Real Life is Better Than Fiction

Older kids may balk a little when you make them read over the summer, but they should read. My kids need to read 30 minutes a day. That doesn't take much time out of their bus schedule. Allow tweens and teens to pick out their own books. This will allow them to read what they want to read, making it a not such a "chore." You may even be surprised at the books they choose. Teens, leave me a comment on what your favorite book is so others can get a copy and read it, too! Here is a list for the tweens and teens. Again, this is a very short list, however, some of the suggestions are series. Follow the links to Amazon on the Book Links page for easy ordering. Lord of the Rings Huckleberry Finn Tom Sawyer A Wrinkle in Time Anne of Green Gables Chronicles of Narnia Little House on the Prairie Robinson Crusoe Tale of Two Cities Oliver Twist

Let's not forget about the kids reading over the summer. Reading every day during the summer months helps children retain and reinforce what they have learned throughout the school year. Choose books that go along with what they learned in school, but also choose books that are fun. See if your local bookstore or library has a summer reading program where kids can earn rewards for reading. Here is a (very short) list of books for kids to help get you started. These were some of my kids' favorites when they were little. My one daughter would often bring a pile of books to Aunt Susan when she came to visit. Aunt Susan would bring chocolate and they would read for a while, both of them very happy with the arrangement. If your kids have a favorite, leave it in the comments section to share with others. As always there are links on the Book Links page to make your shopping easier. The Giving Tree Green Eggs and Ham Go, Dog, Go Are You My Mother? Curious George I

Many people get to read during the summer months more so than the rest of the year. Since I'm a writer, book reviewer, and book club leader, I read A LOT. Many people ask me about what book they should read next. I have compiled a list of some summertime reading ideas. These are all books I have read and enjoyed. Go to the book link tabs if you see anything that interests you for a direct link to Amazon for purchase. These are in no particular order, simply the order I pulled them off my shelf. I read a lot of Christian fiction. If you know of any good books that I should read, please leave me the title and the author in the comments. I am always on the lookout for a good book! Take advantage of the summer months and spend some of that time engrossed in a good book. A Rift in Time – Michael Phillips Hidden in Time – Michael Phillips The Camera Never Lies – Elizabeth Goddard Pieces of Silver – Maureen Lang Back Home Again – Melody Carlson My Heart Remembers – Kim Vog