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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
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