Summer Reading, Round #2

WOW! Time sure flies when it’s summer and you’re reading good books.

If you missed the first 12 books I recommended, click here.

Books #13-#24 include some FANTASTIC books and several 5 STAR titles!

Without further ado, the next round of #60daysofsummerreading.

13) On July 13th, I officiated a friend’s wedding. (Which was a BLAST... I may have quoted Albus Dumbledore. And I may have decided to make this my new side gig). In honor of this special occasion, I’m highlighting three of my favorite wedding-themed #yalit titles, all appropriate for grades 8-12 (and middle school readers who have already read all the Sarah Dessen books).

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti

Save the Date by Morgan Matson

14) There’s Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

I ADORE this new one by Menon! 5 STARS for sure! This is a stand-alone companion to When Dimple Met Rishi. The perfect rom-com plus so much more! Grades 7 and up, fans of Dumplin’ will find much to love here. Each book by Menon I like a little bit more so now I can’t wait for whatever might come next.

15) Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord. This is just the latest in a line of great books by Lord. Animal lovers, readers who feel like they don't quite fit in, and classroom teachers looking for a new read-aloud will especially enjoy this one. Grades 3-6.

16) Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry & Vashti Harrison. One of the best picture books that I've read so far this year. I'm completely in love with Hair Love, and you will be too! Grades K-2 and a good one for #classroombookaday.

17) Undaunted by Anita Silvey. Another 5 star book! I love this one as much as I loved the author's Untamed (about Jane Goodall). And now I'm desperate for one about Dian Fossey to complete the set. So far, this is my favorite non-fiction book of the year.

18) Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum. I'm always a fan of Buxbaum and this one did not disappoint. A book about loss, healing, and 9/11 for readers that weren't alive to remember. Sprinkle in summer and a "treasure hunt" of sorts and you'll find wide appeal for this one. Grades 7-12.

19) When Sue Found Sue by Toni Buzzeo and Diana Sudyka. For dinosaur lovers and anyone that dreams of science and making discoveries. A good introductory biography for grades 1-4.

20) Moon! Earth‘s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis. I LOVE THESE BOOKS by McAnulty! (Sun! and Earth! complete the set). These are "autobiographies" filled with science vocabulary and kid-friendly facts, written with a humorous voice. Entertaining and inspiring for the next generation of scientists. Grades K-3 (and older).

21) You Are Home by Evan Turk. A 5 star book and gorgeous ode to many of our National Parks. For the youngest readers, this is really a book for anyone that appreciates nature and the beauty of our world. And I'm SO PROUD of myself for "discovering" this book in time to give it as a baby shower gift for my National Park trekking friends.

22) Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles. A quiet gem that will find readers. A story of family, friendship, and unknown futures. Grades 4-7.

23) Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett. My view on this one might be tainted by love of the PNW and because I listened to it right after spending a month back home in Seattle. This book was great! A nod to Seattle, Bainbridge Island, riding the ferry, classic mystery/detectives, writers, and romance...it has something for everyone. Grades 8-12.

24) We Are Displaced by Malala Yousafzai. 5 stars! Absolutely. This has so many fiction and nonfiction book-pairing possibilities, as well as classroom/curriculum/current event tie-ins. The audiobook is good, and Malala narrates the introduction. Grades 6-12.

What are you reading this summer?

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#yalit #kidlit #newbooks #summerrreading #fiction #nonfiction #teachers #librarians

Summer Reading, Round #1

Hard to believe, but we are 20% of the way through #60DaysofSummerReading.

Time flies when you're reading books.

I thought I would pause and list my first 12 Summer Reading Suggestions. Check out Instagram for suggestions each day.

1) The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring-Blake. ALL THE STARS (or hearts) for this one! A must-read for grades 5-8.

2) Handimals by Silvia Lopez and Guido Daniele. Besides being gorgeous to look at, and filled with animal facts, this will likely inspire many wannabe artists to try their hand (no pun intended) at recreating the hand art. Gorgeous! A must for all elementary library collections.

3) Don't Date Rosa Santos by Rita Moreno. A refreshing #yalit rom-com with a strong sense of place and community. Grades 8-11.

4) Liberty Arrives by Robert Byrd. Engaging, informative, and beautifully illustrated. A look at the gift that was the Statue of Liberty. MUST READ. Grades K-5.

5) Saving Fiona by Thane Maynard. I ADORE this true story about baby Fiona, a hippo born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo and the efforts to save her. WITH PICTURES OF THE BABY HIPPO. Grades K-2

6) Rocket to the Moon by Don Brown. This title launches (wink wink) Brown's new graphic novel series: Big Ideas that Changed the World. This is fantastic, done by a master, and you will want multiple copies. For science and history fans alike, and anyone that enjoys the Hazardous Tales series (Hale). Grades 4-8.

7) 25 Fun Things to do For Your Neighbors by Paul Mason. Random acts of kindness meets Sunday Funday in this guide to community service projects. Grades 3-7 (or family projects with slightly younger kids).

8) Lety Out Loud by Angela Cervantes. This is one of my Top picks of 2019 and the PERFECT summer reading book for grades 4-6. Lety chooses summer camp at an animal shelter in this book filled with friendship, finding your voice, and furry critters needing new homes. Classroom teachers will want to check this out for the read-aloud rotation. Important for all readers, and a window for ELL, immigrant, and bilingual kids.

9) Girls of July by Alex Flinn. Four girls from different walks of life learn to live with each other over the course of one July in the Adirondacks. A great summer vibe! Grades 7-10

10) The Quiet Boat Ride by Sergio Ruzzier. Another in the Fox + Chick series, this is a summer adventure story for the newly minted reader that has graduated from Elephant & Piggie. Grades K-3

11) The Rest of the Summer by Sarah Dessen. A NEW SARAH DESSEN BOOK. Enough said. Grades 8-12 (and adults)

12) Let Er Buck by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Gordon C. James. A picture book biography of rodeo champion George Fletcher combine outstanding writing and illustration to bring Fletcher's spirit and this moment in history to life. One of my few 5 star books this year. Grades 2-5, and secondary teachers doing #classroombookaday.

Happy Reading! What are you reading this summer?

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#kidlit #yalit #summerreading #newbooks #mrsyuskofavorite