Arts & Culture

IPR's 2026 summer book guide for kids and teens

Iowa Public Radio | By Natalie Dunlap,

Caitlin Troutman, Dani Gehr, Charity Nebbe

Published May 27, 2026 at 4:54 PM CDT

Book covers of several recommended books including "Bored," "The Calm Down Book," "Claire and the Cathedral," and "Beth is Dead."

Summer's here and it’s a great time to share a book with a child or find some books that will light up the imagination of the kids in your life.

Having trouble viewing this list? Click here.

Books recommended by:

Janeé Jackson-Doering, youth service coordinator, State Library of Iowa
Amanda Lepper, co-owner, Dog Eared Books
Molly Roberts, manager of children’s books, Prairie Lights Bookstore

Arts & Culture

Natalie Dunlap

Natalie Dunlap is an award-winning digital producer and writer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. Since 2024, Dunlap has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's digital audience.

See stories by Natalie Dunlap

Caitlin Troutman

Caitlin Troutman is an award-winning talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.

See stories by Caitlin Troutman

Dani Gehr

Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.

See stories by Dani Gehr

Charity Nebbe

Charity Nebbe is the host of 'Talk of Iowa'. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University.

See stories by Charity Nebbe