Must Read Books Summer 2019

If It Makes You Happy

by Claire Kann

What it’s about: Winnie has finished high school and is looking forward to living her best fat girl life and spending her last summer before college someplace she considers to be the best place on earth: her Granny’s diner in the small town of Misty Haven. All she wants is to wear her 50s inspired uniform, earn tips, and spend time with her family and ungirlfriend. But then she unexpectedly becomes Misty Haven’s Summer Queen and is forced to take center stage in photo shoots, attend a never-ending list of royal community engagements, and interact with the Summer King—things that she discovers terrify her.

Why read it? This is a character-driven story, and Winnie, who has to conquer her fears, defy expectations, and embrace her cultural and sexual identity, is a great character in an incredibly enjoyable book.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

by Carlos Hernandez

What it’s about: Sal Vidón is the new kid in school who ends up in the principal’s office after only three days. But why should he just accept bullying when he can open a portal to another universe for the purpose of leaving a raw chicken in his bully’s locker? Gabi Real is student council president and editor of the school newspaper, and she doesn’t miss a trick. When she finds out about Sal’s powers, which include being able to conjure things much larger than a chicken, and takes it in stride, they begin an unlikely friendship that may end up breaking (or fixing) the entire universe.

Why read it? Multiverse hijinks, humor, sci-fi, and magic, this exciting adventure story has all that and is full of characters that you’ll want to root for.

Stepsister

by Jennifer Donnelly

What it’s about: Isabelle is an ugly stepsister. She tried to fit in, cut away pieces of herself—literally and figuratively—to become more like sweet and beautiful Cinderella, but she didn’t get the happily ever after. Now she’s been made into an unwitting pawn in a wager between Chance and Fate, until an offer from a fairy queen gives her a chance to alter her destiny.

Why read it? Donnelly doesn’t just fracture this fairy tale, she shatters it. Isabelle gets her own completely original adventure and her journey leads toward empowerment and the realization that ugly, just like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

I Am a Feminist: Claiming the F-Word in Turbulent Times

by Monique Polak

What it’s about: Feminism has changed immensely in the last hundred years. From first-wave feminists and the suffragists to today’s understanding of intersectionality and the #MeToo movement, Monique Polak examines the history of feminism and the issues that girls and women continue to face today.

Why read it? The author has created a really readable, comprehensive resource. She combines personal experiences with interviews, facts, and history to answer essential questions like “What is feminism?” and “Why does it still matter?”, while also looking at the ways in which people, especially young people, are currently working together to stand up for equality and speak out against injustice.

Shuri: The Search for Black Panther

by Nnedi Okorafor & Leonardo Romero

What it’s about: Both a techno-genius and a princess, Shuri is next in line for the throne, but what she enjoys most is creating things in her lab. When the Black Panther goes missing while on a mission to space, and Wakanda needs her, Shuri will have to step out of her comfort zone and push herself to see if she is able to become the leader her people need.

Why read it? It’s a Shuri solo comic! And since Shuri is arguable the best character that has ever been in a Marvel movie ever, that question answers itself. Plus Nnedi Okorofor is a bestselling Afrofuturist author and Leonardo Romero is an Eisner-nominated artist, so you know it’s going to be great!

These recommendations were provided by Kacy Helwick, Youth Collection Development Librarian at the New Orleans Public Library.

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