Jennie’s Book Review: Summer 2026
I am so pleased to bring the Book Reviews back to Lake Life Okoboji! My name is Jennie Stevenson. My husband and I live in Spencer where I am an academic interventionist for the schools.
We have two children who are in all the activities that keep us busy. I’ve been an avid reader since watching Reading Rainbow while growing up in the 90’s! I’d walk to the library after school to go pick up the books they recommended on the show.
Now, I always turn to my family, friends, and colleagues for book recommendations when I am in need of a new title. My hope is that this space can give you some books that you enjoy and are able to recommend to others.
Happy reading!
Kissing the Sky
by Lisa Patton
One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction, and I’ve never read a book about Woodstock before. I loved the perspective of the main character from both eras-while she was at Woodstock in 1969, and looking back on her memories of Woodstock with her granddaughter.
Suzannah comes from an ultra-conservative family whose brother has been drafted to the Vietnam War and father has outlawed any sort of progressive music in the household. When Suzannah’s best friend Livy convinces her to run away to Woodstock for the weekend, Suzannah cannot resist. You get a love story, friendship trials, family dynamics, a girl pursuing her dreams and the impact of the Vietnam War on our country all in one book.
I enjoyed this one so much!
West with Giraffes
by Lynda Rutledge
This is a story of a desperate orphan looking for a chance to survive during the Depression era after losing his beloved mother and sister in the Dust Bowl. Based on a true story of two giraffes who survived a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, “Woody” Nickel finds himself being the driver to transport the duo of giraffes from the East Coast to the West Coast.
This was such a heartwarming story of the unconditional love animals give humans, especially during trying times of heartbreak and desperation.
Give me an animal story any day!
We’re Mrs. Clouse and Mrs. Rients, two passionate middle school teachers at Okoboji, who believe in the power of a good book! Our mission to share engaging & appropriate book recs for seventh to ninth graders.
Follow KB Lit Adventure on Instagram for more book reviews and recommendations.
Blood in the Water
by Tiffany D. Jackson
Twelve-year-old Kaylani McKinnon hopes for a quiet summer on Martha’s Vineyard. But when a teen’s death turns a sunny beach into a crime scene, she trades ice cream for investigation—determined to uncover the truth, even if it risks everything. Was this a tragic accident, a shark attack, or something more sinister? With unexpected twists, strong characters, and a fast-paced plot.
This novel will keep readers guessing until the final twist!
“This book was recommended to me, and as a person who struggles to find good books to read, this one didn’t disappoint!” – Hampton, 8th