10 Books by Texas Authors to Read This Summer
The expert team at Texas Book Festival shares some suggested titles by Texas-based authors
Nothing beats lounging lazily on the beach, by the pool or in a backyard hammock with a book in hand. To help build your summer reading list, we partnered with the team at Texas Book Festival to spotlight new titles by Texas-based authors, with picks for both adults and young readers. Dive into a great book and support our local literary scene.
Adult Recommendations
Adult Recommendations by Literary Director, Hannah Gabel
“Earth 7” by Deb Olin Unferth
From underwater communities and digital consciousness to androids and Martians, this cosmic sci-fi novel transports the reader to a post-apocalyptic future on a deeply decayed planet. An unforgettable exploration of life, love and the indomitable persistence of the human (and mostly human) spirit, “Earth 7” explores what endures at the end of Earth.
“Catch the Devil” by Pamela Colloff
This riveting true crime narrative investigates the web of lies that enabled a brazen con man to elude justice and condemn innocent lives. The highly anticipated debut book by award-winning journalist Pamela Colloff, “Catch the Devil” exposes a criminal justice system that prioritizes convictions over correctness.
“Ungodly Rich” by Katharine McGee
Perhaps the perfect summer beach read, this fantastical romance novel combines a charming love story with the lore of Greek mythology. After two blissful years of dating, Julia attends Harry’s opulent family reunion, where she’s shocked to learn that her boyfriend comes from a billionaire family. Little does she know, Harry’s wealth isn’t all he failed to mention: He and his eccentric family are also secretly Greek gods.
“Superfan” by Jenny Tinghui Zhang
A fascinating look at fandom and the cult of celebrity, “Superfan” follows a struggling Austin college student who becomes obsessed with a trending boy band. Told through alternating perspectives, this fictional story explores a young woman’s eagerness for an escapist fantasy alongside the precarious reality of a life lived in pursuit of fame.
“The Book of Chuck,” by LaToya Watkins
What if the gift of clairvoyance is actually a curse? In this lyrical novel full of complex characters and complicated relationships, a family is haunted by the ability to foresee death. Set in Texas, “The Book of Chuck” is a multigenerational story that spans decades as it examines identity, family legacy and the weight of the past.
Picture Book, Middle Grade and YA Recommendations
from Texas Book Festival Director of Youth Programs, Michelle Hernandez
“While We’re Here,” by Anne Wynter — Picture book
Anne Wynter’s new book is written with charm and nuance, feeling both reminiscent of classics and totally fresh. Illustrator Micha Archer’s visual storytelling, told through intricate and vibrant illustrations, is stunning. Together, through the dance between words and pictures, Wynter and Archer have created an ode to delightfully slow days and making the most of circumstances.
“My Big Book of Texas,” by C.S. Jennings — Picture book
C.S. Jennings’ fun and informative picture book about Texas packs in facts about the Lone Star State, including geography and landscapes; dinosaurs and wildlife; notable Texans from Beyoncé, Willie Nelson and Selena to Barbara Jordan, Ann Richards and LBJ; and so much more.
“When You’re Brave Enough,” by Rebecca Bendheim — Middle grade
This captivating debut novel about friendship, fitting in, first crushes and self-discovery is full of heart and will undoubtedly be tough for readers to put down. Rebecca Bendheim is one to watch.
“The Chismosas Only Book Club,” by Laekan Zea Kemp — Middle grade
The transition from middle school to high school can be difficult, to say the least. For best friends Cat, Sofia, Ana and Mari, a busy group chat and their newly formed Chismosas Only Book Club help them stay connected while each member of the group navigates challenges and change. This is a tender story with a dash of magic that tweens and teens will love.
“Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories,” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith — YA
Take a trip to the “Legendary Frybread Drive-In” through interwoven stories by 17 Indigenous writers, including both established authors and new voices. This award-winning book explores the lives of teens through coming-of-age themes, with plenty of humor and joy.
About Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival, the largest book event in Texas and one of the nation’s premier literary festivals, returns for its 31st year Nov. 14-15 in downtown Austin. The free event will feature more than 250 authors, programming for all ages, book signings, food trucks, cooking demonstrations and more.
Learn more at texasbookfestival.org.