Summer Reading Suggestions

Since it’s first posted blog in September 2018 until now, the Storyteller Squad has sought to encourage writers of all ages and to introduce clean fiction to our subscribers. From all the recommendations, we have a healthy list of novels for middle-grade and young adult readers to read all year long. But now, it’s summer-time, and kids have more time for fun activities like sitting in the shade with a good book. Here’s a summer reading list for your young readers to get them started.

Some novels fit well into literature classes, as well, so homeschoolers may like to include them in their lesson plans this fall.

Jewish History Fascinating in Just A Piece of Stone

Today’s recommendation, an innovative new release by children’s author, Mary Ann Hake, fits this category. Mary Ann has published three picture books and now a middle-grade novel, Just A Piece of Stone. Just A Piece of Stone follows the Goldberg genealogy from present times to the time of Moses. What’s extra fascinating about this story is that it can be read from the first chapter to the last and from the last to the first and still make perfect sense. Each chapter covers a grandfather passing a family heirloom to the youngest grandson through the generations. Readers seek to find out what is so special about this piece of stone, but along the way, they learn the interesting history of the Jewish people. We experience a bar mitzvah, wars, slavery, celebrations, and interesting trivia.

This interesting, thought-provoking novel would make an excellent homeschooling resource for history and literature classes. Discussions could tie in study of the Scripture, as well. One description that stuck out to me was that in 1278 in Toulouse, France, Jews wore yellow stars, much like they did when Hitler ruled Germany. The boys throughout the novel face struggles, delights, and adventures to fascinate readers. I hope you’ll grab a copy and enjoy discovering history and solving what makes this piece of stone special.

Summer Reading Options From Storyteller Squad Authors

In addition to the new release just mentioned, consider the many contributions of our own Storyteller Squad. Over the years, we produced a library of excellent reading for our young people. This summary may include new material for you. Or, perhaps, you’d like to reread some favorites.

Middle Grade Novels

Burton Cole wrote the humorous novels Bash and the Pirate Pig, Bash and the Chicken Coop Caper, and Bash and the Chocolate Milk Cows.

Gretchen A. Carlson wrote More Than Grit, a historical novel set in 1940. The sequel, I Be Brave, will release later this summer.

Julane Fisher’s novels are Sour Lemon Strikes Out and Sour Lemon and Sweet Tea.

Tracy Popolizio’s novels are The Longest New York Minute and Tapestry of Lies.

Kristen Gwen brought us Ophelia Starcluck Saves The Galaxy, Ophelia Starcluck and The Rebel Prince, and Ophelia Starcluck And The Golden Egg.

Victoria Kimble wrote Soprano Trouble, Solo Disaster, Alto Secrets, and The Main Dish.

Young Adult Novels

Candice Yamnitz’s fantasies include Unbetrothed, Untamed, Ruthless, Restless, Reckless, and One Must Die.

Jill K. Willis wrote The Demons Among Us, an action adventure.

Julane Fisher’s dystopian The Text will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Laurie Germaine’s Christmas fantasy novels Tinsel in a Tangle and Tinsel in a Twist include humor and romance. Her The Daze Before Christmas is a Christmas romance for sixteen plus.

Misha McCorkle’s fantasy Elleson is action packed.

Sharon Rene’s dystopian series includes Hesitant Heroes, Relentless Rebels, and Defying Destiny.

Taylor Bennett published a series: Porch Swing Girl, Sand Castle Dreams, Mele Kalikimaka, Barefoot Memories, and Promise Me Aloha.

Victoria Kimble also wrote The Hurricane Keeper, The Eyewall Seeker, and The Storm Breaker.

Children’s Books, Writing Helps, Devotionals

Candice Yamnitz published two children’s books, Dear Mouse Princess and Desi and Ky Go Poof.

Kristen Gwen’s most recent release is Rocket Writers: A Guide to Launching Into Author Space for Storytellers Under 18.

Victoria Kimble also wrote five writing prompt books: Writing Prompts for the Suspicious, Writing Prompts for the Animal Lover, Writing Prompts for Nerds, Geeks and Dorks, Writing Prompts for the Outdoorsy, and Writing Prompts for the Hungry.

Our newest contributor, Leigh DeLozier, published Work From Home Mom’s Devotions to Go and Divas in Disguise, also a devotional.

Summer Reading Extended

Carol Eaton, Elise Haroldson, and Julia N. White, award winning authors, continue to perfect their manuscripts. I’m sure we’ll be adding their novels to our reading lists soon.

If you need a good book to read, look no farther. Our archives contain many reviews. Your summer reading will extend well beyond this summer, don’t you think?

Thank you for reading and subscribing to our blog. We are doing our part to write and promote good fiction for youth.

Happy reading, friends!