School is out and we have so many great books to read. If you love to read but have no idea what to read, we have some amazing staff picks this summer.
Jen’s Picks:
Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee J BAN
Poppy Ray wants to be a veterinarian, but she has never even had a pet. This summer, she is going to spend a month with her Uncle Sanjay, who is a veterinarian, and she’ll discover that she may not be prepared for all of the quirky pet owners, dirty messes, or scary emergencies that go along with working with animals.
Alice in Wonderland retold by Jon Scieszka E SCI
Relive the classic tale of Alice chasing the White Rabbit to the magical world of Wonderland. Hang out with the Cheshire Cat, drink tea with the Mad Hatter, and try not to lose your head when you meet the Queen of Hearts.
You Wouldn’t Want to be Cleopatra!: An Egyptian Ruler You’d Rather Not Be by Jim Pipe J 932 PIP
You are an Egyptian princess living 2,000 years ago. You are rich and royal, what could be better, right? Discover what it was really like to be Cleopatra. It definitely was not easy living in this palace!
How the Beatles Changed the World by Martin W. Sandler J 782.42166 SAN
Introduce a new generation to the Beatles and see how four guys from Liverpool, England changed rock and roll music and ignited Beatlemania across the globe.
Magic Eye III: Visions: A New Dimension in Art by N.E. Thing Enterprises J 152.148 MAG
In the 1990’S, 3D illusion books were all the rage. Can you see the magic image that pops out at you? Hold the image on each page up to your nose, slowly pull the book away, and let your eyes relax. What do you see?
Fish Girl by Donna Jo Napoli and David Wiesner J GN NAP
Fish Girl lives in a tank at a boardwalk aquarium and is “cared for” by a man who calls himself Neptune. She is the main attraction there, though she hides away so no humans can see her for fear that they will harm her. She longs to be free, and with the help of an octopus, a girl named Livia, and a little magic, this mermaid can do anything. Filled with gorgeously illustrated artwork, this graphic novel is a feast for the eyes.
Wishtree by Katharine Applegate J APP & PLAYAWAY J F APP
A wise, old oak tree named Red tells how he and his crow friend, Bongo, help their human neighbors come together after a threat against a Muslim family is carved into Red’s trunk. Red and his animal friends love Samar, the new girl, and will do anything to help their friend. Red is a wish tree and once a year people tie their wishes on his branches. Will Red and the animals grant a special wish and save the day? Told with beauty and humor, and with a message of acceptance and the importance of friendship.
Liz’s Picks:
The Lost Stone by Jordan Quinn JP QUI
The first book in the series The Kingdom of Wrenly. Prince Lucas and his friend Clara, set out to find the Queen’s lost jewel and their quest takes them all over the kingdom.
Ship of Dolls by Shirley Parenteau J PAR
It is 1926 and a class is raising money to send a doll to the children of Japan through a Friendship Exchange Program. This book is not just about dolls, it is about loyalty, friendship, consequences, and more.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion E ZIO
Where does Harry the white dog with black spots go when he runs away to avoid a bath? What will happen when he finally comes home?
Beach Feet by Kiyomi Konagaya E KON
What would you be thinking about when you go to the beach? This is a perfect story of a child at the beach.
A Baseball Story by Richard Torrey E TOR
This is a cute story about Jordan’s very first baseball game, from warmups to a fun celebration at the end!
Max’s Castle by Richard Torrey E TOR
Max finds forgotten blocks under his bed and begins to build. The power of imagination is a wonderful thing.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Audio CD JF DIC
This tale is the perfect combination of sweet and darkness. A small mouse with oversized ears, falls in love with a princess and sets out to rescue her from the clutches of an evil rat!
Leslie’s Picks:
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt E Day
Rock is a mighty warrior who wanted to find someone who was worthy of a challenge. At the same time from across the land, Paper and Scissors were also looking for a worthy battle. By the grace of the universe, all 3 fell into a great battle. Read to find out who wins this challenge of a lifetime!
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken E LUY
This beautifully crafted book shows the reader that not all mistakes are accidental.
Fox in Socks, Horton Hatches the Egg, and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss AUDIO CD JF SEU
Listen along as the classic tales of Dr. Seuss are read aloud in a very entertaining way.
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat E SAN
Beekle was born on an island far, far away. It is an island where imaginary friends are created but Beekle waited and waited for someone to claim him. He decided to venture out in search of his own friend. Will Beekle find someone or will he have many adventures in the world on his own?
This is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans J EVA
Deep in the heart of the woods lies a secret that only Raul knows. At the end of a long week at his boarding school, Raul escapes to the woods to live out a secret life. Every character has a secret in this story. Who do you think carries the biggest secret with them? Will the secret mystery be revealed or is it just fantasy?
Off the Wall by Ripley Entertainment J 031.02 RIP
Did you know that it is illegal to flush the toilet in Switzerland after 10:00 pm if you live in an apartment? Did you know that the :Snake Man” from China can lead a snake through his nostril and out his mouth? If you like bizarre stunts, then this book is for you!