Summer, now that my boys are more independent, affords me time...time to read that I don't have during the school year.
Throughout the year, I have been stockpiling a list of what I want to read. There are some good adult nonfiction and novels, but the bulk of my reading desires entail the latest children's books.
Here's a few I have already read:
Hound Dog True by Linda Urban: Linda is a personal friend of mine from California. Her first novel was Texas Bluebonnet Nominee A Crooked Kind of Perfect. Well written, clean, and a perfect read for 4th/5th grade girls. Themes are deep, but not overwhelming and they will relate with the character. I read it cover to cover in one day!
Wonder by RJ Palacio: A great book to help kids walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Especially good for kids to step outside the world they see and see from a different perspective. Boys and girls alike...3rd and up.
Junonia by Kevin Henkes: Kevin is one of my fave authors. This chapter book is sweet and deals with change and maturation. Again, a great read for 4th/5th grade girls.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia: Multiple award winner. Taking place in the late 60's...themes of the time from a child's point of view. This would be one that would be worth having lots of background knowledge of the influential people, events, and reasons behind feelings people had during that time. Powerful book, but lots will be missed if they don't understand the impact of the characters' choices and actions. WELL written, age appropriate.
On My Honor by Marion Bauer: A Newbery award winner. Captivated by this one. Dramatic and deep. Influential book for 3rd and up about choices - content is heavy, involving dealing with a death of a character. I highly recommend this book. All my boys read it and really liked it. We had GREAT discussions as they were reading and afterwards.
Here's a list of books I recently bought that I will be working my way through:
One Day and One Amazing Morning by Joanne Rocklin (mystery)
SOS Titanic by Eve Bunting (historical fiction chapter book by my FAVORITE author!)
Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli (another fab author - it's about twins)
May B. by Caroline Starr Rose (historical fiction again)
Bliss by Kathryn Littlewood (magic and fantasy)
The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen (this is my next one)
My son Sam finished On My Honor and is currently reading and recommending:
Big Nate- What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (a new graphic installment)
George Brown, Class Clown by Nancy Krulik (easy chapter book)
Four Year Old Nick Recommends:
Happy Pig Day! by Mo Willems (for the beginning readers on up!)
My middle schooler, Matt, is reading Game Changers by Mike Lupica and he also already read On My Honor.
How do I choose and how do I help kids be selective? More on that tomorrow...
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And, if I may be so bold - the late great Ray Bradbury for the 13-16 y.o. crowd. His stories have repeatedly resonated with many readers in this age group, including me. The impact of stories like "All Summer in a Day", "There Will Come Soft Rains" and "A Sound of Thunder" can fuel a reading rage that lasts a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I need to re-read some of his work. I didn't appreciate it when it was "assigned!"
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