The Journal-Record has asked local librarians to share some of their favorite books for the summer. Here’s the first installment, with recommendations by the staff of the Clyde Nix Public Library in Hamilton.
Starr Montgomery
Library director
In juvenile nonfiction, I recommend “Charlotte's Bones: The Beluga Whale in a Farmer's Field,” by Erin Rounds. This book is a true story of how Vermont was once covered by an ancient sea, and 11,500 years ago, a Beluga whale died in the water and became buried in deep clay.
In 1849, railroad workers digging in a farmer's field shockingly unearthed the whale's bones 150 miles inland. The book explains how geography changes over time and how fossils unlock prehistoric history.
In juvenile fiction, I recommend “Tunnels,” by Roderick Gordon. This is a fantasy novel about 14-year-old Will Burrows, a boy obsessed with digging, who discovers a hidden civilization beneath London while searching for his missing father.
For adult fiction, I recommend “Lost in Time,” by A. G. Riddle. This is a sci-fi thriller about a near-future world where criminals are punished by being banished 200 million years into the past to the age of the dinosaurs.
Montgomery added, “This summer, we’re inviting children to ‘Unearth a Story’ at the library — where every book is like a treasure waiting to be discovered. We hope kids will have fun digging into new adventures, uncovering fascinating facts and exploring stories that spark their imagination and curiosity all summer long.”
Tanya Gilmore
Assistant librarian
In children’s nonfiction, I like “When Sue found Sue,” by Toni Buzzeo. This is one of my absolute favorite books about discovery and dinosaurs!
If you love dinosaurs and discovering things, you will love this book about Sue Hendrickson finding the largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton ever unearthed.
For children’s easy, I like “What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night,” by Refe Tuma. If your kiddos love it when their elf comes for a visit at Christmas time, they will love
this book that shows how toy dinosaurs get into some real mischief!
For adult fiction, I like “The Woman Outside My Door,” by Rachel Ryan, a new British author. If you love solving mysteries, maybe this is for you. Help Georgina discover who her son’s imaginary friend really is!
Megan Pugh
Assistant librarian
"We Don't Eat Our Classmates," by Ryan T. Higgins is a funny and heartwarming children's picture book about Penelope Rex, a young dinosaur who is excited for her first day of school.
There is just one problem—her classmates are all human children, and Penelope discovers that they look very tasty! As she learns that eating her classmates isn't the best way to make friends, Penelope discovers the importance of kindness, empathy and treating others the way she'd like to be treated.
This book is humorous, charming and popular with elementary aged children, while also teaching lessons about friendship, inclusion and understanding how others feel. Fun fact: This book is also one of my daughter, Harper's, favorite books!
I’d also recommend Nancy Drew: "The Stolen Bones," by Carolyn Keene. The Stolen Bones is a middle-grade mystery where Nancy Drew, along with her friends Bess and George, volunteer at a paleontology dig in the desert.
What starts as an exciting search for dinosaur fossils turns into a mystery when a valuable fossil disappears. As strange events begin happening around the dig site, Nancy must uncover who is behind the theft and why.
This book combines dinosaurs, adventure and classic detective work in a kid-friendly mystery. Great read!
I also like “Salt Water," by Katy Hays. Saltwater is a thrilling story that follows the ultra-wealthy Lingate family, who return to their luxury Italian villa 30 years after a family member’s mysterious death was ruled an accident.
Upon arrival, they find a chilling clue—the exact necklace the victim was wearing when she died. This book includes old family secrets and lots of greed. It’s a great read with thrilling plots and secrets to unfold!
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