Weekly Reader | Lead Story

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arry Potter doesn't hit the bookstores until July 21st. But you don't need to wait until then to crack open a book and hit the beach. Summer is the perfect time to explore new things. And reading can help you learn about those things, says Susan Chajes, head of Children's Services for the Mount Pleasant Public Library in Pleasantville, N.Y. "Books give you time to imagine and dream," she says. Books can also give you a chance to explore the world, even if you aren't taking a big vacation this summer. "You can travel anywhere in a book," Chajes says.

Here are some summer reading suggestions. These books were picked as notable books for 2007 by the American Library Association. They are recommended for readers ages nine and up. At the end of the story, you will find two notable books for kids four to eight years old.

The Last Dragon by Silvana de Mari and Shaun Whiteside.
Can't get enough of magic, sorcery, and spells this summer? Then read about a young elf who lives in a world of rain. He meets two humans who help him go on a quest to find the last dragon. It is only when the elf and the last dragon meet, that the sun will shine again.

Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow by Joyce Sidman.
This book begins at dawn. It takes readers on a tour through fields and meadows to meet all kinds of plants and animals. The reader must guess the answers to riddles and science questions hidden in verses. But they must guess before twilight—and the end of the book—arrives.

Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows.
Ivy and Bean don't believe that they will ever be friends. But when Bean plays a joke that goes wrong, Ivy comes to the rescue. Will they end up being friends or will they be stubborn and stick to the idea that they are not supposed to like each other?

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
Edward Tulane is a rabbit who is very pleased with himself because he is so adored. He becomes lost and finds himself on a long, long journey. Along the way, he meets special people who change his life forever.

Think About It! Summer_Reading07

What types of books do you like to read and why?

If you could be any character in any book, who would you be and why?

Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman.
Harry Houdini (1874-1926) could walk through brick walls and make elephants vanish with a snap of his fingers. The Great Houdini, as he came to be known, could get out of any set of handcuffs and escape from any situation. How did he do it? Meet the amazing magician in this nonfiction book.

Penny From Heaven by Jennifer Holm.
It's 1953, and eleven-year-old Penny can't wait to spend the summer rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Instead, as she uncovers secrets about her family, Penny finds that she spends summer learning about herself.

These books were named as great choices for kids 4 to 8 years old.

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo.
Mercy the pig loves going for rides with Mr. Watson in his convertible. One day, she convinces him to let her drive. Trouble results when the neighbor sneaks into the car and catches the pig behind the wheel!

Adèle & Simon by Barbara McClintock.
Simon is always losing things. On the way home from school, his sister Adèle tells him to be careful and not forget his belongings. As they walk home, Simon manages to leave an item everywhere he goes.

Find more notable books to read this summer: ala.org.

Can you guess which book characters said these quotes? Take this quiz to find out!

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