Summer Reading is officially underway, and this year we’re going prehistoric. Whether you’re fascinated by fossils, curious about extinction events, or just love a good deep‑time adventure, our team has curated a list of standout dinosaur‑themed reads to help you dig into something new.
Even better? Books you read from this list can help you earn badges in Beanstack — just like our Race 200 challenges, we’ve done the browsing for you so you can jump straight into the good stuff.
Featured Reads from Libby (Digital eBooks & Audiobooks)
These titles are available instantly on Libby, perfect for reading on the go or listening while you explore the great outdoors. Each one offers a different angle on dinosaurs, prehistoric life, or the science that brings ancient worlds back to life.
- Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs by Lisa Randall A mind‑bending blend of astrophysics and paleontology exploring how cosmic forces may have shaped life — and death — on Earth.
- The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Stephen Brusatte A fast‑paced, cinematic history of dinosaurs from their origins to their final days.
- Impossible Monsters: Dinosaurs, Darwin, and the Battle Between Science and Religion by Michael Taylor A gripping look at how early fossil discoveries challenged Victorian beliefs and reshaped scientific thought.
- The Dinosaur Feather by Sissel‑Jo Gazan A twisty, atmospheric mystery rooted in real paleontological debates — perfect for readers who love science and suspense.
- The Story of Birds by Stephen Brusatte A lively, accessible history of how dinosaurs evolved into the birds we see today.
- When the Earth Was Green by Riley Black A beautifully written exploration of plants, animals, and the long evolutionary dance that shaped life on Earth.
- Woolly by Ben Mezrich A wild, real‑life science thriller about the quest to bring the woolly mammoth back from extinction.
On the Shelves at AHPL
Our shelves are stocked with fascinating, accessible, and wildly engaging reads for adults who want to explore the world before humans.
- The Last Extinction — Gerta Keller digs into the real science behind the dinosaurs’ disappearance, challenging long‑held assumptions with fresh evidence.
- A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils — Paul M. Barrett highlights 50 remarkable fossils that shaped our understanding of prehistoric life.
- Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party — Edward Dolnick uncovers the eccentric Victorian scientists who pieced together the first dinosaur discoveries.
- The Secret History of Sharks — John Long explores the rise of Earth’s most enduring predators — a perfect companion read for dino‑lovers.
- The Last Days of the Dinosaurs — Riley Black brings the asteroid impact to life in vivid, cinematic detail.
- Underland: A Deep Time Journey — Robert Macfarlane’s poetic exploration of deep time pairs beautifully with any prehistoric reading.
- Prehistoric Life — A sweeping visual guide to Earth’s earliest eras, perfect for browsing or learning in bite‑sized pieces.
Ready to Start Digging?
Stop by the library to pick up a book, or open Libby to borrow a digital title instantly. Whether you’re in the mood for science, history, adventure, or deep‑time wonder, there’s a dinosaur book waiting to be unearthed.