June marks the beginning of summer months—a time for fun, learning and exploration. As you embark on your own summer adventures, check out some of our choices for summer fun! — Baltimore County Public Library
Board Books
“Look, It’s Hoot Hoot Owl”
by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Clare Youngs
With delightful illustrations, this book engages both the senses and imagination. Through its vibrant foil-enhanced animal illustrations and clever use of felt panels (which double as lift-the-flap elements), the book offers little hands a tactile experience, inviting them to explore and interact with each page.
“Hooray for Sunny Days!”
by Susan Kantor, illustrated by Katya Longhi
This book follows a group of woodland creatures as they celebrate summer through different sunny day activities. Kids will love the adorable illustrations and rhyming text.
Picture Books
“Mermaid and Pirate”
by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Leisl Adams
Despite speaking different languages and living in different worlds, Mermaid and Pirate help each other weather a turbulent storm at sea in this exciting adventure drawing from Caribbean and African folklore. Kids will love imitating Mermaid’s “Glubs” and Pirate’s “Arrghs” as the engaging characters find innovative ways to communicate and showcase daring acts of kindness and generosity.
“The World Belonged to Us”
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Leo Espinosa
This book captures the joy and freedom of the last day of school and celebrates summer fun in the city. There is a focus on the neighborhood as a place to find friendship and establish a sense of community. Kids will relate to the excitement of spending time just hanging out and playing games, and parents will enjoy the nostalgic feel of the book that recalls summers gone by.
Early Elementary
“Guatemalan Summer”
by Keka Novales, illustrated by Gloria Felix
Lola is spending the summer with her grandmother in her family’s hometown in Guatemala. Lola was raised in Texas, but she has a large family in Guatemala, and she does not even know most of them. Her Spanish is not as strong as she thought it was, and it’s no fun when her cousin, Luis, pokes fun at her Spanish pronunciation. Fortunately, Lola finds a friend in Isabel, her grandmother’s neighbor, who helps her with her Spanish and Guatemalan culture.
“Jasmine Toguchi: Great Gardener”
by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabeth Vuković
Eight-year-old Jasmine has been traveling all over Japan for the summer, and on her last stop visits Kyoto! While she is sad to leave her obaachan, Jasmine makes a plan to feel connected through summer gardening. This story features short chapters, detailed drawings highlighting Japanese landscapes and daily life and even an author’s note teaching young ones how to make their own miniature Zen garden!
Middle Grade
“Saving Sunshine”
by Saadia Faruqi
Many times, siblings can disagree. Zara and Zeeshan are no different. But when their disagreements cause them to have their phones taken away, they have no other option but to connect. As Zara and Zeeshan learn to understand and appreciate each other’s interests, they also learn how their differences shape their world and how working together and supporting one another can benefit them in the long run.
“Ruby Lost and Found”
by Christina Li
Ruby has been grounded to her grandmother’s house for the summer after a disastrous seventh grade year. As she tries to find her place in the world without her cherished grandfather, Ruby jumps into action and plans to save the beloved Mays Bakery when she discovers it will be closing. Determined to save the bakery and a piece of San Francisco history, Ruby discovers unexpected friendships and reconnects with her world.
Teen
“¡Viva Lola Espinoza!”
by Ella Cerón
Lola Espinoza is in for a summer of learning, family and a bit of magic when she is sent off to Mexico City to spend time with her grandmother and bring up her Spanish grade. She starts working at her cousin’s restaurant and meets two boys, Rio and Javi, who are quite different. Lola has always believed that she was unlucky in love, but as she delves into her family history that summer, she finds out the women in her family are cursed—and she is determined to undo it.
“You Have a Match”
by Emma Lord
When Abby takes a mail-in DNA test, she learns she has a sister, Savvy, that her parents never told her about. The plan? Attend summer camp with her newfound sister to try to figure out why Savvy was put up for adoption and learn about her sister along the way.
