Summer Reading 2011

 

The boys and I started their summer reading program today.  We are going to tomorrow to the local library and officially sign up for the program.  The boys were allowed to pick their books and the school provided each of them a copy.  One World, Many Stories is the theme of this year's summer reading program.

N selected The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick.  He and I are listening to this on tape as he follows along in the book.  I stop and ask him questions as we go to make sure he is understanding what we are reading.  My goal this summer for N is just to get him to enjoy reading.  His choice of books is not what I would have selected and we will see how he likes this book.

Grade 5–8 Master storyteller Rodman Philbrick takes readers on a colorful journey as young Homer Figg sets off to follow his brother into the thick of the Civil War. Through a series of fascinating events, Homer's older brother has been illegally sold to the Union Army. It is up to Homer to find him and save him. Along the way, he encounters strange but real people of that era: two tricksters who steal his money, a snake-oil salesman, a hot-air balloonist, and finally, the Maine regiment who saved Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg and won the war for the Union.

D selected Tango, The Tale of an Island Dog by Eileen Baha. D loves to read and this book is sad, sad, sad!  We are just in chapter 8 and the poor little dog has been ripped away from this mother, fell overboard and almost drowned, and ended up on an island. 

Grade 4-6–A pampered pooch from Manhattan falls overboard while sailing with his owners and is washed ashore on Prince Edward Island. Discovered by Augusta Smith, a fisherman's widow, the little Yorkie reluctantly adapts to the island ways although he yearns to return home. Along with Miss Gustie, he gathers an odd assortment of friends from an elderly fox to a 12-year-old runaway. When conniving and vicious feral cats set a trap for him, his tenacity and his new friends' loyalty prevail and ultimately he realizes that he wants to stay where he is. The anthropomorphized characters are well crafted, from the wise and weary fox to the lonely and picked-on three-legged cat who desperately wants to belong but is repeatedly betrayed by the other felines. The human characters are empathetic and interesting as well. McKenna, the young runaway, wants her independence but also is looking for a place to call home. The themes of loyalty, courage, and belonging are effectively woven throughout the exciting plot twists of this animal fantasy.

And, finally - my book!

I read  Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass.  I read it all yesterday - I just could NOT put it down!
Grade 5–9—The lives of three young people intersect and transform against the backdrop of a total solar eclipse. Homeschooled Ally has grown up at the remote Moon Shadow Campground, which her family runs. An eclipse, which can be viewed only from this site, is approaching, and ahead of it come Bree, an aspiring model obsessed with popularity, and Jack, a reclusive artist and avid sci-fi reader. Ally's sheltered world is about to open up as she discovers that her parents plan to cede management of the campground to Bree's parents after the event. Neither Ally nor Bree is excited about the prospect, but as the teens interact they come to terms with the changes they face. Meanwhile, introverted Jack finds himself making friends and becoming a leader. As they go their separate ways, all three approach the future with a new found balance between their internal and their external lives. The characters are well drawn and likable. Even the seemingly shallow Bree reveals hidden layers as the story progresses. The campground setting affords the youngsters independence, allowing them to interact freely and make their own choices. The astronomical details are fascinating and lyrically incorporated into the narrative. 

We will spend at least an hour a day reading.  We should be able to read lots of books this summer.  To me, that is what summer vacation is all about - happy days filled with reading!