Summer Reads
An entertaining roundup of summer reads is ahead. Scroll down to see recommendations for teens and children (chapter books and picture books included).
Adults
Don’t Make Me Pull Over: An Informal History of the Family Road Trip
by Richard Ratay
The Golden Age of the American Road Trip – the 1950s through the 1980s – was a time when Americans took to the road like never before. The postwar economy was booming and the Interstate Highway System made far away destinations feel a little closer. Ratay grew up in a large family in Elm Grove, Wisconsin and intersperses stories of his own family adventures – including his Dad’s frightening insistence on running each tank of gas down past the ‘E’ – with a bygone history of American travel. Did you ever stay at a Holiday Inn “Holidome”? Or have a favorite among the 28 flavors of ice cream at Howard Johnson? If so, you’ll enjoy this nostalgic read! If not, this wonderful book will give you a glimpse back to a time when seatbelts were optional, and nobody had ever heard of an iPad!
Harry’s Trees
by Jon Cohen
A widower, a widow, a neglected and nearly forgotten small-town public library, and a little girl who believes in magic populate this wonderful novel. How do we move forward after a loss? How do we make sense of seemingly senseless tragedy? Cohen’s memorable characters seek answers to these age-old questions in a setting that’s vivid and richly drawn. This book is for lovers of trees, libraries, and magic – or anyone who enjoys a good story.
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers
by Maxwell King
Fred Rogers (1928-2003) was a fixture in the lives of generations of American children. He devoted his life and work to them, seeking to answer their questions, allay their fears, and model compassion and kindness. The soft-spoken and gentle son of a wealthy Pennsylvania family, Rogers was a talented and classically-trained musician as well as an ordained minister. He channeled his many talents and his vision for education into the new medium of television to create a revolutionary format that continues to inspire and inform the way we raise children in the 21st century. At a time when the world seems increasingly fractured and contentious, the life of Fred Rogers is a both a breath of fresh air and a timely reminder that how we treat each other is the most important thing of all.
Teens
The Rest of the Story
by Sarah Dessen
Seventeen-year-old Emma Saylor lives with her dad and doesn’t remember much about her mom, who died when she was ten. But things change when she’s is unexpectedly sent to live with her mother’s family at North Lake for the summer. The more time Emma Saylor spends with her mother’s family and with Roo, the boy she's starting to fall in love with, the more she questions if she wants to go back home. This Sarah Dessen novel has the perfect setting and pace to make it an easy breezy read this summer.
Tweet Cute
by Emma Lord
If you're looking for a cute romance to brighten your mood, look no further—you’re going to want to read Tweet Cute. Pepper is an overachieving perfectionist who secretly runs the Twitter account of her family’s huge fast food chain, Big League Burgers. Jack is a class clown who annoys Pepper and works at his family’s deli. When Big League Burger steals Jack’s grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, the two duke it out over Twitter and their battle goes viral. But Twitter isn’t the only way the two are unknowingly communicating with each other and on another app, they’re falling for each other.
Sadie
by Courtney Summers
When Sadie’s younger sister Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s entire world crumbles. After a poorly done police investigation, Sadie is determined to find her sister’s killer and takes off with only a few clues. When radio host West McCray hears Sadie’s story, he becomes obsessed and starts a podcast documenting her journey, trying to find her before it’s too late. You’ll be thinking about this gripping mystery for awhile.
Children
Picture Books
Bug on a Bike
by Chris Monroe
Bug is on a bike and he’s taking his friends for a ride. But where is he going? Bug won’t say because it’s a surprise.
Mud Puddle
by Robert Munsch
Jule Ann finds herself on the lookout for mud puddles. They can be clever, so you must be watchful and prepared. They could be hiding anywhere!!!
Waiting for Wings
by Lois Ehlert
Follow along as we see how a butterfly is born. There’s more to it than you think. Butterflies with beautiful wings of different sizes and colors each making their journey the same way.
Chapter Books
Pug Pals: Two’s a Crowd
by Flora Ahn
Sunny the pug gets a new little sister, Rosy, that disrupts her life, routine and worst of all loses her favorite toy. When Rosy sets off to find the toy Sunny knows it is her job to bring her new sister back home. A delightful, dog filled story with many illustrations to engage new chapter book readers.
The Last Kids On Earth
by Max Brallier
This gross out apocalyptic tale features a ball of rolling zombies, revenge-filled creatures with bad eyesight, and a monster dog named Rover. It provides well developed characters, loads of laughs and lots of fast paced action.
Sweep: The story of a girl and her monster
by Jonathan Auxier
Set in Victorian England this historical fantasy is a must read. Nan, works as a climbing boy, aiding chimney sweeps but when her most treasured possession ends up in a fireplace, she accidently makes a golem.
