School is (nearly) out of the summer! We’re excited to chat with a local educator and get her tips and tricks on summer reading for all ages. Please welcome Katlyn to the Cobblestone Creative blog!

Name:

Katlyn Bennett (@mrsbennettreads)

Old Town, Alexandria Affiliation (Resident, business owner, etc.):

Book club participant, regular shopper at OTB

Occupation:

Arlington Public Schools Middle School Reading Specialist

What sort of reader are you? What are your favorite genres, ideal reading location, etc.?

I am definitely a social reader, meaning I will read any book that a lot of people are talking about. I love reading books that are getting a lot of buzz, from Middle-Grade (MG) and Young Adult (YA), to Romance and True Crime.

What's one book you think that every person should read and why?

Just Mercy: It demonstrates so clearly the extent to which race is embedded in our justice system and completely changed my feelings on the death penalty. It is so moving and informative, and there’s even a YA version!

What's the best book you've read in the past year? What sort of impact did it have on you as a reader?

I think I have to go with The House in the Cerulean Sea; during this past year, I needed to read a lot of comforting things, and it was just a hug in a book.

Where's your favorite spot to read in Old Town?

Right by the water! I love to grab a coffee and sit on a blanket in Founder’s Park especially on weekday mornings in the summer when it isn’t so crowded.

Why do you love indie bookstores?

The community of readers and writers they create, and of course, recommendations from amazing booksellers!

What's your favorite Old Town Books book club?

Bad Romance Book Club has been a ton of fun, it introduced me to historical romances, which I had never read, and I laugh more in that hour every month than I do in any other hour! The group of readers is hilarious and smart. I love them!

What sort of programming would you love to see from Old Town Books in the future?

I would absolutely love to see a book club for teens! [Hit me up any time to facilitate! ;)] I also love any opportunities to hear works from local writers, it would be awesome to have some kind of open mic when events can resume IRL!

What traits or characteristics do you look for in your ideal summer reading book, for yourself and/or for young people?

I am the ultimate mood reader, so my summer reads vary a lot! Sometimes I want to read in-depth nonfiction I can’t focus on during the school year, and sometimes I reach for fun contemporary romances. I always read a lot of MG and YA over the summer to have tons of fresh recommendations for students in the fall.

What's the best children's or middle grade book you've read in the last year?

I’m a huge fan of the author Nic Stone, and her book Clean Getaway is a big hit with my students. In the book, Scoob is basically kidnapped by his grandmother and taken on an RV adventure through the south. Along the way, he learns a ton about his family, and the history of the Jim Crow south. All of Nic Stone’s books are incredible for Middle School and High School readers. I also really loved Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee, What Lane? by Torrey Maldonado, and You Should See Me In a Crown by Leah Johnson (a little more on the YA side).

Any advice for parents who want to encourage reading for fun during summer vacation?

Some of my best advice for encouraging kids and teens to read:

1. Model having a reading life! Let your kids see you reading, and talk about what you’re reading.

2. Family audiobooks on road trips! Books like Wonder, When Stars are Scattered, Fish in a Tree, or To Night Owl from Dogfish all have plenty for both kids and adults to enjoy and discuss. If you haven’t tried audiobooks recently, they are so different from the books on tape from my childhood, and libro.fm lets you support indies including OTB!

3. Let kids read whatever they’re interested in. Graphic novels, novels in verse, Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants- all reading is good reading!

We’re so grateful to Katlyn for taking the time to share with us and many thanks to all of the teachers and educators who have put in extra hours and drew upon their creativity to make this unusual school year a wonderful one for all of our communities. Whether you’re a teacher or a student, we hope that you have a wonderfully relaxing and enriching summer vacation. Be sure to drop by South Royal Street to pick up your summer reading picks!

Photos and blog contribution by Katlyn Bennett.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.