Summer-y stories are read-by-the-campfire, lighter, friendship stories that I want to read while sitting on the deck and listening to fireworks go off (literally did that last year). And Summer is the perfect time for binge-reading middle grade books, admit it. So I'm here to pile seven more books onto your (probably already heaping) Summer reading pile! Ready?
Let's do the thing.
Every Soul A Star had to go on the list - and no, it's not just because of the gorgeous cover (#highlybiased). While the story isn't five-star, I've read it multiple times over, and it was really cute and fun, and perfect for reading while sitting out in the backyard at night
Let's ignore the fact that I'm holding the second book in this picture, shall we?
This series is perfect for summer because each book takes place during Summer break. Come on now. But seriously, it's a really fun, middle-grade series that I really enjoyed (because the main character is sarcastic, and who doesn't love sarcastic characters?).
(content caution: there are a couple series that branch off of this one, and I'm pretty sure there was questionable content in some of them, but I'm pretty sure there wasn't any in this one? Don't quote me on that though)
It takes place on a farm, you guys. During Summer. And it's about a girl who can see angels and has all sorts of adventures - which should be enough to get this book on your TBR xD.
But in all honesty, I love Christa Kinde's writing style. It's so much fun, and so easy to read. And it's ten times more fun when Ariel reads the book aloud, because she has an epic story-telling voice. Maybe I'll bribe her into reading them aloud again this Summer ;).
Martin Hospitality released in February, and I'm super glad that it came out a few months before Summer, because now everyone can go nab it and add it to their Summer reading list.
And not only is the cover gorgeous, the story is, too! I gave it 4 stars in a book review that I wrote for it a few months ago, and it's in a genre that I don't read all that much, so it was kind of surprising that I liked it so much! (and it starts out during the Summer, and half of it takes place on a farm, so this one gets extra Summer-points)
This is one of the strangest and one of the most fun books that I've ever read. It reminds me a bit of a slightly-modern Alice In Wonderland. It's so fun and whimsical, and absolutely perfect for reading outside on a Summer day. This is honestly one of my favorite books, so I'd probably recommend it even if it wasn't Summer xD.
Also, there is a dragon who is basically a library in the book. All of us small book-dragons will adore him, because he is pretty much one of us. <3
If you thought I wasn't going to recommend Harry Potter, I'm afraid you were sorely mistaken.
Who doesn't want to read the Harry Potter books during the Summer? The next best thing to sitting outside and eating ice cream is sitting outside and going on a magic adventure whilst eating ice cream. I love the Harry Potter series so much, and J.K. Rowling is a wizard herself when it comes to writing. Plus, the series is definitely long enough (and big enough! You can pick out the monstrously big end-of-the-series Harry Potter books on my shelf) to keep you busy during the Summer - unless you read books quite fast, like I do xD.
I just discovered this series within the last month - and while the first one was a bit childish (it is middle grade, not YA, after all), The Wingfeather Saga got SO GOOD by the middle/end of the second book. I was hooked for good, and the last book reduced me to a puddle of feels in the corner.
ANYWAYS - I'll put off my tirade of raving until my Monthly Highlight post for June. The Wingfeather Sage would be great for Summer reading - the first book (which you definitely shouldn't judge by its title) is light enough to be a fun, Summer-y read, and the rest of the series turns into an adventure that you can't put down, even if the pool, trampoline, and sprinkler are all calling your name xD.
*glances at all the books* Well, seeing as half of my recommendations were series, I'm pretty sure that that was a lot more than seven books xD. Shall we move on to my Summer TBR?
 |
| + Howl's Moving Castle and Inkheart, which will be re-reads |
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre, Breakwater, and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow have all been released really recently and OH MY am I excited to have those gorgeous works-of-art in my hands! Especially Sofi Snow - I've got it on hold at the library already!
Exiles hasn't even released yet - but I'm pretty sure that it does sometime in July. And I'm incredibly excited for it! I'm reading through the whole Ilyon Chronicles series again, so that I have all the facts fresh when the fourth book comes out.
THAT was a lot of books. Hopefully your TBR is not currently trying to kill you, but if it is nobody blame me. TBR's are known for doing that xD.
Here's hoping you have a wonderful, book-filled Summer!
~ Savannah Grace
Are any of these fourteen(ish) books on your Summer reading list? Which books should I read this Summer?
*flails over all these books* YES THE PERCY JACKSON + HARRY POTTER + WINGFEATHER SAGA. THEY'RE ALL SOO GOOD.
ReplyDeleteAlso Unblemished is Ahmazing. (-ahem- technically I haven't read it yet but I bought it for my sister and she really liked it and eh, I trust her bookish opinions. XD)
AND EXILES. *shrieks* I've only actually read the first Ilyon Chronicles book?? But I'm dyyying to read the rest, I just don't have them yet.
*highfives fellow fan*
DeleteI need Unblemished so bad - and I don't even have an excuse for not reading it, seeing as it's at my library xD.
You've only read the first one?! PRILL. Get thee to a library! The rest of the series is SO GOOD, you need to read it :D.
I really want to read the rest. >.< But my library doesn't have them. *cries* I must request them asap and maybe the staff will be kind enough to rescue me and buy them. :P
DeleteI checked these out. Hmm, I may just have some books to read.
ReplyDeleteYou've heard it from me before....Dreamhouse Kings Series by Robert Liparulo. Hands down.
Theeeenn......Left behind series (I know, 40 books, but they aren't very big.....I dare you. Lol). I mean, I read the kid version, I can't wait to read the adult version, but from what Ive read, The Kid version is one of my favs. I cried, laughed, cried some more, prayed to God, made sure I was right with God, and...yeah. it's exactly what it sounds like.
Happy reading! Lol
Haha, just maybe :D.
DeleteWELL I looked at my library and they have EVERY BOOK in the Dreamhouse Kings series, except the first one. Boo xD. Looks like I'll have to request they buy it ...
I read a few of the Left Behind books, but our library doesn't have enough of them for me to read them all. But I really need to! They were pretty good.
Oh my! How sad...well hopefully they accept the request. Lol
DeleteIt get s better, and better, and better. Oh, did I say that the series gets better? xD
Did you know that Christa Kinde has another book in the Threshold series called Pursuing Prissie? It's SOOO good. Oh my goodness. I'm in the middle of reading it and I've fallen in love with the last book. <333
Aaaaahhhhh! This just makes me want to stop everything and go read ALL the things! Summer is the BEST reading time. (Mainly because I hate the heat and want to hide inside with the air conditioner until, like, September.)
ReplyDeleteI'm so ashamed that the Percy Jackson books are the only ones you listed that I've read! BUT. I totally agree they're the perfect summer read. I read them for the first time last summer, and when this summer rolled around it brought back all my happy memories of reading those books. ^_^
I think Every Soul a Star and The Blue Door are the only ones on your list I've never heard of. (But they both look awesome. o.o) But EVERY single other book you listed is one I desperately want to get my hands on!!! Especially The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland. Ugh. I need that book so baaaad! I have the first book in The Wingfeather Saga, Five Magic Spindles, and the Harry Potter books. I MUST READ THEM ALLLL.
And I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for Exiles. I NEED IT PRECIOUSSSSS. D:
I JUST LOVED THIS POST. It was so summery and happy and made me want to read alllll the things!
(P.S. I am in love with your nail polish. o.o)
*joins you in hiding from the heat* I only go outside on the days where I won't ABSOLUTELY MELT in the heat, haha - but at least our trampoline is shaded, so sometimes I can go sit on it and read xD.
DeleteAw, really? That's sad - get thee to a library, oh Lauriloth! The Blue Door seems to be a pretty little-known book, but all of my sisters (+me) love it. And Every Soul A Star was one that I randomly stumbled upon and decided to read xD.
YES, you definitely need The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland! It's one of my favorite books ever. The entire five-book series (well, minus the third book - you might enjoy it, but it didn't suit my taste) is AMAZING.
And the cover is GORGEOUS, so I'm even more impatient for the pretty thing, just so I can take pictures of it! <3 <3 <3
Glad you enjoyed it! This post was WAY to fun to write + take pictures for :D.
(eep, thank you! You can't tell in the picture, but it's actually a shimmery green-purple-silver-blue. Very mermaid-like, so I considered it summer-y xD.)
The WingFeather saga is so good! I'm glad you finally read it!!! XD
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is! I procrastinated WAY too long on reading it, apparently xD.
DeleteSummer TBR! Yay! There's something about summertime that makes me want to read ALL THE BOOKS. From your list(s) here, I've been meaning to read the Wingfeather Saga, the Ilyon Chronicles, and the rest of Percy Jackson (I've only read book 1 so far). Aaaaand I just went and added The Girl Who Circumnavigated...*gets tired of typing* ETC. Ahem. I've added it on Goodreads is what I meant to say. XD
ReplyDeleteI haven't officially made a summer reading list, but Five Magic Spindles would be on it if I had one! Also Reapers (Bryan Davis) and The Fatal Tree (Stephen Lawhead) and probably more I'm forgetting at the moment. :P
Is it just me, by the way, who takes extra care in picking books for road trips/vacations?? I always want to pick ultra good books for time away from home. Maybe it's because I get more reading time and want it to be GOOD reading time.
But I'm rambling now. Farewell. XD
YES, definitely give those a try, Tracey! (and I agree about The Girl Who Circumnavigated - the title takes SO LONG to write/say/type xD)
DeleteI need to read some more Bryan Davis books - I've only read the Dragons In Our Midst, Oracles Of Fire, and Starlighters series. And I need MORE! His books are so good.
I can't read books in the car (I'd get SO SICK), so I'm jealous! :D But good for you for being choosy about your books - if you're gonna read one, it might as well be a good one xD. Thanks for reading, Tracey!
YAY you put in Wendy Mass! She's one of my favorite middle grade authors-- when I turned thirteen, she wished my birthday wishes because of this super long comment I left on her blog. xD Every Soul a Star is such a cutesy book, like you said, but personally Thirteen Gifts is my favorite out of all her books in the summer to read (that, along with A Mango-Shaped Space, are my favorite books of hers).
ReplyDeleteI really need to reread Harry Potter, but I'm currently in the middle of rereading The Princess Bride! *gasp flail flail* OOH and speaking of Howl's Moving Castle, have you seen the Studio Ghibli adaptation? It's nothing like the books but it's gorgeous in its own deserving way. Studio Ghibli is by far one of my favorite animated studios. Such insight and marvelous storytelling!
xoxo Abigail Lennah | ups & downs
Seriously?! That's so cool :D. And A Mango-Shaped Space was such an awesome book, I need to reread it so bad.
DeleteStudio Ghibli adaption? Is the the anime-looking movie made of Howl's Moving Castle? Nope, haven't seen it - the cover of the movie is throwing me off xD. But if you think it's worth it, then maybe I should!
I've never met anyone else who's read Every Soul a Star!! I read it so many times in middle school, it has a lot of nostalgic value now. Definitely needs a reread this summer.
ReplyDeleteHailey
www.haileyhudson.wordpress.com
Neither had I until I wrote this post, haha :D. I can't wait to reread it this summer!
DeleteEXILES. *FLAILS* I cannot wait for that book, I neeeeed it to release. xD Also I literally haven't read any of these except for Martin Hospitality (<3) and The Wingfeather Saga. (your assessment IS THE SAME AS MINE *high fives* xD)
ReplyDeleteYES - and the cover is AMAZING, I can't wait until I have it on my bookshelf! Only one month to go!
Delete(The Wingfeather Saga was INCREDIBLE, I'm so glad you and Faith kept raving about it xD)
I've had my eye on Every Soul A Star for a while! Wendy Mass is such a great author. Have you read her Willow Falls series (amazing) or A Mang-Shaped Space (pretty good)? And I am ITCHING to get my hands on that Unblemished book!!
ReplyDeleteI think I remember reading the first book in the Willow Falls series, but it was a long time ago. But I rather enjoyed A Mango-Shaped Space! I might have to reread it this Summer ;).
DeleteAre you trying to aid my arch-nemesis (aka my tbr) in burying me? I've read Martin Hospitality and am 1% through Wingfeather Saga book 1, and some of these are on my summer list. I should get to reading Harry Potter sometime *sigh* so many. I'm doing a post on my summer tbr right now too.
ReplyDelete- Lisa
thisinkwell.blogspot.com
*whisper* well it was SUPPOSED to be a secret. The tbrs and I conspire to rule the world xD.
DeleteOoh, you're doing this kind of post, too? I'll have to check that out!
I'm so glad you loved Wingfeathers. That last book though. *sobs eyes out* too much, man. Too much.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that many of these, but I need to. Martin hospitality was really good, and I'm planning to ask for the Ilyon Chronicles from my friends and relations.
Happy reading!
I KNOW. I read "that part" and was thinking (speaking of the author here) 'he wouldn't really do it, would he? WOULD HE?!" but HE DID. My poor heart ;'(.
DeleteIlyon Chronicles is really good, you'll have to tell me what you think of it if you read it!
The only book I haven't read on that list is Every Soul a Star. Clearly I must fix this. :)
ReplyDeleteWell GOOD FOR YOU for having read all the rest, though! xD (and YES, read Every Soul A Star *shoves it to you*)
DeleteI'm always looking for good books, but I hardly ever have time to read (I spend it all writing, which in one way is a good thing...). The Wingfeather Saga, I must say, is amazing! Yes, it's a bit childish, but it's great for laughter and adventure!
ReplyDeleteBut all the covers are so pretty...I do love nice-looking books. :)
I definitely think the same about The Wingfeather Sage - it's so epic <3 <3. And if you can't be reading, writing is just as good :D.
Delete"I do love nice-looking books" and all the bookworms that have ever lived agree with you!
EEEPP! When I saw you had posted I obviously clicked it RIGHT AWAY. I was so super excited you had posted!! ;)
ReplyDeleteAND YES TO CHRISTA KINDE, AND THE BLUE DOOR. <3 Christa Kinde has such amazing ideas, too!! =D
And, Martin Hospitality was AH-MAZING. Though I actually never finished it......I'm almost there!! xD
AND, GUUUUURRRLL. YOU'VE GOT, LIKE, 100+ FOLLOWERS!!!!! WHHHAAAA!!!!!??? Keep up the awesome work- I won't be surprised when you have 200+ by the end of the year. ;)
Jaidyn Elise<3
Haha, I've kind of slacked on posting, haven't I? xD
DeleteYou should finish it! I can't wait for the second book in that series to come out, it's going to be AMAZING.
Something like that, yeah :D. I'm super blessed by all my internet-friends. <3 <3 <3
.......*nods* kind of.....xD
DeleteI really should.....*is guilty*
I. KNOW. You should totally throw a party or something!!! (that means cake, right?? =PP <3 )
Jaidyn Elise
Love this post! The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland is SO good, but I think I liked the other books in the series even more! Have you read them?
ReplyDeleteHECK YES TO INKHEART AND HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. Have you seen the film? And you may have just sold me on the Wingfeather Saga.
Ahhh, I'm SO excited to read Exiles as well! I also plan on reading Note to Self by Connor Franta, Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality
YES, and I LOVED them! The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland And Cut The Moon In Two (gracious, these titles!) wasn't quite to my taste, but I ADORED the rest. And I'm overdue for a reread :D.
DeleteWell GOOD FOR ME, because you need to read them! xD And I think I've heard of The Kite Runner, so now I might have to go check it out. Thanks for commenting, Ellie!
I'm thinking about doing a summer TBR post, because apparently that's what all the cool people do? Anyway, great post!
ReplyDeleteI have Eldest checked out from the library, and we might be able to pick it up tomorrow! I have NO idea what to expect from this book, but my friends keep pushing me to keep reading the Inheritance Cycle, so I just gave in!
You should! I'd love to read it :D.
DeleteIt's so cool that you got Eldest - I can't wait to hear what you think of it! I'm way overdue for a reread of the Inheritance Cycle, so I might have to do that this summer xD.
Cool books, Savannah!! I seriously need to read the Wingfeather Saga Series. I read part of the first book but it did seem a bit boring and little kid-ish. But I keep hearing amazing things about them.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a huge reading list but I am going to read the Heart of Arcrea by Nicole Swager (I think that's her name.) (I ordered it today.xD) I've heard her series is really good. Have you read them?
I did get Martin Hospitality on kindle and read about half of it. (I am SO bad at finishing books!!) I need to read more because it was beautiful!! I think I'll just eventually get the paperback because the cover is pure gorgeous!! :D
- Lilly Shyree (alillyingodsgarden.blogspot.com)
I agree that the first one was a little childish (but I just accepted it as MG and enjoyed it as a book a bit below my age - because sometimes they're still lots of fun :D) - but you should definitely read the rest of the series! It's so good. <3 <3
DeleteHeart of Arcrea is a super cool title - I've never read it, but I'll have to check it out!
Good for you! And isn't it SO pretty? I love it so much :D. Thanks for commenting, Lilly!
I would LOVE to get to some of these on my summer reading list, but I've discovered something about myself: whenever I am writing a book (especially with deadlines, usually self-imposed), I find my reading is down. And when I finish with my writing project (or get to a stopping place) I read and read and read. Maybe I'll get to these when I finish with my first draft, and I hope so, cuz these sound pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteWell it's awesome that you're able to set books down when you have a deadline - I'm NEVER able to do that, so GOOD FOR YOU! :D
DeleteThanks for commenting, Gracelyn!
I have The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre waiting for me at the library! Two Princesses was one of my favourites of Mrs Levine's - I hope Lost Kingdom is just as good.
ReplyDeleteANOTHER vote for The Evaporation of Sofi Snow! I'll have to look into tha- *library catalogue looks at me blankly* Okay, so I'll have to get my hands on it some other way... (why does my library have so few of the books people are recommending?? Like Breakwater, too? And A Time to Speak/A Time to Rise??)
Jem Jones
I just picked up my copy from the library, and I can't wait to get started on it! The cover is GORGEOUS. <3
DeleteMy library didn't have many of them either - until I started suggesting for them to buy certain books, and they did :D. I hope you're able to get your hands on them soon!
SUMMER READING YESSSSS. I did a post with my summer TBR like a month ago?? Apparently before it became the cool thing to do in the blogosphere. XD
ReplyDeleteI've only read two of these books actually (#shameful): Martin Hospitality and On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. I enjoyed both of them, and I REALLY need to continue the Wingfeather Saga. IT LOOKS GOOD.
OH OH OH. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland looks AMAZINGGGG. I added that on Goodreads several months ago and NEED to get my hands on it. Same for Sofi Snow and Unblemished and The Ilyon Chronicles AND ALL THE BOOKS ACTUALLY.
This post was so much fun! I might do another summer book post sometime because I've been reading a TON of books lately. (I think I've read like 15 or 16 books/short stories in the past month? Which is crazy for me. o.o)
OH. And those photos Ariel took are SO GOOD. *collapses*
The Glitter Queen always knows the trends of the future. Which is why she manages to post them early :D.
DeleteYES, if you enjoyed the first book, you'll LOVE the last three. They honestly get so so so much better.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland - I love how we all shorten it to that because we hate typing out the whole title xD. But IT'S SO GOOD. Very strange (Alice In Wonderland kind of strange), but if you like that, you'll probably love this.
Ooh, ooh, yes! I'd love to read another bookish Mary-post!
Ariel was super happy when you said that - I'm super glad she's good with a camera, because I don't know HOW I'd have good book-pics otherwise xD.
WELL DUH HARRY POTTER AND PERCY JACKSON!!! <3 <3 <3 Gosh I soooo need to reread PJO. I miss my babies. XD
ReplyDeleteEvery Soul A Star was good! I enjoyed Wendy Mass's A Mango Shaped Space more, though. (And this was before my obsession with mangoes. XD) I actually reread this book, so that's how much I liked it haha!
The Evaporation of Sofi Snow sounds SO GOOD!
may @ forever and everly
I haven't read any Rick Riordan books in FOREVER. But I just bought one with a GORGEOUS cover (a paperback of Throne Of Fire), so I might have added on to my Summer tbr!
DeleteWendy Mass writes such awesome MG books - and I can't wait to start on Sofi Snow! I've got it sitting on the table next to me right now, so I really SHOULD finish reading it xD.
thanks for the recommendations!!!
ReplyDeletei'm writing them down!
You're welcome, Arya Lynn!
DeleteI REEEEEALLY want to read the Percy Jackson series!! I have a friend who just RAVES about them, and I just really need to read them. *nods*
ReplyDelete"I have a friend who just RAVES about them" - good for your friend! :D But I agree that the whole series is REALLY fun, seeing as it's first person with a kinda-sarcastic main character xD.
Delete