Summer Reading Magic: Authors on Writing for Young Readers

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!  

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