As kids gear up for beachy and poolside fun this season, make sure they’re also diving into a nifty summer reading list!
Help kids stay sharp this summer with these new book releases for June. From historical to superhero comic titles, these stories are sure to make a splash for budding bookworms.
Pizazz by Sophy Henn takes a hilariously practical look into the life of being a superhero. Sure, Pizazz may be saving the day and being brave, but she has to dash off in the middle of movie night with friends and don an embarrassingly glittery cape. Fans that are familiar with Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man will love the book’s humor and graphic novel style. Middle-grade readers can particularly enjoy this comedy and action-adventure story.
Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress shares the inspiring story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and to run for president. Written by Alicia D. Williams and illustrated by April Harrison, this book details the life of Chisholm from her childhood in Barbados to her prolific academic career and activism. Her slogan, “Fighting Shirley Chisholm — Unbought and Unbossed,” will resonate with and inspire ambitious kids ages 4-8, as will this easy-to-read, biographical picture book.
Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a modern take on the iconic Peter Pan. The book follows stepsisters Lily and Wendy as they embark on a magical journey of adventure and courage to Neverland with a boy who calls himself Peter Pan. What happens when he wants to whisk them off to an island of wild animals, merfolk, fairies, and other lost kids? Middle-grade readers will want to find out in this epic rendition of the classic tale.
The Hidden Knife is a fantastical story that invites readers into a world where stone gargoyles live among humans and school hallways are riddled with magic wards. Written by Melissa Marr, this book follows a group of young heroes as they discover that otherworldly creatures from the Netherwhere make the best allies. One young warrior, Vicky, bands together with a former street thief and an alchemy student to fight for a better future for both worlds. Middle-grade readers will enjoy this stand-alone, fantasy novel that ignites creativity and imagination.
Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places is written by Katie Frawley and illustrated by Laurie Stansfield. This book follows adventurous animal duo Tabitha the cat and Fritz the elephant as they pack their bags and head across the globe to trade places. Will Fritz fall in love with city life and will the rain forest be all that Tabitha dreamed of? Kids ages 4-8 can keep up with their journey in this silly picture book.
Pizazz, Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress, Sisters of the Neversea, and The Hidden Knife will launch in June on Amazon and Kindle. Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places is already available to order on Kindle or as a hardcover edition. You can also look out for these titles in your local bookstores.
