Families who loved Bummer in the Summer! by Dan Gutman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

Reach for this book when your child is acting like a total Scrooge about upcoming plans or struggling with a glass-half-empty perspective on summer break. It is a perfect choice for kids who use humor to mask frustration or who need a gentle nudge to appreciate the opportunities they have before them. In this clever parody of A Christmas Carol, A.J. is visited by three spirits who help him realize that his attitude is the only thing standing between him and a great vacation. While the series is known for its goofy, irreverent tone, this installment tackles deeper themes of accountability and gratitude. Parents will appreciate the way it normalizes feeling grumpy while modeling how a change in perspective can lead to a more joyful experience. It is particularly effective for reluctant readers who enjoy short chapters, funny illustrations, and a fast-paced narrative that does not feel like a lecture.