From: Candace Schmidt <CSchmidt>
Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2006 15:29:03 -0400

I was glad to see someone mention Criss Cross - which to me is the ultimate summer "reality novel" - where it seems like nothing happens, but really
"everything" happens. All Alone in the Universe had that feeling too - although suddenly realizing your best friend is no longer your best friend certainly makes for a more dramatic storyline.

Olive's Ocean is another title that comes to mind.

 

Another great summer novel for middle grades is Family Reunion by Caroline Cooney. I had great success booktalking this title last year to 5th-8th grades. The whole idea of the family reunion thing coupled with being embarrassed by your own family - kids really seemed to relate to that! We can probably all relate to that!

 

And one of my favorite summer novels for teens is Pool Boy by Michael Simmons. This is a very well written novel about a rich, popular kid whose dad goes to jail for insider trading. His family loses everything and he has to get a summer job cleaning pools.

 

Candace R. Schmidt

Youth Services Librarian

Porter Branch

central rappahannock regional library

 
Received on Fri 07 Jul 2006 02:29:03 PM CDT