Whether you’re a teen or grown-up looking for a great beach read or a grade school student or preschooler looking to be entertained and to keep reading during the summer months, here are some great book recommendations from Berks County area libraries!
FOR ADULTS:
An Other World: The Fight for Freedom, Joy, and Belonging
by Hanif Fazal
The book covers the author's childhood, teenage years and career as the eventual co-founder of the Center of Equity and Inclusion in Oregon. Social commentary is interspersed with deeply personal anecdotes, letters to his young daughter and hopes for the future. Says Egon Cools, Youth Services Coordinator (NE Branch)/STEAM Coordinator with Reading Public Library, “It’s a touching read that artfully blends the formats of personal memoir, social critique and self-improvement guide. I found this to be immensely useful for anyone who works with BIPOC communities, especially youth, in portraying and then dissecting various real-world examples of practical ʻothering.’”
Wild Philly
by Mike Weilbacher
Shares Jari-Lin Jones, Youth Services Coordinator with Reading Public Library, “This is a nonfiction read or a guide for families to explore and learn about the different nature areas within Philadelphia and the surrounding area. This book not only shares the locations of the areas that you may not have visited before, but it teaches you some historical and scientific information. I recommend this book because during the summer season we are all looking for a new place to travel and vacation, and it's a great book to help you decide on your next vacation destination while learning something new about your local area.”
Kaikeyi
by Vaishnavi Patel
Explains Youth Librarian Gabrielle Hardy at the Wernersville Public Library, “Kaikeyi reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana, weaving a tale of fate, family, courage and heartbreak — of an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.”
Identity
by Nora Roberts
Suggested by circulation staff member at Spring Township Library Association, Tina O’Brien, the book follows Morgan Albright, who lives outside of Baltimore with her roommate, Nina. Morgan works as a bartender. A guy named Luke Hudson starts chatting up Morgan. They get to know each other and go out on a couple of dates. When Morgan’s home is broken into, her identity is stolen and her roommate murdered, Morgan moves to Vermont to be closer to her family, but the killer is still out there looking for Morgan. Was she followed?
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride
The poignant historical novel, set in a working-class Pottstown neighborhood, weaves together the lives of diverse and memorable characters in a story of community struggle and solidarity. Says Emily McNulty, Assistant Director at the Reading Public Library, “There is a little bit of everything in this uplifting American tale: comedy, tragedy, history, mystery, magical realism and social commentary, along with numerous Berks County references. Don’t miss this delightful story!”
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL READERS:
Words on Fire
by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Also suggested by Jari-Lin Jones, Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen tells the story of Audra, who learns about the strength of her Lithuanian culture and herself as she witnesses firsthand the occupation of Russia in the country of Lithuania. Audra finds herself fleeing her home and her parents to deliver a special package, where she discovers the secret occupation of “book smuggling.” Says Jones, “I recommend this book because no matter your age, your ability, how big or small the job is, you can always make a difference. As a library worker and a lover of reading, I believe this book helps share the importance of reading and how impactful book banning is to a community.”
Hooky
by Miriam Bonastre Tur
Leah Ruth, Youth Services Coordinator for Robesonia Community Library, says this is the tale of a set of magical twins that miss the bus to magic school and go on adventures with new friends. This novel is one of three in the series. Ruth recommends it because, “It’s full of fantasy and adventure and kids will love the manga illustrations!”
FOR CHILDREN:
Ferris
by Kate DiCamillo
Aimed to readers 9-12 years of age, the book tells the story of Ferris Wilkey. It is the summer before grade school, and she has to navigate family drama, ghosts, a sick grandmother, a wild sister and raccoons. Says Nancy Maurer, Children’s Department Manager at Reading Public Library, “Kate is a gifted storyteller, and her writing makes you feel like a part of the family. This story is both funny and bittersweet and is filled with love, family and friendship.”
Something Like Home
by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Recommended by Sairra Cloen, Assistant Supervisor at Boyertown Community Library, this tells the story of Laura’s parents, who are struggling, and Laura stays with her aunt, for now. She finds a puppy and hopes to train it as a therapy dog. Maybe the dog will help her parents get better, and things will finally go back to the way they should be.
Wepa
by J de laVega
Says Randi Zaborowski, Youth Services Coordinator at the Sinking Spring Public Library, “We're in love with this new book in our children's dual language section. Wepa is an adorable glimpse at a little person's life with ADHD. Little Mia finds a place to shine in this heart warmer that features both English and Spanish text.”
