My kids have officially two weeks left of school. This time of year always feels a little bit like a flood. Participating in ALL the end of year school celebrations—spirit weeks, field trips, concerts. Tying up ALL the loose ends—finding lost library books, checking books and materials out for the summer, final check-ins with teachers. Completing ALL the sign-ups—swimming lessons, summer sports and activities. I feel very caught up in the whirlwind. And then there's the knowledge that summer isn't really a break—not only are the kids home all day (which I actually love), but they're much busier than they are during the school year. Especially as they get older. I'm still preparing myself for becoming a bona fide chauffeur.
But one thing I'm looking forward to? Summer reading. My own, sure, in the very small cracks of time I have to myself (I'm currently reading Andy Weir's book, Project Hail Mary, and loving it). But mostly my kids summer reading! I'm eager for them to read on their own, and plan on implementing quiet reading time every day this summer. They both gravitate towards books that are a little silly and a little simple. Like most boys their age, they love simple graphic novels; and I'm fine if they choose to read books like that! The goal for me is always to create readers, and that means they need to enjoy what they pick up. But, as Karin and I often hammer home, they also have to engage with books that challenge them. So, I'd like to help them create a list of books to read this summer that incorporate their easy fall backs as well as some books that will stretch them. And I also want to read aloud. It has always been a high priority to me that we read books together. I think one we finish our current read aloud (A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga) we'll start reading through Lloyd Alexander's classic fantasy series, "The Chronicles of Prydain." Karin has been urging me to read this series forever and I think it is finally the time.
If you are also thinking about your kids summer reading, Owl's Nest has an expanding list of books that are perfect for your own growing readers.
If you have a teenager, hand them a copy of Son of the Deep or The Queen of Ebenezer—especially if they are looking for a little magic and a little romance. If they're particularly introspective, perhaps the poetry collection Muses from the Moon.
Hertz Gets Fused is perfect for middle grade readers—it is SO summery. It'll scratch that kid-itch for a book that is funny and light-hearted. They might even think it's not challenging, because it's poetry format makes it go down easy. But you can feel so good about handing this one to your kids—it has hidden depth along with its playful humor!
If you're looking for a stretch book for your kids, one that will make them think a little deeper and work a little harder, our annotated Anne of Green Gables is perfect. Maybe encourage them to form a summer book club and read it with friends—it even includes discussion questions for them to use!
And for a great read-aloud? Look no further than Orion and the Starborn. It is the ultimate summer read-aloud! It has the classic feel of an absorbing fantasy-adventure. One that the whole family can enjoy together.
We want you kids to get excited about reading, and we think our titles will do just that.
Until Nest Time,
Katie