Summer Reading
As the school year winds down, students are looking forward to a break from classes. But a break from books? Summer reading is one of the most memorable parts of school vacations. The upcoming months include many opportunities to sit down and read with your child. If you haven’t had a chance to read these books already, we hope you put the 2012 Caldecott and Newberry winners on your summer reading list. Enjoy these award-winning pieces of children’s literature this summer!
2012 Caldecott Winner—A Ball for Daisy
Chris Raschka, who also won the Caldecott Medal for illustrating The Hello, Goodbye Window, was inspired to create A Ball for Daisy after watching his 4-year-old son lose a favorite toy. The book’s simple storyline is told through Raschka’s illustrations. The impressionistic sketches, like the storyline itself, are simple but surprisingly poignant. Although the tale is told in pictures rather than words, readers young and old will be able to relate to Daisy’s experience. The dog loses the red ball she loves to a bigger dog. The emotional theme of loss will resonate with a large audience. Children, parents, and grandparents will enjoy this beautifully illustrated book.
2012 Newberry Winner—Dead End in Norvelt
It’s 1962 and summer break has barely started for Jack Gantos, a resident of the small Pennsylvania town of Norvelt, when he is “grounded for life” by his parents. Resigned to missing out on a summer of adventure, Jack consents to help his elderly neighbor write obituaries so he can get out of the house. While learning about his town’s history, Jack is drawn into solving a mystery. He realizes that the lives of his family and friends may be in danger if he can’t get to the bottom of it.
This adventure story will inspire children to get to know their community, and adults will love the nostalgic feel of this partially autobiographical work of historical fiction. Enjoy reading Dead End in Norvelt together this summer.
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