Homegrown summer children's books

Author Mary Casanova
Minnesota author Mary Casanova has two new books out this summer for young people.
Photo courtesy of Mary Casanova

You can travel to an archeological dig in Belize or join a pack of roaming dogs near the Minnesota/Canadian border. Minnesota children's book author Mary Casanova is out with two ew books this summer and both are packed with adventure.

One book, "Dog Watch," introduces young readers to a pack of dogs patrolling a quiet town in northern Minnesota. The pack of dogs has vowed to keep the town of Pembrook safe for people and animals.

Casanova's other book is a new installment in the American Girl series, called "Jess." It tells the story of Jess McConnell and her parents, who are spending five months exploring ancient Maya ruins in Central America.

MPR's Greta Cunningham spoke to Casanova about the challenges of having a 10-year-old girl as the narrator in "Jess."