Run for the Hillsby Kevin Wilson is the story of what might be the weirdest road trip ever conceived. If “found family” is a popular theme in books these days, what do you call it when you actually find your family? As in siblings you never knew existed.
Reuben Hill drives a rented PT Cruiser and is on a quest to locate his father, who disappeared when he was a child, and his half-siblings who live across the United States. Here’s the catch: the siblings don’t know that each other exists. Rube (nicknames are a thing) hired a private investigator after his mom died to get some answers to his life’s mysteries. He finds Madeline Hill (Mad) working the roadside stand at the organic farm in Tennessee where she and her mom live. From there, they head to Oklahoma to find the next sister (Pep, which is short for Pepper), who plays women’s collegiate basketball at the highest level. Then, on to Utah and finally to California.
It’s a quirky setup, filled with snacks and shared life experiences. Their mutual father (Chip, Chuck, Charlie, Carl Hill) left each of his families, although he still keeps in contact with the moms, as he headed ever further westward. The Hill progeny are all blessed with strong mothers – not perfect, but certainly able single parents. Each child has mostly fond memories of their father, but also justifiable frustration and anger over his abandonment of them. With each new family, Mr. Hill became an expert enthusiast in a different area – from writing to farming to basketball to film.
When the book wraps up at a wealthy wilderness retreat in California, the Hill half-siblings really, truly feel like family to one another. Sometimes exasperated, but always lovingly so, they realize that their connections to each other matter – maybe more so than the relationship to their missing parent. They have each already grieved and processed that fact of life to greater or lesser extents. About that missing parent: I will give author Wilson full credit for NOT redeeming him entirely. While I was left wanting more about this bunch of cool, nerdy, confused but ultimately good-hearted folks, it was a lovely summer read filled with good emotions and hope. There’s nothing weird about that.
Run for the Hills is available from HCLS in print and as an e-book and an e-audiobook from Libby/OverDrive.
Kristen B. is a devoted bookworm lucky enough to work as the graphic designer for HCLS. She likes to read, stitch, dance, and watch baseball (but not all at the same time).
We’re getting even closer to the start of school. If you enjoyed our last compilation, there’s still a little bit of time left to read and we’re still full of suggestions! Whether you’re looking for a narrative to take with you for Labor Day weekend or a thoughtful novel to share with your book club this autumn, our staff continues to share their recent summer reading recommendations. And remember, readers’ advisory is one of our favorite ways to make connections with readers in the community – so if none of these suit your tastes or your reading goals, please stop by any branch and ask the instructors and research specialists for more reading ideas!
Space horror is my new favorite genre mash-up, and SA Barnes has cemented herself as the queen of this space. Her newest, Cold Eternity,is a creepy story about a woman on the run who takes a job on ghost ship filled with dozens of cryogenically frozen passengers.
Rachel Gillig is back with another decadent and enthralling romantasy after wrapping up her debut duology that began with One Dark Window. In The Knight and the Moth, a priestess must team up with a heretical knight when her fellow priestesses start disappearing.
~ Alex H., Teen Instructor and Research Specialist, Glenwood Branch
During the summer of 1996, awkward teens Frankie and Zeke create a mysterious poster and plaster it all around their town, leading to chaos and mass hysteria. The teens go their separate ways after that fateful summer, now known as The Coalfield Panic of 1996, and their secret exists only between them until a journalist begins poking around 20+ years later. The characters feel fully-realized as does the setting. This is the first book I’ve read by Kevin Wilson and I can’t wait to read more!
A sudden zombie outbreak sends sheltered teen Sophie on an action-packed road trip across the Midwest in search of her twin brother, who was sent away to a conversion camp by their ultra-religious parents. A coming-of-age story filled with horror, heartbreak, and gore — think The Last of Us with a dash of religious trauma.
~ Emily B., Adult Instructor and Research Specialist, Central Branch
Love a good puzzle do you? Well, what if your entire life… was a puzzle?
Meet Clayton Stumper—found as a baby with nothing but a cryptic note and raised by a secret British society of puzzle geniuses. When Clayton turns 25, his mysterious past decides it’s time to be solved. This debut is a heartwarming, brain-tickling mystery packed with eccentric characters, emotional twists, and riddles. It’s reads as if The Da Vinci Code put the kettle on, got all warm and cozy, and joined a Sudoku club in the Cotswolds. If you like your fiction with clues, codes, and a dash of emotional catharsis—add this one to your TBR pile!
What happens when a picture-perfect, ‘nice neighborhood’ life gets a little… kidnapped? Meet the Fletchers: wealthy, neurotic, self destructive, greatly traumatized — and that’s before the father is abducted from their own driveway! In Long Island Compromise, the American Dream gets duct-taped, stuffed in a van, and ransomed back to you — but somehow, the cost is even more than before. It’s equal parts hilarious, devastating, and deeply Jewish, yet somehow makes existential despair and generational trauma feel kind of warm and fuzzy.
~ Wendy C., Adult Instructor and Research Specialist, Central Branch
Wives and mothers of a certain age can completely relate to Anne Tyler’s heroine, Delia Grinstead, who suddenly flips a switch while on family vacation at the beach. Delia, frustrated and feeling isolated, just walks away, finding a new life in a small rural town; as she says to her mother-in-law, “because I just like the thought of beginning again from scratch” (139).
But is Delia just re-enacting her suburban life and hoping for a different outcome? When her daughter, Susie, invites her home for Susie’s wedding, we’re all waiting to discover the answer – and, I have to say, I had no idea what would happen, even just a few pages from the end. With her delightful sprinkles of local color and her deep, deep understanding of human nature, Ladder of Years truly is near-perfection.
This is narrative nonfiction that reads in many places like the screenplay for an action/adventure movie, in only the best sense. Author Macintyre puts us right in the thick of the action in North Africa during World War II, as the newly-minted Special Air Service trains in the desert and embarks on daring behind-the-lines raids to destroy German supplies and equipment, particularly planes in their airfields.
Despite some resistance from the upper brass, the men who led and trained the group, David Stirling and Paddy Mayne, end up making a huge difference in the fate of the fight against Rommel, and they inspire feats of bravery and moments of true courage among their ruffian-like band of recruits. The author makes clear that the SAS were innovative game-changers who did things others couldn’t or wouldn’t even attempt. A really great story, told well.
~ Julie F., Adult Instructor and Research Specialist, Miller Branch
The fourth of July may seem like a distant memory and school is revving up again soon – perhaps too soon for some! – but summer reading at Howard County Library System is still in full swing. If you’re a teen or an adult in search of a book full of fun, fantasy, or escape, summer reading is for you, too! Check out this list of recommendations from our instructors and complete your summer reading adventure, now through August 31.
Lisa Cheese is a unicorn girl who finds herself drawn into a battle between an evil burger corporation and a mom-and-pop restaurant. This quirky graphic novel is perfect for fans of vintage comics, 90s pop rock and grunge, and anyone looking for a delightfully zany story that’ll keep them guessing until the last page.
Stiefvater’s adult debut blends history with a touch of magic to bring you a glamorous hotel in the mountains of West Virginia that is forced to house dozens of Axis diplomats during World War II. Plus, there are dachshunds! -Alex H., Teen Instructor and Research Specialist, Glenwood Branch
The deliciously dark tale of a deranged, psychopathic governess named Winifred. She’s just arrived at Ensor House to tutor Drusilla and Andrew, but how long will she be able to keep her violent impulses at bay? This snarky and dark gothic tale is a fabulous entry in the historical horror subgenre.
GUP aka Gay Uncle Patrick takes in his niece and nephew for a summer in Palm Springs after their mother, and his college best friend, Sara, passes away from cancer. Though it deals with heavy topics like grief, addiction, and the loss of a parent, Rowley balances the heaviness with humor. Packed with fun pop culture references, this one is sweet with substance! -Emily B., Adult Instructor and Research Specialist, Central Branch
Ever wonder how the one-percenters live? Where toddlers have gluten-free meal plans, and certain celebs skip the school pickup line? Stephanie Kiser serves up a hilariously sharp—and deeply human memoir, about life behind the velvet stroller ropes. Think The Nanny Diaries meets The Devil Wears Pull-Ups!
With wit, grit, and just the right dose of heartbreak, Kiser lifts the curtain on what it means to chase the American Dream. It’s a tale of diaper duty meets social disparity—of love for children in a world that treats its caregivers like invisible help. Take a peek into a world of privilege, parenting, and personal revelations. Bittersweet and brutally honest.
Imagine you’re juggling grief, secrets, and enough emotional baggage to fill Heathrow airport and still manage to look fabulous! That’s the vibe in this Nigerian-English, very loose retelling of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, but with teeth and a much bigger bite. It’s scandals, secrets, ambition, and betrayal—woven into a tapestry of identity and belonging. Jane Austen’s decorum meets generational trauma, and the result? An emotional and messy exploration of what happens when home isn’t where the heart is, but where the hurt was.
If you like tons of family drama, fierce women, and a plot that hits you harder than your auntie’s side-eye at the dinner table, this one’s for you! -Wendy C., Adult Instructor and Research Specialist, Central Branch
The Hebridean island setting of Eilean Eadar is atmospheric and gloomy, foreboding in its isolation. Mysterious disappearances from the local lighthouse took place a century ago and the current residents are a curious mix of standoffish yet welcoming. The islanders don’t want the presumed suicide of a young man to be investigated by Glasgow detectives Georgina “George” Lennox and Richie Stewart. The author carefully juggles characters and subplots to keep the reader guessing what happened to him (and also to the missing lighthouse keepers from 1919). Fans of folk-horror will be intrigued and unable to put it down!
When the decaying flats at Shelley House are scheduled for demolition, the secrets of the residents start to unravel, and one of them is the victim of a crime. Prickly, 25-year-old Kat, a loner and a bit of a stray waif, and 77-year-old Dorothy, a meddling, nosy woman who has lived there longer than anyone, become unlikely allies as they try to figure out what happened to kind, gentle Joseph, a dog owner who has sublet a room in his flat to Kat. A delightful mix of cozy mystery and found-family story, with just a hint of romance. You will root for the characters despite their quirks, and as their stories are revealed, they become closer to one another and form a true community. -Julie F., Adult Instructor and Research Specialist, Miller Branch
Booker reads Owls by Gail Gibbons in celebration of National Book Lovers Day.
by Brandon B.
Summer reading pairs perfectly with National Book Lovers Day – like flip-flops and a beach towel! On August 9, you have an opportunity to celebrate literature, national best-selling books, and your favorite reads at any HCLS branch.
Cream, sugar, and fruit make for perfect ice cream — what ingredients make a terrific book for you? You may be looking for old-fashioned sass and wry truth in a children’s book by Judy Blume. Maybe you have a taste for a modern, poetic, and fun teen book by Jason Reynolds, one that even adults can enjoy. Some readers may prefer a spicy romantic thriller by Freida McFadden, or an impactful, savory nonfiction book by Tony Robbins. Whatever your taste in books, the library has something for you, free of charge and free of any sort of judgment.
Any of these books count toward completing HCLS’ summer reading challenge. If you haven’t already, pick up an Adult Reading Challenge booklet at any of our branches. The 14 challenges guide you through a year’s worth of reading, with summer being a great time to get started with your first three titles. Once you complete three challenges, come back to the library for a small gift (while supplies last) and entry into a bigger prize drawing.
For National Book Lovers Day, it seems appropriate to take a look at the the adult summer reading booklet. One challenge called “Reading is Magic.” After all, it’s what the day celebrates! Books may have their own special magic, but the challenge is more literal, asking you to choose a title with supernatural or magical elements (see the Chapter Chats review for one of the suggested titles, Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs).
No matter how you love to read – on the page, on the screen, or by listening to an audiobook – National Book Lovers Day is for you! Stop by the library in person or via the catalog to find a new or favorite title, and keep reading all year with your booklet of reading adventures.
Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.
There’s no time like the summertime to dig into a long, immersive fantasy book. The 2025 High School Summer Reading list features several titles that fit the bill—here are five recommendations to keep you engrossed for hundreds of pages!
Deep is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson is a suspenseful fairy tale centered on a cast of lifelike characters on their quest to find the heart of the nefarious secret society known as the Order of Toadmen. The main character, Merry, grapples with her magical ability as she fights against society to save her father. I loved this book’s sweet friendships, the rivals-to-teammates dynamic between Merry and her counterpart, and the way the mystery unfolds as we follow the main characters deeper and deeper into the murky magic.
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams explores a world of magic incorporated through Black American history, folklore, and myth. When Malik Baron reunites with his estranged grandmother, he’s drawn into a world of magic and mystery that may just give him the tools he needs to control his magical powers and protect his foster brother on his journey to find his missing mother. This book transforms the magic school trope into something defiant and heartfelt.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier is a fantasy adventure based on mythology from Guam and other Pacific Islands. We meet our main character, Hanalei, in her days of exile after her father steals a sea dragon egg. She spends her days studying and sketching the majestic sea dragons in the surrounding waters, and when an encounter with a dragon offers her a chance to return home, Hanalei is launched into a quest that could save her family—and the entire kingdom of Tamarind. The book delivers a beautifully woven, mythology-rich expansion on the teen dragon rider trope and leaves readers asking, “When will there be another one?”
Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros is a historical fantasy set in 1940s Lithuania. The book follows Vera, a golem created from an ancient magic, called kishuf, by a father grieving for his murdered daughter. Driven with a violent purpose, Vera is sworn to avenge herself against the Nazis. Throughout her quest, she finds that she’s not the only one with access to kishuf—and it’s going to take everything Vera has within her to come out triumphant. This dark fantasy draws from Jewish folklore to spin a tale full of strength and vengeance.
Heir by Sabaa Tahir picks up almost two decades after A Sky Beyond the Storm, the final installment in Tahir’s previous series. Sabaa Tahir excels at balancing a full cast of characters and creating interesting and distinct points-of-view, and Heir is no exception. We get to watch the story unfold from behind the eyes of Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil—the orphan, the outcast, and the prince. Like the Ember in the Ashes quartet, Heir tells a war story in a fantasy setting that delves into issues of genocide, human rights, family bonds, and betrayal, and underscores it with characters that forge fierce bonds of friendship and love.
Happy reading!
Julia is a Teen Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. They love to read YA books, play the cello, practice martial arts, try new cookie recipes, and generally squeeze as many hobbies into a day as possible.
Participants and caregivers step into the fun and active world of Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. at the East Columbia Branch of Howard County Library System.
by Sahana C.
Libraries aspire to be welcoming, inclusive spaces for everyone. During Disability Pride Month this July, we want to highlight Beyond Words, one of our sensory-friendly classes designed with and for neurodivergent individuals — and anyone who benefits from a more adaptable, engaging learning environment!
Disability Pride Month reminds us to honor the uniqueness of every individual and to recognize disability as an essential part of human diversity. We know that learning looks different for everyone, and that’s something worth celebrating. Beyond Words is a do-it-yourself sort of class, with an emphasis on creativity, movement, and hands-on activities built around themed, sensory-rich stations. From arts and crafts to motor skills and movement play, the program encourages joy, exploration, and connection in ways that feel comfortable and are accessible. Beyond Words started at Miller Branch, but the class has now spread to the East Columbia, Central, and Savage Branches, with an option for every age group.
This year, we’re really excited about the Beyond Words Summer Reading game, too! While Summer Reading began on June 1, it’s not too late to pick up a specially designed gameboard at any HCLS branch or the mobile library. Like our traditional summer reading program, this version encourages participants to read, explore, and complete activities — but it’s been thoughtfully adapted to meet different needs and learning styles. The goal? To make summer reading more inclusive, flexible, and most of all, fun for everyone. The Beyond Words gameboard includes a variety of ways to participate and celebrate progress. There’s no one right way to take part—just lots of opportunities to discover new interests, build confidence, and enjoy the magic of stories and imagination.
Teen Beyond Words Wed, Jul 23 | 6 – 7:30 pm HCLS East Columbia Branch For 11-17. Register at bit.ly/TBW_723 For teens with learning/developmental disabilities. Come and participate at five different activity stations. This month’s theme: SUMMER.
Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.
This summer kicks off the third annual reading challenge for adults, while also celebrating 85 years of the library. People are the heart of our library – and we want to see you achieve your goals, explore the world, and find joy in the pages of a good book. Pick up a booklet at any branch to inspire you through a year of reading, filled with suggested titles and prompts for reflection.
While there are 14 reading challenges listed, you need to complete only three of them to participate in summer reading. Once you have read three books (print, e-book, and audio all count), come back to the Library to receive a prize and be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Here’s a sneak peek – and a Chapter Chats review or two:
These are a taste of what a year of reading could have in store for you. Visit our branches often to check displays for more titles or to ask a staff member for a recommendation.
Who’s counting the days until the end of school? Kids, of course, and teachers, no doubt. Even parents and caregivers may be looking forward to more flexible days and freedom from regular routines — a break from alarms, homework, and heavy backpacks.
At the library, however, we are counting the days until summer and gathering our energy, because your downtime is our opportunity — we can’t wait to spend more time with you! In fact, we’re throwing a summer-long party to celebrate the 85th birthday of HCLS and all the ways our community comes together through the library to learn, grow, and connect.
Let’s get the party started! Starting Monday, June 2, visit any branch for your Summer Reading game, complete with reading and activity ideas, prizes, and special events. WHO IS INVITED? EVERYONE!
Visit hclibrary.org/summer often for all your summer reading information and details.
Ages birth – 4 Children ages birth-4 learn, grow, and make connections by singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing. Read or do an activity from the suggestions, and color in a balloon. Ages 5 – 10 Read, listen, learn, connect, and celebrate. Each time you read or do an activity, color in a candy. Keep reading! For both children’s games: Pick up a prize after completing 10 books and/or activities before August 31, while supplies last. Teens: 11 – 18 Earn raffle tickets whenever you read, attend classes, borrow items, or complete challenges. When you complete 10 tickets, visit a branch to receive a prize and be entered into the grand prize drawing. Continue to submit raffle tickets all summer. Adults: 18+ The third annual Adult Reading Challenge offers unique reading challenges and complimentary reading recommendations. Complete three or more challenges by the end of August, or read three or more books of your own choosing. Complete a finisher’s card and be automatically entered into our prize drawings. All finishers also receive a limited-edition prize, while supplies last!
Summer Reading Celebrations For everyone. Join us to celebrate 85 years of the Library and all things summer reading with activities for all ages. Wed, Jun 25 from 3 – 6 pm at HCLS East Columbia Branch Wed, Jun 25 from 5 – 8 pm at HCLS Central Branch Wed, Jul 9 from 5 – 8 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch Sat, Jul 12 from 11 am – 1 pm at HCLS Savage Branch Wed, Aug 13 from 4 – 7 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch Thu Aug 21 from 6 – 8 pm at HCLS Miller Branch Celebrations sponsored in part by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.
If you haven’t checked out our Summer Reading Adventures 2024 yet, it’s not too late to take a look! We have ideas for activities, book suggestions, and prizes for all ages. While the titles on our summer reading lists cover a wide range of topics, I wanted to share some specifically summer-themed books for our younger customers.
This Early Reader follows Mouse and his big sister, Minka, as they go on a simple summer adventure. On each page, readers are invited to identify something with simple clues and pictures to guide them, providing a great opportunity for interaction between an adult reader and a young child. Asking questions can also invite little ones to make a prediction about what the characters might find next, or you can make connections to experiences you’ve had together!
Perfect for fans of The Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton, this story highlights the special connection we can feel to a place. Every summer, a girl and her family visit the little blue cottage. The girl and the cottage both look forward to their time together, until the girl grows up and her family no longer visits. But finally, when the girl is grown and a mother herself, she brings her family to create new memories in the little blue cottage that has waited for her all this time. This sweet story may be especially meaningful if you have a particular place that you visit regularly.
In the summer installation of this series sharing the adventures of a boy and his grandfather (see Rain, Snow, and Storm for other seasons and Free for an extra adventure), our two main characters gather provisions and set off for a picnic on the hottest day of the year. Grandad navigates, and the narrator is the lookout, as they seek the perfect spot. But when they find it, a band of pirates is already there! Watch for interesting details in some illustrations, and enjoy the panoramic view in others.
Natsumi loves summer, especially the insects she can see during that time of year. This summer will be particularly special, as her cousin Jill comes from the United States to visit her in Japan for the first time. Will they have anything in common? Striking illustrations accompany text written in the form of Tanka poems, a traditional Japanese format that includes five lines with 31 syllables.
After a fun day at the beach, a family winds down and gets ready for bed, despite their dog’s interference. Simple, rhyming text complements illustrations full of action and joy. This would be an excellent choice to bring along to a beach trip and read at the end of your day, remembering the fun you had together.
Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee.She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).
Each year, HCLS and HCPSS work together to compile suggested reading lists for all ages. This year’s high school reading list is brimming with exciting titles published within the past few years, in dozens of different genres ranging from nonfiction memoirs by immigrant teens to adorable love stories centered on baked goods. Two of my favorite standout reads from this year’s list happen to share a common theme: both feature references to King Arthur that any Arthurian-legend-loving reader will happily devour.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn has become beloved by many YA fantasy readers since its publication in 2020. The story follows Bree, a 16-year-old who enters a pre-college program at UNC with hopes of escaping from her hometown for the summer following her mother’s tragic death. Her world is upended when she is thrust into the secret world of people who call themselves Legendborn—the descendants of King Arthur, preparing for war against the demonic forces that oppose them. This book is for lovers of complex magic systems, emotionally driven romantic subplots, and a solid dose of high-action fight scenes. Readers who enjoyed the deep-rooted Arthurian references in The Lost Years (of Merlin) or the magical aura of The Raven Boyswill love Legendborn. (Longer review also available.)
Gwen and Art are Not in Love by Lex Croucher is a new addition to the YA Arthurian-legend-canon. This book is rife with references to the legends, but with a lighthearted twist. Gwen and Art follows the title characters through an alternate-timeline historical rom-com that takes place several generations after the death of King Arthur. The two main characters are forced into an arranged betrothal but have zero interest in each other. Through a series of mishaps and a little forbidden-diary-reading, Gwen and Art realize that they are a perfectly unsuited match. They make a pact to cover up for one another as Gwen pines after a lady knight and Art kisses every boy he fancies. Readers will be drawn in by the bubbly humor, fast-paced tournament scenes, and the sweet found family that develops. If you love the joyful queer romance in Heartstopperor the feminist twists of the Song of the Lioness quartet, check out Gwen and Art are Not in Love.
Julia is a Teen Instructor & Research Specialist at the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace. She loves reading YA books, playing the cello, practicing martial arts, trying new cookie recipes, and generally trying to squeeze as many hobbies into a day as possible.
CHAPTER CHATS 