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!  

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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