July is a month that conjures up memories of grilling, baking pies, and gathering together with friends and family outside. (It’s also the month when I realise that it’s time yet again to start thinking about the holidays!) Below are recommendations of some of the books I’ve been reading this month:

Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery – The first book in this series introduces the reader to Anne Shirley, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, Diana Barry, and Mrs. Rachel Lynde, as well as many other characters that have made their way into the imaginations and hearts of readers the world over. Anne’s prose reminds the reader of how wonderful life can be, of the importance of working hard, and of the importance of imagination. This is a wonderful read aloud.

Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer, by Priscilla Shirer – This book is focused on the significance of developing a prayer life. There are twelve strategies Shirer discusses to help the reader begin to think about and start working on making prayer a daily habit. Another resource that works in tandem with this book is the video-based study by Shirer The Armor of God.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J. K. Rowling – The third book in this series introduces the reader to the infamous Sirius Black, Professor Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Harry, Ron, and Hermione learn more about Harry’s parents and their friends, and Harry learns how to protect himself from Dementors, the beings that guard the wizard prison of Azkaban. Full of twists and turns, this novel peels away another layer of safety from Harry’s world and leaves the reader with plenty of surprises.

A Wind in the Door, by Madeline L’Engle – The second book in the Wrinkle in Time Quintet takes the reader into cosmic and microcosmic worlds. The reader is reunited with Charles Wallace, Meg, and Calvin. The school principal, Mr. Jenkins, has a large part to play in this story. This is a bit darker than A Wrinkle in Time, but I still think this is a great read aloud.