Best Summer Books in Houston
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best summer reads for teens! Summer break is finally here, and it’s time to kick back, relax, and dive into some great books. Whether you like gripping thrillers, captivating romance, or nail-biting suspense, this list of our top picks for teen summer reading has something for everyone!
Murder on the Orient Express
Let’s start with some thrilling reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a Hitchcock-like mystery full of twists and turns, look no further than Agatha Christie’s classic Murder on the Orient Express. In this book, a detective investigates a murder on an overnight train ride. Clues are revealed along the way as he tries to piece together who is responsible for the crime. This classic thriller will keep you guessing until the very end! https://www.agathachristie.com/stories/murder-on-the-orient-express
Pet Sematary
Try Stephen King’s Pet Sematary if you’re in the mood for a spine-tingling horror novel. This book follows one family’s terrifying discovery that the pet cemetery in the woods behind their house is more powerful and sinister than they could ever have imagined.
Summary: Dr. Louis Creed and his family have recently settled into their new home in Ludlow, Maine. Unfortunately, the road that runs nearby is a death trap for beloved household pets. In response to the frequent pet fatalities, the neighborhood children have erected a makeshift cemetery along the highway’s shoulder. But unbeknownst to them lies another graveyard further into the wilderness: an ancient Indian burial ground, with a dark power that comes to haunt Dr. Creed and his family when their own pet cat meets its untimely demise.
Get ready for some serious scares with this one! www.stephenking.com/works/novel/pet-sematary.html
The Hunger Games
Or if sci-fi and fantasy are more your style, you won’t want to miss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This post-apocalyptic story is set in a world where children are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. It’s an exciting ride as we follow the main character Katniss Everdeen on her quest for survival.
Summary: Welcome to Panem, a majestic Capitol surrounded by twelve districts, arisen from the ashes of what was once known as North America. In an effort to maintain absolute authority and control over its region, the Capitol takes young citizens between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in a fight to the death—the Hunger Games.
When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen must offer herself up for her sister’s place in the annual tournament, it feels like a death sentence. But having emerged victorious against all odds before, she knows survival comes naturally to her. Undeterred by fate, she embarks on a journey filled with courage and hope, all while learning to make difficult choices that balance humankind and love with sheer survival. www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games
The Fault In Our Stars
Romance also appears on our list with John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars. This book tells the heartbreaking story of two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and embark on a life-changing journey together. The Fault In Our Stars is a must-read for anyone looking for an emotional and uplifting read.
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster had no desire to attend a cancer patients’ support group, but ultimately complied with her mother’s wishes. Lung cancer has left her reliant on an oxygen tank for every breath she takes. Amidst this difficult situation, Hazel finds solace when a dashing teenager named Augustus Waters catches her eye at one of the meetings. He was there to lend support to their mutual friend, Isaac, who is facing surgery to remove his other eye due to a tumor. After saying goodbye to the others, Augustus approaches Hazel and remarks that she looks like Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta. In admiration, he extends an invitation to watch the movie at his house and share stories about their respective battles with cancer. It turns out that Hazel suffers from thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs, while Augustus has bravely overcome osteosarcoma after having his leg amputated. Before sending her home, they commit to reading each other’s favorite novels.
100 Things to Do in Houston Before You Die
Discover the very best of Houston, perfect for any family that is ready to get out and explore. This can be kept in the car or on your coffee table. Just pick any page in this local guide and you will be setting off for a family fun adventure. From savoring a Texas-sized helping of Killen’s BBQ to taking in a show at the historic Alley Theater or treating yourself to upscale shopping in River Oaks District, there’s no shortage of unique experiences in H-Town! Plus, cheer on the Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium, grab drinks with a friend over happy hour at fabulous Museum of Fine Arts, or make it a cozy night out at Marfreless – the list goes on! With 100 Things to Do in Houston Before You Die, you can easily inject a little cultural spice into your everyday life – no excuses necessary! So grab a copy today and see what exciting activities await.
Let’s make some memories and explore Houston like never before! www.amazon.com
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Enter the beguiling and enchanting realm of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky’s arresting debut novel that breathes life into the timeless struggle between passivity and passion. Take a step forward from his position on the fringes and join Charlie at the center of the dance floor as he guides you through the exuberant yet bittersweet experience of growing up. Embark on a journey through love, family, friendship, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show—a roller coaster ride of bittersweet emotions that will stay etched in memory. Relive the first dates, mixed tapes, heartbreaks, and laughter with every flip of the page, and relish in the electrifying power of that perfect song on that perfect drive. Seize this opportunity to excavate the significance of these formative years with an unforgettable masterpiece–The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Hatchet
Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson had a turbulent past behind him, with the secret knowledge of his mother’s infidelity lingering. Taking flight in a single-engine plane, he was bound for an uncertain future – visiting his father for the first time post-divorce. But when tragedy struck, and the plane crashed in the Canadian wilderness, he faced a future fraught with danger and adversity. Armed with only a tattered windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a parting gift, Brian found solace in mastering the essential skills for survival. With painstaking effort, he built himself a shelter, hunted and fished for sustenance, and eventually overcame a tornado’s destructive force. After more than fifty arduous days in the wild, Brian emerged humble yet emboldened, having conquered the ultimate test of courage and gained a newfound understanding of himself and his parents. hbarnesandnoble.com/w/hatchet-gary-paulsen/1100374412
Where The Wild Things Are
We can’t forget about our younger readers either! Pick up Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak if your kids need some age-appropriate vacation reads. This iconic picture book captures the wild imaginations of kids everywhere with its vivid illustrations and a timeless tale, and it’s sure to become a family favorite! amazon.com/Where-Wild-Things-Maurice-Sendak/dp/0370007727
All the Pretty Horses
Tracing the winding path of a young cowboy, All the Pretty Horses narrates the story of sixteen-year-old John Grady Cole—an inheritor of a long line of Texas ranchers facing an uncertain future. Determined to take matters into his own hands, he follows the trail south to Mexico with two companions, embarking on a dangerous but captivating voyage that will transform his life forever. Along their journey, they discover far more than they could have imagined: idyllic landscapes, comic misadventures, and a harsh reality where dreams come with a cost – in blood. Embark on this unforgettable ride, for it will stay with you forever. amazon.com/Pretty-Horses-Border-Trilogy-Book/dp/0679744398
To Kill a Mockingbird
Last but not least is Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. This classic coming-of-age story follows Scout Finch and her brother Jem growing up in the American South during the Great Depression. To Kill A Mockingbird teaches important lessons about courage, justice, and growing up while still being enjoyable to read. booksamillion.com/p/Kill-Mockingbird/Harper-Lee/9780060935467
So there you have it – our top picks for some of the best teen summer reads! But don’t let this list limit your reading this summer – feel free to explore new genres and authors! Who knows what adventure might be waiting in a different book? Have fun and happy reading!
