Summer is packed with fun times, sunny days, and plenty to do. Reading always seems to take place in some way, shape, or form. Whenever I am around a friend or family member I haven't seen in a while the question of "So what good books have you read lately?" or "Do you know of any good books I might like?" almost never fails to come up. As time has gone on I've really given thought into some of my favorite books. Anyone who knows me well knows I'm VERY particular and picky about my books, and now I have decided to compile them in one list.

1. "After"*

This is a realistic fiction novel about dumpster babies. The story follows a young girl in her teens who didn't know she was pregnant and gives birth alone in her bathroom. She puts the baby in the trash and later on doesn't remember giving birth. After being treated at the hospital she ends up going to jail and being tried in court for what she did. I won't give away the ending but this book is one of my all time favorites.

2. "Does My Head Look Big in This?"

This is another realistic fiction novel, but this one is about a young high school age girl who is Muslim and lives in Australia. She decides over winter break that she wants to start wearing a hijab. The story is about her fight to be able to wear it to school and to be accepted by her peers. Typically, I've had trouble liking books and stories I've had to read for class but this one was by far amazing.

3. "Highest Duty"

This is an autobiography written by Captain Sullenberger after he had landed a plane in the Hudson River and ended up saving 150 people. In the book he tells his story and what led up to him deciding to land the plane in the Hudson. This is currently in the finishing stages of the movie process. (With Tom Hanks as the lead we all know it's going to be good).

4."The Book Thief"*

10/10 would read this again. This is a historic fiction novel that takes place during World War II. Liesel, the main character, gets adopted by a German couple who teach her how to read and write as well as send her to school. During the story they take in a young Jewish man who loves to read. Liesel starts stealing books from one of the women who goes to her mother to get her dry cleaning done. I don't want to give away the ending of this one either but trust me, it's another amazing one.

5. Number the Stars*

This one is similar to "The Book Thief." It also takes place during World War II. The two main characters are young girls: one of them is Jewish and her friend's family takes her and her parents in to help them escape to Sweden. This was another novel I had to read in school that I fell in love with and it's an easy read for both kids and adults.

*My Must Reads