Earlier this summer, we gave you a list of 20+ best summer reads for adults. We know it is about that time: this week, we convened a panel to discuss the best summer reads for children and young adults too.
On Thursday’s St. Louis on the Air, three local booksellers and librarians joined host Don Marsh to discuss the best children’s and young adult books for summer reading. Suggestions ranged for children from age three to their late teens.
Listen to the full discussion, including tips and tricks to find age-appropriate titles and expand vocabulary, here:
Here are reading suggestions from our panel:
Jeffrey Blair, Co-owner, Eye See Me Bookstore in University City
1. "A Spy Called James," a true story of a former slave turned Revolutionary War double agent; picture book for ages 3-8
2. "Chocolate Me," and "Mixed Me," by actor Taye Diggs about self-acceptance; picture books good for younger children
3. "I Love My Hair," which encourages African American girls to feel good about their hair; a picture book for ages 5-8
4. "Me! 10 Poetics Affirmations," written by a local St. Louis author Julius B. Anthony to inspire kids; picture book for younger children
5. "One Crazy Summer," by a New York Times-bestselling author and set during the 1960s; chapter book for ages 8-12
6. "The Hate U Give," a book about a young, African-American girl who is bussed to a wealthier, whiter neighborhood for school and her experiences therein while dealing with the themes of police shootings; ages 14+
Emily Hall, Co-Owner, Main Street Books in St. Charles
1. "When Dimple Met Rishi," a romantic book about two Indian-American teens whose parents try to arrange their marriage, though the parties may be unwilling; novel for young adults/teens
2. "Grendel's Guide to Love and War," an illusion to Beowolf but for fans of celebrity author John Green; novel for young adults/teens
3. "Lunar Chronicles," futuristic retellings of fairy tales by Marissa Meyer; teen/young adult
4. "Flame in the Mist," am Asian-inspired fantasy, "Tamora Pierce meets Mulan;" teen/young adult
5. "The Black Witch," a debut fantasy novel about witches and magic; teen/young adult
6. "Wonder Woman: Warbringer," the first in the DC Icons series about the origin stories of superheroes; teen/young adult
Jennifer Ilardi, Children’s Librarian, Florissant Valley Branch of St. Louis County Library
1. The "I Survived" series, which is good for young students interested in disasters who are looking to transition into non-fiction; chapter book for ages 7-12.
2. "100 Most Feared Creatures," a fun book that might pair well with St. Louis Zoo; non-fiction for ages 7-10
3. "Little Shaq," which is written by basketball star Shaquille O'Neal; a good series to transition from picture to chapter books
4. "The BFG," by Roald Dahl and "The Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary," which explains Dahl's eccentric use and creation of language; ages 8-12
5. "Families, Familes, Families," a book about how not all families look alike or are composed the same way; picture book for ages 3-7
6. "Where's My Mom?" by Julia Donaldson about how different families are; ages 3-7
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.