The end of the school year has been a bit of a whirlwind, so we are getting a 2-in-1 deal with the BookNote. We’re still in school until mid-June but on the countdown now and starting to do the exciting work of getting the books back in order, doing inventory, end of year reports, etc. Actually we’ll get to that next week- this week we’re still teaching! Definitely not slowing down yet but I am looking forward to “working” this summer (ie. reading books!) in between driving my kids to swim practice and various events.
So my question for you is: what books should be added to my reading list this summer? Feel free to comment and share! Whether or not it’s a young adult book, I’m always looking to add more titles to my never ending list!
Book Buzz
The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté (May 7). “Written as a collection of vignettes and poetry …is a creative nonfiction reflection on Black girlhood”. The cover alone grabbed me but I think it sounds like a great addition to the library.
This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed (May 7). A suspenseful book about book burning- count me in.
Eyes Open by Lyn Miller-Lachmann (May 7). A historical fiction novel about a teen girl trying to find a future in 1960’s Portugal, where many of her rights are restricted.
Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth (May ). I’m always looking for modern retellings, this one of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night featuring a MMORPG and a protagonist.
Shift Happens by J. Albert Mann (June 4). Described as a “... smart, funny, and engaging look at the history of the worker actions that brought us weekends, pay equality, desegregation…”, etc.
Six of Sorrow by Amanda Linsmeier (June 25). “Sixteen years ago, six girls were born on the same day—and now, on their birthday, one of them is missing… a story about small-towns, friendships, and the terrifying things your parents don’t tell you, that’s perfect for fans of Yellowjackets.”
Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi. Conclusion to the Legacy of Orisha series.
From the Librarian’s Desk
My books have been running the gambit in age ranges these past months!
Moo by Sharon Creech was part of my daughter’s school book club selections and she wanted me to read it as well. It’s a sweet story about a girl and her little brother who adjust to their new life in Maine by helping out an elderly woman and her stubborn cow.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. I actually had started this as an audiobook a few years ago, but in continuing with my dislike of audiobooks I never finished it (I don’t know why I don’t like audiobooks; I keep trying but just can’t do it!). It’s one of our selections for next fall’s reading program and it’s beautifully written. Loved it.
The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu comes out July 23 and I got to read an ARC through NetGalley. It’s a hilarious novel about a group of employees at a Texas high school, over the course of a year. Each chapter revolves around a diffrent person; certainly there were comparisons to teachers and situations I’ve known throughout the years! Would it be so funny to non-teachers? I’m not sure, but definitely for those working in public schools it’s a good read.
Beyond the Pages
Well known book blogger Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs.Darcy has released info for her 2024 Summer Reading Guide. Her guides are really comprehensive and highly recommended if you don’t know where to start for summer reading!
Mark your calendars for the end of August for the 2024 National Book Festival. I’ve gone for the past 2 years with my librarian/former teacher bestie and though we’re two exhausted introverts by the end of the day, it’s fantastic. There are some options for online recordings if you’re not in the D.C. area.
This post contains affiliate links to the book(s). Thank you for supporting The Young Adult Library & independent bookstores, through Bookshop.org.