For many students, teachers and professors alike assign your typical summer reading books. Most popular on the list are The Scarlet Letter, Grapes of Wrath, and Frankenstein. Now we have nothing against these classic works of literature, however summers should include some adventure and fun. Be sure to check out these 5 books to add some diversity to your stale summer reading list!

Redwall by Brian Jacques

Redwall, the first in a series of fantasy novels, tells the story of a colony of mice peacefully living inside the walls of Redwall Abbey. Their blissful way of life is threatened, however, when the evil rat Cluny the Scourge and his enormous army begin to march towards the Abbey with plans to take over. A young mouse named Matthias refuses to let this happen and prepares his fellow mice to battle against Cluny and save Redwall Abbey.

Spin by Robert Charles Wilson

A fascinating Sci-Fi thriller, Spin is both an apocalyptic and coming-of-age novel. One night, all the stars go out in the sky. Known as the Big Blackout, Tyler Dupree serves as the main character who is dealing with a new Earth where there is no more moon and satellites are falling out of orbit. Along with his two best friends, they make shocking discoveries as to what is causing this Big Blackout and what can be done to change it.

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Turning sixteen is much more than just about getting your driver’s license in Tally’s world. This milestone birthday is when you finally have the operation to become a pretty and never have to worry about anything again. Tally will soon be sixteen years old and cannot wait to no longer be an ugly. However, Tally’s friend Shay isn’t so sure she wants to become a pretty and when Shay runs away, it is up to Tally to find her or suffer consequences for not turning in her friend to the authorities. Consequences which teach Tally that being a pretty isn’t very pretty after all.

Fool by Christopher Moore

Cordelia, the King’s daughter, has been banished from the kingdom for disrespecting her father. It’s up to Pocker, the King’s fool, to try and make things right between the King and his daughter before the entire kingdom goes to the dogs.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

An autistic boy, Christopher, is accused of murdering the neighbor’s dog. Desperate to clear his name, Christopher learns to concur his fears and explore the world around him. There are even more adventures on the way for Christopher after he discovers his mother is not dead, and he has been lied to by his father his entire life.

Are there any books in particular you have read this summer that you think are worth other reader’s attention? Have you read any of the books in this list and would like to share your opinions? Sound off in the comments!