Take these books from Arizona authors on your summer vacation

Complement your summer vacation this year with a good book featured on our program “Arizona Horizon,” and support local authors. We’ve made a list of the latest books below, and check out our past summer reading lists from 2023 and from 2024 to add even more local Arizona authors to your list.

“111 Places in Phoenix That You Must Not Miss” by Travis Swann Taylor

Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime local, this guide invites you to rediscover Phoenix in unexpected ways. Taylor spotlights six of his favorite spots in this locals-first travel guide, including the Penske Racing Museum, LIX Uptown Ice Cream and historic silver from the USS Arizona. He also highlights a mystery castle, rare crested saguaros, the world’s tallest Kachina doll and sharks in a toilet.

Learn more about the book and Taylor from his interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Black Wings Over Arizona” by Colonel Richard Toliver

“Black Wings Over Arizona” is a collective history featuring the stories of 19 documented original Tuskegee Airmen who had ties to bases in Arizona after WWII. Colonel Toliver wrote the book on the men themselves, and he wanted to know why they joined Tuskegee, the drive for becoming pilots and what experiences they had while being in that role. Colonel Toliver was fortunate to interview and collect information from the children and grandchildren of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The other part of the book is based on the women who were sent to war to improve some failing proponents within the work of the soldiers and generals.

Learn more about the book and Colonel Toliver from his interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine” by General David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts

A collaboration between former Army General and CIA Director David Petraeus and prize-winning historian Andrew Roberts, “Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine” explores over 70 years of conflict, providing significant lessons and insights from their fresh analysis of the past. The book shows how often critical mistakes have been repeated time and time again, and the challenge, for statesmen and generals alike, of learning to adapt to various new weapon systems, theories and strategies. 

Learn more about the book and General Petraeus from his interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Arizona Friend Trips” by Lisa Schnebly Heidinger and Julie Morrison

In “Arizona Friend Trips: Stories from the Road,” Lisa Schnebly Heidinger and Julie Morrison invite readers to explore the state’s most cherished places through a blend of poetry, prose and photography. From the iconic landmarks to hidden gems, each chapter of this captivating travelogue provides a rich tapestry of historical insight, personal anecdotes and emotional reflections, painting a vivid portrait of Arizona’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

Learn more about the book and authors from their interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Grandma McBee, How Slow Can She Be?” by Judy Danko Basham and Jacquie Kennedy Dudo

The children’s book series, “The Adventures of Grandma McBee,” takes young readers on a journey demonstrating that age is only a number when it comes to enjoying life. The authors, Judy Danko Basham and Jacquie Dudo, joined “Arizona Horizon” to explain the books are a way to bridge generations and remind readers that love, laughter and adventure never grow old. 

Learn more about the book and authors from their interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“La Hija de la Chingada” by Silvana Salcido Esparza

Award-winning chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has spent her life breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. In a new, fearless and deeply personal memoir, Esparza pulls back the curtain on her journey not just as a chef, but as a Mexican, a woman, a lesbian and an immigrant’s daughter, navigating a culinary industry and a society often hostile to her very existence.

Learn more about the book and author from her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Educating For Democracy” by Daniel Schugurensky and Tara Bartlett

This book details a model for civic education in which students learn about democracy through the actual practice of it. Instead of listening to lectures about allocating public dollars, students decide how to spend the money themselves on projects to improve their campuses.

Learn more about the book and authors from their interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“It Started With a P” by Brittany Pomales

Local author Brittany Pomales wrote a children’s book to help kids dealing with anxiety. Pomales herself suffers with it and hopes to help little ones understand their feelings are okay. “It Started With A P” is about King Liam. The night prior to his birthday, King Liam has a terrible nightmare in which his special day falls to pieces. The only problem? He can’t remember what wrecked his party, just that it started with the letter P!

Learn more about the book and Pomales from her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Imprisoned Minds” by Erik S. Maloney and Kevin A. Wright

The book “Imprisoned Minds: Lost Boys, Trapped Men and Solutions from Within the Prison,” was published in January 2025. It is the result of seven years of work from Wright and Maloney, who is incarcerated at the Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy. The book tells the stories of six incarcerated men who faced traumatic childhoods filled with abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Learn more about the book and the authors from their interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Jelani’s Search for the Perfect Life-Saving Energy” by Clottee A. Hammons

“Jelani’s Search for the Perfect Life-Saving Energy” is about how children perceive adult depression. The story is told through the eyes of Jelani, a young boy whose mother struggles with depression that he absorbs. In the end, Jelani helps his mother find ways to cope. Hammons is a Phoenix writer, poet, artist and activist known for raising awareness of Black history and culture.

Learn more about the book and Hammons from her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

“Ending the Crisis” by Dr. Holly Geyer

In this book, addiction medicine specialist Dr. Holly Geyer goes beyond the science of addiction to offer those struggling with opioids a real solution. Dr. Geyer, from Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more about this book and this important topic. Dr. Geyer said while the best way to reduce this issue is to get rid of the drug, she emphasized the drug can serve a purpose. 

Learn more about the book and Dr. Geyer from her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and find the book online.

Enjoy even more Arizona authors by reviewing our winter reading list from December 2024!