Whether you are reading in your backyard or while crossing the ocean in a jet, these books are sure to take you around the world, to people and places you never imagined.  Buckle up!

Sold by Patricia McCormick– Sold tells the story of a young girl from Nepal, Lakshmi, who is a victim of present-day slavery.  At thirteen years old, she is sold into prostitution.  Poignant and poetic, this book is one I believe everyone should read.

Small Damages by Beth Kephart- Being sent to live with your distant relatives in the beautiful Spanish countryside doesn’t sound too bad.  Unless like protagonist, Kenzie, it is a sort of exile your mother sends you on because you are pregnant.  However this not another teen issues novel.  Under el sol español, Kenzie confronts her issues with family and her life, ones that had remained hidden at home.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares–  This is the quintessential summer read:  best friends, traveling, romance, and everything you could want to read about on the beach.  A perfect literary chick flick, without being too cheesy, the book follows four best friends on their separate summer adventures.

 The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling– No use summarizing this one.  But if you have never read the whole series or have five times, do it again.  What could be better to enjoy during a summer thunderstorm? Exciting and easy to read the magic and adventure will make you feel like a kid again.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald– If you go to North Hills, odds are you have read or will read The Great Gatsby.  However, this novel is one I would recommend reading over the summer anyway.  It’s easy to read, and you can take the time to really enjoy it without feeling forced to or bogged down by other homework.  Then, you can decide for yourself whether it is or is not “The Great American Novel.”  Plus, you can then you have an excuse to watch the movie and swoon over Leonardo Dicaprio.

Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman– I already recommended this book in a previous book review, but it deserves a second appearance.  After the death of her psychotic mother, the protagonist, Ceecee, is whisked away to live with her Aunt Tootie in Savannah, Georgia.  In a whirlwind of southern charm, Ceecee gains a whole new life.  In the backdrop of the 1960s, Ceecee must acclimate to her new life, and family.  Anyone who enjoyed The Help will adore this novel.

Peak by Roland Smith– Unfortunately, I have yet to read this book, so I can not personally attest to how good it is.  However, reviews have been great and even my fourteen-year-old brother who hates to read enjoyed it.  Documenting the journey of a boy attempting to climb Mt. Everest, this “page-turning and funny” story offers a cool retreat from the hot summer sun.