Over the past 20 years, children have lost 12 hours of free time a week. While the amount of time spent in front of a television has increased dramatically over the same period. During the summer, this number nearly triples as students turn the hours once utilized in class into a waste of time in front of the tube. Can we blame our kids? When shows offer free, suspenseful, effortless entertainment why would you pick up a book and force your eyes to concentrate?
Well, no matter if you're a parent, Camp Director or a young adult looking to challenge the common idea, its time to take control of the situation. Reading offers more than entertainment and although your kids may not realize it now, BOOKS CHANGE LIVES. Here are some summer reading options to suggest to your kids. How you "suggest" reading this summer is up to you, but in my household I've already disconnected the television.
1. Alivn Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and other Natural Disasters
By Lenore Look; illustrations By Carson Ellis
Grade 2-4 When Alvin's father takes him camping to instill a love of nature, like that of their hometown hero Henry David Thoreau, Alvin makes a new friend and learns he can be brave despite his fear of everything.
2. Double Identity
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Grade 5-8 Bethany Becomes Curious about her past when her parents unexpectedly disappear after leaving her with an aunt who she did not know existed. As the story unravels, the conclusion uncovers a shocking secret.
3. The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold
Retold By Cynthia Rylant; Illustrations by Carson Ellis
Grade 4-6 Rylant offers modern retelling of classic myths, such as "Pandora," "Orpheus" and "Psyche." The illustrations invite young readers into each of the stories.
4. Esperanza Rising
By Pan Munoz Ryan
Grade 4-6 Set during the time of American Great depression, it examines the plight of the Mexican farm Workers.
5.Crossing Stones
By Helen Frost Haddix
Grade 4-7 This historical novel, written in free verse and "cupped-hand" sonnets, is set on the home front of World War I.
6.The Wish Master;
By Betty Ren Wright
Grade 4-7 An Adventure story with a hint of the supernatural.
7.The Report Card;
By Betty Ren Wright
Grade 3-7-About a child who attempts to prove to adults that some accepted standards should be questioned. (Great read I highly suggest)
8.How Oliver Olson Changed the World ;
By Claudia Mills
A story about how Oliver embarks upon growing up.
9.Northward to the Moon ;
By Polly Horvath
Grade 4-7- Jane and the rest of the family set off on a car trip after her stepfather loses his job, ending up in Nevada after being given a bag full of possibly stolen money.
10.The Dream Keeper and Other Poems ;
By Langston Hughes; illustrations by Brian Pinkney
Grade 1-5 -Langston Hughes selected this collection of poems, first published in 1932, especially for young readers. From "The Dream Keeper" to "The Weary Blues" to "As I Grew Older," these poems reflect Hughes' pride in his race, yet provide universal themes and messages for all young people.
Keep your kids reading this summer and remember when choosing a book:
Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
Keep your kids reading this summer and remember when choosing a book:
Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
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