Can you believe it’s the middle of July? The summer is truly flying by, but I’m trying to enjoy every moment. Of course, that means finding time to discover lots of new favorite reads for your summer reading, which I want to share with you. There’s a Young Adult, a middle grade, an early chapter book and one very special picture book. Let me know what books you’ve discovered this summer!

Everything You Need for a Treehouse
by Carter Higgins

Oh, my! I was so looking forward to this book and I can happily say it was absolutely worth the wait! This delightful story, along with Emily Hughes’ charming illustrations transport us into the woods and to that treehouse we’ve always dreamed of owning. It describes the adventures we’ve always hoped of experiencing and are definitely on our wishlist for our children.
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This story is a perfect one to read aloud to your little ones of any age this summer. You and your kids can allow your imaginations to run wild, as you read each page and discover each hidden gem of every imaginative treehouse. You can enjoy the word choice such as speckles of sun (my favorite) or warble or rustle and let the heartwarming illustrations help you to figure out the meanings. You can reread the story as your children close their eyes and allow them to simply listen to all of the imaginatively described sounds of the wild. Finally, you can imagine your perfect treehouse together, and dream of the day when that treehouse becomes real!
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I highly recommend this picture book be added to every family’s library and to every library collection. It’s certainly going to find a home on my bookshelf!

meet yasmin by Saadia Faruqi

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing this book. All opinions are my own.
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I am always on the lookout for new early chapter book series and this is a truly special one! It reminded me of the Katie Woo series, which if you understood how much I love Katie, you would know that’s a huge compliment! Not only is it perfect for those little ones who are yearning to move beyond readers to chapter books, but as an extra bonus the main character is a delightful, imaginative and spirited girl from a multigenerational Pakistani American family. The bright, colorful artwork perfectly illustrates the story, which includes many Urdu words and traditions. I loved the fact that there is a Urdu dictionary in the back, as well as questions to help guide the discussion of the story, facts about Pakistan and an art project.
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This endearing series will be released August 1. Librarians order it now and be sure to order lots of copies!

the way the light bends   by Cordelia Jensen

Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This young adult book is my second novel in verse by @cordeliajensen and it was just as memorable as the first!

Linc and Holly are virtual twins. Holly was adopted as an infant from Ghana and Linc was surprisingly born a short time later. As children, Linc and Holly were inseparable, even though it soon became apparent that Holly was a high achiever and Linc was more imaginative and creative. Their parents, a doctor and a historian, quickly begin to favor Holly and to wonder why Linc has so little academic success. As the girls grow older, their lives become  more and more different, especially when their mother shows so much pride in Holly’s accomplishments and so much disappointment about Linc’s.

This is a story about finding yourself, about family and about the different ways to define success. It is the story of Linc and Holly, virtual twins, sophomores in high school in New York City. It is the story of their closeness while they were growing up, but also about how they have grown apart in their teen years. It is about the loneliness that Linc experiences because her parents value Holly’s academic and athletic success over her artistic success. It is about Holly’s search to gain a real understanding of her background and of the country where she was born.

I flew through this book, which is especially easy to do with books in verse, but the story itself made me want to keep reading every chance I got. I was fascinated by Linc’s pursuit of finding a way she could succeed, and her creative pursuit of photography to achieve that goal. My heart was breaking for Linc as her mother again and again refused to accept her pursuit of artistic goals; as she constantly chastised Linc for failing to work up to her potential, rather than recognizing her achievements. I found myself cheering Linc and Holly on, hoping that their parents would become more open minded, both about Linc’s artistic interests and Holly’s need to understand her heritage, and that she and Holly would find some understanding for one another. This is a book that will provide a mirror for many readers who are trying to find a place to belong.

This story in verse is best for those in grades 8 and up. It deserves a spot in every library. 

From Me to You   by K.A. Holt

Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Amelia is in 8th grade. Three years ago, her sister, Clara, died in a boating accident on their small town’s lake. And Amelia simply can’t move on. The grief is just too much. Her best friend has stuck with her, as has her sister’s best friend, Stitch, as well as all of the citizens of her small community, but it just hasn’t helped. Even her mom and dad have seemed to move on and left Amelia to face her grief by herself, at least that’s how she feels. ✨
Oh, I loved this story for so many reasons! I loved the support, patience, understanding and love that Amelia received from her best friend, Taylor, from Taylor’s grandmother, Mrs. Grant and from Stitch. All of them, along with so many more people in their small town were feeling the sadness of Clara’s death, but always put Amelia first. I loved the closeness of Amelia’s family as they struggled to find a new normal and renewed happiness. But I especially loved Mrs. Grant. We all need a grandmother like her who understands that her unbelievable grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate shakes will not solve all of our problems, but it’s certainly a great place to start. And then willingly listens to us with a gentle ear and a big hug. I loved the support Amelia received from her sister’s friends who were on the boat with her that fateful day, even though they were dealing with their own grief and guilt. And their immediate agreement to help her with a crazy plan that might help all of them, as well as the rest of the town, to move forward. ✨
Even though Amelia is in eighth grade, and some of the main characters are in high school, this middle grade story is one that is completely acceptable for anyone in grades 4-8. From You to Me is one that will be enjoyed and loved by anyone looking for an inspiring book, which is full of heart. It needs to be added to both public and school library collections. ✨

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More about Susan

Hi! I'm Susan, a wife, a mom and a recently retired elementary school librarian with 22 years of experience. One of my greatest joys is to connect kids with a perfect book, which then leads them to a lifelong love of learning. Through my blog, I'm hoping to reach parents, their children and teachers to help them find those special books. I’m also hoping to offer some tips and techniques to use with your children as you read aloud.