Welcome to Midsummer Bookshop: a bookstore for kids and teens in Fishtown

A dream takes shape

Right now, Midsummer Books exists in that magical space between dream and reality - where every pop-up book sale, writing workshop, and storytime we plan brings us closer to creating something truly special for Philadelphia's young readers and writers.  

The vision: more than just a bookstore  

At Midsummer Books, we believe every young reader deserves:  

• A cozy hideout where book-loving tweens can disappear into stories  

• A creative launchpad where teens can dream up their own worlds  

• A welcoming space where imagination is always welcome 

The vision is to build more than shelves of books. We want to create a community where curiosity runs wild, stories come alive, and friendships form over shared adventures (whether those adventures happen on the page or during an epic board game battle).  

Why we want to open a bookstore for kids and teens

After countless hours exploring indie bookshops in every city I visit (a passion I've happily passed to my kids), I noticed something missing in Philly's thriving bookstore scene.

While Fishtown has become a haven for book lovers, no shop has made older kids and teens their sole focus. There are wonderful spots for picture books and toddler storytimes, but where do 12-year-olds go to discover their next favorite book? Where can 16-year-olds browse without feeling like they've outgrown the children's section?  

That's where Midsummer Books comes in. We're creating a bookstore that offers  

✓ A carefully curated selection of middle grade and YA books that reflect our diverse world  

✓ A space where parents can find quality recommendations as their kids' reading tastes evolve  

✓ A hangout where teens feel ownership over "their" bookstore  

Coming Soon

While we work toward our permanent home, join us for:  

• Pop-up book sales featuring staff picks for every age  

• Creative writing workshops where stories come to life  

• Bookish crafts and talks: we have a lot of events and ways to celebrate the joy of reading cooking up and we can’t wait to share them with you!

The story begins…

Just like the best books, our story is just beginning. Follow our journey and help us build the bookstore Fishtown's kids and teens deserve. After all, every great adventure starts with turning the first page.  

P.S. Have a tween or teen who's outgrown the kids' section but isn't quite ready for adult books? We see you - and we can't wait to help them find their next favorite read. Feel free to reach out to us at lindsay@midsummerbooks.com for a personalized recommendation and sign up to be the first to here about our pop-ups, events, and other happenings!