Here are some titles to return your kids to reading before summer ends and the school bell rings. They are great to throw in the car for that final road trip, too.
Catwings, A Catwings Tale Series
By Ursula K. Le Guin (Scholastic)
This sweet series is great for readers just beginning on chapter books. Four slim volumes with classic pictures reminiscent of Garth Williams and Beatrix Potter, the Catwings are siblings who have left the dangerous city in search of a safe place to live. Ages 4-8.
Artemis Fowl
By Eoin Colfer (Hyperion)
A five-book series, with a possible sixth and a movie option, this series is for kids who like spies, computers and 12-year-old criminal masterminds. Colfer is a former middle school computer teacher, and he knows all the tricks. In the first book, we are introduced to Fowl and his bodyguard/manservant Butler, along with a few other interesting characters who appear throughout the series. Ages 8-12.
Clementine’s Letter
By Sara Pennypacker (Hyperion)
Although Clementine has been stirring up well-meaning trouble in the hallways for awhile now, her newest adventure (number 3) has been available since April 2008. Readers love this girl’s unique voice and personality. Parents will love the special relationship she has with her third grade teacher. Ages 6-10.
The Lightning Thief
By Rick Riordan (Hyperion/Miramax)
This is the first book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series, with the hero starting out not knowing his divine powers. Percy is half Harry Potter and, frankly, half Greek God! The fourth book in the Percy Jackson series, The Battle of the Labyrinth, came out in May 2008. Ages 9+.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
By Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb (Candlewick)
This is a great series for girls who have just graduated from chapter books. Although Emily is a seventh-grader, a younger “tween” reader will love being brought into her world. “Can you keep a secret?” From a bigger girl to a younger girl, there is no better hook. And, the title is correct, it is “tail” and not “tale.” She’s a mermaid! Ages 8+.
Goose Girl
By Shannon Hale (Bloomsbury)
This series starts out with Princess Ani, who flees for her life after the betrayal of her closest friend on the journey to the home of her future husband. She can only survive by living as a “goose girl” in this foreign country until her true identity is revealed. Ages 8-14.
And why not try a trip to the library on a sweltering afternoon? Your young children will love getting their own library card. You never know what you might find, and there’s usually a great video section too!
Julie Hubble is the mother of two who is well stocked with flashlight batteries for late night reading.