Hey, kids! Summer is finally here, which means instead of doing assigned reading you can read whatever you want for pure pleasure. And who better to suggest some fun reads than Kiana Borjian, the librarian at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland? Below are her comments about what’s on her list this year.
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“Baba, What Does My Name Mean?” by Rifk Ebeid (for all ages): “An accessible and profound picture book that encapsulates complicated emotions and histories. A young girl is confused at school when she can’t locate Palestine on a map.
“This book is a wonderful introduction to Palestinian culture and history for young readers that can help begin important conversations and learning.”
“Bear and Bird” by Jarvis (kindergarten through second grade): “This series is irresistibly cute and sweet! These simple and charming stories are ideal for kids entering kindergarten and first grade.
“The tales of friendship inspire both giggles and profound reflection — the kind of book that should go in the children’s classics canon alongside ‘Frog and Toad.’ ”
“Small Places, Close to Home: A Children’s Declaration of Rights” by Deborah Hopkinson (all ages): “With an election coming up, this is a great book to share with children to remind and empower them with their rights.
“Inspired by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it’s a great way to discuss with your children where they feel safest and most free, or where in their world they see themselves and others denied these rights. A beautiful book with grounding values and principles.”
“Oh, No, The Aunts Are Here” by Adam Rex: (all ages) “A hilarious and relatable book about the misadventures of family. I highly recommend this as a family read-aloud. It’s a perfect book to remind kids how fun reading can be and celebrate the special characters and forms of love that we experience through family.”
“Riley Reynolds” by Jay Albee (first through third grades): “Riley Reynolds follows a nonbinary fourth-grader on sweet everyday adventures. If you are looking for material for a kid exploring chapter books (in second or third grade perhaps) with examples of healthy habits and self-image, you have found the perfect series.”
“Isabel in Bloom” by Mae Raespicio (third through sixth grades): “Incredible middle-grade author Mae Raespicio’s verse novel about 12-year-old Isabel’s move from the Philippines to San Francisco. The challenges of such a shift are expressed movingly, and the new joys Isabel discovers are heartwarming as well.
“Her passion for gardens and cooking may inspire new summer hobbies, and you can seek out some of her same adventures in San Francisco.”
“The Storyteller” by Brandon Hobson (fourth grades and up): “ ’The Storyteller’ follows Ziggy as he tries to find answers regarding his mother’s disappearance.
“Throughout the book, he deepens his relationship with himself, his community and his ancestry in a narrative that handles heavy topics such as anxiety and the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women with tenderness, realness and humor, making it relatable and realistic. A must-read for incoming fifth-graders all the way through middle school!”
“Speculation” by Nisi Shawl (fourth grades and up): “Winna is a young girl who finds that a pair of her great aunt’s glasses grants her access to the past and communication with her ancestors.
“Part mystery, part fantasy, part history, the story contends with slavery, generational memory and the relationship between past and present in a way that will keep you glued to the pages.”
“The Worst Ronin” by Maggie Tokuda Hall (middle and high school): “A must-read for those who can handle some swords and violence by one of my favorite authors. For fans of ‘One Piece’ and ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ this is a humorous, adventure-filled and deep graphic novel.
“The story follows Chihiro, a teen girl tasked with killing an evil demon (no big deal) who ends up working with one of her idols and discovering much more about herself and the world. Love the powerful and complicated femme representation and the unique and silly details that make the book extra-charming and special.”
“Unbecoming” by Seema Yasmin (high school): “This book … follows two best friends passionate about social justice, in particular abortion rights.
“In the novel, abortion is banned in the U.S., and Laylah and Noor are working on creating a guide for those who need to access care in underground clinics. I can’t wait to read it in order to process the shifts taking place in our country and globally and be inspired by the ways young people think about and act toward liberation.”
Have at it, kids — enjoy!
Martin Snapp can be reached at catman442@comcast.net.