Summer is here! And that means loads of time for kids to experience books in all their glory. This is also a great time to encourage kids to read the books they choose (without having to worry about school assignments) and to try out new genres that they might be interested in learning more about. This series will offer titles for toddlers to teens and include a variety of formats. Each week will focus on a different genre and will follow the same format: Mondays – Titles for Ages 3-7 Tuesdays – Middle Grade Titles for Ages 8-12 Wednesdays – Young Adult Titles for Ages 13+ Thursdays – Nonfiction pairings Friday – Recap of the Week Picture Books Dad, Jackie, and Me by Myron Uhlberg The story of a boy and his father bonding over Jackie Robinson during his rookie year on the Dodges in the summer of 1947. Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle A wordless picture book about a little girl and a flamingo who learn to dance together – gracefully, in harmony and in rhythm. Froggy Plays Soccer by Jonathan London Froggy might be a little distracted on the soccer field – doing cartwheels and picking daisies, but when the ball is headed toward him, will he remember the rules of the game? G Is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet by Brad Herzog An alphabet book that takes a closer look at the Olympics – perfect for budding sports stars. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwell A little boy is sure he’s ready to jump off the diving board, but first he’s got to figure out what type of jump he’s going to do, maybe let a few kids go before, and definitely do a few stretches in this adorable story of overcoming your fears. Easy Readers The Dog That Stole Home by Matt Christopher “When his telepathic dog Harry is grounded for nipping another dog, Mike wonders how he’ll ever make it through the baseball game without his advice and encouragement.” (Taken from Goodreads) Don’t Throw it to Mo by David A Adler Mo is passionate about the game, but he’s not the fastest, tallest, or strongest. But, maybe Mo is just right for the perfect play to win the game. Flat Stanley at Bat by Lori Haskins Houran Flat Stanley makes an awesome ball player – he can float up high to catch, but is he playing fair? Find out what happens in this easy reader story for baseball fans. Kick, Pass, and Run by Leonard P. Kessler When a bunch of animals discover a football and learn the rules of the game from a little boy and his friends. Soccer Game! by Grace Maccarone “Rhyming text and spirited illustrations take readers through the exciting ups and downs of a neighborhood soccer game.” (Taken from Goodreads) Chapter Books Skater Girl (Babymouse series) by Jennifer L. Holm Babymouse doesn’t feel like she’s good at anything, until she tries ice skating! But soon an Olympic coach wants to coach Babymouse, is Babymouse ready? The Fenway Foul-Up by David A. Kelly “Thanks to Kate’s mom, a sports reporter, cousins Mike Walsh and Kate Hopkins have tickets to the Red Sox game and All Access passes to Fenway Park. But as they’re watching batting practice before the game, the lucky bat of Red Sox star slugger Big D is stolen . . . right in front of dozens of people. Without the bat, Big D can’t seem to hit a thing. Can Kate and Mike figure out who pinched the bat before Big D and the Sox chalk up a loss?” (Taken from Goodreads) Cartwheel Katie by Fran Manushkin Katie watches gymnastics on tv and can’t wait to try it out, but it’s a lot harder than it looks! EllRay Jakes Stands Tall by Sally Warner EllRay may be the shortest kid in school, but the basketball coach is complimenting his skills at practice. Unfortunately, he’s always picked last for the team, what does EllRay need to do to prove he’s a great player? Izzy Barr, Running Star by Claudia Mills Izzy’s ready to compete against her biggest rival, Skipper during the school’s field day races, but her dad’s busy with work and might not be able to make it. Will Izzy’s dad understand how much Izzy needs him and will she win the race? Rebound Time by Jake Maddox Sarit misses her dad when he moved across the country after her parents’ divorce. But he was also her basketball coach and now she’s not sure if she can play the game without her dad on the sidelines. Lola Levine is Not Mean by Monica Brown Lola loves playing soccer, but when a game becomes too competitive and Lola accidentally hurts a teammate. Now, everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine, but with the help of her friends and family, Lola will learn how to be the best Lola she can be in second grade. My Secret Life as a Ping Pong Wizard by Henry Winkler Everyone in fifth grade must pick a sport to participate in, but Hank’s not so great at sports until his grandfather introduces him to ping pong – and turns out to be great at it! But, will all his friends and classmates laugh at him for competing in ping pong as a sport? Swimming with Sharks (series) by Betty Hicky In order to advance to the sharks and swim with her friends, dolphin swimmer, Rita must learn how to do a flip-turn.