Summer vacation 2013 reading list

Believe it or not, summer vacation is right around the corner! Here are some reading suggestions to keep you entertained...
 

For parents

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth: Popularity, Quirk Theory and Why Outsiders Thrive after High School by Alexandra Robbins – This book helps parents take a long-term view about social interactions and popularity and reminds us about the crucial importance of embracing and supporting those kids who are different. One day those differences may well be the strengths that the world most appreciates about them.

Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That Is Best for You by Jay Mathews – A thorough, reassuring guide that will help take a lot of the stress out of preparing for and thinking about college admissions and help you find a school that provides the best fit to launch your student. Personally recommended to me as the best college guide by the admissions director at a prestigious liberal arts college.

Parenting without Borders: Surprising Lessons Parents around the World Can Teach Us by Christine Gross-Loh – A fascinating, comprehensive blend of research and practical advice that will prompt you to consider your own family’s culture, values and long-term goals. It is liberating to be shown so clearly how there isn’t only one “best” way to parent.

Picture books for all ages

The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy – Sunrise Elementary School’s new librarian is a real dragon! No, really… But you’ll be surprised at who the brave dragon slayer is!

The Man from the Land of Fandango by Margaret Mahy – Mahy never fails to deliver a rollicking good time in her delightfully nonsensical books – not since the Cat in the Hat has a surprise visitor wreaked so much delicious havoc!

Mary Wrightly, So Politely by Shirin Yim Bridges – Mary is a polite little girl, but sometimes the world doesn’t appreciate her good nature! See how she solves a problem that comes up – by being polite and standing up for something that really matters to her.

The Tooth Mouse by Susan Hood – Did you know that in France people say that a mouse comes to take your baby teeth after they fall out? Little Sophie wants to take over when the Tooth Mouse retires, but will she be able to complete all the tasks and prove she’s up to the job? Pair this one with Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World by Selby B. Beeler!

Tsunami! by Kimiko Kajikawa – Inspired by the true story of Hamaguchi Goryō whose quick thinking in 1854 saved villagers from a tsunami, this book is notable for its incredible collage illustrations that vividly portray the drama of the events.

Chapter books

The Broken Tusk: Stories of the Hindu God Ganesha by Uma Krishnawsami (Grades 2+) – The author has done a wonderful job of taking oral tales she heard as a child and others she located through her extensive research, and making them into a highly readable volume! Those who know Ganesha or are new to his stories will find this book equally accessible!

Cork& Fuzz by Dori Chaconas (Grades K+) – Cork the muskrat and Fuzz the opossum are opposites in many ways – but that doesn’t mean they can’t be friends! This is the first in an easy reader series.

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay (Grades K+) – A charming addition to the growing collection of high-quality short chapter books for young readers. This is the first in a series about Lulu who is “famous for animals.” See what her encounter with a duck leads to – and then check out the rest of the series!

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher (Grades 7+) – This is a powerful work of great emotional insight about dealing with grief, friendship and family. Jamie finds himself caught between his father’s prejudice and his best friend, Sunya, a Muslim girl, trying to be both a good son and a good friend.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (Grades 5+) – One of my all-time favorite books, this story follows Delphine and her two younger sisters as they spend the summer of 1968 in Oakland with their mother and a group of Black Panthers in an example of the very best historical fiction.

School of Fear (series)by Gitty Daneshvari (Grades 3+) – Students who loved Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle will enjoy moving on to these fast-paced, humorous books about a school where children go to be cured of unusual phobias.

They Never Came Back by Caroline B. Cooney (Grades 6+) – What would you do if the FBI were after your parents, insisting they were criminals who embezzled a lot of money and then fled, leaving you behind? What if they were now coming after you?

Graphic novels
Drama by Raina Telgemeier (Grades 5+) – Drama: it happens in middle school both on and off the stage! Follow a group of friends through the ups and downs of a school musical production.

Explorer: The Mystery Boxes edited by Kazu Kibuishi (Grades 3+) – Seven different stories by seven different creators explore the concept of a box through mystery, humor, suspense and fantasy. There is something for everyone in this great collection

Hereville: How Mirka Got her Sword by Barry Deutsch (Grades 3+) – This graphic novel features an unusual heroine, an Orthodox Jewish girl who dreams of fighting monsters! Learn a few Yiddish words and find out how she cleverly outwits a troll!

Peanut by Ayun Halliday (Grades 6+) – It’s hard being the new kid at school, but even harder when you start off with a big lie: telling everyone that you have a fatal peanut allergy. Will this story help Sadie win friends? Or will she be exposed and have to face up to the truth?

To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel by Siena Cherson Siegel (Grades 4+) – A moving memoir about dreams, perseverance and dealing with the unexpected twists and turns of life.

Non-fiction

The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists by Sean Connolly – A survey of scientific progress from the Stone Age to the Hadron Collider, complete with experiments you can do at home to test some of the basic principles.

Max Axiom, Super Scientist (series) by Liam O’Donnell – Covering a range of science topics (ecosystems, photosynthesis, forces and motion, electricity) these books offer a clear and attractive presentation along with a glossary, a web component and additional recommended reading!

Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town by Warren St. John – This adaptation of a nonfiction book for adults aimed at middle and high school readers will inspire you with the courage of the young people starting a new life in America and the dedication of their coach who put her caring into action.

A Rock is Lively by Diana Hutts Aston – Gorgeous illustrations and engaging prose present a view of rocks unlike any of you’ve seen before in this lovely book for elementary readers.