop at Our Mutual Friend on our very first Indie book store day. Your support means the world to us!!

Thinking about all the fun places we will be hiding our golden ticket on independent bookstore day, April 25th! and if you find it, you’ll win 12 FREE audiobook credits. Sessions A few things to know:
– There’s only one ticket
– It will be hidden somewhere in the store and it will not be up high
– First one to find it wins - and we’ll be sure to post when it’s claimed

#IndependentBookstoreDay #LibroFM #GoldenTicket #ShopLocal #PhillyBookstore

Announcing a new weekly class in the shop!

Philly Story Studio is bringing storytime to life.

These aren’t your average read-alouds. Each class turns a great kids’ book (or 2!) into a full experience with music, movement, and hands-on art.

Children and their caregiver will read together, play together, and create something inspired by the story to take home.

Recommended for ages 2+ with a caregiver, but all are welcome.

This is a drop-in class, but space is limited so RSVPs are recommended (see link in bio)

This Mother's Day weekend, we're doing something super special - hosting a Book Club of Awesome!!
"What's that?" you ask?

We're taking a cue from Gracie Wei, a fiesty, witty, and ambitious 4th grader, who started her very own “Summer Club of Awesome.” But what started as an exciting plan quickly turns into a lesson in leadership, friendship, and learning how to listen when things don’t go your way.

This one is for our early readers and elementary school kids and their moms - and yes, PJs are encouraged!

We'll have a kid-friendly book discussion with the author @thatkristenagain
while we enjoy pastries and snacks.

While all are welcome to attend, we hope many can get their hands on the Gracie Wei series in advance so we can make this a true discussion that all can participate in. They are available in the shop!

For more info on the event, check out our link in bio

Two new releases we’re very excited about—one for your graphic novel lovers, one for your fantasy readers…

Lightfall: A Place Between by Tim Probert
If you haven’t stepped into the Lightfall world yet, this is your sign. Dreamy art and just the right amount of adventure. This series is perfect for middle grade readers and my daughter and I can’t wait to read this 4th installment!!

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord
This one is giving secrets, shifting identities, and high-stakes fantasy. A debut title praised for its unique body-swapping magic system, high stakes, found family tropes, and queer representation, and is the first in a planned series, I absolutely cannot wait to dig in!!
#newrelease #debutnovel #yafantasy #indiebooksellers

Looks like it might be a rainy one tomorrow but we’ve got a good reason to get out of the house join us at 11:30 for a very special story time with local author @christopherwink who will share his delightful love note to Philadelphia, Philly ABC’s…Little ones who love stories, cities, and spotting familiar places will especially enjoy this one.

Space may be limited, so arriving a little early is a good idea. Stroller parking is very limited.

Obsessed with these new activity books in the shop. Two new activity books just landed and they’re basically permission slips for adventure
Backpack Explorer: City Walk — perfect for turning an ordinary stroll into a full-on scavenger hunt Howl Like a Wolf — part playbook, part imagination workout (yes, howling encouraged)
Low-pressure, high-fun, and ideal for kids who learn best by doing.
We have a whole section of activity books. Come grab one and take the day outside!
#thingstodowithkids #kidactivities #activitybasedlearning #goexplorewander #indiebooksellers

Curating each section of my shop comes with a different lens for each age group. Young adult is a particularly interesting age group for a whole host of reasons. When I was a kid, I jumped into young adult and adult books around 7th grade. I was a shy kid who read a lot, and so my vocabulary and comprehension skills were high, but my emotional maturity was definitely not. So I wanted to just call out that this is a section that is told from the perspective of teenagers but is definitely full of adult themes. And I think that it is so appealing to so many age groups because the stories are intense, and fast paced. I love this section. I read from it constantly even before I decided I needed to have a bookstore. So I just thought it might be useful to better explain the category. There’s a much deeper dive about what to expect on these shelves up on my blog right now…#youngadult #yabooks #readwhatyoulove #kidlit #indiebooksellers

Huge new restock coming into the shop tomorrow!! I’ll preview some of my favorite restocks as well as new titles and games. Any titles or items you hope we’re bringing in? Let me know in the comments...(tho I can promise you there is no needoh in any of these boxes. That stuff is on backorder forever!!) #shoplife #indiebooksellers #indiebookstores

Special deliveries arrived today for the @fromourhandsfest! We’re excited to be part of the children’s section at the festival May 3rd, which is featuring some incredible children’s authors including @jessyoonwrites @taliatuck and Cat Nguyen. I’ll be there with books so they can do what they do best: connect with kids.

This is the kind of thing I especially love as a bookseller/shop owner: books connecting with community, and kids getting to meet the people who make the stories they love.

If you’re coming to the festival for the delicious food, be sure to come find us and meet some very talented and lovely writers!

Testing out the new gifting selections for the shop is one of my favorite things! Just got these beautiful watercolor and air dry craft kits from @breathe.people. But I love if it takes the guest work out of painting and clay unless you just meditatively do an analog crafting while creating beautiful art. This well watercolor kit is perfect for teens and adults, while the air dry clay kit is also good for tweens. These kits are now available for sale during open hours
#analogvibes #craftingfun #giftideas

We’re joining in on the Libro.fm Golden Ticket hunt this year!

On National Independent Bookstore Day (April 25), we’ll be hiding one golden ticket somewhere in the shop… and if you find it, you’ll win 12 FREE audiobook credits!

If you’re feeling lucky, you might want to come early and do a very thorough browse. One hint, as a youth bookshop I’ll be sure it’s findable for any of our readers!!
 @librofm #bookstagram #fyp #booktok #goldenticket #shoplocal

Taking advantage of the beautiful day to deliver some backstock to little free libraries around Fishtown with two of my favorite helpers #fishtownphilly #littlefreelibrary #bookdelivery #kidlit

This coming week it is all about storytime!�Join us for our early Monday Morning Storytime at 9:30, this is our weekly, low-key gathering for little ones (stories, wiggles, coloring, and a gentle start to the week)

Next up we are so excited to welcome Philly Story Studio into the shop, their classes are all about helping kids connect with stories in their own way—building confidence, creativity, and a love of reading�This will be a regularly occurring Friday series filled with storytelling, art, music, and movement at 11:30�Then on Sat. April 18 Philly Story studio will be back with a special Earth Day Storytime

Last but certainly not least, next Sunday we welcome Chris Wink to read his fantastic Their classes are all about helping kids connect with stories in their own way—building confidence, creativity, and a love of reading Philly ABCs
#Storytime #fishtownphilly

All the details are on our site - you can register at midsummerbooks.com/events

Philly ABCs, storytime-style! Next Sunday, April 19, join us in welcoming local author @christopherwink at 11:30 AM for a playful, city-inspired read-aloud. Plus grab a copy and get it signed by the author. Perfect for little learners who love Philly!

RSVP & details — Link in Bio

#PhillyKids #Storytime #ChildrensBooks #AuthorVisit #MidsummerBooks #FamilyEvents

In case you missed it, the phenomenon K-Pop Demon Hunters is now a novel! The incredibly talented @jessyoonwrites retells the story in the immersive way only a book can offer. Grab your copy in the shop!!
#kpopdemonhunters #novelsforchildren

Come by the shop and grab your Spring into Reading bingo card! Get five in a row for great local prizes or a chance to get a free book from the shop or other discounts. #springintoreading #litkids

Friendship can get really complicated in the tween years.

We see so many thoughtful, sensitive kids trying hard to belong, sometimes to groups that don’t treat them the way they deserve.
And the hardest part as a parent is they are not always ready or open to hearing it from us. �
That’s where books come in. The right story can help kids connect to what is happening to them and help them to:�– recognize what’s not working�– understand what friendship should feel like�– start to imagine something better

We pulled together some of our favorite reads for kids navigating all of it.

Our full list is up on the blog: https://www.midsummerbooks.com/blog We tried to pick stories for every reader’s journey, including some that throw in a dash of excitement and adventure for those kids who need an apocalypse to keep their interest.

#TweenReads #KidsBooks #MiddleGradeReads #ParentingTweens #PhillyFamilies

Spring is here, and we are so excited to announce our very first reading challenge that not only makes reading fun, but also rewarding!

This reading challenge is designed to help kids and teens explore new books, build confidence, and have fun along the way.

Pick up a bingo card in the shop and complete squares like: "Read outside"
or "Try a new genre". Every square is designed to make reading feel less like homework and more like fun.

Plus, we have partnered with some amazing local businesses to help some reluctant readers get more excited.

Pick up your card from Midsummer Books at @ourmutual_friend during regular hours.

Let’s make this a season of stories 💛

A special thank you to our local business supporters: @freehand.supply @mr.wish_fishtown @mothershiptoygallery @ramonasusansbakeshop and @kismetbagels

#SpringIntoReading #PhillyKids #KidsReading #FishtownFamilies #ChildrensBooks #PhillyFamilies

City of Dragons by Jaimal Yogis (with art by Vivienne To) is a beautiful graphic novel series that pulls you into a world you don’t want to leave.

This is a book for kids, but it is also one that centers on compassion and offers a realistic look at loss and grief. A gorgeously illustrated coming-of-age tale unfolds, about the struggle to feel normal in high school. Oh, and there are dragons. It depicts a world out of balance with severe weather and betrayal. The dragons, who are elemental offer the balance needed with the emphasis on harmony with nature.

What makes this one stick is how grounded it feels, even with dragons flying through futuristic neon-lit skies. The art is stunning, soft, and expressive, with just enough energy to make the magic feel real without losing the emotional core. It’s the kind of graphic novel that works for strong middle-grade readers but has enough depth that older kids (and honestly, adults) will get pulled in too.

If you have a reader who loves fantasy but wants something that feels a little more modern and real at the same time, this is a really good one to hand them.

#bookswelove #springbreakreads #booksforkids #readmore #staffrecs

I keep trying to figure out how to explain this one, and honestly…I don’t think I can in a clean, tidy way. But I loved it.

It starts with three teenagers who come back to life—one day they just walk back into town after going missing. And from there it gets strange and dreamy and a little disorienting in that way where you’re not always sure what’s happening, but you feel it.

It’s not really about the plot (even though there is one). It’s about love in all the complicated, messy, human ways. It’s about grief, friendship, longing, and the way love sticks around even when people don’t.

There were moments where I had to just let go of trying to “get it” and just trust the process. those ended up being my favorite parts.

It’s a little weird. A little haunting. But it’s also very tender.

This is one I can’t stop thinking about.#SpringBreakReads #StaffPicks #IndieBookstore #BooksWeLove

elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin is one of those rare books that quietly changes how you think about time, loss, and what it means to be alive.

At first glance, it’s about a teenage girl who dies and wakes up in an afterlife where everyone ages backward. But what makes Elsewhere linger isn’t the concept, its Zevin’s way of taking something that could feel abstract or even strange and grounding it in very real, very human emotions: regret, curiosity, love, the small moments you wish you could redo.

it tackles life and death in a way that actually deepens your appreciation for life.

If you’ve read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, you’ll recognize Zevin’s ability to play with time and perspective while still staying deeply rooted in relationships.

Elsewhere may be YA, but honestly, it’s one of those books I’d hand to anyone who is open to considering this life we all have and what we want to do with it

#SpringBreakReads #StaffPicks #IndieBookstore #BooksWeLove

Next on my list of favorites—The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This one completely swept me up. It reads like modern folklore, both lush and whimsical, but also with a deep sense of foreboding.

Within a fantasy context it explores the intense and unbreakable bonds between birth parents and the children who are taken from them, as well as the loving and equally as strong relationships among members of adoptive or chosen families.

What I love most is how much it trusts its readers. It holds space for big ideas—love, grief, truth, control—without losing that sense of wonder that makes middle grade so special.

This is one I’ll keep pressing into hands. It’s a beautiful read for both kids and grown-ups- basically anyone who wants to feel a little bit of magic again.

#MidsummerBooks #SpringBreakReads #StaffPicks #MiddleGradeMagic #IndieBookstore

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@midsummer_books

Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Spring Into Reading Bingo is Here!

Upcoming Events

Beyond Books

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

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

Best Books About Friendship for Tweens (Ages 9–13)

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

The Latest from Midsummer Books

Follow us on Instagram

Hours

Midsummer Books
is part of
Our Mutual Friend

Contact

Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Spring Into Reading Bingo is Here!

Upcoming Events

Beyond Books

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

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

Best Books About Friendship for Tweens (Ages 9–13)

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

The Latest from Midsummer Books

​

Follow us on Instagram

Hours

Midsummer Books is part of Our Mutual Friend

Contact

Midsummer Books
is part of
Our Mutual Friend