A Few Ideas for Summer Reading

A number of amazing websites exist to help kids and parents identify great choices for summer reading options.  Some of our favorites are:

• Read Kiddo Read - A site designed by Richard Patterson designed to help make children readers for life.  Be sure not to miss: "The Ultimate Summer Reading List".  http://www.readkiddoread.com/home
  
  
  
  
  
• A Book and a Hug - This is a site maintained by a TV reporter who does children's book recommendations for a Baltimore TV station.  Comprehensive lists of suggested books are broken down by interest categories. http://www.abookandahug.com/
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Politics and Prose - This NW DC Independent bookstore maintains lists of recent award winners and suggested summer reads on their website.  Also, a wonderful place to visit during the summer months. http://www.politics-prose.com/
 

Guys Read - Sorry girls, but this is a site devoted to promoting reading for the boys.   This site is the brainchild of Jon Scieszka (of The Stinky Cheese Man fame).   Though I have to say, I'm intrigued by the title of the month "The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda." I think I might have to add it to my summer reading list... http://www.guysread.com/

Bookwink -  According to their website, Bookwink's mission is to inspire kids to read.  Through podcasting and web video, they hope to connect kids in Grades 3 through 8 with books that will make them excited about reading. The videos are approximately 3 minutes long and are updated monthly. Each video booktalk is about a different topic, and additional read-alikes can be found on the Bookwink website.You can look for books by subject, grade level, author or title.  They are constantly updating the book lists with thier newest favorite books. Check out their lists.  http://www.bookwink.com/index.html

Once upon a time, I lived in London, and worked at the American School in London.  The library there always compiled great summer reading lists - and they maintain a list of archived lists.  The only problem is, every now and again you can only find the suggested books in the United Kingdom.  But for the most part, the books are available on "both sides of the pond."  Have a look! Here is the link: http://www.asl.org/page.cfm?p=902