By Alisa Oden

March 25, 2021

When you have nothing to do and nowhere to be, spring break can go from fun and relaxing to plain old boring. Yikes. Lucky for you, there’s nothing that can cure boredom like a good book! Here are five bore-proof books for spring break:

THE PENDERWICKS: By Jeanne Birdsall

This summer, the four Penderwick sisters are staying on the grounds of a magnificent estate called Arundel. They quickly discover the beautiful gardens, treasure-trove attic, and excellent cook, but the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, the son of the owner of the estate. He turns out to be the perfect adventuring companion, and he and the Penderwicks easily get themselves into a lot of wild shenanigans.

The only thing stopping them from a perfect summer is Jeffrey’s colder-than-ice mother, Mrs. Tifton, who warns the Penderwicks to stay away. Unfortunately for her, the Penderwicks have a knack for getting into trouble, so who knows what might happen next? 

This is the summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy. Filled with witty humor, compelling characters, and heartfelt moments, this book is sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside- unless you’re already laughing your head off.

WHITEBIRD: By R.J Palacio

Expanding on the story told in R.J Palacio’s other book, Auggie & Me, the sequel to Wonder, this book follows Julian’s grandmother, and her heartbreaking story of World War II; how she, a Jewish girl, had been hidden by a family in a village ridden with Nazis, and how a boy she had once ridiculed had become her best friend- and savior.

This is a graphic novel with stunning artwork, but the words themselves will make you tear up. This is one of those books that stay with you forever, so be sure to check it out!

THREE TIMES LUCKY: By Sheila Turnage

In Tupelo Landing, NC, anyone’s business is everyone’s business. Mo LoBeau knows this better than anyone. She herself was washed ashore in a hurricane that separated her from her family- and brought her to a new one. Although she’s found a home with the Colonel- a cafe owner with a strange past- and Miss Lana, the stunning cafe hostess, she still longs to find her “upstream” mother. But when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, secrets are suddenly everywhere, and anyone’s business is anyone’s guess. Mo and her best friend, Dale, are determined to solve this mystery before all of the secrets tear little Tupelo Landing apart.

With murder, secrets, a hilarious southern narrator, and wacky characters, this book is sure to keep you on your toes!

NATURE ANATOMY: By Julia Rothman

Created by illustrator-extraordinaire, Julia Rothman, this book gives you a whole new way to see the world. With beautiful art and interesting descriptions and explanations, this is the nature guide to end all nature guides.

SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA: By Becky Albertalli

Sixteen-year-old Simon Spier is not so openly gay- and he’d like to keep it that way. Unfortunately, when a private email falls into the wrong hands, Simon is at risk of being outed to the whole school and thrust into a spotlight he prefers to save for school musicals. Now, Simon has to figure out how to deal with the situation without losing his friends, compromising himself, and messing up his chance with the most perfect guy he’s ever met. 

Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda is a sweet, make-you-laugh-so-hard-your-stomach-hurts type of book that has you cheering for Simon the whole way! 

During quarantine, chances are, spring break will be pretty uneventful. Hopefully, these books save you from completely dying of boredom. Happy reading!