It’s summer, which means the days are longer, farmers markets are even more vibrant, and Levitt concerts are in full swing. Looking for your next read to bring to the park, beach, or pool? Here are some of our favorite picks that highlight the importance of arts, connection, and joy in communities. Between nonfiction, romance, young adult literature, and children’s picture books, there is something for everyone! Find these literary gems at your local library or independent bookstore.

You’re More Powerful than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen by Eric Liu
Nonfiction

Eric Liu was a plenary speaker at the 2024 Levitt National Convening. His presentation left the audience inspired and eager to get back to their communities to deepen their engagement and impact. This book strategizes how to bring people together, acknowledging differences and the work required to reform these turbulent and polarizing times in America.

 

 

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Literary Fiction

With the struggles of a former punk rock star and current music executive at the core, this Pulitzer Prize-winning literary fiction novel explores time, nostalgia, and redemption through a wide net of characters, interlocking narratives, and jumping timelines. When nothing else seems to make sense, music—the memories and connections it fosters—can help us navigate the journey and better understand our past.

 

 

Music Is History by Questlove
Nonfiction

From the multi-GRAMMY-award winning drummer and frontman of the Roots, Music is History explores how music, culture, and current events intertwine to impact America from 1971 to the present. This autobiographical account details Questlove’s journey through music to a greater understanding of his Black identity, culture, and world. For an even more immersive experience, be sure to check out the lively audio book, narrated by the author himself.

 

 

The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg
Young Adult Fiction

This charming YA romance follows two seemingly opposite high school boys—Max and Jordan—as they find themselves working together one summer to revive Jordan’s family food truck. The authentic and poignant characters subvert cliché coming out narratives in queer media and arrive at the beginning of the story open in their identities, without it being a big deal to those around them.

 

 

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Nonfiction

Parker investigates what makes gatherings effective, memorable, and magical—from a business meeting to a thought-provoking conference, or a joyful wedding to a yoga class at the park. Through a mix of professional and personal anecdotes, readers learn the importance of connections and how to make them even more meaningful.

 

 

Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music by Rebel Girls, Joan Jett (Foreword)
Adolescent/Teen Nonfiction

A book for young music lovers to learn about familiar favorites and discover changemakers of past generations. Includes inspiring snapshot biographies of artists like Lizzo, Selena, BLACKPINK, Björk, Olivia Rodrigo, and Dolly Parton, in addition to activities curated by Gibson Guitar that allow the reader to write and draw themselves into the book—and even teach them how to write their own song.

 

 

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
Children’s Illustrated Book

“Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.” This children’s picture book follows CJ and his Nana on their weekly bus journey around the city. When CJ wonders why his family can’t drive a car like his friends, his Nana guides him to appreciate all the unique kinds of people, sites, and moments they encounter—finding beauty and joy in their routine.

 

 

This Must Be the Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better by Shain Shapiro
Nonfiction

Levitt staff, volunteers, vendors, artists, and audience members know more than anyone how much music can transform and invigorate a community. Shapiro’s work offers further proof that music is crucial to the thriving economy and culture of cities, and he also offers a deeper dive into how policymaking can further shape music ecosystems. The Levitt Foundation is a proud supporter of Shapiro’s research.

 

 

Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie
Historical Fiction

A perfect summer beach read for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six; music, fashions, and spirit of the late 1960s/1970s; and a behind the scenes look at how a masterful artist puts together a record. This story is loosely inspired by the relationship between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor and their experiences creating art during that defining era.

 

 

Stay tuned on our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn this summer for even more reading recommendations.