Summer often means road trips. Whether enjoying the scenic views on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to North Carolina or driving down historic Route 66, young readers can go on their own memorable journeys crisscrossing America’s small towns and the open lands of the Wild West.
An Appalachian Adventure
‘The Long Hike: The True Story of the First Appalachian Thru-Hike’ by Meghan McCarthy
For the fit and able—particularly hiking enthusiasts—a thru-hike may be on the agenda this summer. This picture book presents one man’s successful attempt at completing the Appalachian Trail in one season.
Earl Shaffer, a World War II veteran, had planned the hike with his best friend Walter, who unfortunately died in the war. To walk the “war out of [his] system,” he undertakes the 2,100-mile trek from Georgia to Maine with only the food and clothing that his backpack could hold.
Young readers will learn what essentials Earl brought along, what wildlife he encountered, and even a few people he met along the way. Using excerpts from his journal, author-illustrator Meghan McCarthy captures the hardships Earl faced, along with the victorious conclusion to his monumental trek. The illustrations done in acrylic paint present Appalachia’s vibrant landscape and woodscape.
With the mountains beckoning, this book is a cool respite for the hot summer months. Great as a read-aloud for younger children and easily accessible for independent readers.
Beach Lane Books, 48 pages, June 16, 2026
The Wild West
‘The Phantom Stallion’s Family: Feather the Foal’ by Terri Farley and Kirbi Fagan
In a middle grade spin-off of the immensely popular “Phantom Stallion” series, author Terri Farley introduces members of the Phantom Stallion’s family as they head on their own adventures.
Feather, the foal, is a curious little one who wants to explore on her own but must wait till her legs become stronger and she develops the skills to overcome nature’s hurdles. In the meantime, Feather stays close to her family until she’s ready to live independently.
Fans of Farley’s series will be glad to share this new “Ready-to-Read” spin-off with younger readers. The untamed beauty of the West will delight the adventurous spirit in the young, ages 5 and up.
Simon Spotlight, 32 pages, June 23, 2026
Small-town Indiana
‘Rosetown Forever’ by Cynthia Rylant
It’s 1974 in Rosetown, Indiana. Eleven-year-old Flora Smallwood’s small world revolves around helping out at her parents’ paper and stationery store on Main Street, getting through oral reports at school, and visiting her best friends Yury and Nessy.
Flora is a girl “who liked things to remain the same,” but even the small enclave of Rosetown isn’t immune to change. When new merchants take over the space that used to house Flora’s favorite bookstore and Yury’s family decides to visit Chicago for the summer, can Flora welcome the new opportunities that change often brings?
The “Rosetown” trilogy has followed young Flora from the time she was 9 years old in the first book, “Rosetown.” In the second, “Rosetown Summer,” 10-year-old Flora gets caught up with summer activities and new projects, allowing her to step outside her protective shell. “Rosetown Forever” continues the idyllic account of what it’s like to live in America’s small towns. It’s a nostalgic step back in time to simpler days and childhood innocence.
An easy chapter book for independent readers age 8 and up.
Beach Lane Books, 80 pages, June 23, 2026
On the Road on Route 66
‘Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest’ by Chris Grabenstein
The Broderick brothers couldn’t be more different and get on each other’s nerves. Ben, 12, loves puzzles and all things retro, while his big brother, Ethan, is a star athlete getting ready to set off for college. But before he does that, their father insists the boys go on a road trip together, recreating a trip he took with his brothers years before.
On their first stop at a quirky diner, they find themselves joining a race with a million-dollar prize at the end of the road. To find their next destination, they must play games or solve puzzles to reveal the next stop. The race, created by master puzzler Ms. Pennypickle, leads the brothers through the famous historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.
Never close, Ben and Ethan must learn to shed their differences and work together as they embark on this high-stakes race that could change their lives.
Young puzzle-lovers will pick up trivia on historic Route 66, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Half-buried Cadillacs along the route, side trips to the Grand Canyon, and the Santa Rosa Blue Hole in New Mexico make for interesting armchair traveling.
By the same author of the popular “Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” series, this first book in “Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzlers” is a fun “read”-trip adventure with a strong message of brotherly bonding shining through. For readers age 8 and up.
The hardcover edition of the book was released late last year, and the paperback edition is set to be released later this summer.
Yearling, 288 pages, Sept. 8, 2026
Mining Secrets in West Virginia
‘George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend’ by Candace Lee and Eric Newman
George Goodwin has a lot to prove. His father always believed there was treasure in the mines of Big Mountain, West Virginia. But when his father and several others perished while on a treasure hunt, the Goodwin name became sullied. It’s up to 12-year-old George to find a way to clear the family name and bring honor to his father.
George ventures into the mines to prove the treasure’s existence, but he gets more than he bargains for. Deep in the cavern, he comes face-to-face with a fire-breathing creature. George, with his motley crew of scouting friends and an unexpected friendship with a prognosticating stranger, may just pull off the daunting task of fighting off dragons and clearing the Goodwin name.
Action-packed and full of nail-biting escapades, the book almost reads like a video game with George and his friends fleeing dragons and narrowly missing cave-ins. It’s a fun ride for those who love action, fantasy, and epic dragon-slaying heroes. Young thrill-seekers age 8 and up will love this wild adventure. Scout’s honor!
WaterBrook Children’s, 336 pages, May 5, 2026
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