We Have Liftoff: Books to Launch Your Summer Reading

June is finally here and we are excited to get reading this summer! Inspired by this year’s Summer Reading theme, A Universe of Stories, we have chosen some of our favorite titles about exploring our universe.

Picture books

Gravity by Jason Chin
Once Upon a Star: A Poetic Journey Through Space by James Carter, Illustrated by Mar Hernandez
A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet by Clayton Anderson, Illustrated by Scott Brundage

Middle Grade

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng
Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

Teen

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman

Adult

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente

You can also request a personalized book list using our My Next Read service. Tell us what you like to read and a librarian will send you a list of titles curated just for you!

Pick up one of these, grab an ebook or audiobook from OverDrive or Hoopla, or explore our other booklists to find the perfect book to start off the summer. Remember to log your reading at henricolibrary.org/summerreading to be eligible to win some amazing prizes this summer!