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Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” If those places include the beach or your patio, check out this fun reading list that will be sure to entertain the whole family!
Children:
1. "Ice Cream Summer" By: Peter Sis Kids will enjoy this picture book that was written by this Hans Christen Anderson Award-winning author. Ice Cream Summer captivates the essence of summer for children in a tongue-in-cheek style of writing.
2. "A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee" By: Chris Van Dusen This fun book shares the adventures of Mr. Magee and his best friend and dog, Dee. The duo are on a camping trip when they befriend a loving bear and embark on a fun journey! This light, funny read will have the kids entertained throughout the summer.
3. "Letters from Camp" By: Kate and Ms. Sarah Klise If the kiddos have been to summer camp, this book is one they can relate to. The story starts with a brother and sister first arriving at a camp and it is only once they stop arguing with each other that they notice how strange this camp really is. For example, everyone must wear uniforms and constantly do chores. Your kids will be reading until the end to find out whether this camp is safe or not!
4. "Be Quiet!" By: Ryan T. Higgins Higgins creates a funny picture book that stars a mouse named Rupert who wants to be the star of a beautiful wordless book. However, his friends won't stop talking! Children who are constantly chit-chatting is a topic all parents can relate to, and with this book, parents can have some down time!
Teens:
1. "The Beauty That Remains" By: Ashely Woodfolk This young adult read discusses love, friendship and finding yourself. The Beauty that Remains is about a girl named Autumn, her twin sister Sasha and a guy named Logan. Tragedy strikes each of them and it is how they deal with this tragedy that makes this book a good read.
2. "The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik" By: David Arnold This book is relatable among many teens and is perfect for military kids. This is a story about all the ways we hurt our friends without even knowing it as well as all the ways they save us. Being in a community where kids are constantly leaving and making new friends, this read is insightful and teaches teens they are not alone.
3. “Nyxia” By: Scott Reintgen If your teen enjoys a good sci-fi book, Nyxia is one they will be sure to enjoy as they lay out in the sun! The author writes about a boy named Emmett Atwater who is leaving Earth. However, Babel Corporation, the company who recruited him to leave Earth may be hiding something from him and the other recruits. This page-turner will have your teens wondering what will happen to Emmett and the others.
4. "Milk and Honey" By: Rupi Kaur One of my favorite reads, Milk and Honey is a collection of poems and prose that discusses topics such as survival, love, loss, abuse and femininity. Each chapter, divided into four entails a different theme. A line that resonates with me is, “how you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.”
Adults:
1. "Rich People Problems" By: Kevin Kwan Kevin Kwan creates a funny story about a rich family and the problems money causes. Each member of this family tries to inherit Tyersall Park, a trophy estate on 64 acres in Singapore. Part of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, this hilarious novel will have you laughing all the way until the very end!
2. "How to Stop Time" By: Matt Haig This summer read is a love story about a man who is lost in time and a woman who saves him. Tom Hazard, the main character in novel, may look like an average 41-year-old, but he’s actually been alive for centuries! However, when he encounters a beautiful woman, he may just have broken his number one rule: don’t fall in love. By the end, Tom will have to a big decision to make.
3. "Back Talk" By: Danielle Lazarin Back Talk is a collection of stories about women’s unexpressed desires and needs and the way they can resurface. This book is divided into three sections: Floor Plans, Appetite and Dinosaurs. Through her writing, Lazarin shows the hardships of what it’s like to be a woman in today’s society.
4. "An American Marriage" By: Tayari Jones Jones examines the themes of working to achieve the American dream all while working on one’s marriage. Celestial and Roy are newlyweds who are trying to pursue their aspirations on climbing the ladders in their careers. Just when they start to settle on their new life together, Roy is arrested and faces a sentence to a crime his wife knows he didn’t commit. How will this story end? Pick up the book to find out!
Whether you’re reading on the beach, near a pool, on a hammock or on your couch, summer has never been more colorful and imaginative with these exciting reads! Happy reading!
