The heat is on this summer, so why not dive into a water-themed book to cool you off? With suggestions that cover a range of genres and plots that include swimming pools, island adventures, mermaid tales, and more, I hope that you find something to quench your thirst for great vacation reading.
Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab (romance, 9th & up)
YA F JARZAB
Susannah Ramos, once a world champion swimmer, has had some setbacks in the past two years. Now, with the introduction of a new coach who has intense expectations and demands, and a new potential love interest in fellow swimmer Harry Matthews, things are looking up. But, with the pressure she puts on herself, her need to satisfy her family and her coach, as well as secrets she learns about Harry, things start to come to a head as she struggles to keep her olympic dreams in sight. Perfect for sports fans and lovers of dramatic romances alike.
Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics (Sports Beat series) by John Feinstein (mystery, 6th & up)
YA F FEINSTEIN
In this sixth entry of the series (which can be read in any order), aspiring sports journalists Steve Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson are made aware of a scandal at the 2012 Olympics, but Susan Carol is taking on a more personal role in the action, since she is swimmer on the USA team and is on the front lines when it comes to observing the insane pressure there is to win. How far will some individuals and corporations go to ensure the gold?
Adrift by Paul Griffin (adventure, 9th & up)
YA F GRIFFIN
Shout out to the Hamptons! In Adrift, two working class friends just trying to make some money in Montauk over the summer break meet up with three wealthy teens, and the combination is disastrous, as the group finds themselves stranded in the middle of the ocean on a poorly equipped boat, struggling to survive. Suspenseful and full of unexpected twists!
Ten by Gretchen McNeil (horror, 9th & up)
YA F GRIFFIN
In a modern update to the classic Agatha Christie mystery And Then There Were None, 10 teenagers head to a posh mansion on a remote island for an exclusive weekend-long house party -- but it seems that a killer is amongst the guests, as strange things begin to happen and their indulgent getaway turns into a gory, slasher-movie style nightmare.
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow (fantasy, 8th & up)
YA F MORROW
This smart social-commentary fantasy features two Black high schoolers who are as good as sisters. Tavia is a secret siren, with powers that are reviled by society, while Effie is not sure what she is, but she knows that the changes that are happening to her are getting harder and harder to contain. When their secrets are revealed, can the two friends find a way to embrace their power before the world around them crushes them simply for daring to exist?
And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness (fantasy, 7th & up)
YA F NESS
Well known and respected YA author Ness takes on a behemoth task (literally), with his nautical novel that turns the classic adventure tale, Moby Dick, on its head. Whales and Men are at war, and Bathsheba and her proud, fierce warrior pod are the best their species has to offer. When the group comes across a legendary enemy that will challenge them beyond their darkest nightmares, they find themselves risking it all against a seemingly undefeatable foe.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys (historical fiction, 8th & up)
YA F SEPETYS
World War II is drawing to a close, and aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, thousands of refugees are sailing towards freedom -- until an unexpected event results in a life-and-death situation for all the inhabitants. Based on a little known historical tragedy, this is a breathtaking survival tale brilliantly told through four teen voices.
Pacifica by Kristen Simmons (science fiction, 8th & up)
YA F SIMMONS
In this all too believable dystopian tale, climate change, social unrest, and overpopulation have had a big hand in decimating American society. Marin is one of the have-nots, part of a long line of pirates, using her scavenging skills to eke out a hardscrabble existence. Ross, on the other hand, is the son of the president, wants for nothing, and lives a life of ease. These two opposing characters find themselves tied together as Ross seeks Marin’s aid to rescue a friend -- a quest that will force the two to trust and rely on each other if they want to survive.
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki (graphic novel/realistic fiction, 8th & up)
YA GN TAMAKI
For Rose and her family, summer means time at the lake house in Awago Beach, where she always meets up with her best friend Windy and enjoys every moment of summer. This summer, however, family discord and a new group of friends adds drama and danger to her usually idyllic retreat. This Caldecott and Printz honor award-winning graphic novel is perfect for your summer entertainment.
