💖Summer Reading List 2022

A Fun Reading List for Children & Teens.

Books For Children (8)

1.

Grace Goes to Washington By Kelly DiPucchio and Illustrated By Leuyen Pham (40 pages, 2019)

Grace learns about the three branches of U.S. government (judicial, legislative, and executive) and applies it to the classroom setting. This book has a good storyline and illustrations that reflect a cast of diverse races and ethnicities.

The book includes an author’s note and a checklist of ideas to become more civic minded. A very educational and cute book!

2.

Angie Wonders: Math is Everywhere! Written By Renee Winters and Illustrated By Nnanna Akwu (21 pages, 2021)

Super cute! Angie practices her counting skills. A good storyline, cute rhymes, and fun illustrations. At the end of the book is “Angie’s Activities” a collection of math fun sheets. The author is a teacher and hats off to her for this creative method to introduce STEM concepts!

3.

Grandma, It’s Me! A Children’s Book about Dementia By Y.Y. Chan and Illustrated By Pearly L. (2022)

Family Love! Riley learns more about dementia when her grandmother comes to live with the family. A good storyline, nice illustrations, and includes facts/resources at the end of the book.

4.

Pretty Little Coco Girl By Jessica LeeAnn (68 pages, 2019)

Ciara is a pretty melanin-rich ten year old, whose family and strangers often compliment favorably on her appearance. In addition, she’s of a sweet nature and smart. But elementary school has been tough, due to the colorism and bullying she experiences. She looks up to her big cousin “The Melanin Queen” and seeks her guidance on this issue. Will she learn to love herself despite what others may say?

This short story is inspirational and timely to address this unfortunate ongoing issue in our society. The author demonstrates brilliance in showing a unique conflict resolution method. The parental characters are positive and loving, but the story still shows the realistic influence of peers – positive and negative. A great message for both kids and adults!

5.

Does Braylen Have Enough? Written By Crystal Latimer and Illustrated By Mya Thomas (35 pages, 2021)

Super cute! Braylen learns a lesson about money management. Great storyline and fun illustrations.

6.

The Very Hungry Dragon By Nathan Miles and Illustrated By Joe Shawcross (16 pages, 2020)

Super cute! The goat family just can’t shake-off a pesky neighbor-a very hungry dragon. What can they do? This fun story was created by a child author and has great vivid illustrations.

7.

Mansa Musa: The Richest Man In History Written & Illustrated By Mike McCraw
(34 pages, 2016, kindle edition)

Cute! A good introduction to Mansa Musa for children. The book has a straightforward storyline and lots of historical facts. I really appreciate the inclusion of the trade routes and geography. “Timbuktu is where he constructed great centers of learning like the Sankore Madrasah…” (kindle p. 30). 

8.

The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish Written By Gabriel Bietz and Illustrated By Ananta Mohanta (129 pages, 2022)

Super cute! Arya and Krishna are siblings who are sold away from their home. They begin a journey for reunion with their parents. And find adventure and new friends along the way. Will they ever find the path back to mom and dad?

This book has good writing, great plot, fun black-white pictures, and discussion questions at the end. A very entertaining read! 

Books For Teens (6)

1.

The Campaign (The Opportunity) Written By Elizabeth Karre (67 pages, 2013)

Very good! Destiny is a high school junior whose natural ability for snooping, inadvertently leads her to publish an exposé. The article attracts the interest of a wealthy D.C. businessman, who offers her an internship with his political blog. This short story has a good plot and entertaining storyline.

2.

Tomo Saves the Day Written By Madeline Slovenz (33 pages, 2019)

Good! Ricky Perez is a 14 year-old artist who dreams of going to Art and Design High School. A sudden loss leaves him frustrated. But could a chance encounter change it all? A good short story with a bit of teenage angst related to the pursuit of one’s dream.

3.

Ruby Quinn (3 book series) Written By L.M. Richardson (2020)

Absolutely adore this series! So, in book # 3 Ruby has really blossomed to embrace the beauty of life again. She completed grief counseling due to the passing of her mother, made new friends, and still works at Thurkill’s Grocery Store. As a high school senior, she’s enjoying the related activities and continues her cathartic journaling. This short story has good writing, great plot, and a few heartwarming twists and turns. I truly hope there are more books to come in this series! 

4.

Time for Healing: A Young Adult Sweet Romance (Oak Brook Academy Book 8) Written By Jillian Adams (222 pages, 2019)

Great story! Lily is a cautious new student at Oak Brook Academy (boarding school). She’s trying to recover from a traumatic experience and is reluctant to face her fears. Her popular classmate Austin, is interested in getting to know her better, much to Lily’s dismay.

This book has good writing, great plot, and bits of drama and suspense. A realistic portrayal of an issue faced by teens and adults alike. The romance element was refreshingly sweet and wholesome. I really enjoyed this story and plan to read more of this series.

5.

The Science Fair Pair Written By Latosha McCauley (130 pages, 2020)

Great story! Leslie is a smart and shy high school senior on the path to being valedictorian. Her world is interrupted when she is assigned as science fair partner to Marcus Tate, varsity athlete and her nemesis. Sparks fly inside and outside the classroom as the two dance around the flames.

6.

Black Girl, White School: Thriving, Surviving and No, You Can’t Touch My Hair (94 pages, 2020)

Awesome! This beautifully crafted anthology is the brainchild of a high school senior. This collection features the experiences of young women from middle school, high school, and college as they navigate identity and racism at PWIs (Predominately White Institutions).

Topics include: dominant culture, social capital, misconceptions, assimilation,
hair self-acceptance, dialect, and code switching. A great resource for parents, educators, young women, and anyone else with an interest!

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