How I Started a Mom & Daughter Summer Book Club (and What We’re Reading Together)

How I Started a Mom & Daughter Summer Book Club (and What We’re Reading Together)

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This summer, I wanted something that would help me stay connected with my girls - beyond just managing screen time or running to activities. So I started something simple, special, and just for us: a Mom & Daughter Summer Book Club 📚✨

My daughters are 12 and 10, and they both love to read (when the book is right). I’ve always wanted to be more intentional about what we read together - stories that start good conversation, make them feel seen, and let us share quiet moments on the porch or before bed.

If you’re looking for a fun, low-stress way to connect with your kids this summer, starting a little book club might be just what you need.

📘 What We’re Reading This Summer

We kicked off our book club with the Pippa Park Raises Her Game series by Erin Yun - a sweet and relatable coming-of-age story about a Korean American girl navigating school, friendships, and her own identity. It’s funny, heartfelt, and just the right mix of middle school drama and growth.

In July, we’re planning to read Lies Girls Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free by Dannah Gresh - a book designed to help tween girls navigate big questions about identity, friendships, and truth. I love that it opens the door for deeper conversations, but in a way that feels natural, not forced.

📚 Book Club Picks for Other Moms & Tweens

Whether you’re reading alongside your kids or choosing separate books to discuss over snacks or lemonade, here are some titles we’re loving (or have on our list!):

For Tween & Teen Girls:

• The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall — perfect for fans of sister stories and sweet summer vibes

• From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks — a powerful story about family, justice, and finding your voice

• El Deafo by Cece Bell — graphic novel style with humor and heart

• Roll with It by Jamie Sumner — about courage, disability, and finding your place

• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston — magical adventure with a strong, smart Black girl lead

For Moms (Because We Deserve It Too):

• More Than a Mom by Ashley Carbonatto – a real, raw reminder that we’re more than just what we do for our families

• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown – a powerful memoir on race, faith, and womanhood

• Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow & Ann Friedman – an honest look at female friendship and connection

• The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi – because we all need help finding peace in the chaos

• Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen – witty, emotional, and impossible to put down

💰 How We Read on a Budget

Books can get expensive, but reading doesn’t have to be.

• We borrow from our local library = including digital versions

• We use our Kindle e-readers with a subscription (many books are free or just $1!)

• We swap books with friends or check out Little Free Libraries in our neighborhood

Reading should be accessible. And honestly, there’s something magical about walking into a library with your kids and letting them explore.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Starting this book club has been such a joy. It gives us space to pause, talk, and experience stories together. It doesn’t have to be perfect or super structured - we read when we can, talk when we want, and enjoy the time together.

If you’ve been looking for a meaningful (but manageable) way to connect with your kids this summer, I can’t recommend this enough.

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