Abi’s Approved Reads: Books to help you cool off

Abigail Fields, Staff Writer

  When we think of summer, we think about the beach, sports, and hot weather. This warm weather plays a big role in driving people inside towards the cool air. While cooling down, you can grab a nice book to read, a cold drink, and even some earbuds. Books can diminish the boredom and help create a calming atmosphere for readers. In this case, here are a few books to read in your free time.

  If you have siblings, you can probably understand the annoyance that comes along with them during the summer. However, “I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson is an emotional book that will change your perspective on your siblings.

  Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are extremely close during their childhood years. At thirteen, Noah draws art constantly while Jude cliff-dives and does most of the talking. However, three years later, the twins aren’t as close anymore in a drastic way. They barely talk until Jude meets a boy and someone else who changes her life for the better. In childhood, Noah tells the stories. Later on in adulthood, Jude does. The two don’t realize they each have half of the story, and if they reunite all their questions will be answered. 

  If that book didn’t already have you in tears, “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera will send you into an emotional rollercoaster.

  Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio both get a call on September 5, a little after midnight. Death-Cast, a company who found a way to warn people of their last day on Earth, had called them. Both are going to die today, and there’s nothing they can do about it. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their last day. Throughout the story, readers can get both Mateo and Rufus’ perspective of their final day. This brings readers the question of what they would do if they knew it was their last day.

  This next book is for those of you who love gore or like to read different perspectives. The book “I’m Not Dying with You Tonight” by Gilly Segal and Kimberly Jones will help you gain a new sense of how others may live their lives.

  The book starts off with two teen girls, one black and one white, who have to confront their own beliefs and assumptions about racial inequality during a time of civil unrest. They rely on each other to survive a violent race riot through Atlanta, Georgia after their highschool football game was interrupted by gunshots. 

  In short, books are great tools that can change beliefs or perspectives through the reader's eyes. These are just a small part of all the amazing books left in the world. Stay literate, cool, and don’t forget to relax.