Join us in reading through our summer reading list at Howard County Library System, including stories about animals, magic, family secrets and summer adventures.
Board Books
“Care”
by Jaye Garnett
Explore all the ways animals love and care for their families in this heartwarming collection of sweet gestures displayed in the wild, featuring animals found in Africa such as chimpanzees, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, anteaters, meerkats and more! This beautifully illustrated book introduces babies and toddlers to empathy and a love for animals.
“Hello Hello. Colors”
by Brendan Wenzel
Say hello to early learning concepts and the wild world of animals, including a zebra, a swordfish, a sloth and an axolotl. More than 60 wonderful and endangered creatures from earth, sea and sky parade across the pages and show the beauty and variety of our planet.
Picture Books
“The Book That Can Read Your Mind”
by Marianna Coppo
Kids and grown-ups alike will be astonished by the magic trick Lady Rabbit pulls off in this incredibly fun, interactive book. Readers will want to try it over and over again, to explore the array of intriguing characters and to puzzle over the book’s amazing mind-reading capacity. It’s the perfect cure to any “I’m bored!” summer moment.
“Ready, Set, Roll”
by Alessandro Montagnana
When a roll of toilet paper is left behind at a campsite, three forest animals find creative ways to play. This funny picture book explores how even ordinary objects can inspire creativity and play.
Elementary Books
“Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest”
by Chris Grabenstein
Join brothers Ethan and Benji for a crazy road trip across Route 66 — one that requires them to solve puzzles, race against unscrupulous competitors and work together in brotherly harmony. It’s not the summer vacation they imagined, but with a million-dollar prize at the end, they’re willing to take a wild ride. Readers who loved Grabenstein’s Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series will enjoy this puzzle-packed adventure.
“Maker Lab Outdoors”
by Jack Challoner
Make ice cream in a bag, construct a compass, build a kite, make gigantic bubbles, create a wormery! “Maker Lab Outdoors” offers both exciting activity ideas and answers to questions that stir kids’ curiosity. With clear, step-by-step instructions, photographs and simple materials, this book will keep kids happily busy all summer, exploring and experimenting.
Middle Grade Books
“Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine”
by Nicole Melleby
In Winnie Nash’s family, secrets abound. While spending the summer with her grandmother (while her pregnant mother looks after her health), Winnie finds herself at the senior center playing cards and talking books with her grandmother’s eccentric friends. When she meets another girl her age and they spend time together, Winnie must decide whether to keep her own secret, in order to keep the peace. Full of self-discovery, family drama and many light-hearted moments, readers will enjoy this story about the importance of staying true to who you are.
“Please Pay Attention”
by Jamie Sumner
What started out as any other school day changed drastically when shots were fired. Sixth grader Bea Coughlin, who has cerebral palsy, turns to horseback riding to heal. In this book, written in verse and based a school shooting in the author’s Nashville hometown, readers will appreciate this poignant story about how you’re are never too young to advocate for change.
Teen Books
“Hey, Mary!”
by Andrew Wheeler, illustrated by Rye Hickman
Mark is a good Catholic boy: he prays, believes and goes to church. And he has a crush on a boy. As he tries to reconcile his religious beliefs, parents’ acceptance and authentic lifestyle, Mark wonders, “Can you be gay and Catholic?” This graphic novel shares LGBQT historical allies in the faith space.
“Two Sides to Every Murder”
by Danielle Valentine
Seventeen years ago, the Camp Lost Lake murders made headlines. Today, Olivia’s older sister is looking to open a new business on the grounds of the camp, which was owned by their family. Reagan returns to the camp to prove her mother was not involved in the trio of murders. As their stories intertwine, a new murderer is on the loose. Readers of this murder mystery may never see summer camp the same way.
