Homeschooling Chronicles - Summer Book Ideas

The summer reading programs have begun at most libraries. These annual programs are a great way to get both young and old readers excited about books. For some families, it can be hard to find books that people of all ages can enjoy together. However, there are many titles that fit this description, and a few that shouldn’t be missed. Check out these enduring classics, and perhaps, some will become family favorites.

Adventure in New York City          

The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweile by E.L. Konigsberg tells the story of a romp through New York City with a thrifty brother and a crafty sister. The story begins when Claudia convinces her brother Jamie that a trip to the city is just the right antidote to the doldrums of an everyday existence. The kids decide that the best place for a hide-out is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Their cleverness at solving money woes and avoiding capture will tickle the funny bones in just the right places. As an extension activity, you can coordinate a trip to your own local museum. People who live close enough to New York City could make the drive to the star attraction in Ms. Frankweiler's book, the museum.

We All Love a Good Mystery

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin will have mystery lovers agog over this plot. The body of Mr. Westing has been discovered. His heirs are called in to try and solve the mystery of his death. The catch is that one of them has committed this heinous crime. Reading the book becomes a fun game of who did it, and why. Plot twists and turns keep the reader on his toes. But, beyond the great plot, Raskin develops the characters in a way that makes them loveable. For detectives at heart, you can set up your own scavenger hunt.  A list of items and a camera can make it a fun day of detective work.

Going Back in Time to the Civil War

Iron Thunder by Avi takes readers back in time to the Civil War. This is a book that shines a light on often overlooked historical facts. The main character, Tim Carroll, must provide money to keep his family alive. He ends up working for a captain who is making an iron clad ship. As Captain Ericsson’s assistant, he develops a growing admiration for this man's vision for the ship the Monitor. Then, the ship and crew head into a dangerous battle. Tim’s loyalty and bravery are tested at many points in the story. This is a perfect way to delve into this topic as we mark the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War. In the book, there are real pictures of the Monitor and the Merrimac. As an extension, students can learn about buoyancy by building their own boats. If you are near any Civil War sites, you could take a field trip to the area. The book, and hands-on activities, can help students gain a better understanding of this part of history.

Silence Can Be Golden

No Talking by Andrew Clements is set in a fifth grade classroom, and explores the idea of whether boys and girls can be silent. In a busy classroom or household, silence can be a novelty. The idea of letting an individual be alone with his own thoughts is an idea that this book helps students to explore.