Great Summer Read Suggestions!

I don't know what you do in the summer, but when I was a kid this was when I got to read endlessly. Nothing made me happier. But where to find great books to indulge in?

Every year, Dr. Bob Seney, a nationally-recognized expert on literature for gifted children, publishes a list of what's new in young adult literature. He gives great reviews, discussing themes, story lines, appropriateness of content, and frequently whether or not the book will resonate with the gifted reader.

For your summer reading enjoyment, here are several new books (2015/2016) that he recommends for middle and high school students, along with his comments. Books with more adult themes/language are marked with an asterisk. 

Learning to Swear in America* by Katie Kennedy
Fun, humorous. Seventeen-year-old Russian astrophysicist genius saves the world from a threatening asteroid. A first novel.

The Promise: Seven Wonders Journals by Peter Lerangis

The prequel to the Seven Wonders Journal series.

Blood Don't Lie by Levy Aaron

Middle school can be tough: bullying, searing or self-identity, your family in crisis, the loss of a close friend, and...I'm going to stop there. The last few chapters are dynamite! Several layered themes. 

Riders by Veronica Rossi (rated as one of his top ten books of the year) A great take on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse moves quickly, high adventure. Contemporary setting. Guide at end is good.

Bone Gap by Ruby Laura
Is it reality or is it fantasy - maybe both! 
Kidnapping to another dimension set in a Midwestern rural setting. Finn discovers his strengths. A bit of a more difficult read.

Echo: A Novel by Pam Munoz Ryan (rated as one of his top ten books of the year 2015) 2016 Newberry Honor. The novel reinvented. Tragedy but there is always hope.

An Ember in the Ashes - Books 1 and 2* by Sabaa Tair 
He calls it Hunger Games with a twist - and says the second book is more engaging than the first.

Wink Poppy Midnight* - by April Tucholke Told from the points-of-view of the three protagonists, this is a tale of mystery, love, and revenge. Light sexual situations. A good read, but I must admit it did not always hold my attention. Reader keep on: be ready for a real surprise.

If you read one of these books, or find another great book you want to share, write a review and we will be happy to post it on the blog over the summer. We are always looking for material - so get back to us and let us know what you think!

If you want to see the rest of Dr. Seney's list, including recommendations for younger children and the 2015 edition, you can find it at www.iag-online.org/resources/2016-Conference-Handouts/Seney/IGA-Whats-New-Handout.pdf.

Read on people! That's what all those pool chairs are for!