RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! Great Graphic Novels for Kids
JULY 2022
PLUS OUR LISTS OF
AudioBooks, summer entertainment books, teenage life, YA mystery reads and children’s novels celebrating the stage.
9
Gripping Adult Fiction Audiobooks for
A Long Petal of the Sea
by Isabel Allende This historical novel starts in the midst of the Spanish Civil War and follows Roser and Victor as they flee their homeland in search of a new beginning. Will they find peace and comfort in their adopted country?
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr A deeply moving story about a blind French girl and a German orphan whose paths intersect in occupied France. They will need strength and determination to survive the brutalities of World War II.
The Dutch House
by Ann Patchett In this enthralling novel, Danny and his sister are exiled from the luxurious house of their childhood by their stepmother. A thoughtful page-turner about loss, compassion, and forgiveness.
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah Well-crafted and spectacular, this novel is about two sisters who pursue different paths of survival in war-torn France. An unforgettable story about love and resilience.
Left Neglected
by Lisa Genova In this heartbreaking novel, a car accident leaves a successful mother in her thirties with a devastating brain injury. As she navigates the challenges of her new normal, she comes to realize what truly matters in life.
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r Road Trips The Giver of Stars
by Jojo Moyes The story revolves around the packhorse librarians of Kentucky who deliver books to people living in hard conditions. Nothing can stop these courageous women from spreading the gift of knowledge.
One Good Deed
by David Baldacci War veteran Archer is released from prison on parole. He’ll have to act immediately or risk being put behind bars again. A powerful crime thriller packed with plenty of twists and turns.
Window on the Bay
by Debbie Macomber Now that their children have moved out, Jenna and her best friend are finally free to fulfil their dream. They have no idea what the future holds. Sensitively written, this is a charming novel about change, friendship, and love.
The Guardians
by John Grisham Guardian Ministries is a small organization seeking to exonerate those who have been wrongfully convicted. A suspenseful legal thriller about false incarceration and diligent attorneys who spare no effort to fight injustice.
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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! JULY 2022
8
Books Perfect for Summer Entertainin
For the Love of Popsicles
by Sarah Bond With 75 recipes using natural ingredients, this book provides a healthy take on a classic summer treat.
Summer Every Day
by Acland Geddes Filled with Mediterranean-inspired recipes using fresh ingredients, this cookbook features gorgeous photos and meal ideas for a variety of settings.
Rob Rainford’s Born to Grill
by Rob Rainford For chef Rob Rainford, grilling is all about entertaining. This collection of mouthwatering recipes suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced grill masters will leave your guests wanting more.
Summer Treats
With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, these recipes for cool summer treats are perfect to make with your kids.
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ng A Perfect Day for a Picnic
by Tori Finch Whether you’re planning a romantic date or a family get-together in the park, this book has recipes for packable food and drinks to suit every occasion.
Serial Griller
by Matt Moore Learn the art of grilling and discover a wide range of recipes, from octopus souvlaki to grilled-doughnut ice cream sandwiches.
Margaritaville, the Cookbook
by Carlo Sernaglia Travel the world with this collection of food and drinks that will make you and your guests feel like you’re on vacation.
Flavors of the Southeast Asian Grill
by Leela Punyaratabandhu Take your grilling to the next level with delicious recipes, such as Thai sticky rice and chicken satay, that feature the spices of Southeast Asia.
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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! JULY 2022
10
Novels that Show How Teenage Lif
Literally
by Lucy Keating 17-year-old Annabelle’s life in Venice Beach is going perfectly until she finds out that her perfect life is by design: she’s the main character in author Lucy Keating’s novel! It’s character vs. creator in this whimsical piece of metafiction.
Blood on the Beach
by Sarah N. Harvey Eight troubled teens are sent to a remote island camp for a week of therapy in the woods. When campers and staff start disappearing or falling ill, it becomes apparent that someone is out to get them in this fast-paced thriller.
This Might Get Awkward
by Kara J. McDowell Socially awkward, Gemma just wanted some quiet time on the beach. Alone. Now her crush is in a coma, everyone thinks she’s his girlfriend, and she’s falling for his brooding older brother! A feel-good romance perfect for a day on the beach.
Facing the Sun
by Janice Lynn Mather Four teenage girls navigate their changing friendships while trying to save their Bahamian community’s beach from a hotel developer. This coming-of-age story lets each girl give a glimpse into life in the Bahamas.
They Wish They Were Us
by Jessica Goodman Three years ago, a murderer turned himself in after killing Jill’s best friend. Now Jill’s getting text messages proclaiming the “culprit’s” innocence. This twisty murder mystery will keep readers flying through the pages.
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fe’s a Beach Fable
by Adrienne Young Abandoned on an island by her infamous father, it takes Fable four years to find a ship willing to take her on. Now 18, she travels the sea searching for the man who left her behind in this emotionally intense epic fantasy.
A Map for Wrecked Girls
by Jessica Taylor Feuding sisters Emma and Henri, along with new friend Alex, are stranded on an island while vacationing in Puerto Rico. Family drama and survival blend to create this compelling read.
All That Was
by Karen Rivers Piper and Sloane were the best of friends until Piper’s body washes up on a beach after catching her boyfriend and Sloane making out. Sounds simple? It isn’t. There’s more to Piper and Sloane’s intense, toxic relationship than meets the eye.
Love & Olives
by Jenna Evans Welch Liv’s father left to hunt for Atlantis when she was 8, giving her an understandably negative opinion of him. Now 16, she gets a postcard from him inviting her to Greece. Liv’s still not sure about her dad, but his cute assistant seems nice...
The Coming Storm
by Regina Marie Hansen Beet’s cousin Gerry drowned in 1949, and she sees his ghost that night. A year later, the repercussions of that event threaten Beet’s Prince Edward Island home. Scottish folklore inspires this haunting, leisurely-paced historical fantasy.
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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! JULY 2022
8
Chilling YA Mystery Reads to Escape th
I Am the Messenger
by Markus Zusak After stopping a bank robbery, taxi driver Ed Kennedy begins receiving mysterious playing cards with clues in his mail. These messages will lead him to intervene in people’s lives. Why is he the chosen one and who stands behind this mission?
Girl in the Blue Coat
by Monica Hesse Set in German-occupied Amsterdam, the novel follows teenage Hanneke who risks her life to solve the mystery of a missing Jewish girl. This suspenseful story is about betrayal, self-sacrifice, and determination.
Sense and Second-degree Murder
By Tirzah Price The Dashwood sisters are devastated by their father’s untimely death. Soon their startling discovery will make them team up to investigate the case.
Fragments of the Lost
by Megan Miranda As Jessa sorts through the things of her ex-boyfriend who died in a terrible accident, she begins to question their past relationship. Did she know him at all? Will she be able to unravel his secret?
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he Summer Heat Overturned
by Lamar R. Giles Strong-willed Nikki runs her father’s business while he is in jail. Her challenges increase when his conviction gets overturned. The more she searches for answers, the more she gets involved in life-threatening situations.
She Is Not Invisible
by Marcus Sedgwick In this page-turner, 16-year-old Laureth is concerned that her father might be in danger, but she will need her brother’s help to find him. A gripping story that will keep you turning pages.
We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart This emotional story follows Cadence who can’t remember what happened on the island during her fifteenth summer. How will she be able to reveal the truth if everyone is a liar?
Trouble Is A Friend of Mine
by Stephanie Tromly Zoe is not impressed by Digby at all. He is annoying and lacks good manners. Before she realizes it, he has got her involved in his dangerous investigation of a missing girl. An entertaining mystery not to be missed.
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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! JULY 2022
10
Great Graphic Novels for Kids
Hamster and Cheese
by Colleen A. F. Venable When Mr. Venezi’s sandwiches go missing, Hamisher the hamster and Sasspants the guinea pig set out to solve the case. Colourful illustrations, a simple plot, and fun animal facts make this a great pick for young readers.
Baloney and Friends
by Greg Pizzoli In this boldly illustrated graphic novel for young readers, a group of four unlikely friends have a series of wacky adventures. Great for fans of the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems.
Akissi
by Marguerite Abouet Mischievous Akissi is always getting in trouble in this laugh-out-loud collection of short comics. Perfect for fans of Captain Underpants.
Panda Man and the Treasure Hunt
by Shō Makura Readers will enjoy helping Panda Man solve a series of puzzles to find a rare pirate treasure in this silly story full of gross-out humour.
Sardine in Outer Space
by Emmanuel Guibert In this action-packed book, Sardine and her uncle, Captain Yellow Shoulder, encounter aliens, monsters, and supervillains as they sail their ship through space.
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Otto’s Orange Day
by Jay Lynch When a genie grants him a wish, Otto turns the whole world his favourite colour - orange. But he soon discovers that might not have been the best idea. An engaging story with lively and colourful illustrations.
Measuring Up
by Lily LaMotte Determined to see her grandmother again, Cici enters a cooking contest so she can buy her a plane ticket to come visit, but will the judges like Cici’s Taiwanese dishes? A heartwarming story of family and food.
Twins
by Varian Johnson The bond between twins Maureen and Francine is put to the test when they compete for school council president. A story of finding your own identity that is recommended for fans of Svetlana Chmakova and Raina Telgemeier.
Into the Woods
by J. Torres A weekend visiting his grandmother takes an unexpected turn when Rufus finds a magical necklace that turns him into a powerful sasquatch. A richly illustrated graphic novel full of humour and magic.
Secret Coders
by Gene Luen Yang Not only does Hopper’s new school look like a haunted house, but strange things are happening. When she and her friends discover they can use coding to solve these mysteries, they set out on an exciting adventure.
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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! JULY 2022
10
Children’s Novels that Celebrate the
The Marvels
by Brian Selznick Meet the Marvels, a family with a legacy tied to the stage, a tale told in near wordless illustrations. Years later, and told in prose, Joseph Jervis, a school runaway, heads to London to find his uncle. What connection do these stories share?
On These Magic Shores
by Yamile Saied Méndez Minerva has a lot on her plate for a 12-year-old Argentinean American. Mama is missing, and she can’t let anyone know, her younger sisters need looking after, and she’s aiming for the part of Wendy in the school’s production of Peter Pan.
Don’t Wear Polka-dot Underwear With White Pants
by Allison Gutknecht 8-year-old Mandy wants to be the centre of attention, but new twin siblings, a younger brother, a school nemesis, and not being picked as George Washington for the school’s presidential pageant all get in her way.
Star-crossed
by Barbara Dee The play may be Romeo and Juliet, but eighth-grader Mattie, playing Romeo, hopes that her newly found attraction to Gemma, playing Juliet, won’t end in tragedy. A 2SLGBTQIA+ tween romance.
Stink: Hamlet and Cheese by Megan McDonald Stink decides to follow his friend Sophie to Shakespeare camp for spring break after hearing there will be swordplay and cursing. Alas and alack! Stink’s the only boy in the camp! And his nemesis Riley is there too!
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e Stage Tune It Out
by Jamie Sumner Lou’s mother wants to make her a singing star, but being the centre of attention is the last thing Lou, who has an undiagnosed sensory processing disorder, wants. A car accident changes Lou’s circumstances when her aunt takes her in.
Stick With Me
by Jennifer Blecher Circumstances throw unlikely friends Izzy and Wren together when Wren’s family rents Izzy’s house for spring break, and the two are sent to drama camp together. The 12-year-olds navigate being tweens with their supportive friendship.
Better Nate Than Never
by Tim Federle Nate has big dreams of being a Broadway star. So when he hears about auditions for a musical rendition of E.T., he sneaks away from his Pennsylvania foster home to land the part in New York City. Nate’s adventure is humorous, diverse, and profound.
School Play
by Susan Nees Missy is disappointed when she doesn’t land an important part in the school play, but she gets a chance to shine when the lead actor freezes up. A story of theatre for new chapter-book readers.
Jacky Ha-Ha by James Patterson Jacky is used to being the class clown, but her antics are starting to land her in serious trouble, so her teachers force her into the school play to help channel her creativity. She takes to the stage immediately, but can she conquer her stutter?
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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! JULY 2022
RECOMMENDED
READS, MOVIES AND MORE! is published monthly by the Marketing & Communications Department in collaboration with the Public Service Team of Vaughan Public Libraries. Design & Layout Elyse Trojman 905-653-7323, Ext: 4615 elyse.trojman@vaughan.ca Vaughan Public Libraries 2191 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 4W2 905-653-READ (7323) www.vaughanpl.info
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JULY 2022