In celebration of the July publication of Laura Atkins’ Bringing the Beach Home (illus. by Evgenia Penman), we compiled a list of our favorite books about the beach (all of which can also be enjoyed at the beach!).

One Morning in Maine written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey

This picture-book classic makes readers of all ages nostalgic for the simple adventures of summers past. The Maine coastline sets the stage for iconic pen illustrations, a dramatic lost tooth, and beach explorations that helped define the cultural image of the shoreline.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Two rival writers with opposing styles take a stab at each other's craft in Henry’s aptly named first commercial hit. Playing upon the stereotypes of genre and form, this book is both a quintessential beach read and a clever subversion of the genre.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The book that inspired the explosively popular TV show, this YA novel has everything you could want from a beach book: a private island, imploding class dynamics, and summer flings—all reaching a boiling point in a picture-perfect beach town. What could go wrong?

The Pisces by Melissa Broder

This raunchy merman story is for readers tired of a litany of tropes: from tired romantasy power dynamics to sad girl literary fiction. In the off chance that your beach experience is getting dull, this is the best novel to open up imaginative, wild possibilities. That said, this one is for mature readers only!

Bringing the Beach Home by Laura Atkins, illustrated by Evgenia Penman

And last but not least, while we may be biased, Bringing Home the Beach is our favorite sandy title this summer vacation. Atkins’ packages complex topics like emotional regulation and coping mechanisms into family-friendly language. This ode to the sweet sounds of mother nature will be helpful for any child and family searching for their summer rhythm.