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Summer Reading

Each year right before summer vacation I start to plan.

I mean I have the kids all to myself for 12 weeks and I have learned that 12 weeks can either be the longest 12 weeks of my life or the shortest.

One way to keep it on the short side is to keep the kids busy. Some swim lessons, maybe some tennis, maybe a short camp or two. Before you know it the summer has flown by.

The way to make it on the long side. Say to yourself, "I'm tired of being busy, I'm just going to take the summer off and relax." The kiss of death mums. Kids are use to being gone and busy at school give them a whole summer off and it becomes ugly.

Part of my plan has always involved a reading list for each of the kids. One thing I insist on is that they read all summer long. I make sure this happens by keeping my request list at the library full. Keeping bed time as close to normal as possible and letting them read instead of sleeping.

I have to admit I have so much fun spending days researching the best books for kids to read. I jump from one web site to the next to the next until I come up with a list for each of the kids. Books that challenge their current reading level, books that are fun, books that teach them something, books that have something to do with a current interest. I have a whole list of requirements that each book has to meet. It is probably my favorite pre-summer activity.

I know I'm a geek.

I finished up S.'s reading list today. Hers is always the most difficult since she is the oldest and there isn't a list from the summer before I can pull favorites from. Lately she has been reading like crazy and we are having a hard time keeping up with her.

Among her favorites right now are the Max series, by James Patterson. A whole girl kicks but series.

So this may seem lengthy but I'm sure that she will make her way through the list before I know it. What do you think? Have you read any of the books on the list? Did you hate it? Love it? Wish for a slow tortuous death rather then finish the book?


After the Dancing Days, Margaret Rostkowski
Downsiders, Neal Shusterman
The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
The Adoration of Jenna Fox, Mary Pearson
Letter from Atlantis, Robert Silverberg
Beware, Princess Elizabeth, Caroly Meyer
Rebecca, Daphne DuMaurier
Things Not Seen, Andrew Clements
Wringer, Jerry Spinelli
How to Be Popular, Meg Cabot
Shark Girl, Kelly Bingham
Dragon's Keep, Janet Lee Carey
Good Enough, Paula Yoo
Hattie Big Sky, Kirby Larson
On Pointe Lori, Ann Grover
Wicked Lovely, Melissa Marr
Uglies, Scott Westerfield
Evermore, Alyson Noel
Inkspell, Cornelia Funke
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Comments

Willow said…
Can you make a summer reading list for me? I need some inspiration. =)
April 30, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Krissi said…
:) I don't know where I would even begin with you. I can send you some websites and you could see what looks good. You might even like our book club book for the month. Check out the blog it is gabnight.blogspot.com. So far I'm really enjoying this months book.
April 30, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Me, Myself and I said…
Put "The Art of Seeing" by Cammie McGovern on your list. I read it, but can't decide if I like it or not, so I'd like to hear someone else's opinion on it.
April 30, 2009 at 5:47 PM
4kidsandcrazy said…
I've only read a few of those books and I think we've discussed all of them in depth :) I'd love to see A.'s list when it is done!
May 1, 2009 at 5:47 AM
Sharla said…
Alright. I've just ordered a copy of "The Eight" I was looking for a new book to read. :) I just wanted to say thanks for the suggestion!
May 1, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Krissi said…
Sharla, You will have to let me know what you think of the book. I'm about a 100 pages in and I am really enjoying it. Not my usual style but that is what is great about a book club. We might have to take it live if other people start joining in.
May 1, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Me, Myself and I said…
BTW - I meant for you to read that book - not your girls - it's too grown up for them.
May 1, 2009 at 11:41 AM
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