Summer Reads: A curated list from CADL reading experts
Keep the kids sharp and yourself relaxed with these summer reading recommendations from experts at the Capital Area District Libraries. The diverse group of books ensures a fun, intrigue and history — depending on your mood.
Adult Fiction
The Twilight Garden by Sara Nisha Adams
This uplifting dual-timeline story emphasizes the power of a community as disparate souls come together over a shared garden.
The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels
Local author Erin Bartels’ latest novel is a suspenseful dual-timeline story connecting an Impressionist painting and two women — one in the 19th Century and a contemporary heir to the artist.
One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole
Ken’s dissociative identity disorder all but ended her career, but now she has a chance to work as the caretaker of an isolated historic home on the Hudson. Add a Nor’easter and a dead body and you have a twisty and entertaining thriller told in multiple voices.
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
Enger’s latest is a dystopic Orphean “road trip” novel set on and around Lake Superior as Rainy is chased by rich malignant foes for unknown reasons in a desperate illiterate world.
Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris
Four siblings, each with their own challenges, are called back in the wake of their father’s death to save the family home.
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
Indie bestseller Bonam-Young’s slow burn romance is a heart-warming take on the one-night stand and accidental pregnancy tropes featuring two independent resilient leads with visible disabilities.
Adult Non-Fiction
Adventures in Volcanoland: What Volcanoes Tell Us about the World and Ourselves by Tamsin Mather
Combining her personal story with travelogue and facts about volcanology, Oxford earth sciences professor Tamsin Mather takes readers on a journey to volcanoes around the world and explains their impact on the earth’s past and future.
Chop Fry Watch Learn: Fu Pei-mei and the Making of Modern Chinese Food by Michelle T. King
As a child growing up in Michigan, Chinese gender and food history professor Michelle T. King recalled the cookbooks of Fu Pei-mei in her childhood home, and she sets out in this book to tell the story of the author and TV cooking instructor who brought authentic Chinese cooking to the world.
In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife by Sebastian Junger
The award-winning author, filmmaker, and war correspondent explores the nature of life and death from scientific and philosophical perspectives after his own near-death experience.
Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People by Tiya Miles
The National Book Award-winning author, professor, and historian turns her focus to Harriet Tubman, pulling her out of the realm of myth and into truth — with special focus on Tubman’s faith and ecological knowledge.
Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist by Jasmin Graham
In this inspiring memoir, Jasmin Graham, shark researcher and co-founder of MISS (Minorities in Shark Sciences), tells her story of forging her own path to pursue a career in marine biology.
A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko
With humor and great passion for his subject, conservation writer Kevin Fedarko tells the incredible story of traversing the Grand Canyon with his best friend, travelling 750 miles on foot to meet their goal of walking the canyon end to end.
When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day by Garrett M. Graff
Journalist, historian and author Garrett Graff turns his attention to D-Day in this detailed anthology that includes the accounts of over 600 people involved with the world-changing invasion.
Children
A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems ed. by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt
Notable children’s authors unite to write 13 short stories about middle schoolers with superpowers. Whether it is a little time-jumping or magical perception over avocados, this humorous collection inspires kids to reflect on their gifts. Oh, and there are rats!
My Daddy is A Cowboy by Stephanie Seales
A little girl enjoys spending an early morning with her father while riding horses through their city neighborhood and sharing family stories of freedom and Black joy.
Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
This graphic novel spins a “plain Jane” fairy tale into one of agency and independence. Orphaned Jane may be kicked out of her house due to inheritance rules. Not impressed by her options, she persuades a handsome fella to marry her only to see him kidnapped by a mermaid. Is he forever lost to the sea?
The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon
Magoon writes an engaging fantasy about Dally, an 11-year-old grieving the loss of her grandfather while negotiating a tense relationship with her mother. After finding a mystery map left by her grandfather, Dally heads to a library offering time travel adventures with curious secrets.
With Dad by Richard Jackson
The late Richard Jackson left a gem of a picture book featuring a dad and a son who head off to the backwoods of Michigan to fish, camp and be together. Illustrated by Brian Floca, this quiet story will leave you savoring the magic of summer.
Teen
Have You Seen This Girl by Nita Tyndall
Sid is a nonbinary teen troubled by their dad’s serial killer past. When a new murder occurs with eerie similarities to the murders their imprisoned dad was convicted of, the town is on edge. A splash of queer romance keeps this thriller moving with a knockout ending.
Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States by J. Albert Mann
A witty overview of the labor movement, highlighting little known leaders who worked tirelessly to eradicate inequality, is presented for young adults interested in economics and history.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Summer reading recs from CADL librarians
