We have come up with some popular titles of books for the Summer Suggested Reading List. These are not mandatory, but we ask that students read at least two books this summer and to help them out, they can pick from the age appropriate titles on this list. Some are classics, some are new and some are just for fun! I am sure your student can find a book or two from this list.
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What I Read Over Spring Break...
First of all, let me say that I did read a lot. However, I did not read everything I took with me! So although I am happy with my selections, I was disappointed that I did not read more!
I started the break by finishing the Scott Westerfeld series and the book Extra. I really enjoyed Uglies, Pretties and Specials. I was a little disappointed with Extras...well, I was a lot disappointed. If I was to suggest this to others to read, I would tell them to read the trilogy, but not to bother with Extras...it was so out there on a limb and did not flow as smoothly as the rest of the series!
Uglies...Pretties...Specials....YES!!! Extras...Don't waste your time!!
If you like the Uglies trilogy...you would like Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins!
After finishing the Uglies series, I thought I would move on and read an author that I like...Nicholas Sparks. So, I read The Last Song. I could really identify with the main character as things that happened in her life, happened when I was in middle school. There were times that I laughed and of course with any Nicholas Sparks book...I cried. This is an awesome read for anyone in high school or middle school! And although it has sad parts...the ending is happy and isn't that what matters??
Then, I decided to do an author study. A few months ago, I wrote how I love Joan Bauer's Peeled that I bought for the media center from the bookfair. So, I decided to try some other Joan Bauer books. WOW!! Can this lady write!! There is a little mystery, suspense and of course most (but not all) had a little bit of love story nicely woven in! You will not regret reading one of her books!! I read Hope was Here, Rules of the Road, Backwater and Squashed. All were really good!!
So, I did read six books...but that does not account for the five books still in my book bag to read!! I still have a lot of reading to do!!
Book Series of the Week
Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
Our girls have gone CRAZY with vampires recently. So, this year when I was looking for new books to purchase, I specifically researched the best vampire stories for middle school girls. I purchased the entire series of Vampire Kisses. I recently read the entire series. I must agree...the series is very well written and I understand why our girls love this new series.
So, what is the series about? Raven, a girl who has wanted to be a vampire her entire life, lives in Dullsville where everyone is preppy and perfect and she is the outcast. Find out what happens when a new boy Alexander moves to town? The gossip is...he is a real life vampire. The next six books take you along on their adventure and experience them falling in love. The seventh book will be published in May.
Opportunities for Summer Reading Camp
I was looking for something else when all of a sudden I came across this program. It looks interesting, so I thought I would share.
Greatbooks Summer Camp - This is a camp that the student can go away to over summer break to read and discuss books and authors. They will even have the opportunity to meet authors of various books. Check out the link for more information.
Books of the Week
Peeled by Joan Bauer
This is a cute story that shows what happens when the media is not reporting the truth, but a hidden agenda! The characters are well written and has something for everyone... romance, suspense, family and friendship. Not to mention, greedy adults who try to stop the truth from coming out!! This is a good, QUICK read.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis is a boy who is rich and will use his family's funds to get richer by tricking LEPrecon's into giving him their gold. Can he do it? What will he do once he meets the elves? Will he gain a conscience in the end? This is the first book in the much loved series by Eoin Colfer.
Books of the Week
I have been reading like crazy and with our recent book fair comes new books!! So, I am going to spotlight some of our new books that I have recently read or I am going to be reading in the next few days!
Books for girls
Last night I started and finished (don't even ask how late I was up) The Cupcake Queen by Heather Helper. This book had a good story and shows that no matter how bad things might be for you, someone else has it tougher. To appreciate what you do have. It even had a bit of rivalry and love story mixed in. It is a quick read and you will enjoy this book if you like authors like Meg Cabot and Sarah Dessen! 
I also recently finished (ok...night before last) Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. This is a good story (although I did not like the end) and found myself not just crying but bawling throughout the last half of the book. So, if you check this out...I say have tissues handy.
Books for boys
Although I have not read these yet, this series is on my growing Books to Read... The 39 Clues series. We have in the Media Center books 1, 2 and 3. But during our recent book fair, we purchased books 4, 5 and six. This is a very popular series with our boys! I also made sure to purchase two copies of these titles because they are in HIGH demand!!
In the stories brother and sister, Amy and Dan travel around to locations following the 39 clues to solve mysteries! This is a series that both boys and girls will be able to enjoy, but it tends to be our boys that really enjoy this series!
To see what I have been reading lately, look for me at www.shelfari.com or check out the Book's Mrs. Foster Recently Read page
