Day 43: 45 Days of Summer

Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

All summer long I've been making a list of "Road Trip" books so that I could do an entire post listing all of my favorites. 

Um, well, summer is almost over and I never really sat and wrote the post. But I have LOTS of great books for the list. Alas, I guess I will just save it for next summer? 

But I didn't want to let the entire summer go by without highlighting one or two. This is one of my favorite books from the past couple of years. And, even though the cover doesn't look like it, it is actually a great road trip story with a boy main character. (Sometimes I wonder about publishers...). So, if you're a fan of road trips, musicians, roadies, adventure, music, and maybe a little romance, this is an enjoyable book on so many levels!

Perfect for: high school and up...adults, too!

Day 42: 45 Days of Summer

Shark Life by Peter Benchley

Already missing Shark Week????

I know, it's tough to go from sharks, sharks, sharks 24-7, to...nothing.

Read this book. You'll thank me.

Perfect for: grades 5-8. But younger shark fiends and high school readers will enjoy this just as much. This is the young adult adaptation of the author's adult title: Shark Trouble.

And yes, this is the same author that wrote Jaws. But these are the true stories of his life with sharks. That actually dispel many of the myths that he created in Jaws.

Day 40: 45 Days of Summer

Bottom of the 33rd by Dan Barry

So, I haven't actually read this book, but today is my dad's birthday and this is the book that I got for him.

I'm hoping that he reads it fast because I do want to read it. The true story about a minor league game that went 33 innings back in 1981. FYI: It looks like Wade Boggs and Cal Ripkin played in this game.

I can't wait to read it. Fingers crossed it is as good as it looks. Have you read it? What did you think?

Day 39: 45 Days of Summer

The Secrets of Tree Taylor by Dandi Daley Mackall

Tree Taylor has two goals for summer: have her first real kiss; and become a writer. 

She desperately wants to become a reporter for the high school paper in the fall even though she will only be a freshman. When a gunshot is fired across the street, Tree knows this might be her opportunity to get the scoop before anyone else and write the investigative story that will make her famous.

But when she uncovers more than she intended to, she discovers perhaps that some secrets are not her's to tell.

A great tween mystery, but also a story of friendship and family. One of those books I call a "quiet gem."

Perfect for: grades 5-8. 

Day 38: 45 Days of Summer

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems by J. Patrick Lews and Douglas Florian

Oh. My. Gosh. 

My two favorite poets for kids have teamed up on a book?!?!?!

Why, yes! I will read it. And, surprise! I do love it.

So. Much. Fun. That is all. Enjoy!

Perfect for: kindergarten-2nd grades.

Day 37: 45 Days of Summer

Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen

Okay, I cannot do justice to this book in a few sentences. But I will say that reading this book a few weeks ago was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had reading a book. This book completely resonated with me. I will never be the same.

I will be hosting the author on this blog in September, so I will save a lot of what I have to say for then.

Until then, READ THIS BOOK!

Perfect for: high school, and adults. Though, a sophisticated middle school reader that likes "romance" kind of stories would enjoy this also.

Day 36: 45 Days of Summer

Lulu's Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst

First, I want to say that I love this author. LOVE. Not afraid to gush about it either. She is the popular author of the Alexander books (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good...) and MANY others. But the Alexander books are where I first got to know her and her characters...and they saved more than one storytime for me!

This is the third book starring Lulu. I cannot get enough of them...or Lulu. In this book, Lulu's parents take a much needed vacation and bring in a mysterious babysitter to take charge. Lulu is DETERMINED to get rid of the babysitter, until she discovers that Ms. Sonia is a spy in disguise.

Go back and read all these books and enjoy Lulu's adventures.

Perfect for: students reading early chapter books; grades 1st-4th. 

Day 35: 45 Days of Summer

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

It's not too late to read this book before the movie hits theaters this weekend!!!

And don't forget...there's a companion novel (Where She Went) that you can read after you finish/after you see the movie.

I truly love these books, and was moved to tears while reading If I Stay. I hope, hope, hope, the movie lives up to my expectations.

Have you read these books? Are you going to see the movie? Let me know what you think!

Perfect for: grades 7-12...and adults!

Day 34: 45 Days of Summer

Devoted by Dick Hoyt

Another of my favorite triathlete stories. You can read my original review here.

I know that you've probably heard of this amazing father/son duo, seen them on ESPN, and/or watched interviews with them at various stages of their athletic career.

No other words for this family and all that they have accomplished but AMAZING!

As I get ready for my own competition this weekend, which seems so minor by comparison, I definitely want to recommend this to anyone and everyone in 8th grade through adult.

Day 32: 45 Days of Summer

Whatever After #5: Bad Hair Day by Sarah Mlynowski

This is such a great series! There are many fractured fairy tale stories out there these days, but this is definitely at the top of the list of books you should read if you're a fan of that genre.

This is the latest, so if you haven't heard of these books before, you will have to start with book #1. But you won't be disappointed!

This is one series that my tween daughter counts down the days until the next book comes out. We definitely love them all in this household.

Perfect for: grades 3-7.

Day 31: 45 Days of Summer

The Tree House that Jack Built by Bonnie Verburg & Mark Teague

I love all things Mark Teague. 

From his "How Do Dinosaurs..." preschool storytime standards that got me through many a storytime in my public library days, to "Pigsty," to my absolute favorites "Dear Mrs. LaRue..." And "How I Spent my Summer Vacation" is a HOOT for back-to-school.

I was so happy to see his illustrations for this new twist on a classic tale.

What a great book for summer! Who hasn't wanted to have the perfect tree house in the back yard? And to hang out there throughout the lazy days of summer?

This book is perfect for kids in Kindergarten - 2nd grades.

Day 30: 45 Days of Summer

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

I love everything written by Jennifer E. Smith. EVERYTHING!

This is her latest, and fans of light-hearted romance will be excited to have the perfect book to read at the beach this summer.

If you've ever heard the phrase "meet-cute" you will know that this book defines the term in the best way when the two main characters get stuck in an elevator together during their first meeting.

And things only heat up from there. Sort of.

Can you ever get back the spark you felt the first time you met someone special? Can you make romance work long distance? What if you never see each other again? 

Following the journey of Owen and Lucy will have you rooting for love to conquer all.

Perfect for: 7th grade and up...adults too!

Day 26: 45 Days of Summer

The Cat with Seven Names by Tony Johnston, Illustrated by Christine Davenier.

Animal lovers of all ages, have I got a book for you.

A quiet gem about belonging, this is the story of one cat who is different things to different people. And how that cat brings a community together.

The cat's adventures are fun to follow throughout, and the illustrations add so much to the story elements.

While this is perfect for Kindergarten-3rd grades, this would be great for families of all ages to share together. I dare you not to get a little teary-eyed at the end.

Day 25: 45 Days of Summer

Breathe, Annie Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Okay, I do gush over a lot of books. But I am not lying when I say that this is one of the most beautiful books I've read this year.  I've been waiting for it to finally be published so I could recommend it!

Grief and hope, love and healing. How do you honor the memory of someone you loved?

I can think of so many high school (and adult) readers who will devour this!

Day 24: 45 Days of Summer

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

Okay, I had this book checked out from the public library forever and had to return it. I admit, I almost returned it without reading it. But then I decided to crack it open (ha, ha).

I am SO glad that I took the time to read it (and incur the late charge).

I can only describe this book by using the publisher's words: This is From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler meets Chasing Vermeer.

And to that I would add "meets Monuments Men."

4th grade me would have ADORED this book. And grown-up me is kind of in love with it too.

Best for: grades 4-7.

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!