Summer is the perfect time to kick back and relax with a good book. Whether you’re looking for your next beach read, trying to meet a yearly goal, or taking part in the Terp Summer Reading Challenge, there’s never been a better time to pick up a Terp-authored book. Here are five picks from our top 20 Terp authors to help you celebrate Terp pride and find purpose in your summer reading.

Exploring grief, sisterhood, and identity, "Clap When You Land" tells the story of Yahaira and Camino, two Dominican sisters who live parallel lives, unaware of each other’s existence until their father passes away in a plane crash. Acevedo’s writing captures the complexity of family, loss, and healing, empowering readers to embrace their emotions and to discover new-found strength.

Elizabeth Acevedo MFA '15 is a New York Times bestselling author and served as the 2022 Young People’s Poet Laureate. "Clap When You Land" was honored as a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award winner and a Kirkus Prize finalist. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland.

This memoir is a look into the author’s journey, from her experiences with viral internet fame during the Covid-19 Pandemic to her reflection on her childhood in suburban Maryland, her comedic identity and her Jamaican heritage. The book is described as a “hilariously revealing debut memoir” filled with female empowerment, laughter, and lessons.

Sarah Cooper '98 is a comedian, author, and actress whose work earned her widespread fame and a Netflix special. Before pursuing writing and comedy full-time, she worked in tech, including roles at Google and Yahoo. Cooper holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Maryland.

A boy named Will sets out to avenge his brother’s death, but during a one-minute elevator ride, he’s visited by ghosts from his past who challenge his understanding of revenge. What begins as a simple ride becomes a powerful exploration of trauma, grief and choice.

Jason Reynolds '05 is known for his writings aimed at young adult readers. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in English. During his time at UMD, he was influenced by professors like Michael Olmert and by African-American literature. Since then, he has gathered multiple honors, such as the Coretta Scott King Award, NAACP Image Award and the Newbery Honor.

This post-apocalyptic novel centers around an icy world where spring never comes. The story follows Wil as she travels west in search of safety. Along the way, she encounters devastation, patriarchy, and cults, highlighting themes of resilience and the harshness of nature. A book perfect for readers looking for strength amid adversity.

Alison Stine '02 earned her Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from the University of Maryland. She has acquired many honors such as the 2021 Philip K. Dick Award, being longlisted for the 2022 Reading the West Book Award, and received a Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University. In addition, Stine has published works in The New York Times, The Atlantic and The Washington Post.

The story follows 17-year-old Tracy Beaumont, who writes weekly letters to Innocence X, seeking to exonerate her father, an innocent Black man on death row. This social justice thriller shines a spotlight on systemic racism and the fight against injustice in the American legal system.

Kim Johnson M.Ed. ’03 is an author, educator and social justice advocate. Receiving widespread acclaim, she earned the Pacific Northwest Book Award, the Malka Penn Human Rights Award for Children’s Literature, NPR Book of the Year, and more. Johnson also served as Vice Provost at the University of Oregon, where she focused on equity and access initiatives.

These five powerful reads are just the beginning! Whether you're looking to be inspired, motivated or entertained, the Terp Summer Reading Challenge is your invitation to explore new stories and share the journey with fellow Terps. Starting June 1st, this challenge encourages our community to read at least five books over the summer for the chance to win exciting prizes, including Ledo Pizza and even a Kindle, while staying connected with fellow book lovers.