Summer Vacation Reading Lists

I thought it might be fun to post some favorite summer reads . . . check them out! http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/books/c349/

Mossy by Jan Brett

Scoot has never seen a turtle as beautiful as Mossy. But as Mossy walks toward him, her amazing garden swaying back and forth on her shell, someone picks her up and puts her in a basket. Dr. Carolina has found the perfect exhibit for her museum. She and her niece, Tory, take Mossy there, and a large glass-enclosed case becomes Mossy's new home. How she misses sitting on her rock by the waterfall. But most of all, she misses Scoot. As more and more visitors come to admire Mossy, Tory realizes that Mossy is sad. She is sure that Mossy wants to go home. How Mossy goes back to Scoot and how Dr. Carolina finds a way to keep the spirit of Mossy alive in the museum makes for a most satisfying and surprising ending. Jan Brett fans will pore over the colorful paintings, the lush borders displaying flowers, ferns, butterflies and bird, and the museum scenes filled with visitors in stylish Edwardian dress. Mossy and Scott are sure to become favorite characters for all ages in this unique story of love, loyalty and home.

The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing

I In the style of Clement Moore's familiar Christmas poem, tells of a family's last minute preparations for summer vacation. A little girl and her family are getting ready to go on vacation . . . or at least they are trying to. In the effort to pack everything that will be needed, there's bound to be something overlooked, and what that is provides a funny ending to this meter-perfect "twist" on Clement Moore's classic.

Just Ducks! Nicola Davies

A young girl shares her observations about the mallards near her house in an engaging, informative story sure to make a splash with duck lovers. Quack quack, Quack-quaack-quack. It's the first sound I hear every morning. The young girl in this story may live in the city, but outside her window there's a river full of mallard ducks! She hears them as soon as she wakes up, and on the way to school she sees them upside down bobbing for food. Interspersed with fun facts, her enthusiastic commentary about her feathered neighbors - what they look like, how they behave, where they nest, where they sleep - pairs swimmingly with cheerful watercolor illustrations.

Children's Books About Boston, MA

Given the news lately, had to share some well loved titles about the wonderful city of Boston , MA - Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, illustrated by Lynd Ward Winner of the 1943 Newbery Medal, this wonderful book of historical fiction depicts the pivotal events in Boston that led to the American Revolution through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy. Judy Moody Declares Independence by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds A trip to Boston's historical sites, including the famous Freedom Trail, has the indomitable 3rd grader in a revolutionary mood. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey This classic children's book makes an excellent Boston-oriented present. Make the gift complete by taking the recipient to the annual duckling walk from Beacon Hill to the Public Garden next spring. Scruffy's Museum Adventure The engaging tale of a romp through Boston's famous art museum; terrific preparation for a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts or any museum. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White The Public Garden's swan boats are just one of the Boston icons immortalized in this wonderful classic. 86 Years: The Legend of the Boston Red Sox by Melinda R. Boroson This tale about the Red Sox triumphant return to the World Series is a must for all young fans. Check out this link as well - http://www.theinsidertravelguides.com/Boston/Survive/childrensbooks.htm

Bread and Roses Too by Katherine Paterson

Not quite where to start with this book. I recently had the pleasure to hear this author speak, WOW! From Bridge to Terabithia to Jacob I Have Loved to The Great Gilly Hopkins, if your young adolescent reader has not tried any of these books, see what you can do! Her latest is powerful. NY Times review says - "This is a book charged with the power of real and enduring issues; it is also radiant with grace and hope." Amazon readers give it 5 stars. Even a guide for discussion points and activities - http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/readers_guides/paterson_bread.shtml Here is a link to the actual event in Lawrence MA - http://www.ask.com/wiki/1912_Lawrence_Textile_Strike?o=2800&qsrc=999

Recycle A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons

Recycle A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons Discussing paper, plastic, glass, cans, and polystyrene, the author describes how to recycle, why it's necessary, and its benefits. The captioned panels and running text stress the need for reducing waste and saving natural resources. The book ends with a mention of the ozone layer and the limited potential for recycling polystyrene, followed by 14 facts about garbage.