UB Libraries Summer Reading Stampede

Join the UB Libraries for our summer reading challenge!

Last Updated: Sep 5, 2025 1:09 PM

Challenge One: Read a book with an LGBTQ+ character or author

We Recommend:

Song of Achilles cover; Ancient greek helmet

The Song of Achilles by Madeline MIller

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of a the siege of Troy. For those familiar with The Odyssey, The Iliad or Greek mythology, there will be familiar characters, but for those new to the subject, previous knowledge is not required to be immersed in the story Achilles and Patroclus. These two characters, the Ancient Greek equivalents of jock and nerd, find each other and build a relationship of both friendship and love. This read should come with a warning for emotions, so be prepared if you pick it up! Find it at UB Libraries.

Take a look at Penguin Books' list of The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Pride Books

Challenge Two: Read a book written by an author of color

We Recommend:

Seven Days in June cover; two people hugging on a blue background

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Seven Days in June is a perfect summer romance novel about two writers who had a whirlwind week of romance in their teenage years and reconnect twenty years later. Author Tia Williams writes this second-chance-at-love story with realistic characters and emotional depth. Find it at UB Libraries.

- Beth Carpenter, Undergraduate Engineering & Instruction Librarian

Looking for more inspiration? Try this list made for Black History Month 2025 for some suggestions.

Challenge Three: Read a book that takes place in summer

We Recommend:

Just for the Summer book cover; a red book with two people holding hands and splashing in a lake at sunset

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Just for the Summer balances romance with real-life issues. Emma and Justin are individuals who have been forced to take on responsibilities in their family due to neglect or poor choices. In what initially is just a means to an end, they end up connecting on a much deeper level and learn the importance of found family and healing from traumas. Find it at UB Libraries.

- Emily Gelsinger, Visiting Assistant Librarian

Challenge Four: Read a graphic novel

We Recommend:

They Called Us Enemy book cover; a child looks nervous waiting in a long line by a soldier

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei et al.

They Called Us Enemy is a graphic novel memoir about George Takei's childhood in an American concentration camp during WWII. Through beautiful illustrations by Harmony Becker, it reveals insight into both the terrors of the camps and the small joys of childhood. Find it at UB Libraries.

- Jessica Hollister, Dental Liaison Librarian

Challenge Five: Read a non-fiction book

We Recommend:

unruly book cover; a grenade stylized to look a royal orb from the crown jewels

Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens by David Mitchell

Unruly is a hilarious dive into England’s royal history, where kings and queens were anything but dignified. David Mitchell delivers a witty and wild retelling of the past, proving that history is messy, absurd, and incredibly entertaining. Find the eBook at UB Libraries.

- Sarah Patton, Lead User Services Librarian