Midsummer Books is a youth-focused independent bookstore in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, serving children ages 0–18 and the grownups who support them. Starting as a pop-up in 2025, Midsummer Books joins the Our Mutual Friend Collective - a group of mom/women-owned businesses.
We offer a curated selection of literature, creative supplies, and programming tailored to young readers and teens.
Upcoming Events
Story time plus glue, googly eyes, and a take-home project — every Wednesday morning we will read a story (or two) then make something inspired by it — simple crafts sized for little hands, no mess left behind (that's our job). Great for toddlers through early elementary.
Dog Man and Grampa have messed with time and space, and we're celebrating the release of the brand-new Dog Man: A Sprinkle in Time with a very Midsummer-style adventure. We're going to time travel a few days after the book releases to party in style.... Come to Midsummer Books for a Dog Man Time-Traveling Release Party! We'll have: - a collection of sprinkle donuts - a time-travel scavenger hunt - drawing challenges - the brand-new book - some very good Dog Man surprises Come dressed as your favorite Dog Man character if you want to get extra silly. Reserve your book by Oct 25 for a guaranteed copy!
Whether you're a teen with a story that won't leave you alone or an adult working on a coming-of-age or teen-centered novel, this workshop is for you! Learn how to build a YA novel with an authentic voice, a compelling main character, and stakes that feel as big as they do at 16. Award-winning YA author Kim Purcell (This Is Not a Love Letter, an NPR Best Book of 2018, and Trafficked) brings her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and 25 years of teaching experience to this hands-on workshop. You'll leave with a story premise, a character, an opening scene, and a 100-day plan to help you finish your draft. The workshop includes a copy of Write a Novel in 100 Days, which you'll receive at the event and can keep using as your daily guide to help you get your novel written. Space is limited, so sign up to save your spot! Can't make the workshop? You can still grab a copy of Write a Novel in 100 Days [here] (link to our online shop). About the Author Kim Purcell is the acclaimed author of Trafficked and This Is Not a Love Letter. A passionate teacher of novel writing for kids, teens, and adults, she founded Purcell Publishing, an international company that helps writers of all ages find their voices, finish their novels, and get published. Kim was the first Curriculum Director of WriteGirl, the nationally recognized writing and mentoring organization for teen girls. Drawing on her years as a novelist and educator, she's developed her own approach to helping writers take a story from that first spark of an idea all the way to a finished manuscript. About the Book For anyone with a million ideas but not enough time to write them all down, this guide helps even the busiest people finally finish the book they've always dreamed of writing. Do you dream of writing a novel but can't seem to find the time? Maybe you've started and stalled, or you're waiting for the “perfect” moment that never seems to come. With humor, proven strategies, and inspiration from your favorite authors, novelist and writing teacher Kim Purcell shows you how to finish your book, even if you only have 15 minutes a day. In Write a Novel in 100 Days, you'll learn how to: Build a consistent, joyful writing habit with just 15 “Magic Minutes” a day. Use a simple four-act structure and 22 essential plot points to keep your story moving. Turn overwhelm into steady progress with daily exercises that build your skills and nurture creativity. Beat self-doubt, perfectionism, and writer's block with fast, playful strategies. Break your novel into short, focused steps and create a complete, compelling draft in 100 days. Whether it's your first book or your fifth, this guide will help you get your story out of your head and onto the page. Practical, supportive, and full of encouragement, Write a Novel in 100 Days will help you write forward with confidence and finally hold that finished book in your hands.
What happens when a little stone Buddha leaves his mountain home to see the world? Along the way, he discovers the many ways people find happiness, connection, and meaning in their lives. Come meet Grace for a special presentation featuring her work and a live drawing demonstration. Readers will get a peek into the creative process behind the books they love and see how an author and illustrator brings stories to life. We’ll also have a selection of Grace’s books available for purchase, so you can discover more of her work, find a new favorite, and bring home a little bookish magic. About Grace Lin Grace Lin is an award-winning author and illustrator whose books celebrate culture, family, imagination, and belonging. Her work invites readers to explore new perspectives and discover the connections that bring us together. She is the author of more than 20 titles