Books to Read Over Spring Break
Joss and I have been continuing to make our way through the 2025 Oklahoma Children’s Sequoyah book list. And I’m pleased to report that we are down to the final two books! All of them have been truly enjoyable, so here are a few more to add to your reading stack. Plus, I’ll be including Mountain Upside Down by Sara Ryan, which I agreed to review in exchange for a copy because it sounded like something I’d enjoy!
These books would of course make for great reading any time, but since Spring Break is coming up, consider getting them if you need some road trip reading material, etc. Maybe you can se up a mini reading challenge for your kids over the break.
The Infinite Questions of Dottie Bing by Molly B. Burnham, with illustrations by Fanny Liem
This was a tearjerker! For me, at least. It is about a ten-year-old girl grieving the death of her beloved grandma. Her grandpa Walter, also grieving, unexpectedly moves in with Dottie’s family. Dottie has never had as close a relationship with Grandpa Walter as she did with Grandma Ima, and while she tries to be welcoming, his presence means that she has to give up her room, be extra quiet, etc.
Throughout the book, Dottie is trying to figure out how to help herself feel happy again, and how to help Grandpa Walter feel happy – mainly, at first, so he’ll move back home. By the end of the book, (spoilers), Dottie and her Grandpa come to understand each other and realize that grieving takes time.
Dottie describes her feelings of grief as different animals – a spiky porcupine, a squeezing octopus, a rampaging bison – all wreaking havoc in her body. So if you do have a child dealing with grief, maybe these descriptions can help them put words to what they’re feeling.
The Infinite Questions of Dottie Bing isn’t all sad. There’s plenty of humor and good friendships as well.
Recommended: Ages 8-12
The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow by Elaine Dimopoulos, illustrated by Doug Salati
This book is a delight if you love storytelling. The narrator, a bunny named Butternut, is very conscious that she’s telling a story. In fact, storytelling is an important part of her family’s culture, and Butternut is one of the best.
Another important part of her family’s culture is the admonition that rabbits should look out for themselves, and not worry about other animals in their meadow. At least, other than watching out for the dangerous ones, of course. This all changes when Butternut meets a very friendly and verbose baby robin. As their friendship grows, Butternut, who considers herself one of the least brave rabbits in the burrow, learns that some things are more important than staying safe.
I also really liked that the cover of the paperback is textured – the book is both beautiful to look at and interesting to feel!
Recommended: Ages 8+
The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
This would be a great book, I think, if you have kids anxious about going to an overnight summer camp. Protagonist Ryanna Stuart gets to spend her first summer at her grandparents’ former campgrounds, Camp Van Camp. The camp has been closed for a long time, but, as Ryanna discovers, it hosts not just her grandparents, but a bevy of cousins, aunts and uncles as well. Ryanna is totally unprepared for all these relatives, as her father has long been estranged from her deceased mom’s side of the family for unknown reasons. But she chooses to stay, hoping to learn more about her mom.
After overcoming the initial shock, Ryanna and her cousins have a summer of adventure, mystery – and even a little activism, as there is some dispute with a neighbor over who actually owns Camp Van Camp. As author Julie Murphy wrote, in a cover blurb, “This is the kind of book you wish you could live in.” And that’s absolutely true! Who wouldn’t want to spend a summer kayaking, swimming, building sandcastles and wandering through the woods with new friends and family?
Recommended: Ages 8-12
Mountain Upside Down by Sara Ryan
Again, this isn’t a Sequoyah book, as it’s one I was gifted to review. Like Ryanna Stuart in The Firefly Summer, protagonist Alex’s mother passed away when she was very young. Alex, however, lives with her grandma – whose memory is beginning to fade. So Alex is trying to figure out exactly what is going on with her grandmother. At the same time, her best friend/new girlfriend, PJ, moves a couple hours away. And the town library – where Alex volunteers – is in danger of being shut down following an upcoming election. So Alex, at just 13 years old, is dealing with a lot!
Thankfully, Alex has a strong support group of friends, and even meets her own unexpected family member. It’s an interesting look at dementia, and the realization that some things that may just seem odd at first are signs of a deeper problem. And figuring out what kind of care a person you love needs, especially if you can’t provide that yourself.
Recommended: Ages 10+
What books have you been enjoying lately?
