summer reads
The Mysterious Benedict Society . Trenton Lee Stewart
The first of three books centers around a group of children enlisted by a mysterious and charming old man to save the world from the perils of brainwashing evil. The quirky characters and almost unbelievable plot reminiscent of Roald Dahl or Jester’s The Phantom Tollbooth. A fast read, delightfully funny, and is sure to keep you hooked. Recommended for children ages 9 to 13.
The Likeness . Tana French
A pseudo-sequel to In the Woods, the book follows Cassie Maddox on her undercover search for the killer of her doppleganger identity thief. Poetic prose and a large, well-developed cast of characters are woven with an unpredictable and intriguing plotline complete with one of French’s climatic twists at the end.
Recommended for ages 18 and older, mostly for the use of language.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn . Betty Smith
The coming-of-age story of 11-year-old Francie Nolan in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn. Beautifully written, it’s one of those books that will stay captivating as the years go by.
Recommended for ages 15 and up.
