AD
  • Articles
  • Summer Book Fair Nostalgia: 9 Books to Relive Your Youth

Summer Book Fair Nostalgia: 9 Books to Relive Your Youth

By Likewise and ThriftBooks | Jun 16, 2025Still chasing the high of elementary school book fairs from your youth? Relive the magic and rediscover timeless classics that defined our childhood with the ThriftBooks Summer Book Fair! Buy four or more kids' books using the promo code "KIDSARECOOL" at checkout and get those books for only $2.99 each!

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Scott O’Dell's Newbery Medal-winning classic is a gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage. Set on San Nicolas Island, where a Nicoleño Indian girl named Karana lives alone for eighteen years, the story explores themes of resilience and independence. As she contends with survival challenges—including ferocious wild dogs and Aleutian hunters—Karana's courage inspires readers of all ages. As Smithsonian magazine poignantly remarks, it allows young readers to envision themselves thriving independently.

Discover more about Island of the Blue Dolphins.

buy icon Buy Now

Journey Under the Sea

Journey Under the Sea
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Get ready to embark on breathtaking underwater adventures! Readers take charge of the narrative as they choose specific pages to determine the plot's outcome. This interactive reading experience invites young explorers on a quest to uncover the lost city of Atlantis, blending fantasy, excitement, and the thrill of discovery!

Journey Under the Sea awaits you!

buy icon Buy Now

Hatchet

Hatchet
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

This Newbery Honor-winning survival novel is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary! After a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Canadian wilderness, thirteen-year-old Brian learns to fend for himself using only the hatchet gifted to him by his mother. This powerful story of resilience highlights the transformation of a boy into a self-reliant survivor. The new edition features illustrations by Drew Willis and insights from author Gary Paulsen that provide fresh perspectives on the beloved tale.

Get your copy of Hatchet today!

buy icon Buy Now

Kristy's Great Idea

Kristy's Great Idea
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

A new generation can enjoy Kristy's Great Idea, the first of many graphic novels to feature The Baby-sitters Club, adapted by bestselling author Raina Telgemeier. In full color for the first time, the stories of Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey unfold with humor and heart as they navigate challenges not only in baby-sitting but also in friendship and personal growth. This adaptation brings fresh life to a series that has been beloved by readers for decades.

Explore Kristy's Great Idea further!

buy icon Buy Now

The Face on the Milk Carton

The Face on the Milk Carton
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

This gripping psychological thriller draws readers into Janie Johnson's riveting story of identity and belonging. When Janie sees her face on a missing children's notice, she is plunged into shocking revelations about her life. This narrative intertwines suspense with emotional depth as Janie struggles to unravel the truth of her origins and the haunting question of familial ties. A true page-turner that resonates with fascination and unease.

Discover the mystery behind The Face on the Milk Carton.

buy icon Buy Now

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Junie B. Jones #1: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Step into the whimsical world of Junie B. Jones, the spunky kindergartner beloved by millions. In her very first tale, Junie B. confronts the terrifying first day of school, navigating bus rides, mean kids, and her quirky family dynamics. Authored by Barbara Park, this series has captivated young readers and instilled a love of reading with its humorous and relatable anecdotes. Junie's misadventures continue to inspire laughter and joy in children of all ages.

Check out Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus!

buy icon Buy Now

Holes

Holes
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Louis Sachar's gem entwined with mystery, humor, and adventure has been a favorite for decades. Following Stanley Yelnats, a boy who finds himself unjustly sent to a juvenile detention camp where he must dig holes, the narrative unravels a family curse and profound friendships. This Newbery Medal and National Book Award-winning story captivates children and adults alike while exploring themes of fate and redemption. The special anniversary edition adds value with bonus content that offers insider glimpses into the story.

Uncover the secrets of Holes!

buy icon Buy Now

Stargirl

Stargirl
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

In a vibrant tale of individuality and acceptance, Jerry Spinelli takes readers on an emotional journey as they follow the uniquely enchanting Stargirl Caraway. The novel explores her impact on the ordinary life at Mica High and the turbulent path of popularity versus authenticity. A modern classic, it emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself amidst peer pressure. Celebrate the power of nonconformity and young love in this poignant and unforgettable tale.

Experience Stargirl's story!

buy icon Buy Now

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

The saga of Greg Heffley kicks off in the internationally bestselling series. Chronicling the awkward experiences of middle school-shunning Greg, Jeff Kinney delivers a relatable tale that resonates with anyone who’s navigated the trials of adolescence. Blending humor and relatable situations, Greg’s diary entries reveal the comedic nuances of growing up—delivering lessons on friendship, family, and resilience that resonate with readers, young and old.

Join Greg on his wacky adventures!

buy icon Buy Now

AD
: