Pack your imagination and hit the road! Summer offers children something they rarely have during the school year: time to read for the pure joy of it.
Without daily assignments, deadlines, and schedules, kids have the opportunity to explore new ideas, discover favorite authors, and develop a lifelong love of reading. Yet for many families, keeping that momentum going throughout the summer can be a challenge.
One of the best ways to encourage summer reading is to turn it into an adventure.
That's exactly why we created the Route 66 Summer Reading Challenge.
Inspired by one of America's most famous highways, this free challenge transforms summer reading into a cross-country road trip. As children read books of their choice, they'll travel from Chicago to Santa Monica, tracking their progress along Route 66 and celebrating each milestone along the way. The best part? Any book counts.
Whether your child loves historical fiction, mysteries, biographies, graphic novels, nonfiction, audiobooks, or family read-alouds, every page helps move them farther down the road.
Along the way, they'll visit destinations inspired by real places along Route 66, discover interesting facts about American history, and complete activities that make the journey even more memorable. You can read any books that you want to complete the challenge. If you're looking for books about the stops along Route 66, we've created a short list for each city.
Summer Reading: Why Books Are the Best Way to Travel
At Sonlight, we believe books are the most powerful vehicles ever invented.
They can transport readers to different times, places, and perspectives without ever leaving home. Through books, children can explore unfamiliar cultures, meet remarkable people, and discover places they may never have the opportunity to visit in person.
That's one reason we love summer reading. Every book opens a new door, sparks curiosity, and encourages children to see the world in a different way.
The Route 66 Summer Reading Challenge builds on that spirit of discovery.
Each stop along the route introduces children to a different piece of America's story. From the bustling immigrant communities of Chicago and the westward journeys that passed through St. Louis to the Dust Bowl, the Grand Canyon, and the Pacific Coast, every destination offers an opportunity to learn something new about the people, places, and events that helped shape our nation.
That's what makes Route 66 such a fitting backdrop for a summer reading adventure. It's more than a highway. It's a journey through American history, geography, and culture.
This summer, your family can experience that journey one stop at a time while building memories and a love of reading that will last long after summer ends.
Join the Route 66 Summer Reading Challenge
Let books take your family on the journey. Read your way across Route 66, spark meaningful conversations, and make memories together as you discover the history and wonder waiting along the open road.
Want to Explore Further?
The Route 66 Summer Reading Challenge works with any books your family enjoys.
But some children may want to learn more about the people, places, and historical events featured at each stop along the route. The books below provide optional opportunities to dive deeper into America's story, helping curious readers connect their summer reading with history, geography, culture, and the people who shaped our nation.
Books About Route 66
Use these recommendations as inspiration, mix them with your own favorites, or simply enjoy discovering something new at every destination.
Every great road trip starts with a little anticipation. Before you pull out of the driveway, these books will get your family excited for the adventure ahead — introducing the legendary highway, its colorful history, and the many wonders waiting along the way.
- ABC, What Do You See? Rolling Along Route 66, Annette Murray (Ages: Baby-7): A cheerful alphabet book that introduces the youngest travelers to the sights and sounds of Route 66, from roadside diners to desert landscapes.
- Annie Mouse's Route 66 Family Vacation, Anne Maro Slanina (Ages: 5-12): Follow Annie Mouse and her family as they road trip the entire length of Route 66, stopping at real landmarks along the way. A fun and fact-filled introduction to the Mother Road for the whole family.
- The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas, Jim Hinckley (12+): A fun visual reference packed with maps, photographs, and history that traces Route 66 from its origins to today.
*NOTE: Some books included in this list and article may include references to heavy historical topics as well as topics you may not agree with. We encourage you to review the books and either skip certain sections or use them as opportunities to discuss your family's beliefs with your child. Sonlight books also do not always shy away from hard topics or history, and reading about tough topics can be a great learning opportunity.
Chicago: Big City Beginnings
Route 66 begins in one of America's most iconic cities. Chicago was one of the fastest-growing cities in the country during the late 1800s and early 1900s, drawing waves of immigrants from around the world who came seeking new opportunities. That blend of cultures shaped the city's rich traditions in music, architecture, and industry. Before heading west, spend some time exploring the city where it all begins.
- Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters, Michael Mahin (Ages: 4-8): The story of how a boy from the Mississippi Delta became one of the most influential musicians in American history, eventually making his way to Chicago where he helped create the electric blues. A beautifully illustrated celebration of music, perseverance, and finding your voice.
- Nineteenth Century Migration to America, John Bliss (Ages: 8-10): Learn more about the waves of immigrants who came to America in the 1800s, where they came from, why they left, and what they found when they arrived. Ideal for helping children understand the forces that shaped cities like Chicago.
- Kid’s Guide to Chicago, Eileen Ognitz (Ages: 9-12): A practical and fun guide to one of America's greatest cities, written with kids in mind. Covers everything from Navy Pier to deep-dish pizza to the city's fascinating neighborhoods and history.
- Chicago History for Kids: Triumphs and Tragedies of the Windy City, Owen Hurd (Ages: 9+): From the Great Chicago Fire to the 1893 World's Fair, this book digs into the dramatic moments that shaped the city. A great choice for history-loving kids who want to understand what made Chicago one of the most dynamic cities in the country.
- A Long Way from Chicago, Richard Peck (Ages: 13-15): Included in Sonlight's Ninth Grade All-Subjects Package, this story is a warm and witty novel following two siblings who spend summers with their larger-than-life grandmother in a small Illinois town during the Great Depression era. A beloved classic that captures Midwestern life with humor and heart.
St. Louis: Books That Begin Your Journey West
Leaving Chicago and heading southwest, Route 66 rolls into St. Louis, a city that has long served as the gateway to the American West. Sitting alongside the mighty Mississippi River, St. Louis connected trade routes, river travel, and growing railroad systems that carried explorers, settlers, and dreamers into unknown territory.
Today, the soaring Gateway Arch stands as a powerful reminder of all those who passed through in search of new beginnings. These books help children understand why St. Louis became such an important crossroads in American history.
- To the Top!, Amanda Doyle (Ages: 6-8): A kid-friendly introduction to the Gateway Arch that follows young visitors as they ride to the top and discover what makes this monument so special.
- Gateway Arch, Lori Dittemer (Ages: 6-8): This nonfiction title digs into the history and engineering behind one of America's most recognizable structures, exploring how and why it was built and what it symbolizes about the American spirit of exploration.
- Mike’s Unforgettable St. Louis History, For Kids, Mike Kleckner (Ages: 1-12): A wide-ranging and engaging look at St. Louis history told in a way that speaks directly to young readers. Covers everything from Lewis and Clark to baseball to the city's unique place in American culture.
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain (Ages: 13-15): Mark Twain's classic tale of a mischievous boy growing up along the Mississippi River is essential reading for this stretch of the journey. Full of adventure, humor, and a vivid sense of what life on the great river once looked like. Included in Sonlight's Ninth Grade All-Subjects Package.
- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain (Ages: 17+): Escaping his abusive father, young Huck Finn fakes his own death and sets off down the Mississippi River on a raft. Alongside Jim, a runaway slave seeking freedom, Huck must navigate a series of wild adventures and confront his own conscience about what is truly right. Included in Sonlight's 12th Grade All-Subjects Package.
Books Exploring Tulsa Stories of Struggle & Resistance
Traveling through Oklahoma opens the door to some of the most sobering and important chapters in American history. During the 1930s, severe drought and years of poor farming practices turned fertile land into dust, triggering catastrophic storms that buried homes and crops across the Great Plains. Thousands of families were forced to abandon everything and head west in search of survival — their story a defining moment in the American experience.
But the Dust Bowl wasn't the only tragedy to unfold in this region. Tulsa was also the site of one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in U.S. history. These books give children an honest, age-appropriate look at both events and the resilience of the people who lived through them.
- A Kids Book About the Tulsa Race Massacre, Carlos Moreno (Ages: 5-9): A thoughtful and age-appropriate introduction to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, designed to help young children begin to understand what happened and why it matters. Honest, clear, and compassionate in its approach.
- The Dust Bowl, Michelle Jabes Corpora (Ages: 8-12): Discover what caused the Dust Bowl, what life was like for families caught in its path, and how the disaster ultimately changed American farming and policy. Accessible and well-illustrated for middle-grade readers.
- I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935, Lauren Tarshis (Ages: 8-10): Part of the beloved I Survived series, this gripping story puts readers in the middle of one of history's most terrifying natural disasters.
- Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, Carole Boston Weatherford (Ages: 7-12): Told through powerful verse and stunning illustrations, this award-winning book recounts the destruction of Tulsa's Greenwood District — known as Black Wall Street — and honors the community that was lost.
- Out of the Dust, Karen Hesse (Ages: 13-15): Included in Sonlight's Ninth Grade All-Subjects Package, this Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of a young girl surviving the Dust Bowl through spare, haunting poetry. One of the most emotionally resonant books ever written about this period in American history.
Books for Your Route 66 Stop in Amarillo
The road flattens out as Route 66 sweeps across the Texas Panhandle, and Amarillo puts you squarely in the heart of cowboy country. This stretch of America was once defined by sprawling cattle ranches, open ranges, and the hardworking men and women who drove herds across the plains. It's a world of rodeos, dusty trails, and wide-open skies, and it's as fascinating as it sounds. These books let children saddle up and explore the legends and landscapes that shaped life on the range.
- Cowboys and Cowgirls: Yippee-Yay!, Gail Gibbons (Ages: 4-8) A lively and colorful look at the real lives of cowboys and cowgirls on the American frontier— the work, the gear, the animals, and the wide-open land they called home.
- The Armadillo from Amarillo, Lynne Cherry (Ages: 6-9): An adventurous armadillo sets off to discover where in the world he lives, traveling through the Texas landscape and beyond. This clever picture book blends geography and science in a way that sparks curiosity about the natural world.
- Amarillo: The Yellow Rose of Texas, Sarah Heintz Williamson (Ages: 8-9): A charming introduction to the city of Amarillo that explores its history, geography, and unique Texas character.
Summer Reading in Sante Fe
A slight detour from the main route leads to one of the most culturally rich cities in the country. Santa Fe sits at the crossroads of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences that have shaped the art, architecture, and traditions of the American Southwest for centuries. Adobe buildings, vibrant markets, and ancient Pueblo history make this stop unlike any other on the route. These books introduce children to the diverse people and cultures that call the Southwest home.
- Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale, Gerald McDermott (Ages: 3-7): A Caldecott Medal-winning retelling of a traditional Pueblo story about a boy's journey to find his father, the Lord of the Sun. The bold, geometric illustrations are inspired by Pueblo art and make this a visually stunning read-aloud for young children.
- Explore Native American Cultures, Anita Yasuda (Ages: 6-9): This hands-on book introduces children to the traditions, art, food, and history of Native American cultures through 25 engaging activities. A wonderful way to bring learning off the page and into your home.
- Traveling the Sante Fe Trail, Linda Thompson (Ages: 9-11): A well-researched look at the historic Santa Fe Trail, the trade route that connected Missouri to New Mexico long before Route 66 existed. Helps children understand the deep roots of westward travel in this part of the country.
- Children’s Guide to Sante Fe, Anne Hilerman (Ages: 4-12): A friendly and fact-filled guide to one of the Southwest's most beloved cities, covering its art, history, food, and culture in a way that speaks directly to young readers and curious families.
Books Exploring Flagstaff & Its Natural Wonders
Few stops on Route 66 rival the sheer natural drama surrounding Flagstaff, Arizona. Nestled among ponderosa pine forests at more than 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff sits just an hour from one of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth—the Grand Canyon.
Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon stretches more than 270 miles and plunges more than a mile deep. It's the kind of place that makes even the most seasoned traveler stop and stare. These books capture the wonder of this remarkable corner of the American Southwest.
- The Lucky Hat, Matthew Henry Hall (Ages: 4-8): A sweet story set against the backdrop of the American Southwest that weaves together themes of adventure, family, and the magic of the natural world.
- Alice and Jack Hike the Grand Canyon, Amy Graves (Ages: 4-9): Follow two young hikers as they explore the trails and wildlife of the Grand Canyon in this engaging picture book. A great introduction to the canyon's scale and beauty for children who haven't yet had the chance to see it themselves.
- G Is for Grand Canyon, Barbara Gowan (Ages: 8-10): This alphabet book takes readers through the natural wonders, wildlife, and history of the Grand Canyon from A to Z. Packed with fascinating facts that will impress even kids who think they already know the canyon well.
- Needle in a Haystack: How Clyde W. Tombaugh Found an Awesome New World, Diana Phelps Budden (Ages: 8-12): Learn about the discovery of the 9th planet in our solar system and how the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff played a key role!
Our Summer Reading Stop in Barstow
As Route 66 pushes through the Mojave Desert toward California, Barstow served as a critical resting point for weary travelers. This sun-baked outpost on the edge of the desert became one of the most well-known stops on the highway — famous for its sprawling open landscape, its proximity to the otherworldly terrain of Death Valley, and even a one-of-a-kind McDonald's built inside a historic water tower. The desert here is harsh and beautiful in equal measure, full of surprising life and ancient stories. These books help children appreciate the rugged wonder of this often-overlooked landscape.
The Mojave Desert, Molly Aloian (Ages: 10-13): Explore one of North America's most fascinating ecosystems, covering the plants, animals, climate, and geology that make the Mojave unlike anywhere else on earth.
- Mojave, Diane Siebert (Ages: 4-8): Written in lyrical verse and paired with sweeping illustrations, this picture book brings the voice of the Mojave Desert to life in a way that is both poetic and scientifically rich. A beautiful read-aloud for the whole family.
- Death Valley: California, 1849, Kathleen Duey (Ages: 8-12): Stranded in the Mojave Desert during the 1849 Gold Rush, siblings Will and Jess must leave their broken wagon and ailing father behind to seek help on foot. They face a desperate battle for survival against brutal wilderness perils and a suffocating thirst that threatens to break their resolve.
The End of the Road: Books for the Last Stop in Santa Monica
All great adventures must come to an end, and what an ending it is! Route 66 ends at the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, where a famous pier stretches out over the water and the horizon seems to go on forever. After thousands of miles of plains, deserts, mountains, and cities, travelers arrived here to dip their toes in the Pacific and breathe in the salt air. It's a moment worth savoring. These books celebrate the wild, beautiful coastline waiting at the finish line.
- West Coast Wild at Low Tide,Deborah Hodge (Ages: 3-6): A gentle and beautifully illustrated introduction to the fascinating world revealed when the tide goes out along the Pacific Coast.
- Let's Explore the Beach! A Young Naturalist’s Guide to Pacific Coastal Wildlife, Karen DeWitz (Ages: 8-12): A wonderful field-guide-style book that introduces children to the remarkable creatures and ecosystems found along the Pacific Coast.
- The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck (Ages: 17+): Set against the hardships of the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath follows the Joad family as they flee the Oklahoma Dust Bowl for California, embarking on a desperate journey for survival, dignity, and a better life in a land that tests their resilience. Included in Sonlight's 12th Grade All-Subjects Package.
Join Sonlight’s Route 66 Summer Reading Challenge
This summer, challenge your family to read your way from Chicago to Santa Monica and discover the history, culture, and wonders of one of America's most iconic roads.
The Route 66 Summer Reading Challenge runs June 1 through August 31, 2026. Read books from any stop along the route, track your progress, and when you complete the challenge, submit a photo to claim your prize.
Every family that completes the challenge and submits a photo will receive a coupon for a free a pair of Sonlight-branded sunglasses*, the perfect souvenir for any road trip adventurer. Three lucky families chosen at random will also receive a $50 Sonlight coupon to use toward a future purchase. Winners will be notified by September 15, 2026.
Pack your books, gather your family, and get ready to discover America one page at a time. The open road is calling.
*Shipping not included
