Summer Reading….
Summer is the time when I have the luxury to devour whole books and stay up as late as I want reading. Here are some books that would make great summer reading….
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. This is one of my favorite series for middle readers. Great adventure, humor, and a lesson in Greek mythology all rolled into one. Definitely read them in order, but be warned, there are some leave-you-hanging endings!
The Lightning Thief
Sea of Monsters
The Titan’s Curse
The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins. Another series I love. Gregor and his sister discover and underground world that is bizarre and dangerous, and which they are prophesied to be a part of. A good read-aloud for some younger kids (if they are easily scared I would pick something else) and a compelling adventure for older readers.
Gregor the Overlander
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Gregor and thee Code of Claw
Kiki Strike by Kirsten Miller. My whole family read this one in a week last summer. A team of girls tackle the mysteries of the city under New York City while trying to catch the bad guys. Great adventure, girl power, and some nice lessons on trust and friendship.
His Dark Materials series Phillip Pullman. I read this series several years ago and was completely blown away by it. They are making a movie of the first book (the movie comes out this fall), and so I am going to re-read them this summer. Lyra’s adventures are wonderfullly exciting, compelling and original. The stories are complex, intense and have a depth that make them appropriate for more upper elementary, young adult and adult readers.
The Golden Compass
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass
I have recommended Hilary McKay’s books about the Casson family before, but they are worth mentioning again. The family is suitably endearing, wacky and artistic, and the stories have both clever humor and a strong emotional center. A great summer read!
Saffy’s Angel
Indigo’s Star
Permanent Rose
Caddy Ever After
Katherine Paterson has long been one of my favorite authors. Now a new generation is discovering her classic books like Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved. Her newest novel, Bread and Roses, Too, is a compelling historical fiction book set around the mill strikes at the turn of the 20th century. The story is a well-researched look at a fascinating part of American history, but also a story of family, belonging, and friendship. Beautifully done!
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. Ok, I started my summer reading a little early this year. This book has been by my bedside for months, and I finally dived in last week. It is great! Wonderful, unique characters, mystery, adventure, and a great story of teamwork and saving the world. What more could you ask for in a summer read?
The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak I read this book last summer, and I am still thinking about it. It is one of the books that I will keep telling people about over and over. Set during World War II, you will be a fascinated by this girl’s story as the narrator is. I really only recommend this for mature readers (6th grade and up) because of some of the intensity.
So, there’s a short list of stuff I have read and recommend. Here’s some of what’s on my list for this summer…
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
Birdwing by Rafe Martin
When Elephants Weep by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson and Susan McCarthy
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Joan Druett
Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey by Jane Goodall
