Newswise — Summer time is when we kick back, cook out, and have fun. But while you're outside playing, swimming, and barbecuing, remember to make time for books. It's important for kids to read during the summer for several reasons. First, it helps them to keep their reading skills sharp, and reinforces the strategies that they have learned in school. Second, it's a great way to socialize during the summer.
Many adults enjoy reading books and participating in book clubs - which can be a great activity for kids, too. Have your child and his/her friends select a book to read, then invite them over for a book club discussion. You'll be amazed at how much the kids become engaged in the book, and how many insights are developed as they talk about the characters and what happens to them. Just be sure to serve snacks for all those hungry Book Clubbers!!
Finally, summer reading is fun because kids are allowed to choose their own books to read. Sometimes kids dislike reading in school because they think the books will be boring, or because they know they will be tested on them. However, summer is a time when kids can focus on the books they want to read, with topics that they like or find interesting. I hope this Hot Picks Book List will give kids (and parents) some great ideas that will last all summer long.
Picture Books(These books are great for reading with someone.)
A Chair for My MotherVera B. Williams
This book describes a tragic situation and how a little girl and her family find healing through the power of love and community.
Voices in the ParkAnthony Browne
This book describes an encounter in the park told in the voices of four different people. Look carefully at the illustrations - in this book, the pictures are an important part of the text, and they change with the voice of each character.
The Memory StringEve Bunting
A poignant story about a girl and the memories that she creates using a string and buttons from the people that she loves. This book could easily be used to talk with children about memories, and how they create memories about the people in their lives. Eve Bunting is a prolific author, and has many other great picture books that make great summer reading.
Salt in his Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a DreamDelores Jordan, with Roslyn Jordan
This book is one of my son's favorites. In this story, a young Michael Jordan dreams of being a good basketball player, and decides that he needs to be taller. His mother tells him a secret way to become taller, and the rest is history.
The Magic School Bus seriesJoanna Cole
This is a great series that is both educational and fun to read! Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they go on their many science adventures riding on their magical school bus.
Easy Chapter Books
Junie B. Jones seriesBarbara Park
Junie B. Jones is the new Ramonashe is mischievous, smart, and completely lovable. Kids who are moving into chapter books will enjoy reading about Junie's antics!!
The Magic Tree House seriesMary Pope Osbourne
The Magic Tree House is a popular series for kids who love adventure stories! These are also easy chapter books, so they can be read by kids on their own, or they make great bedtime reading stories for hot summer nights!!
Young Adult Fiction(Note: These books contain some topics which may be inappropriate for younger readers. Parents may want to read these books and discuss them with their children)
The First Part LastAngela Johnson
Bobby's carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter. Winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award, 2004.
Fat Kid Rules the WorldK. L. Going
Seventeen-year old Troy, depressed, suicidal, and weighing nearly 300 pounds, gets a new perspective on life when a homeless teenager who is a genius on guitar wants Troy to be the drummer in his rock band.
What Happened to Lani GarverCarol Plum-Ucci
The close-knit residents of Hackett Island have never seen anyone quite like Lani Garver. Everything about this new kid is a mystery: Where does Lani come from? How old is Lani? And most disturbing of all, is Lani a boy or a girl?
Popular Claire McKenzie isn't up to tormenting Lani with the rest of the high school elite. Instead, she decides to befriend the intriguing outcast. But within days of Lani's arrival, tragedy strikes, and Claire is left questioning herself, her friendships, and, most interesting of all, the possibility that angels may exist on earth.
Poetry
Where the Sidewalk EndsShel Silverstein
Clever, engaging, and witty poems by Shel Silverstein. Some will make you laugh out loud; others will really make you think. Shel Silverstein has written other books of poetry as well.
The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes (Vintage Classics)Langston Hughes
These are beautiful poems written by African-American poet Langston Hughes. They are all so elegantly written, but my favorites are Mother to Son and The Negro Speaks of Rivers.
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