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Reading Accessories, Reading Life · April 26, 2022

Best Book Shirts for Kids

A t-shirt is a convenient go-to wardrobe piece regardless of the season. However, choosing a timeless book shirt isn’t always easy – it’s tempting to buy every single one. In this post, I’m sharing some of the best book shirts I’ve seen for kids and teens. If you’ve been looking for a durable, affordable, and relatable one, you’ll like this list.


15 Must-Have Book Shirts for Book Lovers

Here are 15 of the best book shirts for readers (click on the images to see the product on the retail site):

Disney Beauty and the Beast Belle T-Shirt

Disney Beauty and the Beast Belle T-Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

If your kid is a Disney princesses lover, they will love this shirt. Its humorous wordplay, lightweight material, and the graphics on the shirt make for a beautiful finish.  


Easily Distracted by Cats and Books T-Shirt

Easily Distracted by Cats and Books T-Shirt

Are you a book lover who adores cats, or do you know someone who does? I bet you will love this shirt as much as I do. It is soft, fits so well, and features a saying that is just right! 


Bookish Vibes Unisex T-Shirt

Bookish Vibes Unisex T-Shirt

Bibliophiles looking to spread bookish vibes will adore this t-shirt. It gives off the ultimate book lover vibe. It is garment printed (not screen printed or vinyl), producing a cleaner graphic design. The only bummer is that this handmade shirt only comes in mustard and soft cream. 


All The Cool Kids are Reading Graphic Shirt

All The Cool Kids are Reading Graphic Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

Nothing screams comfortable and inexpensive like graphic tees. With the graphic t-shirts trend catching on, this fashionable reading shirt will appeal to kids of all ages who wish to express their personalities. Reviewers praise it for its soft fabric, solid color, and eye-catching design.


Just One More Chapter Book Shirt

Just One More Chapter Book Shirt

Voracious reader alert! This unisex shirt is suitable for book lovers guilty of this reading pleasure. Its variety of styling options, minimalist appeal, and wide sizing range are qualities that will speak to your book-loving kid. It also has a soft feel, and reviewers rave about the fabric quality.


Easily Distracted by Dragons and Books T-Shirt

Easily Distracted by Dragons and Books T-Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

If dragons fascinate your kid, this is the perfect shirt. They will love the beautiful dragon design. The library in the background is a nice touch that affirms their book lover status. Its soft cotton fabric and bold colors are a plus. 


Abibliophilia T-Shirt

Abibliophilia T-Shirt

Book lovers will relate hard to this t-shirt. The piles of books and text printed on the shirt bring out its playful nature and complement its design. Its breathability makes it a practical piece for anyone. 


Fictional Wanderlust Bookish Shirt

Fictional Wanderlust Bookish Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

Literary shirts with unique handmade graphics are my absolute favorite! This relaxed-fit shirt has a thick fabric, is 100% cotton, and is an item of flattering clothing for any gender.


I Have No Shelf Control Book Shirt

I Have No Shelf Control Book Shirt

The pun on this shirt will make anyone giggle. Its crew neck, short sleeves, and breathability make it comfortable to move around in. It has a bold design, with superior ring-spun cotton. 


Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Title T-Shirt

Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Title T-Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

We may not love all of Dr. Seuss, but if your kids liked Green Eggs and Ham, this tee will be a winner for them. Kids love it! It is a durable, comfortable, and fun fit with a bright decal. This cute shirt is soft and looks great layered or worn alone.  


Floral Book Lover Shirt

Floral Book Lover Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

Kids can pair this beautiful book shirt with a nice pair of jeans. The best part is that you can personalize it. Its versatility makes it a great addition to your kid’s book T-shirt collection.


Out of Print Kids’ Elephant and Piggy Read T-Shirt

Out of Print Kids’ Elephant and Piggy Read T-Shirt

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, this comfortable tee comes in different sizes (ranging from XS to 3XL) and is 100% breathable cotton. Its iconic book cover artwork is in softened print. More than just a tee, this brand supports literacy programs worldwide.   


Book Lover Shirt 

Book Lover Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

Bookworms, toddlers, tweens, and teens alike will delight in spreading the joy of reading through this library shirt. It has a vibrant bookish pattern, a soft feel, short sleeves, and a crew neck. 


Peanuts Heart Sitting Snoopy T-Shirt 

Peanuts Heart Sitting Snoopy T-Shirt 

Even if they don’t know who Snoopy is, most kids will love this t-shirt (and the illustration!). Its flawless graphic work, subtle sentiment, and soft fabric make it worth it.


Bookworm Kids Shirt

Bookworm Kids Shirt

Your little bookworm will love sharing their love for reading in this gorgeous shirt. Made from 100% cotton, it is gentle on the skin. It’s available in multiple colors including olive for those who prefer lighter fabrics.


Read, All The Cool Kids Are Doing It Shirt

Read, All The Cool Kids Are Doing It Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

Here is another solidly handmade tee. Its different color options and the shirt’s message make this nostalgic shirt perfect for bibliophiles and anyone trying to get others to read more. 


Book Lover Toddler Shirt

Book Lover Toddler Shirt

Kids tees need to be super comfortable, functional, and safe without compromising their aesthetic value. This toddler shirt combines all these in its high-quality fabric and child-safe inks. The best thing about it is that you can personalize this shirt without worrying about harmful substances in your kid’s clothing! 


It’s a Good Day to Read a Book T-Shirt

It’s a Good Day to Read a Book T-Shirt - Best Book Shirts for Kids

Every day is a good day to read for bookworms. This book shirt communicates just that. This feminine shirt is cotton blended, lightweight, breathable, and stretches hence the ultimate must-have summer shirt for your little one.


There they are: 15 of the best book shirts you’ll ever find! What better way to show off your book lover status than with a book shirt? Give the bookworm in your life a chance to wear their favorite story through these must-have book shirts.

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15 Must-Have Book Shirts for Book Lovers

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About the Author

Afoma Umesi is the founder and blogger at Reading Middle Grade. She's a writer and editor with a deep love for children's literature. Her favorite genre is contemporary realistic fiction, but she'll never say no to a graphic novel. Read More…

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📚 booksmarts don’t define you ❤️ This bo 📚 booksmarts don’t define you ❤️

This book by @brigityoungbooks was one of my favorites last year. There aren’t many middle grade books I wish a younger me would’ve had. But this is one of them. 

Marianne Blume has convinced herself that she’s not smart. She’s gotten through school so far by charming teachers out of questioning her. But her eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Garcia, isn’t easily fooled. To pull up her grades for high school, Marianne tries to win his favor by joining the school’s trivia team (which he coaches). 

But as the term progresses, Marianne bonds with the trivia kids and learns that there’s more to being smart than book smart — but also, she’s more intelligent than she gives herself credit for.

This is a deeply insightful book about labels, persistence, and self-belief, featuring themes like sisterhood, female friendships, and family. This one will be extra meaningful to the kids (like me) who are so afraid of failure that they stop trying. 

It also teaches a valuable lesson that learning isn’t effortless — for anyone. More importantly, it’s a poignant reminder that book smarts aren’t the only valuable skill. People skills are incredibly powerful, especially for leading others. 

I hope I’ve convinced you to pick this one up. I loved the voice in this story—it will speak to kids in grades 6+. Have you read this book?

#booksforkids #middlegradebooks #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram
🎤 new chapter book series alert 🚨 Frankie 🎤 new chapter book series alert 🚨 

Frankie and Friends: Breaking News is the first in the new Frankie and Friends series. Frankie's mom is off on a reporting trip, and the whole family is missing her. 

With her stuffed animals as partners, Frankie decides to use the journalism tidbits she's learned from her mom -- like finding your beat and being honest -- to solve a surprising family mystery.

This is a charming, educational, and imaginative start to a fun series that's perfect for new readers. With a good mix of journalistic terminology, sister relationships, and depictions of imaginative play, supported by gorgeous full-color illustrations, kids will love Frankie and her determined efforts to break the news.

#chapterbook #booksforkids #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram
🕵️‍♀️ a new mystery for spelling bee fa 🕵️‍♀️ a new mystery for spelling bee fans

If you’ve been looking for more high-stakes mysteries for tweens, let me introduce you to THE WINTERTON DECEPTION! Meet 13-year-old twins Hope and Gordon. They’ve just found out that their dad was Brandon Winterton (of the wealthy dictionary magnate family). Unfortunately, Hope can’t stand rich people, especially since the twins and their mom are barely making ends meet and living in a motel. But their fortune is about to change.

When Gordon enters the family into the Winterton Bee, they’re thrust into into the midst of family’s secrets, with a deadly enemy, and a scavenger hunt set up by the family’s dead matriarch. 

This is a fast-paced mystery with plenty to gnaw on between the twin relationship, family drama, character development, and flashbacks that help readers learn more about the Winterton family.

So happy that more and more mysteries are coming out for readers in the 6th-8th grades. This one does touch a bit on addiction and there’s a scene where the kids’ lives are in danger but all ends well!

It’s out at the end of October! 🤩

#mysteriesforkids #middlegradebooks #bookstagram
👯‍♀️ TWINS in middle grade literature 💕 

I love seeing more twins in middle grade books. For a long time, the only twins I knew in middle grade lit were the Sweet Valley High girlies. Then, I got a glimpse of twin life with Issa and Jessie in @karinaisreadingandwriting’s THE VANDERBEEKERS. 

Since then, we’ve seen more depictions of twins, including Varian Johnson’s TWINS (a graphic novel about twin sisters Francine and Maureen entering 6th grade), MIRROR TO MIRROR by Rajani LaRocca, and Hope and Gordon in THE WINTERTON DECEPTION (review to come)!

And of course, these two books, TWIN CITIES and SAVING SUNSHINE (which I just started and am loving)! While these stories will appeal to twins, I think everyone who’s ever been curious about twins will love getting a glimpse into what life feels like as one half of a whole. 

Which middle grade twin stories have you read and loved? 😍 

#middlegrade #twinbooks #mglit #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks
📰 a beautiful graphic novel about speaking the 📰 a beautiful graphic novel about speaking the truth 

This stunning graphic novel follows Cinzia, Avvisi writer’s apprentice living in sunny Sianerra. Cinzia and her mestra write news stories/pamphlets to the city, but not everyone likes when they tell the truth. 

After an edition exposing the ruling family for extortion, cinzia and her mestra are arrested at night and she has to join forces with the princess to fight back against censorship. 

Besides the wonderfully imaginative and powerful storyline, loved the visuals and the diversity representation in this graphic novel. The main character has a bad leg and gets around with a walking stick, which is something rarely depicted in graphic novels (and it’s barely even discussed—it just is!).

Although, this book is closer to fantasy (but without magical elements), it’s set in a Renaissance-style Italian village, so it could work for lovers of realistic fiction too.

Look out for it in November! Have you read this graphic novel? Thoughts? Is it on your radar already?

#graphicnovels #mglit #booksforkids
🩰throwback Thursday - meet one of my favorites 🩰throwback Thursday - meet one of my favorites

Looking for an upper middle grade book about ballet, friendships, and body image? Meet TURNING POINT. 

This book focuses on Monique (Mo) and Rasheeda (Sheeda)’s friendship and how it changes over a summer when both girls are drawn into different pursuits. Mo is off at a ballet intensive with Mila, while Sheeda is stuck at church (with her church “friends”) feeling like she has no life.

At the ballet intensive, Mo comes face to face with her competitive attitude which is fueled by feelings of not “fitting in” with the mostly white, skinny ballet dancers. Even though she makes a couple of friends (who basically lovingly force her to befriend them), she’s insecure at times, afraid to be vulnerable because everything feels so different. On the other hand, Sheeda is desperate for something new. Unfortunately, she falls into a risky situation with Mo’s brother whom she happens to have a crush on.

Paula Chase is one of my favorite writers for this audience and this may be my favorite of hers so far. It’s in the same universe as two of her previous books, DOUGH BOYS and SO DONE but you don’t need to read them in order. 

I’d say her books are great for kids ages 12+
Have you read any books by this author? Which ones are your favorites?

#booksbooksbooks #mglit #bookstagram
🇲🇽Twins on opposite sides I’d seen this b 🇲🇽Twins on opposite sides

I’d seen this book floating around for ages but was never drawn to it (the cover maybe?) until I saw a review somewhere I can’t remember 🤪 I was pleasantly surprised!

Twins Luisa and Fernando find their paths diverging as they’re entering sixth grade. Luisa will be attending middle school in the US just across the border from Fernando’s school in Mexico. There, they come to face to face with different, but equally pressing challenges that threaten to tear them apart.

I really enjoyed this book. The side by side depictions of both kids parallel lives, the way the illustrations celebrate Mexican culture, living, and traditions, and the heartwarming way the twins find their way back to each other. 

I’d recommend this one to 6th graders and up (heads up for content warning: text mentions and depicts illicit drug use by a minor, although portrayed in a negative light) as a fascinating look into Mexican culture, life as a twin, and finding your own identity.

#kidlit #graphicnovels #mglit #booksforkids
♠️ on spades and what it means to be a man An ♠️ on spades and what it means to be a man

Ant isn’t your average 10 year old. He loves a good game of spades and he and his best friend are planning to revamp their reputation after losing badly at the last spades tournament. But things are changing in Ant’s life. His dad is acting weird, asking him to hide things from his mom. There’s a new girl in class who Ant maybe likes and who plays spades better than many boys he knows. 

When his best friend is grounded, Ant teams up with Shirley, hoping to impress his father and finally be tough like Joplin men should be. But instead, he learns what it really means to be a man—and it’s not about never crying.

There’s SO MUCH going on in this story, but the author does a stunning job of keeping all the threads in place. I was very surprised by all the protagonist has to manage at his age and the fact that it all remains believable. The story is told by Ant’s ancestor, lending a touch of magic realism. There are also many details about playing a game of spades and I loved, loved the audiobook narrator.

If you’re looking for a meatier middle grade book perfect for kids ages 9-12 (and older, really—love the cover!) looking for books that balance levity and relatability with real issues like toxic masculinity, parental addiction, friendship issues, and crushes.

#mglit #middlegrade #middlegradebookies #kidlit #booksforkids
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