Everyone rejoice—the time has come for another indie bookstore spotlight!
The time for summer trips and adventuring may be just about over, but that doesn’t mean kids should lose their adventurous spirits. This month, we’re proud to welcome Sara Grochowski, children’s book specialist at McLean and Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey, MI, who shares her picks for the best travel and exploration books for kids, from picture books to YA.
Travel and Exploration Kids Book Picks
Picture Books
Teacup by Rebecca Young, illustrated by Matt Ottley
In this gorgeously illustrated picture book, a boy leaves one home in search of another. Bringing only a teacup filled with dirt from the place he grew up, he takes to the sea. This story of resilience, displacement, and building a sense of home will linger long after the final pages.
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris
This new picture book from Dave Eggers is approachable look at the history of the Statue of Liberty, but its power really comes from the more speculative ideas about what Lady Liberty represents. Eggers focuses on the statue’s right foot, which lifts off the ground as if she’s stepping out, striding forward, torch in hand, to meet those who travel to America to find safety and acceptance.
The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Terry Fan, & Eric Fan
An animal crew sets off in an antlered ship seeking friendship and adventure in this picture book from Dashka Slater, illustrated by the Fan brothers. Marco wonders about things no other foxes ponder, like “how deep does the sun go when it sinks into the sea?” When the opportunity to set sail presents itself, Marco sets out to find answers to his questions.
Middle Grade
Ashes to Asheville by Sarah Dooley
Two sisters set out to honor their late mother’s wishes, leaving home under the cover of night to travel back to the last place their family was together and happy. Complicated issues of same-sex marriage and the grief of losing a parent are tactfully addressed against the backdrop of a slapdash road-trip. Sisters Fella and Zany will resonant with readers who must find their way, together and apart, under difficult circumstances.
Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart
In this middle grade western, Joseph Johnson sets out to reclaim his pony (and only remaining family) Sarah, who was stolen from him. Teaming up with a boy who is also in search of family, Joseph faces deadly situations, dangerous men, and the fickle and unforgiving landscape.
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
When a group of four kids are stranded in the Amazon after their plane crashes, they must work together to survive and find their way home. Readers will be transfixed by the lengths the kids go to to find food and shelter, but will also find themselves contemplating the nature of exploration and the effect humans have on the natural world.
Young Adult
Just Fly Away by Andrew McCarthy
In this debut YA novel from Andrew McCarthy, Lucy Willows seeks refuge with her estranged grandfather after learning that her father had a brief affair 8-years before, which resulted in a brother Lucy has never met.
Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales
Arden Huntley throws caution to the wind when she decides to travel to NYC to meet a boy she’s only ever corresponded with online. Though this sounds like it could be the set up for a lesson about stranger danger, it’s actually a thoughtful story about figuring out who you are—and who others are—in a world of online personas and communities.
Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
Set in 1849, Stacey Lee’s story of Samantha and Annamae is a page-turning adventure set on the Oregon Trail. Disguised as boys, the two girls—one an alleged murderer and the other an escaped slave—merge paths with a band of cowboys. Lee’s descriptions of the wide-open skies and dusty trails are a perfect setting for this tale of survival, friendship, and love.
Fun Facts About McLean and Eakin Booksellers
- McLean and Eakin just celebrated its 25th anniversary this summer!
- In addition to shelves full of fabulous books, we also offer a wide selection of records and comics.
Sara Grochowski is an unapologetic book pusher. She is the Children’s Specialist at McLean and Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey, MI. She also writes for the Quirk blog and Publisher’s Weekly and occasionally posts on her book blog, The Hiding Spot. You can find her on Twitter as @thehidingspot or email her at sara@mcleanandeakin.com.
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