Summer Learning: Hall of Fame

Goodbye to Summer Learning

Summer Learning is at it's end and as a community we have read a whole lot! You've also contributed many great book reviews to our Summer Learning platform, Beanstack. This week, we are excited to share with you a few of the reviews you've contributed and to celebrate the most logged books from Summer Learning. Congratulations to everyone that participated to achieve their reading goals!

Reviews by You

First up in our Hall of Fame post we wanted to feature some of your fantastic book reviews from 2024. These are the books being read in your community! You can add your own review for books you like on Beanstack, our Summer Learning platform, but also through our library catalog. Here are some of your reviews:

Annie Bot book cover

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

Review by Aziah

"Very Barbie movie 2023 vibes. This book illustrates what happens when a doll gains consciousness over its position of servitude and bodily autonomy. A must-read."



The Mystery Guest, Book Cover

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Review by Camie

"This book was as delightful as its prequel, The Maid. I was happy to see our protagonist, Molly, come into her own in this story. There was also some satisfying backstory included!"



The Bullet That Missed, book cover

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

Review by Robin

" This is such a fun, heartwarming and heartbreaking series. The characters are phenomenal. Start from book one to see how the friendships develop. So much love and hope!"



Most Logged Books

This year the Dog Man series has officially dethroned the Harry Potter series as the most logged books in our Summer Learning Hall of Fame. Harry Potter had a good run, it topped out as the most logged book series for three years.  SJPL still has translated versions, illustrated versions, and of course the movies. Yet, it is no surprise that the Dog Man series has reached the top of our Summer Learning Hall of Fame as it had been a close second for several years. Author Dav Pilkey has other great series you can check out once you've finished Dog Man, such as Cat Kid Comic Club, Captain Underpants, Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot, or one of his Dragon easy readers. 

Further Favorites

There were a number of other books that captivated our community this summer, Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan had renewed interest this year with readers and pre-teens clamored to the City Spies series by James Ponti. Several manga titles were in the top read books, especially amongst teens. This included the popular series Soul Eater and Blue Lock.  Check below for some additional hall of fame titles logged by different age groups.

Pre-Reader & Reader Most Logged Titles

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Book Cover Goodnight Moon, book coverLittle Blue Truck, Book CoverLlama Llama Nighty-NightDog Man, book coverPercy Jackson, book cover


Pre-Teen/ Teen/Adult Most Logged Titles

City Spies, Book CoverSoul Eater, Book CoverBlue Lock, Book CoverScythe, Cover ImageA Dream Called Home, book coverThe Rule Book, book coverA Man of Two Faces, book cover


Congratulations!

However you read and participated in Summer Learning this year, we at the San Jose Public Library are proud of your initiative and thankful for the support of our community. We hope that you continue to read throughout the year. Unsure of what to read next? If you're looking for a new book to read you can try our reader's advisory service, 5forU, browse our Staff Picks booklists, and of course keep your eyes peeled for new events.

We hope you had fun reading with the library this Summer, and we look forward to reading and learning with you again soon!