July Recommendations

Novels:

WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE, by Renée Watson, is the first book of a contemporary middle grade series about a plucky girl with a boy’s name. Ryan means “king,” and her mother wants her to “feel powerful,” like “a leader" every time she hears it. Ryan really tries, but life can be frustrating. Her parents say they have to move to a smaller, more affordable house, so of course there are plenty of adjustments, and fourth grade is tough, no matter how you look at it. However, a loving family, a creative mind, and a boatload of confidence all help. Ryan is a delightful character who rarely lets anything get her down for long. (MG)

THE TIME OF GREEN MAGIC is the latest in a long list of artfully crafted, literary novels from Hilary McKay. Like Renée Watson's book above, this one involves a move to a new house, but THE TIME OF GREEN MAGIC is set in England rather than Portland, Oregon. When Abi and her father Theo blend their family with Max, Louis, and their mother Polly, there are a lot of domestic issues to work out. Throw in a babysitter who’s an art student from France, and a touch of magic seemingly conjured from the eerie house itself, and you get another winner from McKay. (MG)

I’m late to the party, but THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141st STREET, by Karina Yan Glaser, is such a fun read! The Vanderbeeker family lives in a brownstone “in the middle of a quiet block on 141st Street.” As the story begins, they are being evicted by a grouchy landlord, forced to leave their beloved house and Harlem neighborhood behind. Dear friends join in to help, as the five quirky siblings dream up plan after plan to try to convince Mr. Beiderman to allow them to stay. (If you loved The Penderwicks, give this a try—and if you haven’t read The Penderwicks, you should!) The third Vanderbeekers book came out last fall. (MG)

Picture Books:

In SPACEBOT, by Mike Twohy, a UFO touches down and robo-dog called Spacebot disembarks. But, alas for the poor earth-dog who wants to play, Spacebot is way more interested in hanging out with the kitchen appliances. Short, punchy text and energetic art—rendered in watercolor and felt pen—make this book especially appealing for beginning readers. (And for parents reading aloud who appreciate brevity.)

CAT DOG DOG: The Story of a Blended Family, with words by Nelly Buchet and art by Andrea Zuill, is an even shorter text, mainly comprised of combinations of the words Dog and Cat, accompanied by a few choice additions. Add in the ink and digital illustrations, and this book tells the complete story of—well, of a blended family. It’s spot on and very clever.

WHOO-KU HAIKU, by Maria Gianferrari and Jonathan Voss, is a stunner. Gorgeous digitally enhanced ink and watercolor illustrations accompany an impressive story told completely in haiku. A family of owls find a nest, lay eggs, and hatch baby owlets, who eventually fledge. Back matter adds more information and suggests additional resources.

--Lynn