Summer Escape—Book Style

One of the best ways to spend a summer day is lost in a good book. If you are like me, you prefer when someone hands you a book and says, “I think you’ll like this.” So, let’s pretend we are having an iced latte together (wouldn’t that be fun) and let me make some suggestions.

It is almost impossible for me to limit my recommendations, so I’ll go with what fits in my book bag today: three novels (actually four), two graphic novels, seven picture books, and three nonfiction titles. I’m sure some of these will be worthy of your “must read” pile.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. If you liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then you’ll probably like this. Luigi Lemoncello is a brilliant game maker and the force behind the new town library. A dozen 12-year-olds are selected to be the first ones to experience it during an escape-room-type situation. Friendship, humor, and puzzles are included, and I couldn’t help but cheer a little every time a book I love was mentioned. And, if you are into prequels, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game. It is perfect for any kid who feels like their oddities keep them from fitting in with everyone else. We’ll all embrace our uniqueness after reading it.

The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz (illustrated by Hatem Aly). This fantasy adventure, which takes place in 1242 France, unfolds and weaves together expertly. We’ll learn about three amazing children: William, a hulkish oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a vision-seeing peasant girl with a resurrected dog. Together, they go on a quest filled with danger, prejudice, and adventure.

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill. Okay. Let me be up front. Some of you are going to love this, and some of you are not. What happens when the members of a beautiful community stop caring for one another and think only of themselves? What happens when they let suspicions run rampant? Some of you will be drawn into the story and the way it unfolds through numerous storytellers. A handful will not like the thinly veiled spotlight on our own societal ills and political mayhem.

Bobo and Pup-Pup Hatch an Egg by Vikram Madan is a very funny early chapter book/graphic novel that beginning readers will love, and we know that if we can hook them into a series, we can keep them going for quite a while.

Killer Underwear Invasion! How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories by Elise Gravel. Media literacy is more important than ever. How will our students discern what is and isn’t true? This graphic novel is a ton of fun and So. Well. Done.

The Little Bit Scary People by Emily Jenkins (illustrated by Alexandra Boiger) will help readers imagine that there is more to all of us than meets the eye.

Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (illustrated by Tiffany Rose). I have witnessed smart, creative children with dysgraphia experience the same struggle as Abdul. What a gift to see how he learns that his stories are meant to be written, mistakes and all.

All About Nothing (All About Noticing) by Elizabeth Rusch is quiet, beautiful, and profound. It might cause you and the children in your life to see that “nothing” is really “something.”

Bug on the Rug by Sophia Gholz (illustrated by Susan Batori) is that rare find that is an epic read-aloud and a title that will be in book boxes the rest of the year.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes (illustrated by Gordon C. James) takes us into the barbershop. It is so good and so beautiful, and speaking of beautiful, I loved this part:

It’s how your mother looks at you
before she calls you beautiful.
Flowers are beautiful.
Sunrises are beautiful.
Being viewed in your mother’s eyes
as someone that matters—now that’s beautiful.

Maple and Rosemary by Alison James (illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann) is about a lifelong friendship between Rosemary and a maple tree. Many people compare it to The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, but I liked Maple and Rosemary even better.

Outfoxed by Mike Twohy is a fun and amusing story of a duck, nabbed by a fox, who tries to con his way out of the predicament by pretending he is a dog.

The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story by Emma Bland Smith (illustrated by Jenn Ely). If you love second-chance stories as much as I do, you’ll appreciate learning about Elliott Michener. He was sent to Alcatraz for counterfeiting. Instead of wasting away or becoming a hardened version of himself, he discovers a brand-new passion and sense of purpose.

Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D. Williams (illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara). This book follows jubilant Zora from her childhood in Alabama to Harlem, and tells how she collected stories throughout her journey that enlighten and enrich the lives of everyone who reads them.

Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler (illustrated by Melissa Sweet). Joyce Scott tells us about her very special sister in this moving story. Judith was born with Down syndrome. Scarlet fever as an infant caused her to be deaf. At age 7, Joyce got to go to school, but her sister, deemed “ineducable,” was sent to an institution. But after 35 years, the sisters were reunited and Joyce enrolled Judith in an art class. Now Judith is internationally renowned for her art.

Did you pull your library card out yet? I hope so. You are going to love some of these, and then next year, you’ll be ready to recommend them to the students in your life.