Culture Summer Reads These page-turners will keep readers at every age entertained this season!
THE UNITED STATES OF SPORTS by Bill Syken (Hardcover, $24.99; barnesandnoble.com) Do you have a little athlete in the family? Sports Illustrated Kids Books released this fun, beautifully illustrated reference for ages eight and up, and it’s a must-have for any budding sports fan. The book goes across the country, graphically depicting interesting factoids about sports teams and famous athletes from each state. Photos, maps and insider tidbits make this an engrossing read for kids and parents alike, and the section on Texas elaborates on local heroes such as Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros and James Harden, formerly of the Houston Rockets, among many others. Both pro and college teams of all kinds of sports are featured, guaranteeing to keep your future champ engrossed for hours.
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HURRICANE SEASON: THE UNFORGETTABLE STORY OF THE 2017 HOUSTON ASTROS AND THE RESILIENCE OF A CITY by Joe Holley (Hardcover, $27.00; bookpeople.com) There isn’t a single Houstonian who wasn’t inspired by the Astros’ 2017 World Series win, particularly since it came immediately after Hurricane Harvey, the devastating storm that left the city underwater for several days. The flood waters left $200 billion in damages behind, and Houston’s morale in tatters. But nine weeks later, the Astros' fought and won their firstever World Series victory, and Bayou City’s motto, “Houston Strong,” was everywhere. With this much-needed boost, the city’s faith was revitalized. Regardless of team affinity or city of residence, every single American will be inspired by this story of hardship overcome.
SANPAKU by Kate Gavino (Hardcover, $16.50; amazon.com) When her beloved grandmother dies, Marcine, a 12-year-old Filipino-American girl, becomes fascinated with the Japanese concept of sanpaku—the belief that if the whites of one’s eyes are visible beneath the iris, tragedy will strike. Of course, her grandmother was afflicted with this phenomenon and regaled Marcine with stories of famous people who suffered from it while alive, feeding her superstition. Set in 1995, this coming-of-age, black-and-white graphic novel will resonate with young adults as they struggle to navigate puberty, providing a unique world view—and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor—for any teen to enjoy.
