Looking for easy, beach-ready reads? Valerie and Cathy from Blue Willow Bookshop brought four stand-out summer picks perfect for days on the sand or by the pool and four Texas-based books and authors that capture the spirit of the state.

HOUSTON – A Houston-native author is tackling racism, privilege and empowerment in her new, debut novel. Author J. Elle spoke to KPRC 2 about her book described as the 2018 film “The Hate U Give” meets DC’s “Wonder Woman” taking place in a “Black Panther” world. Elle said she hopes her book can “inspire a movement and plant the seeds of change.”From inspiration to publishingElle told KPRC 2 an image rooted in her mind brought her to the keyboard. Ad“Writing is like exercise, like I just sat there (at my desk) one morning and started drafting what came to mind,” she told KPRC 2. My neighborhood lives in the pages of this book,” she told KPRC 2.

Valerie Koehler, owner of Blue Willow Bookshop in West Houston, shared her picks for best books to educate your kids about diversity and kindness, starting at age 3. You may have different color skin, different kind of hair, or have different kinds of food in your lunch box. All Are Welcomeby Alexandra Penfold (Knopf Books for Young Readers)All are welcome ( Knopf Books for Young Readers) (Blue Willow Bookshop)Join all the students at school where all are welcome. Sulweby Lupita Nyong’o (Simon & Schuster Books)Sulwe (Simon & Schuster Books) (Blue Willow Bookshop)Sulwe has very dark skin, darker than anyone in her family. The Undefeatedby Kwame Alexander (Versify Books, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)(Versify Books, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) (Blue Willow Bookshop)A powerful ode to the endurance of African Americans throughout our country’s history.