Summer vacation is here so let’s celebrate with a book, or a few!  Here are the books on our summer reading list, for both adults and children.

Grab a chair or hit the road, they all fit perfectly in a beach bag! Happy reading and have a great summer!

Carolyn’s Picks

I recommend for adults:
Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Lisa Genova, an American neuroscientist and author, uses her medical background to create stories about characters with brain illnesses – in this compelling novel, she writes through the eyes of Alice, a brilliant Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers. It is an emotional though inspiring read.

 

I recommend for kids:
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

 “When you were too small to tell me hello, I knew you were someone I wanted to know.” The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a thoughtful, quiet story that imagines all of the things that both babies and children will grow up to be  including creative, clever as well as brave and bold. This charming picture book is guaranteed to appeal to readers of all ages… especially parents and grandparents.

 

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

I will probably read this book another few hundred times over the summer, as it is Jacob’s favourite. Apart from the fun truck sounds (Beep beep beep goes Blue!) and animal noises, Little Blue Truck teaches the importance of friendship, kindness and teamwork. When everyone works together with Blue, even the largest tasks can be accomplished.

Nadia’s Picks

I recommend for adults:
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok

This book is on every list of suggestions for summer reads… It must be good! Sylvie Lee flew to the Netherlands to see her ailing grandma one last time. Then, she disappeared. Her parents and little sister Amy have no clue what happened. And when Amy takes it upon herself to retrace her sister’s footsteps, she uncovers family secrets that turn her world upside down.

 

I recommend for kids:
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

A hilarious new middle grade novel from beloved and bestselling author Gordon Korman about what happens when the worst class of kids in school is paired with the worst teacher—perfect for fans of Ms. Bixby’s Last Day.

 

Hélène’s Picks

I recommend for adults:
How to think like Leonardo Da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb

Five hundred years after, Leonardo DaVinci‘s work still fascinates people all over the world. I read this book many years ago and I still go back to it when I need a little creativity boost.  Why not add a great art book about his work!

 

Becoming by Michele Obama and Oser l’espace by David St-Jacques

These two wonderful people have demonstrated kindness, determination and humanity. I would like to know more about them.

 

 

 

I recommend for kids:
Kitchen Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke (A STEM book)

Summer is a great time to be outside and trying out something new. Kitchen Lab for Kids provides 52 science challenges to do with everyday material available from most pantries.  Ideas go from creating monster eggs to shooting marshmallow slingshots and crystalizing your own rock candies. A lot of the scientific mess can then happen outside!

 

The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner

An active young girl temporarily sets part of her life aside as her family tries to adjust to an older sibling struggling with substance abuse and to care for her in the difficult phases of rehabilitation.

 

Elizabeth’s Picks

I recommend for adults:
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

I started this book a while ago, but haven’t had a chance to finish it.  I plan on sitting in the most comfortable chair I can find, and finishing it before the end of the summer.   What a story! Here’s the summary.


I recommend for kids:
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

This summer I will reread Jonathan Swift’s, Gulliver’s Travels with my daughters.  An adventure (almost) every night!