As summer approaches, families and friends are on the lookout for just the right books to accompany their sunny days. This week, The Bookies Bookstore in Denver has shared three outstanding recommendations that cater to various tastes, including a kid’s adventure, a tale of unexpected friendship, and a profound generational saga.
The first book on the list is “The Trouble with Heroes” by Kate Messner, published by Bloomsbury USA. Set to be released in April 2025, this engaging novel for younger readers follows Finn Connelly, a seventh grader struggling to find his identity apart from that of his late father, a revered athlete and firefighter.
Finn is in deep trouble when he is caught vandalizing a cemetery, a youth-spurred mistake that leads him to an unexpected deal with the daughter of the legendary climber whose grave he defaced. To clear his name, Finn must undertake the challenge of climbing all 46 Adirondack High Peaks in a single summer, joined by the recently bereaved dog of the mountain climber.
Marilyn Robbins, the bookstore’s children’s book buyer and programs manager, touts this book as a masterpiece. She advises readers to prepare for an unforgettable journey that will lead them through laughter, tension, and a wave of emotions.
In a candid review, Robbins expresses, “Before you start ‘The Trouble with Heroes,’ be sure you have cleared your calendar for the day, because once you start, you won’t be able to put the book down. And when you finish, you’ll find yourself crying, cheering, and clutching the book to your heart, not wanting to let go.”
Next, we have “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach, published by Henry Holt and Co. This novel, due in July 2024, is set in Newport, Rhode Island, and centers around Phoebe Stone, a woman who arrives at a wedding venue on her own, amid mistaken assumptions from other guests that she is part of the wedding party.
During a time when Phoebe’s life feels like it has hit rock bottom, she decides to splurge on a lavish getaway, despite the memories of a lost partnership. The irony lies in the fact that while the bride meticulously anticipates every possible mishap of the special day, Phoebe becomes an unexpected confidant to her, leading to a unique connection between the two women during a weekend filled with surprises.
Bess Maher, the event liaison, describes the balance of humor and heartfelt moments in Espach’s storytelling, noting, “This was another book that was on all my friends’ best-books-of-the-year lists, and I’m so glad I picked it up. From the first pages, I was all in, completely there with Phoebe and Lila.”
She continues to highlight that while the novel can be seen as a love story, it also beautifully illustrates how friendships, both new and revived, can change our outlook on life unexpectedly.
Rounding out the recommendations is “Good Dirt” by Charmaine Wilkerson, from Random House Publishing Group, set for release in January 2025. This poignant multigenerational tale weaves the story of 10-year-old Ebby Freeman, who is thrust into emotional turmoil after a tragic event unfolds in her home. When she hears the gunshot that results in her brother Baz’s tragic death, everything she knew shatters.
The unsolved crime becomes even more complicated due to the family’s prestigious standing as one of the few Black families in their affluent New England neighborhood. Years later, when Ebby faces her own personal crisis, she escapes to France, trying to distance herself from the haunted memories. Yet, she discovers that her family’s complex past—including the loss of a cherished generational artifact—has followed her.
As the narrative unfolds, Ebby comes to understand that this seemingly mundane piece of pottery may help her connect with her family history and ultimately guide her toward her future.
Bookseller Susan Loftus emphasizes the importance of this story, stating, “‘Good Dirt’ is a multigenerational story about an African American family and how they deal with their family’s history and more recent tragedy. Fantastic follow-up from the author of ‘Black Cake’!”
With these distinguished selections, readers of all ages have a wealth of captivating journeys awaiting them this summer. Whether it’s a heartfelt adventure through the mountains, a charming exploration of unexpected friendships, or the reflections on a family’s complex history, these titles are sure to resonate emotionally.
image source from：https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/27/the-bookies-april-book-recommendations/
