These books capture the essence of summer, whether lounging at the beach, relaxing at the cottage or camping under the stars. From cozy mysteries and poignant short stories to tender romances and travel memoirs, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Remember to track your reads on Beanstack for your chance to win prizes during our summer reading programs!
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
A joyful picture book about Ernestine’s first camping trip, ideal for youngsters who might be nervous about their first camping experience. Ages 5+.
Where The Water Takes Us by Alan Barillaro
Eleven-year-old girl Ava is sent to her grandparents’ rustic lake cabin for the summer. Preoccupied with worries about her mother’s pregnancy back home, Ava initially shuns everyone. However, summer storms, orphaned baby robins and a friendly neighbour eventually draw her out, helping her gain confidence and overcome her fears. Ages 8+.
Finally Fitz by Marisa Kanter
Bisexual teen Ava Fitzgerald, aka Fitz, has her amazing summer plans in New York derailed when her girlfriend unexpectedly dumps her. But a chance encounter with her childhood best friend, Levi, who is struggling with his own heartbreak, leads to fake summertime romance hijinks to win their exes back. Ages 13+.
Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
The first in bestseller Catherine Mack’s new series, The Vacation Mysteries, is a rollicking and hilarious summertime read. Mack’s protagonist, mystery author Eleanor Dash, finds the line between fiction and reality blurred as she becomes embroiled in a real-life murder whodunit while on a book tour in Italy.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
The latest novel by Canada’s queen of summertime reads, Carley Fortune, is set at a beach house on beautiful Prince Edward Island. Toronto florist Lucy Ashby comforts her best friend after a romantic crisis while also trying to avoid one of her own with her bestie’s younger brother.
Float Up, Sing Down by Laird Hunt
Visit the people of Bright Creek, Indiana, in author Laird Hunt’s latest short story collection. The 14 interconnected stories are set on one quiet summer day in the 1980s, revealing at once the simplicity and complexity of small-town life. Nostalgic, insightful, and understated, Hunt’s stories are the perfect read for your own languid summer afternoons.
Vinyl Cafe: The Auto Pack (Refreshing Your Journey! Five Hours of Stories To Listen To in the Car) by Stuart McLean
For a little slice of Canadiana, check out this CD audiobook short story collection from Canada’s iconic Stuart McLean. Join the misadventures of Dave, Morley, their neighbours and other Vinyl Cafe characters in heartwarming stories that will make you both laugh and cry. Suitable for the whole family, these tales will make the kilometres fly by on your summer road trips.
100 Miles of Baseball: Fifty Games, One Summer by Dale and Heidi L.M. Jacobs
To rekindle their love of baseball, the authors set a goal of watching 50 baseball games—high school, college, amateur and professional—within a 100-mile radius of their Windsor, Ontario home in 2018. Along the way, they gain insight into not only their beloved summer sport but also their relationships and themselves.
A Year In Provence by Peter Mayle
An entertaining and humorous recount of British businessman Peter Mayle’s first year in rural Provence. His vivid descriptions of the food, the landscape and the people will make you feel like you are in southern France.
Family Road Trip Games by Jack Henseleit
Filled with over 60 games, 150 trivia questions and a treasure hunt, this book will keep both young and old alike occupied and happy on all your trips this year.
