Book Smarts: June 2026

Seeking your next good read? Emma Snyder, owner of The Ivy Bookshop at 5928 Falls Road in Baltimore, offers recommendations for must-read titles for adults and children.

Fiction

Like Wafers in Honey

“Like Wafers in Honey”

By Leah Eskin
Levine Querido, $28.99 Hardcover, 272 pages

Inspired by the life of Edda Servi Machlin, author of “The Classic Cuisine of the Italian Jews,” Leah Eskin, a former Baltimorean, weaves together the stories of Stella, a woman searching for safety in Mussolini’s Italy, and Edda, a housewife in 1960s Westchester — interspersing delicious recipes along the way.

Mom Brain

“Mom Brain”

By Nicole Hackett
Harper Muse, $18.99 Paperback, 368 Pages

Georgia Evans has endured an internet disaster — labeled “internet’s worst mom” — and in seeking solace, she ends up on Oahu at a mom-centered crisis retreat, where she falls in thrall to Cecelia, the charismatic founder of “The Program.”

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Nonfiction

The Meteorites

“The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time”

By Helen Gordon
IPS-Profile Books, $18 Paperback, 288 pages

Artemis II has reminded many of us of the sincere pleasure to be had in contemplating the beauty and vastness of space. Enter Helen Gordon’s book of short stories to explore the ways that celestial bodies have touched the earth, and thus our lives.

Too Precious to Lose

“Too Precious to Lose: A Memoir of Family, Community, and Possibility”

By Jason Green
One World, $30 Hardcover, 256 pages

This memoir tells a fascinating and moving story of Obama administration staffer Green’s roots in the lost Black community of Quince Orchard, Maryland.

Children

Fresh Delicious

“Fresh Delicious: Poems from the Farmers’ Market”

Written by Irene Latham, Illustrated by Mique Moriuchi
Astra Young Readers, $9.99 Paperback, 32 Pages

This bright, delicious picture book of poetry celebrates the farmer’s market and all it offers! Perfect for the start of summer, and its bounty. Kid-friendly recipes at the end of the book.

Julia on the Go!

“Julia on the Go!: Swimming into Trouble”

Written by Angela Ahn, Illustrated by Julie Kim
Tundra Books, $8.99 Paperback, 176 pages

Julia’s parents run the sushi place at the local pool, and it’s like her second home — but she prefers the swim team to helping behind the counter.

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