All school year long, Quinn couldn’t wait to get to summer camp. She’s so excited to see her summer besties! But then things get turned inside out when a really cute new camper named Harry arrives. He just moved from London, and he and Quinn have so much in common. But it looks like she’s not the only one lovestruck by Harry. She thinks her frenemy, Kayla, secretly likes him, too! What will Quinn do now?
This is going to be the summer Julie finally catches the attention of her crush, James! She has the perfect outfits, ice-breaking jokes, and a list of places she can oh-so-casually run into him. At least that was the plan until Julie’s parents decided to surprise her by inviting a friend to their beach house for the next three weeks.
Honestly, Julie’s not even sure she would call Sophia a friend, but one thing is for sure: having to play nice with Sophia who is always hanging around was not on the agenda. Now, Julie has no idea how this summer is going to go—especially since she’s unexpectedly feeling flutters around a new friend, Liam…and she thinks he might like her, too.
THREAT OF THE SPIDER by Michael P. Spradlin
While there are many books about World War II and the atrocities committed by the Nazis, the Web of the Spider series focuses on events before the war—demonstrating how the Nazis rose to prominence and the tactics Hitler used to gain support and power. Starting in the 1920s, kids can learn about the circumstances that directly led to another war. The main characters of this series are a group of friends who oppose the Nazis and are inspired to intervene as the Party takes root in their community. Though readers will know they cannot stop the eventual war, their actions demonstrate the importance of everyday acts of defiance against tyranny and standing up for what you believe in.
In this story, we see how attacks on the press and the control of news is a telltale tactic of rising fascism. The parallels between 1930 Germany and America today are as prevalent as they are chilling. By starting the series before World War II, this series aims to show kids how fascist ideologies take root and gives readers the context to understand what is happening in our current political landscape.
RIGHT BESIDE YOU by Tucker Shaw (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), Ages 14-18): In this fresh, speculative blend of queer romance and coming-of-age, Eddie meets Theo in present-day New York and Francis in a New York of the past… torn between eras and his heart, he must make a decision that will change his life forever.
This one is for the younger kids!
RANDY RAINBOW AND THE MARVELOUSLY MAGICAL PINK GLASSES by Randy Rainbow; illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon (Feiwel & Friends, Ages 4-8): Randy’s debut picture book, Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses, follows a young Randy who’s gifted a deeply fabulous pair of pink glasses by his granny in hopes that they’ll take his day from lackluster to blockbuster. The glasses give him the encouragement he needs to have the best, most magical day.
Carrying on the late Bob Marley’s legacy of fostering joy and connection, Ziggy – an eight-time Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musician, producer, and humanitarian – transforms iconic lines from his father’s beloved song “Jamming” into a bouncy, bedtime read-aloud about a family’s fun-filled pajama party. The result is a rollicking roadmap for screen-free family time, complete with Letícia Moreno’s exuberant illustrations inspired by Ziggy’s own multicultural family.
New Picture Book “Bringing the Beach Home” Shows How Creativity and Nature Help Children Navigate Change.
This summer, award-winning author Laura Atkins invites young readers on a journey from the shore to home in her latest children’s book, Bringing the Beach Home, a heartwarming story about resilience, creativity, and the power of nature. With lyrical prose and lush illustrations, this touching picture book follows a young child learning to find comfort in life’s transitions, especially the challenge of moving between two homes.
Rowan is tired of going back and forth between Mom’s and Dad’s house until a special trip to the beach with Dad sparks something magical. Overwhelmed by the loud waves and bright sun at first, Rowan soon discovers peace by connecting with nature. Inspired, Rowan and Dad craft a wind chime from seashells, a stick, and pebbles, bringing the magic of the beach home with them. This simple yet powerful act of creativity offers solace, showing young readers how they, too, can hold onto special places and moments through artistic expression.
The book also embraces inclusivity, with Rowan depicted as a gender-neutral and possibly neurodiverse character, allowing families to engage in meaningful conversations about identity, emotions, and resilience.
“With Bringing the Beach Home, I wanted to explore how children can find comfort and a sense of belonging even in moments of uncertainty,” Laura says. “Art and nature are powerful tools for healing, and this story encourages young readers to embrace creativity as a way to navigate change.”
Bringing the Beach Home resonates with children and families experiencing transitions, particularly those adjusting to life in divorced households. Rowan’s journey highlights the emotional challenges of splitting time between two homes while offering an uplifting and empowering perspective.
In addition to its moving narrative, Bringing the Beach Home features supplemental materials, including instructions for creating a wind chime from found beach materials. The book also provides back matter on ecological sensitivity, reinforcing the importance of environmental awareness and hands-on creativity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Atkins is a children’s book author, editor, and creativity coach, with over thirty years in the children’s book world. She also collects sea glass and creates sculptures and mobiles from shells, pebbles and driftwood. Laura has loved the beach all her life, especially the Bay Area beaches near her Berkeley, California home. She is the co-author of the first two books in the Fighting for Justice series for middle grade readers, Fred Korematsu Speaks Up and Biddy Mason Speaks Up, co-author of the call-to-action picture book, Calling All Future Voters! and author of the light-hearted picture book, Sled Dog Dachshund.
This summer parents can nurture young readers with the new line of Brain Quest Phonics Workbooks ($10.99) based on the science of reading, written and vetted by literacy experts. Brain Quest is America’s #1 educational bestseller and has been making learning fun for over 30 years!
With editions for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade, Brain Quest Phonics Workbooks are uniquely designed to help children develop reading skills through hands-on activities that reinforce essential phonics concepts. Studies show that understanding phonics, the process of matching the sounds of spoken English with individual letters and groups of letters, is essential for children learning to read.
Brain Quest makes learning to read oodles of fun with engaging bonus content like pull out practice readers, mini-smart cards, stickers, and a progress poster! Aligned with national and state standards and using research-proven methods based on the science of reading these Phonics Workbooks set up children and parents for success.
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Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this featured book post. Images were also provided.
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