4 Great Summer Reads for the Whole Family
It's the middle of summer and it is time to talk about some of the great books out there to enjoy during summer. To me, a summer read is a book you read during the summer, not something necessarily light and fluffy. I like to read a variety of books and none of the books featured here are of the light and fluffy variety.
So here are 4 books I've read recently to spice up your summer days. Each book will appeal to a different age group in your family.
Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon
BookADay: Day 17, Book #14
Await Your Reply was chosen as a book for my book club. I have never read anything by Dan Chaon and was not sure what to expect but this book blew me away. Await Your Reply is a page turner and opens with a young man getting his hand cut off. There are three different story lines that interconnect. Each story line is compelling with interesting characters and it is fun to try and figure out how they are all related. So good.
A Wreath for Emmitt Till by Marilyn Nelson
BookADay: Day 14, Book #13
This little book packs a powerful punch of poetry on the death and legacy of Emmett Till. It is a told in a series of fifteen interlocking sonnets. The artwork combined with the beautiful poems about the painful subject of lynching is something to behold. This is a Printz honor book and a Coretta Scott King honor book.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and Siobhan DowdBookADay: Day 19, Book #15
I love Patrick Ness. All of his books are so creative. A Monster Calls is a story Ness adapted from a story idea that author, Siobhan Dowd had before she died. It won so many awards, I can't even count how many. It is beautiful story about a boy and his nightmare that has come to life in the form of a Yew tree outside his window. The illustrations are stunning. A Monster Calls made me cry and touched my heart. So poignant. I loved it.
BookADay: Day 20, Book #16
Diego Rivera is an artist for the people. He created art on murals for the working class and for people who were illiterate. He wanted to teach the world the history of Mexico. This is a short but detailed biography of Diego Rivera and how he became a admired artist. This is a good introductory book for kids and adults who want a quick history of who Diego Rivera is and why his artwork is important. Some of his artwork is included in the book.
How do you define summer reading?
