What makes a summer read unforgettable for kids and teens? In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Jamie Sumner, Kelsey Impicciche, and Julie Soto for a sunny conversation all about Summer Reading Magic.  

They explore what defines a great summer book across different age groups, how they tailor their writing to young readers, and the power of stories to inspire, comfort, and reflect today’s youth.  

The group also shares nostalgic memories of library reading programs, talks about trends and representation in current kidlit and YA, and offers insight into helping young readers fall in love with books—this summer and beyond. 

Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Guest Host Recommendations:   

Part 1: 

Carmen 

Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa 

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya 

Ballad & Dagger-An Outlaw Saints Novel by Daniel José Older 

Cece 

To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer 

This Is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow  

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda  

Joe 

Witchlings – Claribel A. Ortega 

Scepter of Memories – Claribel A. Ortega 

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers – Adam Sass 

Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts – Adam Sass 

Surrender Your Sons – Adam Sass 

Your Lonely Nights Are Over – Adam Sass 

Part 2: 

Bre 

The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen 

Hide and Seeker by Daka Harmon 

Root Magic by Eden Royce 

Meara 

The Girl Who Kept the Castle by Ryan Graudin 

The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron  

We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride  

Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: 

Segment 1: 

Jamie Sumner - Website 

Julie Soto - Website 

Kelsey Impicciche - Website 

Segment 2: 

Bre - Links 

Carmen - Links 

Cece - Links 

Meara - Links 

Time Stamps:  

00:00:00 Title 

00:00:16 Intro 

00:05:09 Segment 1 – Jamie Sumner & Kelsey Impicciche  

00:55:47 Segment 1 – Julie Soto 

01:25:30 BREAK – Libby Tip: Read Alongs, Filters and more! 

01:31:01 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Carmen & Cece 

02:00:36 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Bre & Meara! 

02:43:21 Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

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