Summer Reading

A summer day is the perfect time to chill out with a good book. TFK Kid Reporters review some of the hottest books of the season.

Finding Junie Kim

Middle schooler Junie Kim is facing racism and bullying at school, but she keeps quiet. Then, for a school project, Junie interviews her grandparents, who grew up in Korea during wartime in the 1950s. In their story of struggle, Junie finds the courage to speak up in defense of herself and others. Finding Junie Kim, by Ellen Oh, is particularly relevant now, when Asian Americans are experiencing a rise in violent attacks and discrimination. The book will be an inspiration for any kid who has ever been in Junie’s shoes. I rate it a 9 out of 10. —By TFK Kid Reporter Victoria Hanson

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told to His Brother)

When Lucas’s brother, Aidan, vanishes, the police question their family unrelentingly. Then Aidan returns. The police demand an explanation, but he won’t say anything about where he was or why he left. The only person he’ll tell the whole story to is Lucas. But what Aidan describes—a concealed dimension with unnatural scenery and creatures—shocks Lucas. Lucas wants to trust Aidan, but how can he, when Aidan’s story is so unimaginable? If you like books with plenty of feeling and loads of mystery, you’ll fall in love with The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told to His Brother), by David Levithan. I rate this book a 9 out of 10. —By TFK Kid Reporter Afton Campbell

Simon B. Rhymin’

Simon is starting fifth grade and hopes to become a famous rapper called Notorious D.O.G. But he’s shy about using his voice to express his ideas and thoughts. When a teacher asks the class to give an oral presentation, Simon must find the strength to change and learn to overcome his fears. I rate Simon B. Rhymin’, by Dwayne Reed, an 8 out of 10. It’s an inspirational book that will give confidence to readers who are going through similar struggles. —By TFK Kid Reporter Sophia Hou

A Shot in the Arm!

A Shot in the Arm!, by Don Brown, is a graphic novel about the history of vaccines. Readers learn how vaccines have been used throughout history to fight disease, from smallpox to polio. Most relevant to kids today is the final chapter, about COVID-19. The author also highlights people around the world who contributed to the development of vaccines. A Shot in the Arm! isn’t a dull history book. It’s an exciting read that uses colorful drawings to pull the reader in. Anyone who is interested in history or science will find it fascinating. —By TFK Kid Reporter Jeremy Liew

The One Thing You’d Save

The One Thing You’d Save, by Linda Sue Park, is about a homework assignment. Ms. Chang has students choose what they’d save if their home was on fire. Some choose baseball cards or stuffed animals. One picks a sweater that was passed down for generations. Another chooses a box of memories about a sibling who died. The students are relatable. For example, I can relate to how you can love your nana so much, you want to save everything she’s given you. Readers of all ages will like this book. It helps you realize what matters most. —By TFK Kid Reporter Pranav Mukhi

War and Millie McGonigle

It’s 1941. Millie McGonigle is 12 years old. She was supposed to be living a carefree life in the beautiful Mission Beach neighborhood of San Diego. Instead, she lives in the shadow of World War II. War and Millie McGonigle, by Karen Cushman, is an inspiring story that tackles the topics of life and death. We can all learn a lot from it. The story line is not driven by dramatic plot twists, but by vivid characters and their relationships. The dynamic between Millie and her little sister, Lily, mirrors the real-life sibling relationships in many families. I give War and Millie McGonigle a 9½ out of 10. —By TFK Kid Reporter Rory Hu

Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You

Everyone should have equal rights. That’s why I’d recommend that all people read Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. This book is about the roots of racism. The authors explain that people invented stories and lies to discriminate against Black people and convince themselves that being racist isn’t wrong. Anyone looking to learn more about racial justice will enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Parts of it have information that can be scary to learn, but its message is something anyone and everyone should take in. —By TFK Kid Reporter Miguel Madero

Rez Dogs

Rez Dogs, by Joseph Bruchac, is a book written in verse. It’s about an eighth grader named Malian. She’s visiting her grandparents at their home on a Wabanaki reservation when COVID-19 hits. During lockdown, Malian learns more from her grandparents about her Native family’s history. To keep her grandparents safe from COVID-19, she has to stay away from school and her friends. Many kids will understand this tough situation. I really enjoyed reading this book because I gained a deeper understanding of Native American history. It also caused me to think about what other people went through during the pandemic. —By TFK Kid Reporter Abby Rogers

Scaredy Cat

Pasha and Poop are cats who were adopted from a pet shelter by the Wilde family. They’ve barely settled in when they get a visit from Scaredy Cat, a wicked ghost that rules the neighborhood cats. Scaredy Cat’s threat: Do what I say, or it’s back to the shelter for you! But if this bully thinks Pasha and Poop are going to follow his rules like the other cats do, he’ll have to think again. Readers who have cats will appreciate the feline personalities of all the characters in the book. Pasha is fearless, while Poop is a true fraidy-cat. If you love a mystery with a good dose of humor, you’ll definitely enjoy Scaredy Cat, by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. —By TFK Kid Reporter Donnell Meekins