Hi, Lovelies.
This week, as July starts up and we are celebrating our Independence along with the joy of summer, I wanted to share a list of good summer books that are either summer themed or July Independence themed. I have read most of these books and have found something in them that I enjoy.
I hope you enjoy them like I did.
Disclaimer: I am currently 19 and I prefer YA books at the moment. So, the books I’ve suggested are mainly YA with some meaningful picks from my childhood.
1. American Royals
Kathrine McGee
To kick off July and Independence Day, my first book suggestion is American Royals. This book is an alternate history book following the royal family of America, The Washingtons. These three siblings with various positions and responsibilities try to find love, discover who they are, and learn what being American means to them.
If you are looking for a fun, fluffy read filled with drama and love, then this is the book for you. And the best part is that it’s a series.
2. Summer of the Gypsy Moths
Sarah Pennypacker
This one is actually a kids book, one I read in my childhood that has left a lasting impression in my memory. It’s about two girls: one who’s a foster kid and other spending the summer with her Great-aunt Louise while her mother figures stuff out. But when Great-aunt Louise suddenly dies, the girls are left with the decision to tell people and have their lives uprooted again or to pretend everything is fine and learn to work together to survive.
This story is about strength and that family is oftentimes what you make it.
3. The Thing about Jellyfish
Ali Benjamin
Another kids book, but it is a classic in my opinion. I absolutely loved it. It’s about a girl named Suzy, who’s best friend died by being stung by a jellyfish. The death of her best friend left her reeling and struggling to deal with her grief. It’s her journey of learning about life, death, friendship, and love.
It is sad and heart-warming and beautiful. I highly recommend it, no matter what age you are.
4. Daughter of the Pirate King
Tricia Levenseller
What says summer better than the ocean, ships, sirens, and pirates? Nothing, that’s what. If those things are up your alley, then this is the book for you. The main character, Alosa, is a seventeen-year old pirate captain of an all girl’s pirate crew. This story is about her retrieving an ancient hidden map while going toe to toe with an opposing and attractive first mate while captured on their ship. With a fearless badass female lead and a swashbuckling adventure mixed with magic and sirens, this is the perfect book to read at the beach or even on a ship as long as you don’t get seasick.
This one is also a series, so if you love pirate mermaids like me, check out the rest of the books in the series.
5. Chains
Laurie Halse Anderson
This one is a historical read set during the Revolutionary War. It follows Isabelle and her sister Ruth, who get enslaved by a cruel Loyalist family. Throughout the story, Isabelle shows strength and wit as she becomes a spy for the American Revolution. This is a story about the fight for freedom from the view of the people who had to fight for it the longest. It is a perfect book to read during July as we celebrate our freedom and remember all those who died for it.
Laurie Halse Anderson is a wonderful historical fiction writer and I highly recommend reading her other books like Speak and Fever 1793 along with the other books in this series.
6. Girl Out of Water
Laura Silverman
Summer is all about friends, hanging out, and if you’re by the beach, surfing. In this book, Anise had planned to do exactly that, but when her aunt gets in a serious car accident, she has to give up her summer plans to take care of her aunt and their three children, her cousins in Nebraska. Along the way, she meets a cute one armed skater and trades her surfboard for a skateboard. She learns that summer is also about family and that maybe distance doesn’t mean disconnection when it comes to good friends.
This is a perfect book for spending time with family, as in it gives you a perfect excuse on why you can’t talk to them if you’re like me. But it might also encourage you to value and spend more time with them.
7. Skin of The Sea
Natasha Bowen
More mermaids. Can you tell I really love mermaids? Simi, the main character, is a Mami Wata or a mermaid that collects the souls of those who die at sea and bless their journey home. However, when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi saves him. This action sets her on a journey to make amends with the gods by braving treacherous lands, facing mythical creatures, and maybe falling in love in the process.
This story has amazing African mythology, beautiful world-building, and a story that is both moving and engaging. I definitely recommend you read it along with the other books in that series.
8. Rebel Spy
Verconica Rossi
Although a lot of people don’t realize it, our country was founded on immigrants. Which is why this story about Frannie Tasker, who grew up in the Grand Bahama Island, then escaped to America is so important. Frannie takes the opportunity to escape her abusive stepfather by stealing the identity of a rich British lady on her way to America but drowned in a shipwreck. As Frannie grows up in America, she realizes that her position as a lady provides her the ability to fight for freedom and spy on the British and pass information to George Washinton. This story is inspired by the true “355” spy and spins a tale of bravery, intrigue, and historical relevance.
I read this book in a hot tub. Yeah, probably not the smartest choice, but I owned the book, so it was fine. But that just means this book will always remind me of summer and the 4th of July.
Immigrants. We get the job done.
~ Hamiliton; Lin Miranda Manuel
9. When Oceans Rise
Robin Alvarez
Inspired by The Little Mermaid, this story puts a modern Filipino spin to it. Malaya is cursed to fall for someone evil and while she doesn’t believe in the curse, she slowly realizes that her boyfriend is toxic and abusive. In a desperate attempt to get out of the relationship, Malaya asks for the help from the sea witch in exchange for her voice. The result is Malaya being sent to an alternate timeline where she never met her boyfriend. As she tries to get back, she realizes that the sea witch is using her voice to summon Filipino mythological monsters. Between battling monsters, repairing relationships, and healing ourselves, this book has many impactful messages.
This is a wonderful story about overcoming abuse, finding our own voices while mixing in elements of Filipino culture and magic. Give it a read if you’re looking for cool monsters and diverse books.
10. Lies and Weddings
Kevin Kwan
Author of Crazy Rich Asians (and yes, it’s also a book, not just a movie) Kevin Kwan takes us on another love story set during a Hawaiian wedding. The story follows Rufus Leung Gresham, a future Earl, who’s half Asian. His Earldom (Is that a word?) is in debt, so his mom wants him to marry a rich girl. But Rufus has his heart set on the girl next door, Eden Tong, the daughter of their in-house doctor and a doctor herself. Follow them as they try to find love despite class differences and the opinions of society and parents.
Kevin Kwan has a unique way of storytelling that isn’t for everyone. It’s one that is extravagant, crazy, and complex, much like his books. But you love drama, extravagance, and a touch of murder, then this one’s for you.
Bonus Alternative to “Summer of the Gypsy Moths”
If you prefer a more grown up read, there is also “The Gypsy Moth Summer” by Julia Fierro. I haven’t read this one, so I can’t tell you my opinion on it. However, it sounds beautiful. It’s set on Avalon Island where a gypsy moth invasion eats up their crops. It follows the prodigal daughter, Leslie Day Marshall, who comes back with an African American husband and their bi-racial children. It’s her story about battling prejudice and the gossip of a small town along with the struggles of her son as he starts to find love. Again, I haven’t personally read this one, so if you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. But it sounded very intriguing and a little disgusting with the bugs.
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