First of all, for my own family I encourage reading as a fun activity that offers something for all interests. My belief is that I can't force them to love reading as do, but I can find something that they will each enjoy reading...but that's a topic for another post. Even though I am teacher and librarian, I never ever never require reading for my kids during the summer. (Gasp!) But, if you come into our home or see us at the beach or pool, you'll see us surrounded by stacks of books or magazines. You'll also see iOS devices full of audio books and eBooks. And, new this year, is the Trowell Family 40 Book Challenge posted on our refrigerator. If you have a middle or high school student, you may be familiar with the 40 Book Challenge which is based on Donalyn Miller's The Book Whisperer. Our family goal is to read 40 books between Memorial Day and the first day of school. That gives us about 12 weeks, which is roughly 3.3 books a week. We have 2 avid readers and 2 occasional readers, so this should balance out nicely. If you are interested in setting up a summer reading challenge for your family, please feel free to copy and adapt this template to your family of readers - Family Book Challenge ***Please notice, I am not designating a certain number of books for each family member, as this is too close to "required" reading for my purpose.So, how do you find titles to peak your young (and old) readers' interest? My main "go-to" sources are the public library, the local bookstore, Goodreads, and Indie Bestsellers.
Wake County Public library's website - www..wakegov.com/libraries - allows you to not only search the catalog and electronically keep up with your account, but also to place holds on books. Be sure to look through the multiple lists of books, blogs, and more under the "Reading" tab. The lists I use for my children are the Kids Book Lists and the Teen/Young Adult Reading Lists. I often will pull up a list on my iPad, place it in front of my son, and then ask him to select titles for me to place on hold. He's not a super-enthusiastic reader, but he is motivated when he selects books this way. He always asks "have you gotten the email that my books are in?"
Those of us in Raleigh can't talk about books without mentioning Quail Ridge Books and Music. QRB is an independently owned bookstore located in Ridgewood Shopping Center. Even if you do not live nearby, a visit to shop or to see an author at this bookstore is always a treat. They also have a website with resources such as Staff Recommendations for Kids, information on bookclubs, and a calendar of upcoming community events.
If you have not tried out Goodreads yet, I highly recommend this social networking site . Without signing up, users can search books by title, author, or genre. For example, children's literature can be found under genre > fiction > children's. If you choose to join Goodreads, you are able to connect with friends to see what they are reading. Books can be marked as "read", "currently reading," and "want to read." Please note that Goodreads is not intended for use of anyone under the age of 13, so I am recommending this as parent resource. Please follow me at goodreads.com/atrowell!
Indie Bestsellers lists are published by IndieBound, a group that brings together independent booksellers to promote independently-owned businesses. IndieBound also offers Indie Next Lists, which will give you a peek at new and upcoming titles. QRB is a member of this association, you know that it is a quality source for book suggestions and reviews.
If you are still searching for that "just right" book for your family member or yourself, please check out the Book Lists located on the Underwood Media Center website. And, as always, feel free to contact me if you need suggestions.
Happy Summer Reading!
