Keeping Safe the Stars
by Sheila O’ Conner

This will hands down be my favorite book of summer. Meet the Stars: Pride, Nightingale and Baby, fiercely independent and free-spirited orphans under the care of their grandpa, Old Finn. When an illness sends Old Finn to the hospital, the three orphans are left to fend for themselves. From pony rides, to selling “God’s Eye” souvenirs, the orphans work tirelessly to remain on Old Finn’s farm, all the while keeping it a secret from town residents. I was in tears of joy and sadness as we learned more and more about the Stars’ past and the events that eventually lead them “home”. 

—Emily

We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart

This is a book that would welcome a second read just to figure out the clues that lead up to the biggest lie told on Beechwood Island! Four cousins, Cady, Mirran, Johnny, and Gat, of Family Sinclair, deemed “liars”, meet every summer at the private family island full of daring adventures and secrets slowly unfolding throughout their summers together. You will fall in love with Cadence “Cady” one of the liars and root for her throughout her journey of unlocking the confounding mystery. For an avid reader, I challenge you to find the clues leading up to the biggest shock ever to hit Beechwood Island.

—Emily