Savoring Summer Reads

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Suddenly, somehow, it’s July. Late July. 

Another summer is rolling along, full of hot days, drenching downpours and, if we’re lucky, a bit more fun and interaction than we were able to have last summer. 

But there’s still time to pack in a few more books. The list below includes titles that celebrate summer activities like going to the beach and going to camp.  

There’s a picture book about the importance of ice cream, a fantasy about the ability to freeze time and a look back at a summer of change that feels remarkably relevant today. There’s even a book that shares a recipe for making blueberry jam, so you can really savor your summer. 

And don’t forget to log the books you read on the Summer Reading website. Remember, we’re counting on you to Read Five! 

You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.

Looking for a good book, album, movie or TV show? We’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Personalized Recommendations form to send us some information about what you like and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through FacebookInstagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.

Ice Cream Summer

A little boy writes a letter to his grandfather about all the reading and studying he is doing this summer–but all his activities revolve around ice cream.



A Lullaby of Summer Things

Sights and sounds of a summer twilight mingle with recollections of a lovely day at the beach as a household settles in for the night.


Memory Jars

Freda uses jars to save everything from a chocolate chip cookie to the full moon, just as her grandmother saves summer blueberries. Includes a recipe for blueberry jam. 


One Crazy Summer

In the summer of 1968, after traveling from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they barely know, eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters arrive to a cold welcome. They discover that their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, is resentful of the intrusion of their visit and wants them to attend a nearby Black Panther summer camp. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby, as eBook on Hoopla or as eAudio on Hoopla.



Summer Song

Illustrations and easy-to-read text introduce the colors, songs, and activities of summer. 


Think Cool Thoughts

On the hottest night of the hottest part of a very hot summer, Angel, her aunt, and mother drag their mattress to the rooftop to sleep and hope for cooler weather.


Ways to Grow Love

In the summer before fifth grade, Ryan Hart continues to grow through changes and challenges, such as waiting for a new baby sister to be born, a summer camp trip, and more.