NNS Summer Survival Guide: 15 books you won’t regret reading

The Milwaukee Public Library has book recommendations for all ages, but especially for kids. (NNS file photo by Analise Pruni)

It’s officially summer, a time of the year that many associate with leisure time.

With that in mind, we asked some of our friends at local bookstores and libraries what exciting things Milwaukeeans can read.

Here’s what they said.

For children

“El Barrilito Mágico de Papá” (“Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock”) by Jesús Trejo. A tale of a very young comedian’s life lessons while working at his family’s business.
“Lowriders to the Rescue,” a paperback by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Raúl the Third . An installment of the “Lowriders” series, this book combines comics, Spanish, mixing cultures, science, superheroes and first loves.
“The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This poem is a love letter to Black life in the United States.
“Dancing Hands : How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln” by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López. A story of a little girl who uses music to help her find comfort in a new country.
“Camila the Baking Star” by Alicia Salazar, illustrated by Thais Damião: A story about the importance of teamwork.
“A Girl Like Me” by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Nina Crews. This story empowers young readers to embrace their individuality, reject societal limitations and follow their dreams.
“A Boy and His Mirror” by Marchánt Davis, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo: A story about a young boy learning about his hair – and life.
“I Am Golden” by Eva Chen, illustrated by Sophie Diao. A bright and colorful picture book about a girl named Mei and her Chinese American immigrant family.

For adults

“Woman Of Light” by Kali Fajardo-Anstine. A novel that centers the lives of the Lopez family in the multigenerational Western saga. “Woman of Light” is a story about survival, family secrets, and love.
“Pedro Páramo” by Juan Rulfo. A classic of Mexican modern literature about a haunted village.
“Rogue Justice” by Stacey Abrams. A thriller in which a blackmailed federal judge, a secret court and a brazen murder threatens to launch an unprecedented national crisis.
“The Storytellers Death” by Ann Dávila Cardinal. A family saga about a Puerto Rican woman who finds herself gifted (or cursed?) with a strange ability.
“How the Word Is Passed” by Clint Smith. A work of reflection and insight that offers a new understanding of the role that memory and history can play in understanding America and slavery.
“Uphill: A Memoir” by Jemele Hill. A memoir by the Atlantic journalist and former ESPN SportsCenter co-anchor about overcoming a legacy of pain and forging a new path, no matter how uphill life’s battles might be.
“Soul on Ice” by Eldridge Cleaver. A memoir that shocked, outraged and ultimately changed the way the United States looked at the civil rights movement and the Black experience.

For more information

The Milwaukee Public Library also offers reading programs and activities for both children and adults. For more recommendations you can look at the Milwaukee Public Library website.

You can reach out to La Revo Books and Niche Book Bar for other book recommendations – or ask your neighbor.

What books would you recommend? Let us know in the comments or email us with the subject line “books.”