Books: Oceans of Possibilities for Summer Reading

OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES

for Summer Reading

By Maricopa County Library District

THIS SUMMER, libraries around the county are celebrating the many stories of the deep blue sea during Maricopa County Reads—your library’s Summer Reading program. Librarians across Maricopa County Library District have recommended their favorite ocean-themed stories for your family to explore. Don’t forget to sign up for Summer Reading at MaricopaCountyReads.org for fun challenges, great prizes, and a summer full of reading!

0-3 YEARS OLD

Hello World! Ocean Life Hooray for Fish!

4-6 YEARS OLD

Over in the Ocean

By Marianne Berkes Learning becomes fun with this book about the animals of the ocean—and, nothing is better than being able to sing a book with your kids! Why you’ll love it: “This title has beautiful artwork to make it a visual treat as well. You won’t even notice that it is a counting story.” –Linda from Asante Library

By Jill McDonald By Lucy Cousins

The wonder of the ocean is brought to life in this engaging board book! Why you’ll love it: “Using colorful cut-out style illustrations, babies and toddlers can learn fun facts about the animals that call our oceans home.” –Nicolas from Southeast Regional Library Celebrate all types of fish, from scary and hairy fish, to Eel-fish and shelly fish, with colorful and whimsical illustrations. Why you’ll love it: “With simple, colorful drawings and all sorts of fish, you and your child will have a blast with these sea creatures!” –Nicolas from Southeast Regional Library

I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean

By Kevin Sherry This fun book compares sizes of ocean animals—giant and big! Why you’ll love it: “This book has a fun and friendly food chain twist-ending!” –Linda from Asante Library

4th- 6th GRADE

Race to the Bottom of the Sea

By Lindsay Eagar

1st- 3rd GRADE

Ducks Overboard! A True Story of Plastic in our Oceans

By Markus Motum Narrated by a rubber ducky who, along with thousands of other ducks, was released into the ocean after a shipping container fell off a ship in the Pacific Ocean. As the rubber ducky amuses readers with his journey, he describes the effects single-use plastics have had on ocean animals and the environment. Why you’ll love it: “The illustrations, text, and simple explanations are just right for elementary-aged kids and their families. While portraying a real problem, it leaves the reader with a sense of hope and specific ways we can all make a difference.” –Janelle from Litchfield Park Library When a dangerous sea current kills her marine biologist parents, a grieving elevenyear-old Fidelia Quail moves in with Aunt Julia, a librarian. Her mourning is interrupted when the notorious pirate, Merrick the Monstrous, kidnaps Fidelia. Why you’ll love it: “This action-packed adventure has it all: pirates, treasure, giant sharks, skullduggery, candy and true romance! With Fidelia’s aquatic inventions and the timeless feel of the story, the book has a Jules Verne feel about it. This book is perfect for anyone wanting adventure on the high seas.” –Lynn from North Valley Regional Library

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

By Liz Kessler

TEENS

The Magic Fish

By Trung Le Nguyen Explore the relationship between a mother and son who were raised in different cultures. One is an immigrant from Vietnam still struggling with English, and the other has been raised in America. Through fairy tales, the two are able to connect as he tries to find the words to come out to his mother and struggles with the idea of acceptance. Why you’ll love it: “Readers will love this graphic novel for the illustrations as well as the heartwarming story about the connection between a mother and son.” –Brittany from Ed Robson Library

Squidding Around series

By Kevin Sherry Each book in this recent graphic novel series features Squizzard, a fun-loving squid who craves attention, and his classmates at Seaweed Elementary. Why you’ll love it: “The humor and wordplay are just right for early elementary readers. The conversation and pictures move the stories along, providing a fun way for transitional or reluctant readers to tackle a chapter book. It also sneaks in some marine creature facts!” –Janelle from Litchfield Park Library While taking swimming lessons, 12-yearold Emily Windsnap discovers that she has a secret. When immersed in water, she becomes a mermaid! Confused, but curious, Emily explores the waters by her home, and discovers an underwater world full of other merfolk and another dangerous family secret. Why you’ll love it: “Like Emily, many preteens often feel like they don’t fit into this world, but in Emily’s case it is true. The author has created a believable underwater world populated with merfolk and customs, combined with an important secret and danger. It makes for a ‘swishy’ tale!” –Lynn from North Valley Regional Library

The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea

By Maggie Tokuda-Hall When Florian, an orphan-turned-pirate, meets Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, a highborn imperial daughter, the two are forced to face the dangers of the rough seas. With the help of magic and their powerful connection, the duo will do whatever it takes to survive. Why you’ll love it: “This fantasy novel explores the connections that exist in the deep divided world of colonialism. This romantic tale is sure to charm readers of all kinds!” –Brittany from Ed Robson Library

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