Splash Into Summer With Summer Reads for Young Readers
Keep your keiki entertained this summer with these books for elementary to young adult readers.
The summer season is finally upon us! We’re so excited for the long and sunny days, the slower pace and the opportunity to dig into our ever-growing TBR piles. As we lean into the leisure of summer, we’re also thrilled to shine the spotlight on some new and beloved titles for our little readers.
Just because school’s out doesn’t mean the reading fun stops. This month, we’ve assembled our top picks for keiki, middle grade and young adult readers to keep them entertained, creatively engaged and learning something new. Browse our beloved summer reads below, and be sure to stop by Da Shop: Books + Curiosities for even more book recs (and bring your little readers!).
SEE ALSO: Our Guide: Honolulu Summer Festivals
Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
The Invisible Wild
by Nikki Van De Car
An epic Hawaiian adventure novel for young adult readers, The Invisible Wild is the latest from bestselling Kanaka Maoli author Nikki Van De Car. Inspired by the legend of the Menehune first encountered by arriving Kānaka ‘Ōiwi, Van De Car’s novel brings Hawaiian mythology into conversation with the contemporary story of 16-year-old Emma, who encounters a Hilo boy with an unexplained connection to Menehune. What follows is an epic adventure that explores love, identity and the sacred power of Indigenous land.
Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
Noodles on a Bicycle
by Kyo Maclear
Though not necessarily a new book, Noodles on a Bicycle is a beloved book at Da Shop and beyond and just received the prestigious Caldecott Honor award for distinguished picture book! Vibrant and gripping, Noodles on a Bicycle tells the story of demae, Tokyo’s bicycle delivery men who inspire a group of children to practice their own acrobatic of balance and speed. Written by award-winning novelist Kyo Maclear (another favorite at Da Shop!) and illustrator Gracey Zhang, it’s a beautifully crafted story sure to delight food lovers of all ages.
Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon
by Grace Lin
Rooted in Chinese folklore, this highly anticipated middle grade fiction book tells the story of Jin, a guardian of the Old City Gate who’s charged with protecting the Sacred Sphere, and the mysterious young girl who opens a portal into a new adventure. Written by bestselling author Grace Lin, The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon is also beautifully illustrated, rendering the tale of duty, love and inheritance in stunning color. This immersive read will transport young readers to other worlds.
We Carry the Sun
by Tae Keller
Newberry Medalist and local author Tae Keller is back with her debut picture book! We Carry the Sun is an eye-catching, resplendent portrait of humanity’s relationship to the sun, one of our most precious resources. In this gorgeously illustrated and well-researched children’s book, Keller marries historical and scientific knowledge with lyrical, thoughtful language. The result is a moving tribute to the history of solar power (especially relevant in the summer!) and a celebration of our relationship to the natural world.
Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
Everybelly
by Thao Lam
Everybelly is the body positive picture book we all need in our lives. Written from the perspective of Maddie, a young girl joining her mom for a sunny day at the public pool, Everybelly gives life to the people behind every belly she passes. Throughout, acclaimed picture book artist Thao Lam invites a joyful celebration of a body part that’s too often maligned. Rendered in Lam’s distinctive cut-paper collage, the bellies found in these pages are diverse—with all kinds of shapes, sizes, and even personalities! This is truly a book for “everybelly”!
Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl
