Midsummer Books Gift Guide for Ages 6–8: Early readers gifts, from chapter books to graphic novels & STEM fun

There’s something magical about the moment a child begins reading on their own. From sounding out words on menus and signs to suddenly devouring early chapter books, and building the confidence to pick up longer stories. These are some of the most joyful readers, and Midsummer Books has everything they love: early reader gifts from graphic novels to adventure-filled chapter books, to winter favorites, STEM toys, plushies, crafts, and holiday sparkle.

If you’re shopping for an early reader or young bookworm this season, here are our top picks for gifts that feel fun, empowering, and full of imagination.

Graphic novels kids ages 6–8 will devour

Graphic novels are often the gateway to a lifetime of reading, highly visual, fast-paced, and delightfully funny. Let’s say it loudly (and proudly): Graphic novels count as real reading, and they’re often the spark that turns kids into book lovers.

Here’s why kids 6–8 gravitate toward them:

• Visual support builds confidence: (kids can decode complex plots using pictures!)

• They model expressive reading: (panels = emotion = engagement)

• They create momentum: kids finish them fast and want more

• They help “reluctant readers” fall in love with books: rather than large blocks of text that are super intimidating, the content is in snippets and therefore easy to digest

• They teach story structure in an accessible format

Teachers love them. Librarians love them. We love them. And kids? They read them until the spine cracks (in a beautiful way).

Midsummer Books carries both brand-new favorites and premium gently-loved graphic

novels, perfect for building bigger home libraries on a budget.

Refugee: The Graphic Novel

This age-appropriate adaptation is gripping and beautifully illustrated. Many 8-year-olds are ready for deeper, meaningful stories, and this is a perfect introduction to historical empathy through visuals.

The Tea Dragon Society

A cozy, gentle fantasy world that early readers adore. Sweet, whimsical, and full of beautiful artwork that keeps kids turning pages.

The Cartoonist’s Club

A funny, creativity-sparking graphic novel that inspires kids to create their own art and characters. Wonderful for readers who doodle and dream.

Fan-favorite graphic novels make great early reader gifts

These are the series kids beg for and we do our best to keep a solid selection of used copies in stock:

Dog Man: Hilarious, fast-paced, and universally beloved. Perfect for reluctant readers and high-energy kids.

Narwhal & Jelly: Adorable, silly, feel-good. A great pick for newer readers transitioning from leveled readers into graphic storytelling.

Wings of Fire Graphic Novels: Perfect for dragon-loving kids who want something bold, dramatic, and visually stunning. You already stock several — a huge win.

Cat Kid Comic Club: A spin-off of Dog Man with creativity at its center. Inspires kids to make their own comics.

The Bad Guys: Technically a hybrid graphic/chapter book — funny, fast-moving, and great for early independent readers.

Chapter books & first adventures

Our chapter book selection is full of high-interest series that build confidence, strengthen comprehension, and keep kids wanting “just one more chapter.” These are the titles parents love, teachers recommend, and kids get absolutely hooked on.

I Survived (Lauren Tarshis) — High-Interest, Action-Packed

These fast-paced, historical fiction adventures are perfect for emerging readers who want excitement without overwhelming text. Every 6–8-year-old who picks one up becomes obsessed. They’re also fantastic for kids who say they’re “not big readers” yet. These books change that.

Who HQ — Amazing Kid-Friendly Nonfiction

One of the best early nonfiction series ever made. Kids LOVE learning about inventors, presidents, artists, animals, and history. These books are perfect for fact-loving kiddos or early readers who prefer real stories over fantasy.

Dragon Masters — The Most Beloved Early-Fantasy Series

If you carry Dragon Masters, you already know: these fly off shelves. Short chapters, accessible text, tons of illustrations, and epic magical adventures — they hit the sweet spot for 6–8-year-olds building reading stamina.

The Kingdom of Wrenly — Gentle Fantasy for Young Readers

Sweet, imaginative, comforting. Wrenly is beloved by kids who want a magical world but aren’t ready for long novels. Each book feels like a complete adventure, and the series structure builds confidence quickly.

Legendários Series — Bold, Funny, Fantastical Adventures

A great series for kids who love humor mixed with fantasy creatures. These books read fast and feel fun — perfect for the visual learner or comic lover transitioning into real chapter books.

Junie B. Jones — Forever Iconic Early Fiction

There will never be another Junie B. Jones. Kids LOVE her chaotic kindergarten energy, her funny misunderstandings, and her big emotions. These books are fantastic for expressive reading and storytelling, and they make perfect read-togethers for caregivers looking to laugh.

Premium used books make perfect stocking stuffers

Kids ages 6–8 can burn through books fast. Luckily they often re-read their favorites, but they also are eager to get that next sequel in their favorite series. We carry a wide variety of gently used chapter books to let families build a larger home library without stressing the budget.

At Midsummer Books, our gently-loved chapter books and graphic novels are:

• Affordable ways to try new genres

• Ideal for fast readers who devour series

• Eco-friendly

• A great “bundle builder” to round out gifts

We hand-select high-quality used titles so kids get wonderful stories, without the price barrier. Plus chapter books fit perfectly into stockings - so you can take away a little of that candy space with something that will bring big joy and zero cavaties.

Beyond books: invite a little whimsy and discovery

Our shop is packed with the perfect add-ons that turn a book into a “wow” gift:

STEM Toys - Our Copernicus Toys Selection is all about making science fun

Kids ages 6–8 LOVE these. Science kits, tiny experiments, nature toys pair beautifully with any book and elevate the gift without adding screen time.

Bookmarks and bookish gifts

A rite of passage for early readers. They love having a “real” bookmark, and it encourages them to keep turning pages. Plus they are a simple way to uplift a gift with that extra add-on.

Stuffed toys

Stuffies make excellent reading buddies, especially for kids transitioning to independent reading at bedtime.

Holiday-Themed Jewelry

Festive earrings make adorable stocking stuffers. Kids love wearable sparkle, and it makes the gift feel personal.

Topps Surprise Balls

Unwrapping magic! These are perfect when you want a little extra delight inside a gift bag. Each surprise balls has 5 uniquely charming little treats, but half the joy is in unpacking.

Finally we have great gift sets for the win!

These shoppable, age-appropriate bundles are great gifts for the ravenous reader in your life:

Graphic Novel Starter Pack

• A premium new or gently-loved graphic novel

• A first bookmark & holiday stickers

• One Topps surprise ball

Perfect for kids who love laughing, drawing, and adventurous stories.

STEM + Story Adventure Bag

• A history or science-themed story (new or gently-loved)

• Add on a STEM kit

• Plus a bookmark and stickers that are laugh out loud

Great for curious kids who love experimenting and reading.

We can also curate a gift bundle for your reader. Let us know what they are interested in and we can wrap it up so it will be ready to gift right away. Check out our Philly Book Flood.

Shop early readers gifts at Midsummer Books

Whether you’re shopping for a blossoming reader, a graphic novel fanatic, or a hands-on science kid, Midsummer Books is stocked with thoughtful, high-quality gifts for ages 6–8.

We have:

✔️ New & gently-loved chapter books

✔️ Amazing graphic novels

✔️ STEM toys & creative kids’ activities

✔️ Stuffies, jewelry, bookmarks & surprise balls

✔️ Seasonal stories and winter favorites

Stop by the shop, browse online, or mesage us for tailored picks and recommendations - we love helping families find exactly the right story for every kid.