July Recommendations – Read Alberta’s Summer Reading Challenge
Let the games begin!
Our summer reading challenge is back, and we have sooooo many good books to recommend. Every week this summer, we’ll be sharing book lists for each bingo prompt to keep you inspired and motivated. You can see June’s recommendations here.
Ask your local independent bookseller for more recommendations or browse titles in the Read Alberta eBook collection.
Learn more about Read Alberta’s Summer Reading Challenge and download your bingo card here.
Alberta Books with Pretty Covers
We’re sure your mother always told you it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Well, these books are beautiful inside and out. They’re guaranteed to look gorgeous on your shelves (and on your bingo card too)!
This book cover is a work of art that would look just as good framed on your wall as it does on your bookshelf.
The Blue Gate Kathryn MacDonald
Published: Apr 15, 2026 by Frontenac House Ltd.
Kathryn MacDonald 
Published: Apr 15, 2026 by Frontenac House Ltd.
ISBN: 9781997580089
Award-winning designer Natalie Olsen created this eye-catching cover.
The Longest Night Lauren Carter
Published: Sep 09, 2025 by Freehand Books
Lauren Carter
Published: Sep 09, 2025 by Freehand Books
ISBN: 9781990601958
Athabasca University Press consistently delivers stunning book covers, and Abode is no different.
Abode Jun-long Lee
Published: Sep 16, 2025 by Athabasca University Press
Jun-long Lee
Published: Sep 16, 2025 by Athabasca University Press
ISBN: 9781771994460
With artwork by author and illustrator Jarret Hartnell, this cover is as intriguing to look at as the story is to read.
Shout Kill Revel Jarret Hartnell
Published: Apr 17, 2024 by Renegade Arts Entertainment
Jarret Hartnell
Published: Apr 17, 2024 by Renegade Arts Entertainment
ISBN: 9781988903910
Alberta Books That are Not Your Usual Genre
Summer is all about trying new things!
Step outside your comfort zone with a horror graphic novel.
VMT William Simpson
Published: Oct 04, 2022 by Renegade Arts Entertainment
William Simpson
Published: Oct 04, 2022 by Renegade Arts Entertainment
ISBN: 9781988903705
Not usually a fantasy fan? This book might just change your mind.
A Song to Drown the World
Rowena Spring
Published: Sep 1, 2025 by EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing
ISBN: 9781770532540
Poetry skeptics, start here. This award winning book of poetry is sure to convert even the biggest haters.
Invisible Lives Cristalle Smith
Published: Jul 15, 2024 by University of Calgary Press
Cristalle Smith
Published: Jul 15, 2024 by University of Calgary Press
ISBN: 9781773855165
Give love a chance with this romance novel.
Evelina
Frances Burney
Published: Feb 15, 2017 by Stonehouse Publishing
ISBN: 9780995064522
Venture beyond your usual reads with a memoir.
Drink in the Summer: A Memoir of Croatia Tony Fabijančić
Published: Aug 15, 2023 by Athabasca University Press
Tony Fabijančić
Published: Aug 15, 2023 by Athabasca University Press
ISBN: 9781771993807
Unleash your inner Nancy Drew and try out a page-turning mystery novel.
A Murder in the Meadow: Six Penny Cross Murder Mysteries
Victoria Chatham
Published: Sep 01, 2025 by BWL Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 9780228636854
An Alberta Book Set in Alberta
Alberta isn’t just a great place to live, it’s a great place to set a story. Read an Alberta book that’s:
A book of poetry set in Edmonton, Alberta. A graphic novel set in Frank, Alberta. A historical fiction novel set in Jasper, Alberta. A speculative fiction book set in Edmonton, Alberta. A YA novel set in 1803 Fort Edmonton, Alberta. A non-fiction book exploring the history behind the names of Alberta’s cities, towns, villages, and hamlets. Abee to Zama City: How Alberta’s Cities, Towns, Villages, and Hamlets Got Their Names Want to enjoy summer from the comfort of your air-conditioned home? These books will take you on summer adventures, no SPF required. This humorous novel is for anyone who’s spent a disappointing day at the beach. A summer novel perfect for readers who enjoy a good mystery. An coming-of-age novel full of summer secrets and family drama. This intense mystery novel is perfect for readers who love a fast paced adventure. Alberta is home to a community of talented authors. Here are just a few of the fantastic authors that reside in Alberta. Carissa Halton is an award-winning Alberta author. Dania Idriss is a Lebanese-Canadian writer who currently lives in Calgary, Alberta. Leander K. Lane lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he was born and raised. DerRic Starlight is a member of the Tsuut’ina Nation with family ties to the Blackfoot Confederacy. Carley Mayson was born in Calgary, Alberta. B.J. Wagner is an Alberta-based science fiction author. Fill your head (and bingo card) with books that will keep you learning all summer along. Learn about an important figure in Canadian labour history. Sharpen your proofreading skills with this award winning title. Impress your friends on your next camping trip and learn about Canada’s edible plants. Deepen your understanding of current queer issues and activism. Learn about a fascinating moment in Canadian true crime history. Learn about the emotional, social, and political aspects of food. Let’s celebrate woman’s voices and read: A captivating personal narrative written by a woman. A beautiful book of poetry written by a woman. A compelling memoir written by a woman. A comedic family drama written by a woman. A speculative fiction novella written by a woman. A reflective non-fiction book written by a woman.
Moving to Delilah
Catherine Owen
Published: Apr 01, 2024 by Freehand Books
ISBN: 9781990601583
Frank
Ben Rankel
Published: Oct 17, 2018 by Renegade Arts Entertainment
ISBN: 9781987825503
Some of the Facts: Jasper: When tales were told
Beth Everest
Published: Nov 15, 2024 by Frontenac House Ltd.
ISBN: 9781989466865
Melting Queen, The
Bruce Cinnamon
Published: Apr 01, 2019 by NeWest Press
ISBN: 9781988732503 
West to Fort EdmontonJoan Donaldson-Yarmey
Published: Aug 01, 2025 by BWL Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 9780228636014
Harry Sanders
Published: Oct 01, 2023 by Summerthought Publishing
ISBN: 9781926983561
Albert Books That Take Place During the Summer
Happy Sands
Barb Howard
Published: Sep 15, 2021 by University of Calgary Press
ISBN: 9781773852164
From Sweetgrass Bridge
Anthony Bidulka
Published: Jun 01, 2024 by Stonehouse Publishing
ISBN: 9781988754543 Summer of Lies
Barbara Baker
Published: Jan. 11, 2021 by BWL Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 978-0228615774
Blood Red Summer: A Leo Desroches Mystery
Wayne Arthurson
Published: May 15, 2016 by Eschia Books
ISBN: 9781926696270
Alberta Books by Alberta Authors
Revolution Songs
Carissa Halton
Published: Oct 01, 2025 by NeWest Press
ISBN: 9781774391242
Tales of the Mountains and the Sea
Dania Idriss
Published: May 01, 2026 by Freehand Books
ISBN: 9781997534174
The Road to Shiloh: The Untold Story of the First Black American Community on the Saskatchewan Prairies
Leander K. Lane
Published: May 19, 2025 by Brush Education
ISBN: 9781550599398
See-Me Street: My Indigenous Journey Through Homelessness
DerRic Starlight
Published: Jun 01, 2026 by Durvile & UpRoute
ISBN: 9781990735929
If I Know Anything About a Knife
Carley Mayson
Published: Oct 13, 2025 by Frontenac House Ltd.
ISBN: 9781997580003
The Moon the Sun Forgot
B.J. Wagner
Published: Mar 04, 2025 by Mythic Roads Press
ISBN: 9781738125449
Alberta Books That Teach You Something New
The Red Baron of IBEW Local 213: Les McDonald, Union Politics, and the 1966 Wildcat Strike at Lenkurt Electric
Ian McDonald
Published: Mar 31, 2026 by Athabasca University Press
ISBN: 9781771993470
Last But Not Least: A Guide to Proofreading Text
Leslie Vermeer
Published: Dec 11, 2023 by Brush Education
ISBN: 9781550597875
Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies
Linda Kershaw
Published: Apr 01, 2017 by Lone Pine Publishing
ISBN: 9781772130188
Resisting Police in Queer Spaces: From Public Sex to Pride Parades
Alexa DeGagné
Published: May 14, 2026 by University of Alberta Press
ISBN: 9781772128246
Rough & Messy Justice: A Train Heist, Murder & Misdeeds
W. Keith Regular
Published: May 01, 2025 by Durvile Publications Ltd.
ISBN: 9781990735660
Beyond the Food Court: An Anthology of Literary Cuisines
Published: Oct 05, 2020 by Laberinto Press
ISBN: 9781777085902
Alberta Books Written By Women
My Life in Propaganda: Language and Totalitarian Regimes
Magda Stroinska
Published: Oct 01, 2023 by Durvile Publications
ISBN: 9781990735332
There's Magic Here Too: A Trans Woman's Guide to Being Monstrous
Skylar Kay
Published: Oct 13, 2025 by Frontenac House Ltd.
ISBN: 9781997580010
Pourin' Down Rain: A Black Woman Claims Her Place in the Canadian West
Cheryl Foggo
Published: Jan 24, 2020 by Brush Education
ISBN: 9781550598339
Coq
Ali Bryan
Published: May 01, 2023 by Freehand Books
ISBN: 9781990601255
The Drowned Man's Daughter
C.J. Lavigne
Published: Sep 09, 2025 by NeWest Press
ISBN: 9781774391204
Meltdown: The Making and Breaking of a Field Scientist
Sarah Boon
Published: Jun 17, 2025 by University of Alberta Press
ISBN: 9781772127911