We're breaking the pattern from alternating between the "snuggle and cuddle" stage and older, independent readers. I am visiting a couple of radio shows this week on reading, families and young children and there's just so much to share that we never have time to talk about everything. One is with my friend, Stacey Kannenberg, the Ready to Learn mom.
If you get to this blog tonight (9/22) or in the morning of 9/23, you may be able to listen in live at 11EST at The Get Ready to Learn Mom Radio Show. Otherwise you'll be able to find a podcast after the fact at this same website.
FAMILY FRIENDLY DEFINITIONS OF A FEW TERMS
COMPREHENSION - understanding what you read (and the real reason we read).
DECODING - refers to the various skills we use to decipher text into understandable words. It has more specifically been used to talk about the phonics approach of breaking apart words into different single sounds, then calling those sounds and blending them together to figure out a word. No all words can be decoded strictly in this way, only those that follow regular phonics rules.
DIBELS - a screening used by many schools to determine whether a child has competency in several key early literacy skills including at the beginning of Kindergarten alphabetic knowledge, an ability to attend to single sounds in words and break words apart into single sounds (orally, not by reading). This same screening later (up to 3rd grade usually) is used to evaluate fluency (whether a child sounds like they are talking when they read), comprehension, and decoding abilities.
FLUENCY - as readers move beyond calling out one word at a time and having to decode, sound by sound, most words, they begin to sound more like natural speech when they read aloud. Not only is the pace regular and smooth, but the reader adds expression and phrasing and recognizes most words in that given text easily.
GUIDED READING - in simplest terms, that is the time in class when children read text that is fairly easy for them to "decode", concentrating on understanding and being fluid in what they read (sounding like they are talking). Guided reading or leveled books have a limited number of words in them and the vocabulary is more "controlled".
HIGH FREQUENCY WORDS - these are words that appear most often in real reading text. Drs. Dolch and Frye created age level lists of these words, from the simplest in Kindergarten to higher levels in the upper grades and, if our children practice with reading that contains those (mostly sight words, see definition below) and maybe practice reading them off a list as well, our child will be able to automatically read those words with little mental effort. Knowing the high frequency words helps a child become a more fluent reader who understands more of what he/she reads.
LEVELED Readers - Books that have been carefully written to include a limited number of words (and words from a certain Dolch/Frye grade level list). Teachers carefully select these books for each child so that individual child has a chance to read something that contains lots of words they are already familiar with. If a child can easily read about 95% of the words in a book, they can put more mental power toward understanding what they read and less on recognizing and decoding words.
METACOGNITION - thinking about how you think
ORAL LANGUAGE - This is more than just speaking. It is the complex system that we humans use to relate sounds to meanings. It has three parts: the phonological (how we combine sounds in words to translate/transfer meaning in speech -- not reading, just speaking and listening); semantic (understanding that the smallest units of meaning, whether those be words, prefixes, or suffixes, can be joined together. We deal with semantics when we make single words plural for example) and syntactic (rules that enable us to combine those smallest units of meaning into sentences so meaning is communicated - in the beginning, humans use short syntactic phrases to communicate like "more cookie" which are later expanded as our abilities with language grow to "I would like another cookie, please.") Who knew speaking and listening was so complex. It is amazing that our children develop all this without direct instruction!
SIGHT WORDS - those are words that don't follow the phonics rules so we have to know them "by sight" as soon as we see them. Learning sight words takes seeing them over and over until you immediately recognize them. Think of the word "give". It breaks the rule that when you have two consonants and two vowels, the first vowel most of the time says its name (is a long sound) and the second vowel is silent/quiet. In the word "give" the first vowel is short and the second one silent.
If there are other terms that you need a translation for, add a comment and I'll edit this blog to include them.
Some of my favorite quotes for parents on reading:
If we do not give our children mostly positive reading experiences, they will not choose to be readers . . . Dr. Michael Pressley
If you are reading regularly -- every day -- to your children, taking a reading time of fifteen or twenty minutes, whenever it can occur, before bed or whatever, that shows a respect for books. It shows that you have a reverence for books. That's the only way to reallky get kids interested in reading. Show how interesting it is and how much fun it is. If you read, your child will follow your example, as the night follows the day . . . Bob Keeshan AKA Captain Kangaroo
What we teach our children to love and desire will always outweigh what we teach them to do . . . Jim Trelease, author of The Read Aloud Handbook.
FIVE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES ON THE WEB
FOR PARENTS READING WITH CHILDREN
Reading Rockets and Colorin' Colorado - sponsored by PBS
Just One More Book, a podcast about children's books we love
The Reading Tub, a source for great book reviews for parents
Planet Esme, a website full of great resources about reading with your children
Stories for Children Magazine, an ezine for children ages 3-12, with a great interview with Stacey, complete with stories and advice
News flash - I just saw that Jamie Lee Curtis (one of the few "celebrities" writing quality children's books) has a new book out in October called Jamie Lee Curtis's Books to Grow By Treasury. I can's wait to read it!
That's all for now. Stay tuned next time for answers to the question: My child is beyond the "snuggle and cuddle" stage - what do I do?
Remember, if you have questions or want to share what works in reading with your kids, feel free to add your gems of wisdom.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Delicious, Delightful Read Alouds
Occasionally, I still long for the days when our son, Charlie, was small. He'd come from preschool, snuggle close beside me and we'd dive into a book. Now I get my "little kid fix" from preschoolers in centers where I consult and train teachers and families.
What made those times long ago so special? It is the fact that the reading experience was bigger than the book. It's no different today. There is a danger that, with all the focus on reading skills in school (which is important but not the whole picture), we as parents may forget to tap into the pure joy, suspense, delight and fun of reading aloud with our children.
When you do that, not only is it a relationship-building experience with your child, but it is a guaranteed stress reliever for you (and who doesn't need that in today's face-paced world). It's more positive than forcing your child to practice with the focus on correcting and directing. Besides, the message behind picture books can be meaningful to you, not just your child.
So remind yourself that these sweet days are passing, kick off your shoes, snuggle close, and dive into a book together. Here are a few of my favorites.
I have to squeeze in this tidbit: keep your eyes open for Jane Yolen's latest book due out in October, How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?.
For more tips on making reading with your child an incredible experience every time, visit The Diva Toolbox. For an extra dose of practice advice, a conversation between two passionate professionals and moms, tune in to Stacey Kannenberg's "Ready to Learn Mom" show at
11AM EST on 9/23.
Cathy and host, Stacey Kannenberg, will be discussing
Parents in the Literacy Loop: Why Families Are The Key To Children's Reading Abilities and Success.
If you can't tune in live tomorrow, there will be a podcast available after the fact that the same website. Be sure to listen!
Last gift today for you . . . take one idea you learn from this blog and share it with one other person (your spouse, your neighbor, the person you want to get to know in your child's class or play group, Grandma or Grandpa). It could start a revolution!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Picture Books Are For Everyone
Has your child ever come home from school, frustrated because he or she feels lost in a class? We've probably all been there at one time or another. You feel for them but when you read the content with them or ask them questions, you just get a blank stare. Most often, the real reason behind that is that the student has no place to begin, no frame of reference to connect to. Educators call that foundational understanding, "background knowledge" or "schema". Without a place to start ("oh, I know this information already, so I can understand the new information better"), students may not be able to make sense of it.
Think of what would happen if you had never learned to read and you were suddenly given text. You wouldn't be able to understand, no matter how hard you tried. Or maybe you were thrown into the middle of an engineering project with no training in that area. It would be impossible to be successful or to learn more without a foundation. It's the same when it comes to understanding writing, historical events and times, science, math, music, art, most anything -- we all need a starting place.
To find that starting place, enter the world of today's picture books. They are more colorful than ever with exquisite art created by true talents such as Jerry Pinkney and Jan Brett. They sometimes contain complex ideas in a simple format (like Patricia McKissack's Goin' Someplace Special).
Want to find more treasures to help your children learn content-related facts and information? Visit my Amazon List to find more suggested titles on the subject of music (all the way from Native American and African roots to classical and jazz legends).
Because I recognize this is an issue and that parents want to help, I've created a new environmentally friendly resource to help you find even more fantastic subject-matter picture books (the new e-book is entitled Powerful Picture Books: 180 Ideas for Promoting Content Learning available at Inspiring Teachers. Powerful Picture Books will soon be featured at Cool Book of the Day where you can find a new cool book for you posted there every day.
One last resource: my friend, Vicki Cobb and a group of over 25 of her fellow nonfiction writers have started a new blog at I.N.K.. It highlights interesting Non-fiction for Kids and is a fantastic source for finding even more great non-fiction books for kids of all ages. Non-fiction is the heart of fact-finding and most reading beyond 3rd grade is content area or nonfiction reading. Whether you are looking for science books, books about famous people, language, painting or whatever, you're likely to find a sampling there.
With these tools, you have an easy way to support your child's learning. Find out what your student's subjects (outside of reading)will be this year. Tap into the world of picture books (fiction and non-fiction) to use as a fun, interactive way to help your child gain the basics. You'll help them gain a position where they can soar.
Even if you have a child who is doing well in school, search out a picture book or two that relates to a time in history or a subject that they may not study very much in school. Parents, after all, are first and forever teachers and the more your child knows, the better prepared he/she will be to succeed in school, on standardized tests and in life.
Happy Reading!
Think of what would happen if you had never learned to read and you were suddenly given text. You wouldn't be able to understand, no matter how hard you tried. Or maybe you were thrown into the middle of an engineering project with no training in that area. It would be impossible to be successful or to learn more without a foundation. It's the same when it comes to understanding writing, historical events and times, science, math, music, art, most anything -- we all need a starting place.
To find that starting place, enter the world of today's picture books. They are more colorful than ever with exquisite art created by true talents such as Jerry Pinkney and Jan Brett. They sometimes contain complex ideas in a simple format (like Patricia McKissack's Goin' Someplace Special).
Want to find more treasures to help your children learn content-related facts and information? Visit my Amazon List to find more suggested titles on the subject of music (all the way from Native American and African roots to classical and jazz legends).
One last resource: my friend, Vicki Cobb and a group of over 25 of her fellow nonfiction writers have started a new blog at I.N.K.. It highlights interesting Non-fiction for Kids and is a fantastic source for finding even more great non-fiction books for kids of all ages. Non-fiction is the heart of fact-finding and most reading beyond 3rd grade is content area or nonfiction reading. Whether you are looking for science books, books about famous people, language, painting or whatever, you're likely to find a sampling there.
With these tools, you have an easy way to support your child's learning. Find out what your student's subjects (outside of reading)will be this year. Tap into the world of picture books (fiction and non-fiction) to use as a fun, interactive way to help your child gain the basics. You'll help them gain a position where they can soar.
Even if you have a child who is doing well in school, search out a picture book or two that relates to a time in history or a subject that they may not study very much in school. Parents, after all, are first and forever teachers and the more your child knows, the better prepared he/she will be to succeed in school, on standardized tests and in life.
Happy Reading!
Friday, August 14, 2009
MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME-Readers 10+ Years Old
Some families, in the midst of their whirlwind of life, never really got into the reading together habit when your children were young. It's so easy to become distracted and deal with what is most urgent rather than what might be more important. I often hear families say, "we just don't have time".
First of all, let me tell you -- it's not too late. Make a conscious decision that this is a forever gift you can give your child. If your child doesn't "love" reading, my first advice is never force a "sit down, you must read now" time. You can to enforce a regular homework schedule but put reading on a different page. Especially as our children grow into young adults, such pressure to read often simply backfires. So what do you do instead?
1) Start being a reading model yourself. Order a magazine subscription (usually only $15-25 for a whole year) that you both can enjoy. Check out a few books from the library or at the bookstore that you would like to read or revisit (and they don't have to be classics - think "what will I enjoy?" A mechanic's how-to, a cheater's manual for the latest video game, a cookbook, anything. Find out what books are on the reading list for your child's English class and determine that you'll read (or maybe) struggle through one just so you can relate to what your child is experiencing.
2) If your child says, "I hate reading", it may simply mean that she/he is embarrassed because reading skills are weak. Have a heart to heart, not about reading at first, just about what your child wants to do with his/her life. Share what you know about the importance of reading for that profession and offer to help your youngster get where he wants to be, do what he wants to do. Even professional ball players have to read large play books. Think of reading more as a tool for life than an academic exercise. Solicit help from your child's favorite teacher.
3) Involve your child in reading and writing activities that serve your family every day. Making out grocery lists, searching for coupons, reading labels when doing the family shopping -- all of that is literacy. Get your child involved in paying bills, doing laundry, and look for ways to incorporate a little reading and writing into those experiences. But make the reading the tool, not the focus.
As our readership of this grows (and I hope all of you will share this blog with at least one friend), I'd love to see you adding your own comments, suggestions, frustrations. Together we can help every child discover the power and privileges that come with reading, writing, listening, communicating and viewing.
Don't forget that TLA, Inc. specializes in helping families find time and motivation for reading and writing. Check out our website at www.readingisforeveryone.org for ideas for PTA/PTO meetings, community events, etc.
First of all, let me tell you -- it's not too late. Make a conscious decision that this is a forever gift you can give your child. If your child doesn't "love" reading, my first advice is never force a "sit down, you must read now" time. You can to enforce a regular homework schedule but put reading on a different page. Especially as our children grow into young adults, such pressure to read often simply backfires. So what do you do instead?
1) Start being a reading model yourself. Order a magazine subscription (usually only $15-25 for a whole year) that you both can enjoy. Check out a few books from the library or at the bookstore that you would like to read or revisit (and they don't have to be classics - think "what will I enjoy?" A mechanic's how-to, a cheater's manual for the latest video game, a cookbook, anything. Find out what books are on the reading list for your child's English class and determine that you'll read (or maybe) struggle through one just so you can relate to what your child is experiencing.
2) If your child says, "I hate reading", it may simply mean that she/he is embarrassed because reading skills are weak. Have a heart to heart, not about reading at first, just about what your child wants to do with his/her life. Share what you know about the importance of reading for that profession and offer to help your youngster get where he wants to be, do what he wants to do. Even professional ball players have to read large play books. Think of reading more as a tool for life than an academic exercise. Solicit help from your child's favorite teacher.
3) Involve your child in reading and writing activities that serve your family every day. Making out grocery lists, searching for coupons, reading labels when doing the family shopping -- all of that is literacy. Get your child involved in paying bills, doing laundry, and look for ways to incorporate a little reading and writing into those experiences. But make the reading the tool, not the focus.
As our readership of this grows (and I hope all of you will share this blog with at least one friend), I'd love to see you adding your own comments, suggestions, frustrations. Together we can help every child discover the power and privileges that come with reading, writing, listening, communicating and viewing.
Don't forget that TLA, Inc. specializes in helping families find time and motivation for reading and writing. Check out our website at www.readingisforeveryone.org for ideas for PTA/PTO meetings, community events, etc.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A New Year for Reading
Families are busy this time of year, starting to think about getting the kids back to school, supplies, clothes, even a bit more peace and quiet. Put reading on your channel. I'm going to speak this week to those of you who have preschool children or children who start school this year. These early ages are most important for developing a love of reading (which is just as critical as getting the "skills" right). Also, setting regular times for sharing stories together helps build a "behavior" approach to reading. That's the greatest gift you can give your youngsters because it will lead them to be a life-long learner. No matter where their life's road takes them, reading and writing are essential tools.
As you move toward the routine of "school days", don't get too caught up in the academics of reading. Yes, children need to learn certain skills like decoding to become readers. However, if we don't give children mostly positive experiences with reading, they will come to the reading table reluctantly and only practice it when forced. Forcing, as Jim Trelease says, is rarely effective.
Get to know your child's teacher early in the year (preschool or K) and communicate with him or her about your child's development and their needs. Be their greatest cheerleader but don't have too perfect a view of where they are. That only builds barriers between home and school.
A few new titles I want to share with you:
The Trucktown Series by Jon Sciezska (a raucous, rambling series that's fun and fast). Jon is known as the National Ambassador for Young Children's literature
Think happy by Nancy Carleson - Nancy's books are always simple and fun. This one is no different and we all need to be thinking happy thoughts at the start of school.
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, winner of the 2009 Caldecott Metal for Children's Picture Books
A few closing words: find a friend who doesn't read with their child or is expecting a new baby. Plan some playdates in which your children can socialize, and play. When they've run to you, with flushed cheeks and ready to wind down, have a big comfortable quilt or chair and a cool drink, plus a new book to share. You just may become a Literacy Ambassador, to influence your friend in a way that will reward them and their child, strengthen their understanding of their own child and the relationship between the two of them. Great way to start the school year, don't you think?
As you move toward the routine of "school days", don't get too caught up in the academics of reading. Yes, children need to learn certain skills like decoding to become readers. However, if we don't give children mostly positive experiences with reading, they will come to the reading table reluctantly and only practice it when forced. Forcing, as Jim Trelease says, is rarely effective.
Get to know your child's teacher early in the year (preschool or K) and communicate with him or her about your child's development and their needs. Be their greatest cheerleader but don't have too perfect a view of where they are. That only builds barriers between home and school.
A few new titles I want to share with you:
The Trucktown Series by Jon Sciezska (a raucous, rambling series that's fun and fast). Jon is known as the National Ambassador for Young Children's literature
Think happy by Nancy Carleson - Nancy's books are always simple and fun. This one is no different and we all need to be thinking happy thoughts at the start of school.
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, winner of the 2009 Caldecott Metal for Children's Picture Books
A few closing words: find a friend who doesn't read with their child or is expecting a new baby. Plan some playdates in which your children can socialize, and play. When they've run to you, with flushed cheeks and ready to wind down, have a big comfortable quilt or chair and a cool drink, plus a new book to share. You just may become a Literacy Ambassador, to influence your friend in a way that will reward them and their child, strengthen their understanding of their own child and the relationship between the two of them. Great way to start the school year, don't you think?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wiping Out Illiteracy - One Child At A Time
I've been thinking a lot lately about something author, Mem Fox, said in her book, Reading Magic (If you haven't read it, EVERYONE needs to). She says that, if everyone whose live touches a child read three books a day with them, we would wipe out illiteracy in a generation and a half. There's a lot in those simple words.
Certainly, just the volume of exposure of reading is important. But it goes deeper. Dr. Michael Pressley, a reading researcher, says if we do not give children mostly positive experiences with books, they will not choose to be readers. Not only must be get in the "quota", but the experiences must be rich and rewarding. How do we do that? By making sure that:
1) we turn off distractions and give 100% of ourselves to our children when we read with them. After all, we are the commercial for reading.
2) we read, at least some of the time, things they want to read.
What about those children that don't have someone to read with them at home? Those children are the ones that don't benefit from the literacy-rich environment many of you reading promote. Someone - a tutor, a neighbor, a teacher, a librarian - has to make sure that a team of supporters works with that child to get the minimum of 3 a day in. If you have a lot of players on the team, and you count engaging read alouds, it's possible.
Why all this focus on reading? Without reading in this information-rich society, we fall short. We cannot comprehend the complexities the modern world throws at us and make thoughtful decisions. An inspirational fellow I met several years ago in Walker Co., AL (learning to read at the age of 73) said to me, "When I was coming up, you could get by. I certainly did and ended up running a $100,000 a year trucking company with a lot of help. Kids today can't do that. You let me talk to any of them and I'll tell them how important reading is."
I'd like to challenge those of you following and visiting this post to do two things: first, read regularly with your own child. Make it a priority this year and beyond. Secondly, find a child you can read to, maybe not every single day but frequently and build a team of supporters around that child. It can be done! Feel free to post updates on your "experiment" here.
Certainly, just the volume of exposure of reading is important. But it goes deeper. Dr. Michael Pressley, a reading researcher, says if we do not give children mostly positive experiences with books, they will not choose to be readers. Not only must be get in the "quota", but the experiences must be rich and rewarding. How do we do that? By making sure that:
1) we turn off distractions and give 100% of ourselves to our children when we read with them. After all, we are the commercial for reading.
2) we read, at least some of the time, things they want to read.
What about those children that don't have someone to read with them at home? Those children are the ones that don't benefit from the literacy-rich environment many of you reading promote. Someone - a tutor, a neighbor, a teacher, a librarian - has to make sure that a team of supporters works with that child to get the minimum of 3 a day in. If you have a lot of players on the team, and you count engaging read alouds, it's possible.
Why all this focus on reading? Without reading in this information-rich society, we fall short. We cannot comprehend the complexities the modern world throws at us and make thoughtful decisions. An inspirational fellow I met several years ago in Walker Co., AL (learning to read at the age of 73) said to me, "When I was coming up, you could get by. I certainly did and ended up running a $100,000 a year trucking company with a lot of help. Kids today can't do that. You let me talk to any of them and I'll tell them how important reading is."
I'd like to challenge those of you following and visiting this post to do two things: first, read regularly with your own child. Make it a priority this year and beyond. Secondly, find a child you can read to, maybe not every single day but frequently and build a team of supporters around that child. It can be done! Feel free to post updates on your "experiment" here.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sharing A Few Good Books
Whether your children are 5 or 15, summer is a great time to read. Less structure and "required" reading from school can leave time to investigate whatever it is that your child is interested in.
Try these:
Can You See What I See? Nature - Read and Seek Book (for early readers)
The Last Golddiggers by Harry Horse (a funny, down under adventure)
The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher, by Bill Harley (flying on a bicycle?)
Firefly Mountain by Patricia Thomas (I love the pictures; it reminds me of hunting fireflies in North Carolina when I was a child)
Rocket Man by Ruth Ashby - a biography about a key player in the space race.
The Desperado Who Stole Baseball by John H. Ritter (for upper elementary and middle school kids). I'm in the middle of this one myself and the story is terrific. Set in the wild west (with an unlikely subject matter of baseball - did you know they played baseball in the wild west?)
Gabriel's Horses by Alison Hart (the first in a Civil War trilogy for middle grade kids.
Pepperland by Mark Delaney - a tragic story with a soul that helps understand how to deal with grief and move on.
One for parents of young children,
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards by Drs. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta M. Golinkoff
and just for fun, Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild! by Mem Fox (ever feel that way?) This book is one of Mem's lesser known books but still delicious!
A NEW ADDITION TO THE POST: I have a new friend who is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English and mom of a son with LD (7th grade). She shared a ton of titles with me and I wanted to pass along a few for you (from lower to higher levels of readability):
King of Shadows by Susan Cooper (anything Susan writes is good)
Gym Candy by Carl Deuker (deals with steroids);
Tangerine by Edward Bloor (harder, and my son says that some kids didn't like it, but we both loved it)
The Wednesday Wars, Gary D. Schmidt (harder, absolutely fantastic)
For even more ideas, check out the summer reading lists below:
The International Reading Association's Reader's Choice Award books (chosen by kids!):http://www.reading.org/General/Default.aspx?page=/resources/tools/choices.html&mode=redirect
The Reading Tub's great book reviews - age specific (the reviews have the voices of the authentic readers who wrote them)
Til next week, happy reading! Stop by my website to read about how to help your children with their reading without creating an academic hothouse environment at home: http://www.readingisforeveryone.org/articles.html (scroll down to the Reading Tub to access this article).
Try these:
Can You See What I See? Nature - Read and Seek Book (for early readers)
The Last Golddiggers by Harry Horse (a funny, down under adventure)
The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher, by Bill Harley (flying on a bicycle?)
Firefly Mountain by Patricia Thomas (I love the pictures; it reminds me of hunting fireflies in North Carolina when I was a child)
Rocket Man by Ruth Ashby - a biography about a key player in the space race.
The Desperado Who Stole Baseball by John H. Ritter (for upper elementary and middle school kids). I'm in the middle of this one myself and the story is terrific. Set in the wild west (with an unlikely subject matter of baseball - did you know they played baseball in the wild west?)
Gabriel's Horses by Alison Hart (the first in a Civil War trilogy for middle grade kids.
Pepperland by Mark Delaney - a tragic story with a soul that helps understand how to deal with grief and move on.
One for parents of young children,
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards by Drs. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta M. Golinkoff
and just for fun, Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild! by Mem Fox (ever feel that way?) This book is one of Mem's lesser known books but still delicious!
A NEW ADDITION TO THE POST: I have a new friend who is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English and mom of a son with LD (7th grade). She shared a ton of titles with me and I wanted to pass along a few for you (from lower to higher levels of readability):
King of Shadows by Susan Cooper (anything Susan writes is good)
Gym Candy by Carl Deuker (deals with steroids);
Tangerine by Edward Bloor (harder, and my son says that some kids didn't like it, but we both loved it)
The Wednesday Wars, Gary D. Schmidt (harder, absolutely fantastic)
For even more ideas, check out the summer reading lists below:
The International Reading Association's Reader's Choice Award books (chosen by kids!):http://www.reading.org/General/Default.aspx?page=/resources/tools/choices.html&mode=redirect
The Reading Tub's great book reviews - age specific (the reviews have the voices of the authentic readers who wrote them)
Til next week, happy reading! Stop by my website to read about how to help your children with their reading without creating an academic hothouse environment at home: http://www.readingisforeveryone.org/articles.html (scroll down to the Reading Tub to access this article).
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