Last summer's reading challenge was so much fun we're revisiting the challenge this summer, yet tweaking it a bit. Christina and Thomas will annotate their school summer reading books (including looking up new vocab). Grace and Caroline will write up short book reports for 10 books. We'll stick to the goal of reading 100 books by August 31. We're still discussing our reward. Beach day? Kimball's Farm- ice-cream & bumper boats? Like last year, I'm keeping a running list here on the blog of the books we read, and a review every now and then. Now that we've gotten started, I remember why we love this challenge....
- We have more peace in our home... minimal TV and video games
- I love our book discussions!
- More trips to the library
- Good story, after good story, after good story....
NOTE: CAROLINE is a beginning reader, GRACE is into chapter books, but content appropriate for elementary school age, THOMAS is in middle school & CHRISTINA is in high school.
3. Ramona Forever, by Beverly Cleary- GRACE ...I love the funny things in the Ramona books. Ramona annoys her big sister. She loves to have fun, just like me. 4. Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes- CAROLINE ...my teacher started reading this book to us in Kindergarten. I love this book! 5. Have You Seen My Duckling?, by Nacy Tafuri- CAROLINE ...you figure out a lot of words in this book because only the mother duck talks. (this was a super easy reader) 8. A Chair for My Mother, by Vera Williams- CAROLINE ...even though the family's house burned down, people were nice and helped them out. They saved their money and even got a new special chair for the mom. 9. The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner- GRACE ...the 4 orphans in this book were brave enough to run away from the bad people who were planning on separating them because they thought the big kids should work for them, but the little boy was too little to be useful. I want to read the next Boxcar Children book now. 12. The Lemonade War, by Jacqueline Davies- GRACE Thomas recommended this book to Grace and she loved it. Grace said that she learned that you should not put bugs in people's lemonade or fight with your siblings. She said, "I sometimes fight with my brother and sometimes it's hard to get along, but moms help us get along. It's better to get along because then you have a fun, peaceful life." 13. Nibble, Nibble, Jenny Archer, by Ellen Conford- GRACE Jenny was tricked on TV, but when there was a reward at the end she wasn't mad anymore.
14. A Job for Jenny Archer, by Ellen Conford- GRACE Jenny needed $$ to buy her mother a birthday present, so she tries to sell her house and other stuff. (laugh)
15. Call it Courage, by Armstrong Sperry- GRACE I learned that it's important to overcome fears. Mafatu is afraid of the sea because his mom died in the sea, but he's eventually able to overcome his fear. I really liked this book. 19. Goosebumps - Go Eat Worms, by R.L. Stine- GRACE
21. Nancy Drew Case #10: Buried Secrets, by Carolyn Keene- CHRISTINA
22. The Nancy Drew Files, Case #36: Over the Edge, by Carolyn Keene- CHRISTINA
Much to Christina & Grace's delight, a friend of ours who is cleaning her attic,
gave us her collection of Nancy Drew books.
Thank you, Sis. Friendly!
24. The Babysitter's Club: Kristy's Great Idea, by Ann M. Martin- GRACE I like that they made a club of what they liked to do- babysitting. They tried hard to get people into their club, including a new girl who ends up teaching the kids around her about her struggle with Diabetes. I thought it was mean how other kids made fun of Stacey because she had Diabetes just because they didn't know anything about it. I have a friend with Diabetes and I am glad we're friends no matter what. I want to read the rest of the books in this series. 25. Forest Born, by Shannon Hale- CHRISTINA I loved this book! 28. Nancy Drew Case #56: Make No Mistake- CHRISTINA
29. Nancy Drew Case #6: White Water Terror- CHRISTINA
34. The Postmistress, by Sarah Blake- REBECCA The setting for this WWII novel is Franklin, MA and that was a draw for me. Unfortunately I felt like I was on a roller coaster with this book. When it came to journalist, Frankie's observations in London and on her journey back to the states, I was into it, but I felt like the only point the book was making was that when there is a war going on we should pay attention and not ignore the human suffering and tragedy in the war zone. I got that at the beginning of the novel, so I found myself rather bored of the blatant theme repetition (not much to figure out for myself). There were some Rated R intimate scenes and language that would keep me from recommending this book as well. Just not for me. 35. Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs, by Ellen Galinsky- REBECCA LOVE this book! I can't say that for very many parenting books, but this is a keeper. I bought a copy after reading my friend, Whitney's review, and can tell that this is a book I will refer to again and again. This is a parenting book that is smart, well grounded in research and experience, and with clear applications for me as a mother. Just glancing down the table of contents I found myself nodding at each of the skills listed...they are all absolutely essential. I was drawn to the teaching of "executive function" development, or the art of being goal oriented. Perspective taking was a big nod for me as well. Having just "mothered" 8 teenagers I could clearly see how easy it is for youth to live in the moment without recognizing where a choice in the moment will lead them. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of children alike. 36. My Last Best Friend, by Julie Bowe- GRACE Both My Last Best Friend and My New Best Friend were good books about how to be a good friend and how it's important to be honest to everyone. You can have more than one best friend. 43. The Wednesday Sisters, by Meg Waite Clayton- REBECCA This book has high reviews, but I had a hard time getting into it, partly because of my busy life right now. It wasn't compelling enough to draw me completely in and there were a couple rated R spots I didn't care for. That said, I did LOVE the theme of women not only supporting each other and their dreams, but enabling one another to achieve those dreams. 45. The Rat Brain Fiasco (The Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys), by Julie Berry- THOMAS I got to preview this book because our family knows the author. I think it was an awesome book and the ending was really unexpected. I liked that Carlos was inventive. I liked how daring and brave Cody was. Anyone who likes comedy and adventure would like this book. I really think it was a very good book. 49. The Rat Brain Fiasco, by Julie Berry (see #45)- GRACE I really liked this book. I liked that there were cartoons.
50. Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins- REBECCA I'm hooked on this trilogy. Book 3 comes out next week....can't wait. 51. Needle and Thread, by Ann M. Martin- GRACE This is a book in the Main Street series. Grace thought this was a good book about friendship. 52. Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator, by Jennifer Allison- CHRISTINA This book was o.k. I wouldn't recommend it for young kids, like Grace because there are a couple swear words, and one of the ghosts in the book was a person who had committed suicide. 56. & 57. Secondhand Charm, by Julie Berry- REBECCA, CHRISTINA This is a fun, fantasy fiction with royalty, snakes, a traveling circus, romance, & more... Christina and I both enjoyed an advanced copy of this book by our friend, Julie Berry. You can preorder Secondhand Charm on Amazon.com or look for it on shelves on October 12. Can't wait for our copy! 58. A Walk to Remember, by Nicholas Sparks- REBECCA This is a short, sweet love story. A man looking back on a life changing relationship that began during his senior year of high school. I read this in a couple of hours and love it! 60. Hop on Pop, by Dr. Seuss- CAROLINE
68. Plum Pudding Murder, by Joanne Fluke- CHRISTINA This is a really good mystery including Christmas-time recipes. 69. Airhead, by Meg Cabot- CHRISTINA 70. Being Nikki, by Meg Cabot- CHRISTINA
71. The Cupid Chronicles, by Coleen Murtagh Paratore- CHRISTINA
72. Much Ado About Anne, by Heather Vogel Frederick- GRACE This book had a sad part to it, but I liked it. The book club read Ann of Green Gables. In the story Cassidy comes to terms with having a new father. There was a really funny prank that had to do with garlic and dentures. I laughed!
73. Silas Marner, by George Eliot- CHRISTINA Didn't care for this one, but it was on the summer reading list.
74. Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata, by Jennifer Allison- CHRISTINA
75. The Mother-Daughter Book Club: Much Ado About Anne, by Heather Vogel Frederick- CHRISTINA
76. 2001 A Space Odyssey, by Arthur C. Clark- WAYNE
77. Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan- THOMAS
78. Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card- THOMAS The ending is totally unexpected!
79. Classic Starts: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, by Kate Douglas Wiggin- GRACE I liked that Rebecca was really nice and kind of perfect. The end was pretty sad. I almost cried.
80. Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parish- CAROLINE
81. Amelia Bedelia and the Surprise Shower, by Peggy Parish- CAROLINE
82. Amelia Bedelia's Family Album, by Peggy Parish- CAROLINE
83. Amelia Bedelia and the Baby, by Peggy Parish- CAROLINE
84. Ramona the Pest, by Beverly Cleary- GRACE
85. Manners, by ALIKI- CAROLINE This book has cartoons and is about having good manners. Parts of it are really funny. Caroline's favorite part is the last part about Thank you notes.
86. Silver Mist and the Ladybug Curse, by Gail Herman- GRACE Silvermist was a water talent fairy who learns that she has to believe in herself. She was making mistakes because she doubted herself, not because of bad luck. When she won the contest it was because she knew she could do it.
87. A Masterpiece for Bess, by Lara Burgen- GRACE In this book everyone is asking Bess for portraits and giving her gifts so she'll paint their portrait. She got too busy and finally stood up for herself and told everyone she couldn't paint so many portraits, but she would paint when she could and would do what her heart told her to do.
88. Mr Tucket, by Gary Paulsen-THOMAS This was a good book that had a lot of adventure, but I didn't like the ending at all.
89. Third Grace is Terrible, by Barbara Baker- GRACE This was a short book and I did not like the ending because it didn't have a good conclusion and there is NO sequel.
90. The Long Way to a New Land, by Joan Sandin- CAROLINE This book is about people who came to America from Sweden. The trip on the ship was hard and not very comfortable. People died. I'm happy I live in America and was born here.
91. Lovers' Games, by Barbara Cohen- CHRISTINA
92. Baby-Sitters Little Sister #110: Karen's Swim Meet, by Ann M. Martin- GRACE
93. Baby-Sitters Little Sister #17: Karen's Brothers, by Ann M. Martin- GRACE
94. Judy Moody Declares Independence, by Megan McDonald- GRACE This book was kind of good. Judy Moody and her family went to Boston and she met a girl who had her own phone and POUNDS of allowance (she was from England). So, when Judy got home she declared independence from doing her chores and from her little brother, and a lot of things.
95. Matilda, by Roald Dahl- GRACE This is like the best book ever because it's really detailed. Matilda LOVED to read and she went to the library A LOT. When she went to school she knew math all the way up to the 12 times tables. Her ma and pa (mostly pa) didn't care about her grades or about Matilda. Matilda's teacher was really good and thought Matilda should move up to the highest grade, but the headmaster, Miss Trunchball, who's like a giant, was really mean to the kids and didn't care about Matilda. But, Matilda figures out a way to get the truth about Miss Trunchball and Miss Trunchball faints and leaves the school. Matilda is able to move up to the highest grade. Matilda's father is wanted by the police and her parents flee to Spain and leave Matilda in the care of her nice teacher, Miss Honey. It was a good ending. I loved the book.
96. Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator, by Jennifer Allison-GRACE I couldn't put this book down, even though my mom said not to read it. It has a few swears.
97. Antiques to Die For, by Jane K. Cleland- REBECCA Just a fun mystery set in my stomping grounds...New England. The main character is an antique dealer and she helps solve the murder of her friend.
98. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett- CHRISTINA My favorite character was Minny because she was her own self. She spoke her mind, however she was abused by her husband and I felt bad for her for that. I was glad that she was able to get away in the end. That's just one story line in the book. I thought it was a great book.
99. Owen, by Kevin Henkes- CAROLINE
100. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, by Kevin Henkes- CAROLINE
101. Lilly's Big Day, by Kevin Henkes- CAROLINE
102. Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parish- CAROLINE
103. The Lucky One, by Nicholas Sparks- REBECCA Nicholas Sparks knows how to tell a love story. At one point I was hoping for a stronger dialogue, but I did enjoy the storyline. I read this one in a day.
104. Grace, by Richard Paul Evans- REBECCA A sad "1st love" story, with a side story of abuse. So glad we've progressed in awareness and help since then!
105. Welcome to Camden Falls, by Ann M. Martin- GRACE
106. 'Tis the Season, by Ann M. Martin- GRACE
107. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, by Stephani Meyer- CHRISTINA
108. The Wedding, by Nicholas Sparks- REBECCA The Wedding is an offshoot of the author's book, The Notebook. The Wedding tells the story of the marriage of the daughter of the famous couple in The Notebook, and how it's possible to rekindle love lost after so many years of neglect. The story is told by the daughter, Jane's husband, Winston. He was a workaholic over the years and finds now that the kids are gone from home, he and his bride, Jane are living separate lives under the same roof. Rather than let that important relationship die, he makes changes in his own behavior in hopes of letting Jane know that their marriage is paramount to him. I couldn't put The Wedding down. It was a different kind of love story- of hope, honesty, courage, selflessness, gratitude; a joy to read.
109. Nights in Rodanthe, by Nicholas Sparks- REBECCA
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