Summer Reading Challenge 2020 is finally here! As we continue to stay home and self-quarantine, Summer Reading Challenge acts as a good way to keep our kids from starting the summer slide. Plus, as someone who loves a little friendly competition, SRC is the perfect way to motivate me to sit and read for just a few more minutes. I have a To Be Read pile a mile long, but here is a small taste of what I'm excited to read:

The Sound of Stars

This ticks a lot of boxes for me: aliens, adventure, art, and a forbidden library. On alien-invaded Earth, expressions of emotion can get you killed. Books, art, and music are all banned, but Ellie keeps a secret library. Together with M0Rr1S, an alien lab creation, Ellie must find a book that has gone missing from her collection before it falls into the wrong hands. I'm a big fan of science fiction as a means to explore humanity, and this promises to deliver with a fascinating cast of characters.

Yes No Maybe So

As timely as ever, Yes No Maybe So follows the love story of two teens, Jamie and Maya, who are canvassing for a political candidate. As the polls get closer, so do Jamie and Maya. Personally, Becky Albertalli can do no wrong, and I'm so excited for this team-up with Aisha Saeed.

Not So Pure and Simple

I was lucky enough to listen to the author L.R. Giles talk about this book at a conference this year, and I was immediately sold on the concept. Boy takes a purity pledge to get closer to Girl. Sign me up for the hilarity and heart-to-hearts that are sure to follow.

Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different

I've written about this before, but I was obsessed with Chuck Palahniuk in high school. His writing was sharp and emotional in a way I had never experienced before. Part memoir, part writing advice, Consider This is everything that high school Emily wanted - and I'm willing to bet it's everything adult Emily needs.

Stay safe, and happy reading!