Sensational Summer Reads: This week’s picks for adults and children

Wausau Pilot & Review

Join the Marathon County Public Library for an adventure this summer! The MCPL is celebrating the “Adventure Begins At Your Library” theme through their book displays, activity book, BINGO reading cards, summer performances, county wide programs and park story times. The library’s summer programming has something for all ages but is especially geared towards school-age children, tweens and teens. Click here for more information.

This week’s pick for adults:

“The Serpent and the Wings of Night,” by Carissa Broadbent

“The Serpent and the Wings of Night” is a dark fantasy romance filled with humans and vampires, a magical Hunger Games-esque competition, and a gripping enemies-to-lovers storyline. The protagonist, Oraya, is the adopted human daughter of the vampire king. For Oraya to become more than just prey in the vampire world, she has to win a wish from the Goddess of Night by competing in the Kejari, a legendary, deathly tournament.

Dozens of the best warriors from the three vampire houses are also competing in the Kejari. Winning isn’t going to come easy and Oraya is forced to forge an alliance with her rival Raihn. Raihn is a powerful vampire with a mysterious past, and Oraya can’t help being drawn to him. Their relationship evolves naturally from enemies to allies to more.

“The Serpent and the Wings of Night” is full of complex characters, fantastic world-building, and plot twists that will have you racing to the library to read the next book in the series!

This week’s pick for children:

“Glitter Everywhere,” by Chris Barton

Whether you’re obsessed with glitter and can’t get enough or would prefer to be ten feet away at all times, you’ll enjoy this nonfiction book all about the shiny stuff! “Glitter Everywhere” is informative and intriguing. We learn about Egyptians who decorated with iridescent beetle wings thousands of years ago, how different countries used the glittery, reflective mineral mica hundreds of years ago, and how “flitter” was created in the 1900s. Finally, we get to the invention of glitter itself! It’s sparkly and beautiful, but as many people know, it can be kind of a pain too.

“Glitter Everywhere” doesn’t shy away from the downsides of glitter, like how it clings to everything and can be a harmful microplastic. We end on a happy note however, exploring sustainable solutions such as biodegradable glitter and mica. The history of glitter is surprisingly fascinating, and readers young and old will learn something new from Glitter Everywhere.

Summers are meant to be celebrated and filled with memories. Families can plan to make some when they visit their local library!