It’s no secret—summers in Louisiana are hot, and we’re all desperate for relief. Fortunately, the New Orleans Public Library has a refreshing lineup of water-themed books that let you dive into adventure without breaking a sweat. So grab a book, find some shade, and let these stories transport you while you count down the days to fall.
Children
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh & Bárbara Quintino
Kwesi is afraid of the water. When Nana Ruby confides that she is also afraid of swimming, they turn to the West African legend of Mami Wata to face their fear.
Katie Woo and JoJo on the Go!: Splish Splash at the Water Park by Fran Manushkin
Katie Woo and her friend JoJo are spending the day at an indoor water park, but Katie is a little afraid of the very high Super-Duper Slide, and JoJo has to help her overcome her fear.
The Mermaids of Jamaica by Claudia Bellante & Herikita
A two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner for synchronized swimming inspires Jamaican girls to dedicate themselves to swimming and invest in their futures in this heartening nonfiction picture book.
Middle Grade
Julia on the Go!: Swimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn & Julie Kim
When she is sidelined by an ear infection, Julia Nam, the youngest member of the Vipers Swim Team, is desperate to get back in the pool, but when she goes behind her parents’ backs to do so, she gets into hot water.
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
Bree can’t wait for her first day at her new middle school — until she’s stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101. The thought of swimming makes Bree more than a little queasy, but she has no choice. Lucky for her, Etta, an elderly occupant of her apartment building and former swim team captain, is willing to help.
A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt & Ron Koertge
This novel, told from multiple points of view, follows a diverse cast of young people whose lives intersect in surprising and hilarious ways over the course of a summer day at the beach.
Teen
Mermaid Prince by Kaori Ozaki
Mugi is a big-city kid struggling to adjust to life in Okinawa, where he moved with his sister and new brother-in-law. But to his only friend Matori, he’s a bona fide prince. Feeling out of place at home, Mugi runs away to Matori’s house and learns about legendary mermaids who will grant you one wish—if you can make it to them alive.
Beach Cute by Beth Reekles
Luna, Rory, and Jodie are strangers in need of a getaway. Luna has unexpectedly broken up with her boyfriend, Rory has to break it to her family that she wants to pursue her art passion, and Jodie feels lost in both life and love. As their lives collide under the sun, will they have the summer they’ll never forget?
Looking for something fun and free to do this summer? Sign up for the Library’s annual Summer Fun & Reading Challenge! Registration opens May 25.