Fiction
By Dean Ing
Best known for techno-thrillers and science fiction, Mr. Ing throws a change-up with this novel. It follows 10-year-old Charlie Hardin, who lives in Austin, Texas, during World War II. It’s a story of free-range children before television, cable, and video games. Parents forced their kids out of the house, and told them to play and stay out of trouble. “Trouble” means one thing to a parent, but something entirely different to Charlie and the neighborhood children he runs with. It’s a captivating book that all ages will enjoy.
Archaeology
By David Gibbins
Civilization is driven by commerce and technology. One feeds the other. Historically, commerce moved by sea. In turn, ships moving cargo were influenced by contemporary technology. This book shows how marine archaeology allows us to read the world’s history. It uses 12 wrecks as snapshots—from the Bronze Age to today—of the time that the 12 specific ships sank. Both a history and an adventure tale, it brings the past to life while capturing the excitement of discovery.
Espionage
By Jason Bell
When World War I erupted in Europe, Winthrop Bell was a Canadian student in the heart of Germany. Jason Bell tells the story of this philosophy student turned prisoner of war turned MI6 spy. After enduring a memorable prison stay in a notorious German prison, he was asked to remain in Berlin and be England’s eyes and ears on the ground. Winthrop was the first to uncover the hidden truth about the upcoming global war that would give rise to the Nazis. An incredible story.
Non-Fiction
By Allen C. Guelzo
Civil War historian Allen Guelzo brings together letters, excerpts from diaries, post-war reminiscences, and other resources from soldiers and civilians involved in the three-day fight between North and South at Gettysburg, which Union Lt. John Phillips called “the Waterloo of the Rebellion.” Daily life in the ranks, the maneuvers of the armies, the savage fighting: These descriptions come together in an enormous mural of words that give life to this momentous conflict.
Classics
By Alexandre Dumas
Many who have never read this 1844 literary classic are nonetheless familiar with the plot of the young virtuous sailor, Edmond Dantès, wrongfully accused of treason, imprisoned in solitary confinement, and all but forgotten. His escape, his leap via a hidden treasure from rags to riches, and his quest for vengeance on those who slandered him have long fascinated readers. Newcomers to this tale of adventure and love will find this translation surprisingly modern in its dialogue and its fast-paced action.
For Kids
By Doug Salati
This fun-loving read earned the 2023 Caldecott Medal and features a city dog struggling to endure the steamy, crowded conditions of urban life in the summer. When his discerning owner whisks him away to the beach, he finds a place “a pup can run.” Dog lovers will especially love the joyful and vivid illustrations in this great summer read.
