Beach Blanket Staff Picks

I know my stack of beach-bound books is looking alarmingly small right now, so for all of you about to head out to the great blue ocean, lake, or kiddie pool, here are some of our favorite reads for lounging (some are definitely sillier than others). Don't forget your sunblock and iced tea!

The Thurber Carnival by James Thurber

Bookseller: Miruna
Genre: super funny
Suggested reading level: general adult, some of the stories great read-alouds for 7 up

I was reading The Thurber Carnival while on a bus to New York and realized I had to stop reading or I would make a fool of myself...I was laughing way too loud! Buy this book and test your (or your friend's) sense of humor.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

Bookseller: Katie

Genre: historical fiction/survival story; for fans of Julie of the Wolves or The Birchbark House
Suggested reading level: ages 9 up

The entire village leaves on a Russian ship - except for Karana and her brother. Tragedy leaves Karana alone, dependent on the island itself for food, shelter, and weapons. Based on the story of a solitary girl who lived on San Nicolas Island for 18 years.

Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger

Bookseller: Rachel
Genre: historical baseball fiction
Suggested reading level: ages 12 up

Growing up fatherless in 1940s Brooklyn, Joey's looking for a hero. Charlie, an all-star third baseman, doesn't think he's looking for anything - until Joey starts sending him fan letters and won't let up. Told through letters, it's a poignant and hilarious story of baseball, war, and unlikely heroes.

Also try another staff favorite by Steve Kluger, My Most Excellent Year.

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

Bookseller: Michelle
Genre: for fans of John Green novels; Georgia Nicholson or Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Suggested reading level: ages 14 up

I've never had as much fun reading as I did reading Audrey, Wait! You can't read this book without wanting to a) dance to loud music, b)be best friends with Audrey and Victoria, and c) laugh outrageously loud in public. The only thing I wouldn't want is to be chased by paparazzi like Audrey is...

For more music-love and banter Audrey-style, read our interview with Robin Benway!

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

Bookseller: Katie
Genre: fantasy/sci fi
Suggested reading level: ages 14 up

What if there really were vampires - not creatures of the night, but humans maddened by a parasite? Cal is a carrier enlisted by the mysterious Night Watch to help subdue parasite-positives, or "peeps." Fascinatingly disgusting parasite biology alternates with action in this vampire thriller.