Summer Reading

summer, reading, ALA

Are you looking forward to summer? I do, even though I am working just as many hours as during the other seasons. Maybe it’s the extra daylight, leaving more time to sit on the back deck and get in a few reading chapters.

I have a stack of books I’m still working on from last year’s American Library Association Conference. I need to crank through a few more before attending this year’s conference in Washington D.C. If you’ve never had the opportunity to attend an ALA, I highly recommend it. It is overwhelming and so inspiring to be surrounded by like-minded, book-loving readers.

In New Orleans, Blue Dragon author Paige Brotherton signed her middle grade book, Avery Appreciates True Friendship, for the school librarians who stopped by the booth. Her story is encouraging for young ladies who are interested in sports and dresses. You don’t have to choose between the two—embrace who you are.

This year, author Amy Voltaire will sign her young adult book, My Name is Erin, and My Mom’s an Addict. Amy has gotten the conversation started about what it’s like to grow up in a home where addiction is a problem. Growing up with an alcoholic parent, Amy knows firsthand the emotional stress addiction causes in the life of a child. Make sure to mention her book signing to your librarian so they can stop by and pick up their free copy from the IBPA booth on Saturday, June 22.

But back to my list for the summer…I love fantasy, and dragons are my favorite (if you hadn’t guessed). I read through most of those first. The ones I will be working on next are pictured here. Be watching for my book reviews as I finish up.