Day 23: 45 Days of Summer

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger

For Throwback Thursday, I discovered this GEM only a few weeks ago (even though it was published in 2003?)

I am completely in love with everything about this book. Seriously. In. Love. 

The story of three teens and the year they learn about friendship, love, family...and Mary Poppins...and the Red Sox. 

Honest, it'll all make sense! 

Best for: This book is perfect for so many readers looking for "NOT dystopian," grades 7+, girls or guys. Or adults. Even a mother-daughter book club read.

Day 22: 45 Days of Summer

Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mary Grandpre

Author and illlustrator (of Harry Potter fame) join forces for one of my favorite books of the summer! 

An amazing picture book biography of Kandinsky. 

A must read for art lovers of all ages, especially K-3rd grades. 

Day 21: 45 Days of Summer

Wish by Joseph Monniger

 Last week when I went to a Seattle Sounders game, Make A Wish and the Sounders played a role. And I'm not gonna lie...I cried. 

And I was reminded of this quiet gem, which I have liked for a long time. And I'm so glad when it finds just the right reader. 

You will cheer for Bee and her brother Tommy, and be so glad they have each other. Beautifully written! 

(And when you finish this one, you MUST read "Finding Somewhere" by the same author, which I absolutely ADORE).

Best for: grades 7-11.

Day 20: 45 Days of Summer

Copernicus Legacy #1: The Forbidden Stone by Tony Abbott

Finished the 39 Clues and/or all of the Percy Jackson books? 

Well, here’s a new series for you. Readers will want to get their hands on this first book in the new Copernicus Legacy series: Forbidden Stone. 

Treasure hunting? Puzzles? Action and intrigue? 

This one has it ALL!

Best for: 4th-7th grades.

Day 19: 45 Days of Summer

One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson

Summer reading isn’t just for kids. 

What better way to model that reading is important for everyone than to pick up a book yourself? 

One Summer: America 1927 is a must-read, epic non-fiction tale of the summer of 1927 and all that it meant to America. 

Lindberg, Babe Ruth, Sacco and Vanzetti, the first talking movie, and more are covered in this thoroughly researched title. 

Best for: Adult, High School history buffs/AP history students as well. 

And the audio is terrific!

Day 18: 45 Days of Summer

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer

Who hasn’t wanted to participate in a reality TV show? 

What if one was filmed at your high school? 

That’s exactly what happens in The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy. 

When Ethan and his crew figure out that “reality” doesn’t necessarily mean “real,” they set out to bring down the TV show…and the villainous school principal.

Best for: 8th-12 grades.

Day 17: 45 Days of Summer

Eye to Eye by Steve Jenkins

Budding scientists, animal enthusiasts, and nature detectives will love spending the summer learning all about animal eyeballs in Eye to Eye. 

And then check out the author’s other books all summer long.

Best for: 2nd - 4th grades.

Day 16: 45 Days of Summer

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord

From an award-winning author comes yet another must-read!

Readers will appreciate this quiet story of summer, taking pictures, and making friends. 

And they will become friends with Lucy along the way.

Best for: 4th - 6th grades.

Day 15: 45 Days of Summer

Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Missing basketball season already? 

Crossover is a must-read for you. 

The story of two brothers and their quest for a high school basketball championship. 

Alexander combines hip hop, concrete poetry, and incredible basketball play-by-play to draw readers in and keep them in. 

Would make a terrific read-aloud too.

Best for: 8th - 12th grades.

Day 14: 45 Days of Summer

 Courage Has No Color by Tanya Lee Stone & Jump Into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall

Today's summer reading suggestion is a Non-Fiction/Fiction pairing about the 555th paratrooper division, the Triple Nickles.

Best for: Middle school readers.

Day 13: 45 Days of Summer

Road Trip by Gary Paulsen & Jim Paulsen

Summer is the time for family road trips, and what better reason for a father/son trip than to rescue a dog from an animal shelter. 

A quick read that packs a humorous punch, Road Trip will appeal to all ages and readers.

Best for: 4th - 8th grades.

Day 12: 45 Days of Summer

How the Beatles Changed the World by Martin W. Sandler

A MUST READ for Beatles fans!

Amazing!

Best for: middle school, high school, & adult

Day 11: 45 Days of Summer

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Haven’t you ever wanted to build the Most Magnificent Thing? 

With the help of your trusty four-legged assistant? 

It’s hard when you have a great idea but can’t quite get it to work out. But maybe you just need to look at it in a different way. 

In Most Magnificent Thing young readers will find a friend , and also realize that you just can’t give up. 

Best for: Kindergarten - 2nd grades.

Day 10: 45 Days of Summer

Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky

I discovered this book (and the publisher) at a recent Library convention. YAY for providing hours and days of fun and crafting for the tween daughter! 

Have a crafty teen/tween in your house? 
Too hot to go outside? 
Too rainy to go outside? 

GET THIS BOOK! And a gift card to your local #craft store. 

Best for: middle school and high school (and adult!)

Day 9: 45 Days of Summer

Loot by Jude Watson

Fast-paced action, witty quips, jewel heists, and a prophesied curse…

Loot has it all. 

Fans of mystery, action, crime drama and more will find a LOT to like in this book that reads like a movie.

Best for: 5th - 8th grades.

Day 8: 45 Days of Summer

 Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer & Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I decided today was American Hero day. 

The recent passing of Louis Zamperini is a great loss. Read his incredible story in Unbroken. 

And on vacation last week, I drove over the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You can read his story in Where Men Win Glory. 

Best for: Both books are great for adults, high school, and even middle school readers.

Day 7: 45 Days of Summer

Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Matthew Myers

For every kid who’s ever wanted to write their own book. 

Or felt that a book needed more action and battle scenes. 

Not that I’m recommending you draw all over library books, but Battle Bunny is a terrific adventure. 

And a fun idea for all those books headed for the garage sale bin. 

Go Agent Alex!

Best for: Kindergarten - 2nd grades

Day 6: 45 Days of Summer

Body in the Woods by April Henry

Author April Henry is back with another high-interest mystery (all set in the Pacific NW). 

The Body in the Woods will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. 

But you might not want to read it on a camping trip…

Best for: 8th-12th grades.

Day 5: 45 Days of Summer

Invasion by Walter Dean Myers

My heart is sad with news of the passing of this great man and author. 

If you have never read a book by Walter Dean Myers, please do so this summer!

Invasion is his latest book and is the "prequel" to Fallen Angels and Sunrise Over Fallujah. Takes place during WWII at the Invasion of Normandy.

Best For: 7th-12th grades.

RIP Mr. Myers, and prayers to your family.

Day 4: 45 Days of Summer

To Dare Mighty Things by Doreen Rappaport

In honor of the holiday, here's a biography of an incredible man. 

To Dare Mighty Things introduces readers to Theodore Roosevelt…and all of his adventures.  

Terrific illustrations and well-written, concise text make this a good choice for many readers, even those who might be reluctant.

Best for: 3rd - 6th grades

Day 3: 45 Days of Summer

The Griffin and the Dinosaur by Marc Aronson, Adrienne Mayor, & Chris Muller

Could Griffins have been real? 

What about other creatures from Greek and Roman mythology?

National Geographic’s newest book, The Griffin and the Dinosaur sets out to answer that question. 

Can’t get enough about dinosaurs in your house? Or maybe Greek myths dominate the dinner conversation? This is the book for your family to explore this summer!

Best for: Grades 5th - 8th grades.

Day 2: 45 Days of Summer

 Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

It’s summer! And while you definitely should be reading, it’s also fun to get outside and DO something. 

Make friends…build things…use your imagination. 

Going Places will give young readers just the inspiration they need to be creative and take their own imaginary journey this summer.

Best for: Kindergarten - 2nd grades

Day 1: 45 Days of Summer

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time, We Were Liars will stay with you long after you finish it. 

Without giving too much away, this is about money, power, summers on Cape Cod, and scary family secrets.

Best for: High school and adult readers.

Seriously, you MUST READ THIS BOOK!

45 Days of Summer...Reading

This summer, my goal is to provide you with a book recommendation every (weekday) of the summer. 

Recommendations will range in ages from Kindergarten through Adult, and I'll try and mix them up throughout the week. 

Library peeps and/or book geeks like me: your reading challenge is to read them all!

Or: I challenge everyone (kids, teens, adults, teachers, librarians...) to find at least ONE favorite book this summer. That you'll still be talking about in the fall, and will want to recommend to your friends/family.

I won't be doing my typical review of these books. Just a brief "blurb" to get you excited to read it. And stay tuned later this summer as I'm going to be starting a new "project" to recommend books to you...

Also, I'll be posting my complete lists for K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, High School, and Adults later in the summer.

And you can also follow me on Instagram and/or Twitter (@MrsYuskoLibrary on both social media sites) or like "Mrs. Yusko's Library" on Facebook to get the daily recommendation!

Happy Reading!