Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Craft night for book lovers!

Join us for Book Bedazzling, a relaxed, creative workshop where we’ll decorate book covers using gems, rhinestones, metallic accents, and other embellishments. Whether you go subtle or full glam, you’ll leave with a book that’s completely your own.

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Upcoming Events

Multiple Dates

Monday Morning Storytime

Mon, Mar 02

Midsummer Books

A gentle start to the week for our littlest readers.

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Ramadan Storytime at Harazz

Tue, Mar 03

Haraz Coffee House Fishtown

Sip Adeni, gather with neighbors, and learn about Ramadan and Eid together

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Teen Book Club (Ages 13+) Featured Book: Legendborn

Thu, Mar 05

Midsummer Books

Magic, secrets, and power collide in this modern fantasy rooted in Arthurian legend and Black Southern history. Our book pick is: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Digging the snow day, but wishing you could get your kids to come inside? With this instant artificial snow kit, you can make any day a snow day and stay nice and cozy. The stuff is amazing. It lasts forever is packed with hands-on science and sensory fun and is made with nontoxic polymers. Only $6, this mini kit is a perfect add-on gift, stocking stuffer or just for a little fun on a cold day. available now in the shop!

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood- swing by the shop and get your analog gifting for kids and teens covered!
#kidsgiftideas #fishtownphilly

Wishing a warm and joyful Hanukkah to everyone celebrating. This season is about light, tradition, and gathering — and books have a beautiful way of bringing all three together.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, screen-free gift for kids or teens, we’d love to help you find something just right.

We’ve got gift guides for kids of all ages and all packed with analog joy. Think books, games, crafts, stories, and cozy picks that help kids and teens unplug and settle into something real. Because winter break can quickly turn into one long scroll, and sometimes the best thing we can give a kid or teen is something real to hold, imagine, build, or escape into. A story. A game. A world they get to step into without a screen in sight.
Our Midsummer Books Gift Guide is full of handpicked, screen-free treasure: snug board books for littles imagination-fueled books for early readers graphic novels + chapter books they’ll zoom through big fantasy + emotional YA for older readers plus: plushies, STEM kits, board games, surprise balls & more that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Gifting analog is gifting connection, creativity, and calm and we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for every reader. Our full gift guides are up on the blog, broken down by age group and reading level.
#AnalogGifts #ScreenFreeWinter #MidsummerBooks #KidLit #PhillyMoms #YAreads

It’s #PretendToBeATimeTravelerDay, and we’ve got the perfect series to help your young reader jump through history: Girls Survived!
High-stakes adventures, real historical events, and brave girls who meet every challenge with courage and grit.

Each book drops readers into a gripping moment in history, a disaster, a turning point, or a moment of danger, all told through the eyes of a girl who meets the moment with grit, courage, and determination.

We are so excited to bring in this historical fiction collection, that put kids in the middle of major historical disasters, from the perspective of the young girls who survived. I Survived gives a classic, often male-centric, view of events; Girls Survive offers crucial female and diverse perspectives on similar or related historical moments, exploring how events affected girls and women differently
These stories are about strength, identity, and what it means to keep going when everything feels impossible. They’re fast-paced, accessible, and incredibly empowering for ages 8–12.

#GirlsSurvived #MiddleGradeBooks #KidsWhoRead #HistoricFictionForKids #FishtownPhiladelphia

This holiday season, let the stories pour in. 📚❄️ Inspired by Iceland’s Jólabókaflóð — the “book flood” — we’re celebrating the joy of giving (and receiving!) books by curating hand-picked bundles for readers of all ages.

Each Book Flood gift is built just for your reader, filled with wonderful stories, lovingly wrapped, and ready for cozy winter reading.
 Choose a kid’s or adult bundle, tell us a few favorites, and we’ll do the rest. Shop our hand curated selections in store or pre-order yours online and let us to the rest!

Shipping is also available!

➡️ Order yours now through Midsummer Books and @fingerprint.bookshop  We’ll match readers with perfect picks, wrap them up, and have them ready for pickup at Our Mutual Friend Collective in Fishtown.

Bit.ly/PhillyBookFlood
 📦 Deadline to order for shipping is Dec. 14 🎁 Used bundles start at $20 | New bundles start at $30

Hashtags: #phillybookflood #BookFlood #Jolabokaflod #GiftBooks #MidsummerBooks #OurMutualFriendCollective #ShopLocalPhilly #FingerprintBookshop #BookishGifts #CozyReads #PhiladelphiaBookshop

So much good stuff in the shop for kids, from the latest releases of your kids favorite books to cute gifts and STEM toys, we’ve got you covered this holiday season! #shoplocal

🎃 Happy Halloween from Midsummer Books! 👻
The weather’s frightful, the candy bowls are full, and there’s no better night to curl up with a delightfully spooky read. Whether your reader likes a friendly ghost or full-on chills, we’ve got something for every age and bravery level!

🧸 Little Readers
• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
• Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
• Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago

📖 Early & Middle Grade
• Bunnicula by Deborah & James Howe
• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
• The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie

📚 Teen & YA
• The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
• Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
• The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
• Gallant by V.E. Schwab

However you celebrate, whether it’s by trick-or-treating, telling ghost stories, or just sipping cider with the lights low, may your night be full of magic and mischief.

Stop by today from 10-4…Happy haunting, book lovers! 💀📚

Its a great day to walk around the neighborhood and check out our new little shop! We’ve got #kidlit for all ages

Our shelves are always ready for more stories. If your kiddos bookshelves are overflowing, we are now accepting gently used donations, from board books to YA. We will make sure beloved characters find new homes and new readers! Plus for select stories and series we offer up to 30% of the resale value in cash or store credit. Let’s keep great stories in circulation together. Grown up books are also welcome to join our shelves via @fingerprint.bookshop

For a while we had a very reluctant reader in our house. As a book hoarder myself, I was determined to make reading a more engaging and joyful experience for her. These are three quick tricks that helped her grow into the ravenous reader she is today.

If you or your child is struggling with finding books that bring joy, drop your kid’s age + last book they loved and I’ll reply with a fresh recommendation for their next great read!

#getthemreading #earlyreadersclub #readingtime #readingroutines #bookmom #phillyparents

October is the perfect time to curl up with a book.

We’ve pulled together great age-appropriate lists for every reader... from silly ghost picture books to atmospheric YA fantasy.

You can browse all our spooky & cozy October picks on Bookshop.org or you can pick up many of these titles at our pop up this weekend with @gusandrubyresale and @fingerprint.bookshop

Which spooky-season book is your family’s favorite? Tell us in the comments! 👇

#BannedBooksWeek #SpookySeasonReads #MidsummerBooks #PhillyReads #IndieBookstoreLove #BookshopOrg #FallReading #YAReads #MiddleGradeMagic

One of our favorite treats we brought to the shop are these @topsmalibu mini surprise balls and geode surprise balls. When my daughter unwrapped hers, her first reaction was, “It’s like pass the parcel!!” (Bluey fans, you know the joy 🐾🎁). These are the perfect little treasures to tuck into a gift or save for a cozy family surprise moment.

#Bluey #PassTheParcel #SurpriseBall #BookshopMagic #FishtownPhilly #FamilyFun #IndieBookstore #ShopLocal

Stop by our pop up for a curated selection of new and used books for kids of all ages! Plus great consignment with @gusandrubyresale and picks for your TBR from @fingerprint.bookshop #fishtownhappenings

✨ New at Midsummer Books: Starter Kits and Creative Kid Bundles!
We’ve put together something special for every age group….bundles designed to spark imagination, inspire creativity, and make reading feel even more magical. Each bundle includes two gently used books, plus fun extras to encourage kids to write, doodle, and dream.

Here’s what you’ll find:

📚 YA & Teen Bundle – 2 books + notebook + handmade stickers + bookmark + dip pen with ink. Perfect for journaling, note-taking, or writing your own stories.

📚 Middle Grade Bundle – 2 books + notebook + handmade stickers + bookmark + dip pen and ink + pen holder.

📚 Graphic Novel Bundle – 2 graphic novels + notebook + stickers + bookmark + dip pen + pen holder.

📚 Early Reader Bundle – 2 books + notebook + stickers + bookmark + fun 4-color pen + pen holder

📚 Beginning Reader Bundle – 2 books + notebook + stickers + bookmark + finger grips to help little hands learn to write + fun 4-color pen

🌟 Every sticker and bookmark is handmade, making each bundle truly one-of-a-kind.

👉 Available now at our pop-ups this Saturday. Quantities are limited!

#MidsummerBooks #KidLitMagic #BookBundles #ReadingForKids #CreativeKids #booksbooksbooks #fishtownhappenings

We’ve picked up a TON on books since our pop up last month! See you at 1219 Frankford Ave today with our friends @gusandrubyresale @books.and.bakes.philly!

YA readers, we see you.
This week’s picks are for when you’re feeling all the things—love, loss, power, rebellion, identity, and friendship that sticks. These are the books that stay with you. That say what you’re thinking. That remind you you’re not alone.

The Maze Runner – James Dashner
🏃 Goodreads: 4.09 Anxiety? Check. High stakes? Check. Group survival and dystopian chaos? Absolutely. Add this to your shelf if you like your stories fast, twisty, and addictive.

Everything Sad Is Untrue – Daniel Nayeri
🌀 Goodreads: 4.2 A boy, a story, and a thousand years of Persian myth and memory. Bold, funny, deeply moving—it’ll break your brain in the best way.

The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
🔥 Goodreads: 4.09 A raw, powerful must-read about speaking up and standing strong. Starr’s voice is unflinching, real, and unforgettable—this book will rattle your heart and stay there.

The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
💔 Goodreads: 4.14 If you somehow haven’t sobbed through this one yet—now’s your time. A love story with bite, brains, and beautiful heartbreak.

#YAReads #BookTok #EmotionalReads #FierceHeroines #YAfiction #TBR #TeenLit #ComingOfAge #midsummerbooks

Poppin up with summer reads for all ages!

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Follow us on Instagram

@midsummer_books

Craft night for book lovers!

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

Craft night for book lovers!

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