Summer (n.) rest, relaxation and reading whatever you want, when you want.

Exams are finally over and vacation is on the horizon. Summer check out begins now! The library has hundreds of the newest titles to bring the heat to your summer reading. Here are 10 for your summer reading radar.  

1. All that I Can Fix by Crystal Chan

“Just when Ronney thinks his life can’t possibly become any more mortifying and complicated, someone opens all the cages of an exotic zoo and wild animals now roam free in his hometown. Can he keep all the pieces of his life from imploding while the whole world seems to be going crazy?” (ILA Young Adults’ Choices 2019 Reading List).

2. Be Prepared by Vera Brosgal

“Attending summer camp is a rite of passage. But what if your single mother can’t afford to send you to some swanky, expensive one, and instead sends you to Russian camp? Here you can learn about your culture and where you come from, struggle to belong, and still encounter all of the same nightmares of scary outhouses and camp drama” (ILA Young Adults’ Choices 2019 Reading List).

3. Furyborn by Claire Legrand

“Through a series of seven elemental magic trials forced upon her, Rielle survives as the apparent Queen of Sun and Salvation. Centuries later, Eliana learns pure evil lies at the heart of the Empire. When the stories of Rielle and Eliana intersect, the fate of the world is in peril. This dark fantasy adventure abounds in passion and danger” (ILA Young Adults’ Choices 2019 Reading List).

4. Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka

This graphic memoir depicts author/illustrator Krosoczka’s difficult childhood, in which he was raised by his grandparents, after his mother went to prison for drug use. The story outlines the boy’s search for his father, and is so relatable and honest. #booksthatmakemecryinpublic

5. Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin

“In this epic graphic novel, 12-year-old Ebo, a boy from Ghana, takes a daring and dangerous journey to Europe to find his brother, Kwame. Ebo risks his life when he travels through the Sahara Desert, through the scary streets of Tripoli, and across the Mediterranean Sea on a treacherous trek, hoping to reunite with his family” (ILA Young Adults’ Choices 2019 Reading List).

6. The Leavers by Lisa Ko

An undocumented Chinese mother in New York City goes to work one day and never comes home. Her son is taken in by a well-meaning white couple who cannot fix the kid’s broken heart. This one popped up on the “what I noticed students reading this year” radar. The theme looks complicated and messy and super relevant.

7. Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany Jackson

In this urban thriller, Claudia’s best friend since childhood, Monday, has disappeared and no one, including Monday’s family, seems to be concerned. How can a child disappear while the adults are just going along with their lives? How can a tween empower herself and others to find out the truth? This one kept me on the edge of my seat.

8. #MurderTrending by Gretchen McNeil

“In this suspenseful, futuristic dark comedy, 17-year-old Dee Guerra is convicted of murdering her stepsister. Sent to Alcatraz 2.0, Dee has to live and survive in prison while also knowing that her life is now being viewed on a live-streaming lethal reality television show, where the prison executioners kill society’s convicted criminals in gruesome ways. Will Dee’s death earn high ratings?” (ILA Young Adults’ Choices 2019 Reading List).

9. One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

If an Agatha Christie murder mystery and the 1980s teen classic The Breakfast Club had a baby, it would be named One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus.  Five students walk into detention but only four walk out. What (or who) killed Simon? One by one, they each become suspects. And they all have a motive and a story to tell. So, which one is lying?

10. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

This is a widely popular, highly praised historical saga following the lives of four generations of Koreans starting with the Japanese annexation of Korea. The story was gripping, gut wrenching and beautifully written. Min Jin Lee’s characterization game is on point.

Hopefully there’s something that piques your interest. And, if not? Come to the library and talk to me about what you’re looking for. Also make sure to check out this reading list, and join Goodreads to see what your friends have enjoyed.

Make sure to comment below if you have additional recommendations!