Summer Books

Look what's coming this summer...

I've been reading like crazy getting to know the new books coming out this summer. Here are some of my favorites.

Ranger’s Apprentice Book Three: The Icebound Land by John Flanagan

Will and Evanlyn are now captives on a wolfship, bound for Scandia and a life of slavery, while Halt and Horace are battling their way north to rescue them. I have loved Flanagan’s characters since the first chapters of Book One; they are brave and resourceful with a sense of humor that is endearing. Their friendship bonds are deep, and in this book, they are all Will has left in the world.

Summer Ball by Mike Lupica

After meeting Danny Walker in Travel Team, we know that he is a passionately talented basketball player despite his small size. A year later the thrill of being national champions has worn off, and at basketball camp Danny and his friends meet old rivals and big kids with ambitious plans, who want to knock Danny out of their way. Even though I’ve never been a sports fan, I devour Lupica’s books without stopping to breathe.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

A distant war in Vietnam casts a long shadow across the world to Holling Hoodhood’s hometown, where he is struggling to understand Shakespeare, girls, teachers, friendship, and the gods of baseball. Every time Holling is in another nearly unbearable predicament, like wearing yellow tights and tail feathers on stage instead of meeting Mickey Mantle, things seem to go from bad to worse. This book is a winner.

Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record
by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall
(first chapter book)
Ivy loves books and science, Bean loves adventures and action; when these two best friends put their heads together to set a world record the results are hilarious. This is the third book in a series full of mishaps and mischief.