Summer Reading

Looking for good books to read over the summer? Try these links organized by grade.

http://www.education-world.com/summer_reading/

http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/summerreading/recsummerreading/recommendedreading.htm

http://www.haisln.org/ReadingLists.htm

http://www.justreadfamilies.org/reading/justread.asp

Island of the Blue Dolphin By Scott O'Dell JFIC

Kara and her tribe live in harmony on the Island of the Blue Dolphin until otter hunters arrive. After a vicious battle, her tribe decides to leave the island. The next ship that arrives everyone leaves except Kara and her brother. Kara learns how to survive on the island without her elders and make friends with the animals. Although her descriptions at times were tedious, I thought it was an interesting survival story (much like Hatchett). Kara is a very honorable and strong character. Her actions were very surprising and it left me wondering what I would do if I was in the same situation. Good for grades 5 and up.

Trivia:
Try to guess what the devilfish was.

FoodforThought: If you were stranded on an island,what 3 things do you think you would want?

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli JFIC

Stargirl is truly a masterpiece of character. I would love to meet someone like her in real life. She is selfless, natural and exuberant. She notices the little things such as ants on the sidewalk and she plays the ukele for everyone's birthday whether you are her friend or not. Her story is told through the eyes of Leo Borlock, junior at Mica High, who falls in love with her spirit. Not all students are happy about her non conformity, especially Hillari Kimble. How can one girl stay strong against being shunned by the entire school? This is one of my top picks for summer reading this year.

Food for thought: Are there any Stargirls in your life?