Books for Those Glorious Summer Days
As an enthusiastic young reader, I read most anything I could get my hands on, especially books about animals, the Amelia Bedelia series, and anything from Dr. Seuss. And when I would see that a book had that shiny, metallic Newbery Award sticker on a book cover, I knew I should pay extra attention.
The American Library Association awards the Newbery Award every year to the author “of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” This year’s winner was Meg Medina for her book, Merci Suárez Changes Gears, a story about thoughtful, strong-willed sixth-grader Merci Suarez as she navigates difficult changes with friends, family, and everyone in between.
We had the chance to reach out to Meg and get her top recommendations for readers of all skills and ages for this summer!
“When I pick books for young kids to read, I try to think about opening their world beyond their school and neighborhood,” Meg said. “I look for books with authentic and varied voices, and, in the case of chapter books, with enough material available that kids can fall in love with a character and binge read on those glorious summer days.”
Meg had a great time putting together these book ideas for young readers. She also included some books that are part of a larger series for slightly older kids. As she puts it, “the summer is a fantastic time to binge read!”
Picture Books
A Big Mooncake for Little Star(opens in new window)
A gorgeous picture book that tells a whimsical origin story of the phases of the moon.
Hello Lighthouse(opens in new window)
Step back in time with this Caldecott-winning book about the life of a lighthouse keeper and his family. Poetic and filled with beautiful illustrations, the story will transport readers to the seaside.
Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut(opens in new window)
This rhythmic, read-aloud title is a celebration of the self-esteem and confidence boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair after a great haircut.
Dreamers(opens in new window)
This book is a story about family, the power of books, and making a home in a new place. The author, Yuyi, conveys her true story of what it's like to come to a new country not knowing the culture or the language.
The Crocodile and the Dentist(opens in new window)
Crocodile has a toothache, but he's afraid of the dentist. The dentist wants to help, but he's afraid of Crocodile. Never fear! Here is a story of how both learn to be brave and face their fears.
Julián is a Mermaid(opens in new window)
Individuality is celebrated in this story about a boy who is obsessed with mermaids. When he sees three women on the subway dressed up as mermaids, he wonders if he can too!
Chapter Books and Early Middle Grade Books
A Boy Called Bat(opens in new window)
This is the first in a funny and heartwarming book series about a young boy on the autism spectrum whose mom brings home a baby skunk for him to take care of. Others in the series include Bat and the Waiting Game and Bat and the End of Everything.
Juana and Lucas: Big Problemas(opens in new window)
The second book in the Juana and Lucas series, this is the story of Juana's perfect life — until her mom decides to remarry and Juana is worried that everything will change. It's a humorous story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown(opens in new window)
Looking for a spunky heroine? Look no further than Mya Tibbs, a nine-year-old cowgirl who has to navigate friendships and hurt feelings during her school's spirit week. Other titles in the series are The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: The Wall of Fame Game and The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Mya in the Middle.
Dory Fantasmagory(opens in new window)
Dory Fantasmagory is the baby of her family and uses her incredible imagination and energy to get up to some wacky adventures! There are four books in the series so far, with a fifth coming out this fall.
Meg Medina is the author of the Newbery Medal–winning book Merci Suárez Changes Gears, which was also a 2018 Kirkus Prize finalist. Her young adult novels include Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, which won the 2014 Pura Belpré Author Award; Burn Baby Burn, which was long-listed for the National Book Award; and The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind. She is also the author of picture books Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, which was a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor Book, and Tía Isa Wants a Car, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she grew up in Queens, New York, and now lives in Richmond, Virginia. Photo credit: Petite Shards Productions
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