Random Summer Reading List

So here’s THE LIST.  It’s a little intimidating, especially considering I was hoping to be completely mindless and read a couple of Nora Roberts novels this summer, too.  Oh, and I’m supposed to be helping my kids (as in the ones I birthed) develop their love for literacy at the library summer reading program.  Wait a minute, am I complaining about reading?  Never mind.  Bring on the books!

So B. It by Sarah Weeks
I think every girl in my 4th period class read this within the first three months of school.  Our media specialist couldn’t keep it on the shelf.  It’s tragic and inspiring and the first one I’m reading.

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carmen
My counterparts at the other middle school taught this book this year and the kids give it rave reviews.  It’s written like a journal and has online links to help you solve the mystery.  And the cover is a bunch of pictures of skulls.  Sounds interesting.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never read this, but in the great words of my students, “I’ve seen the movie!”  My coon hunting boys told me that wasn’t good enough and if I wanted to teach a really good book, I should teach this. 

The Sacrifice by Kathleen Benner Duble
This story is set amidst the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.  Having visited Salem a couple of years ago, I find it hard to believe that such a picturesque place was the site of such horror.  I love historical fiction and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, so I’m pretty excited about this read.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
He used to write for adults.  But James Patterson has become a force for adolescent lit and kids who hate to read bury themselves in 400-pages of science fiction about superhuman teenagers.  I tried to read this last year but didn’t really get into it.  Hopefully I’ll have better luck this time around.

Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen
I got excited about this story when I realized it was by the author of another one of my favorite books for middle schoolers, Flipped.  I’ll let you know how this measures up.  It’s about a runaway girl.  Hence, the title.

Romiette & Julio by Sharon M. Draper
I’m a Shakespeare fan but not that fond of ‘ol R & J.  But this retelling is fabulous, according to my girls and my friend Dee.  So I’ll give it a try.

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech
This used to be a summer reading assignment choice, so we have TONS of copies.  I’m considering teaching it sometime.  It seems like a simple, sweet story about family and special places.

Gym Candy by Carl Deuker
I know I make my kids read stuff they don’t like, so in turn I’m reading this even though it’s not something I would normally ever choose.  It’s about the pressures of being an all-star athlete.  I mean, come on, why wouldn’t I be able to relate to that?  My boys really like it and since I know I don’t read enough for them, here’s my attempt.

Sasquatch by Roland Smith
I haven’t ever read anything by this author, but his book, Peak, was a top read for my kids a couple of years ago.  This came highly recommended by my kids who want to believe that Big Foot and Vampires do exist.

Walk of the Spirits by Richie Tankersley Cusick
I like this author’s name.  My brother’s best friend was a Tankersley and he was fun.  But I digress. This is a recommendation from our media clerk.  She says the kids really seem to like it and she personally thinks it’s one of the best she’s read all year.  There’s ghosts, so maybe I’ll save it for our camping trip in July.

And if I have time, I’ve got some books just for me.  A new Sarah Dessen, whom I enjoy but think is a bit too mature for my kids, a Junior Library Guild recommendation, Blessing’s Bead by Debbie Dahl Edwardson, and Waves by Sharon Dogar, which is coded “8th Grade Only” so it must be good.

Stay tuned for my very professional assessments of my Summer Reading!  Happy Page Turning!