Spring Break will start this afternoon for me, but it sure doesn't feel like it outside. The weather is chilly, rainy (with a possibility of snow) , and grey with temperatures in the lower 40s in the Chicagoland area. I really hope it warms up! I am always asked by students and other readers what they should pick and up read for Spring Break so I thought I would make a blog post about it. Below are some of my suggestions of books that I loved for children, young adult, and adult readers. I hope I can find something for everyone!
My Childrens/Middle Grade Picks:
Crossover by Kwame Alexander- A delightful novel in verse book about family and basketball.
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead- A book that explores the various forms of love and friendship, particularly female tween friendships in a positive light.
Historical Fiction: Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool - Navigating Early is a story about memories, personal journeys, interconnectedness, and the power of stories. On its surface, it is a tale of two outcast boys from a boarding school developing a friendship and overcoming loss; however, if you dig deeper you will realize that the book in fact is composed of three stories that beautifully weave together by the last page.
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead- A book that explores the various forms of love and friendship, particularly female tween friendships in a positive light.
Historical Fiction: Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool - Navigating Early is a story about memories, personal journeys, interconnectedness, and the power of stories. On its surface, it is a tale of two outcast boys from a boarding school developing a friendship and overcoming loss; however, if you dig deeper you will realize that the book in fact is composed of three stories that beautifully weave together by the last page.
The Evolution of Culpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kennedy- The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a delightful book that crosses a wide variety of genres: coming of age, historical fiction, and even feminism.
Fantasy: League of Princes series by Christopher Healy - The first book is called The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom- this is a wonderful, slapstick fantasy series that cleverly uses fractured fairy tales to tell a completely different story.
The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands- A nice blend of magic and mystery.
Mystery: Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Maryrose Wood- This is a series that has a similar tone to the Lemony Snicket's Unfortunate Events, but with an emphasis on the mystery. The first book is called The Mysterious Howling. I would highly recommend getting the audiobooks as they are fabulous.
Graphic Novels: There are so many great graphic novels out. I would highly recommend checking out Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson, El Deafo by Cece Bell, Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi, and the Olympian series by George O'Connor just to name a few.
Picture Books: Breaking News: Bear Alert by David Biedrzycki, Wait by Antoinette Portis, I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, and The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena
My YA Picks:
Fantasy: The Young Elites and The Rose Society by Marie Lu, Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini
Paranormal Romance: Exquisite Captive and Blood Passage by Heather Demetrios
Science Fiction: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, These Broken Stars by Amie Kauffman and Megan Spooner
Thriller/Suspense/Mystery: All Fall Down by Ally Carter, I am the Weapon aka Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff
Historical Fiction: Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez, The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters, A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Walker Briggs
Graphic Novels: Nimona by Noelle Stevenson, Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson, Tomboy by Liz Prince, Nana manga series by Ai Yazawa
My Adult Picks:
Thriller/Suspense/Mystery: Confessions by Kanae Minato, Dinner by Herman Koch, Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreightParanormal/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy: Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, Mercy Thomspon series by Patricia Briggs, Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Contemporary Literature: Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, Attachments by Rainbow Rowell, Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber
Historical Fiction: Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman, Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler, Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
Graphic Novels: Saga series by Brian K. Vaughan, Fables by Bill Willingham
What are your Spring Break recommendations?
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Thanks for all the recommendations! I hope you have a great spring break despite the chilly weather.
Great list! Those that I've read, I totally agree with you on making the list. Those that I haven't but are on my wishlist... I need to get to even more now. AND now those that I didn't know about but now are making my wishlist. I didn't need that one to be bigger but I'm blaming you. LOL #firstworldproblems :D
Wow. I wish you were my librarian when I was a kid. What a great list.
I'M SO JEALOUS!!! I miss having a spring break. I wish I could take one right now, chilly weather and all! I hope you enjoy your time off Rummanah, I'll be living vicariously through you:)
I guess your Spring Break is coming to a close now - I hope you had a good one! I guess I had a break this past weekend and I actually delved into one of the ones on your list here: Illuminae! O.M.G. I was honestly blown away! I would def say it's a great Spring Break read because you need all that free time to devote to that book completely so you never have to put it down!