A COOL BOOKLIST FOR KIDS
Celebrate summer's sizzling temperatures with some really cool books. Summer begins June 21, and what better way to jump start your carefree days than with fun, unassigned reading.
Picture books are popular with infant and pre-school kids as colorful illustrations complement crafty words. But teen series and kid sequels dominate many summer reading lists. Titles of series are easy to recognize and portray interesting characters, plots and dialogue. Book lovers of all ages anticipate good fiction they can relate to.
Hurrah! School is out, but books are still in!
Children's librarian Terry Warner introduces young readers to books year-round at the Richard B. Harrison Library, a branch of Wake County Public Libraries in Raleigh, N.C. He believes there's something for everyone this summer when it comes to children's literature.
Q: What type of books do you recommend for children this summer?
A: As a librarian, when a child or teen asks me for a book to read during the summer, I first try to get a good glimpse into what he has read before and really liked. Once I can ascertain a particular interest in an author or genre, I can hit the road running in finding either like authors or genres. This part of my job is the most satisfying. It's not unlike a salesman who makes the big sale of the day!
It's also fun to give a quick shelf talk to introduce readers to something new or something that they wouldn't have thought to pick up before. Just the right "hook" in that "sales pitch" can introduce a child or teen to a whole new, unexpected world or cast of characters that can be important in terms of identification.
Today's libraries are great merchandisers – almost like the chain bookstores, in displaying lots of new, interesting and diverse books. This summer, for certain, there's something for everyone who's browsing for that perfect book to read.
Q What can parents do to encourage unassigned reading?
A: Parents who want to encourage unassigned reading can get their children and teens involved in book discussion groups at the library. These "book clubs" have taken flight at libraries all across the country, not only just at our branch, because they allow kids to make new friends, learn to "talk about" books in a more relaxed setting than the classroom, relate issues occurring in their own lives to the book, and enjoy great snacks and crafts that augment the book.
Parents and their children should definitely check these out!
Q: Kids and teen series are so popular now. Why? Is this a trend in children's literature?
A: We have the publishing industry to thank for this wonderful trend. Fifteen years ago, there were much fewer series titles, not a great deal of diversity in characters and plot, and definitely not the interest in trying anything new that might be off the beaten path. Boy, how that has changed! Publishers recognize that today's teens are not only the most tech savvy of us all but also are more mature, open-minded and tolerant than teens from a generation ago.
What's so wonderful is that publishers are reaching out to everyone with stellar series, including Drama High (of high interest to African-American girls), the Rainbow Trilogy (for gay teens) and many others. Teens and libraries are devouring this bountiful supply of series, and surprisingly, their appetite is still growing.
Perhaps what drives publishers most, however, is that their imprint will give birth to the next Harry Potter or become adapted into that next movie or TV series that is a must-see for its devoted readers. Kids are reaping the rewards of the publishers' generous offerings of series titles, too, particularly those appearing in graphic novel format.
We are also seeing, for the first time, a plethora of beginning chapter book series; some of the popular ones at my branch are: Willimena Rules, Dragon Slayers Academy, Franny K. Stein and Geronimo Stilton. I think it summarizes it best to say that there's something for everybody!
Ducks Don't Wear Socks
Ages: infants and preschool
Author: John Nedwidek
Publisher: Viking Children's Books
Publication Date: April 2008
Summary: A duck with an outlandish wardrobe teaches Emily the benefits of laughter.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!
Ages: 3 to 6
Author: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children (Pigeon Series)
Publication Date: April 2008
Summary: A silly pigeon longs for the pet of his dreams - a puppy.
Piper Reed: Navy Brat
Ages: 7 to 11
Author: Kimberly Willis Holt
Publisher: Square Fish/Henry Holt (Piper Reed Series)
Publication Date: July 2008
Summary: Fearless Piper Reed's dad is a Navy Chief. Join in her exciting childhood adventures.
The Road to Paris
Ages: 8 to 12
Author: Nikki Grimes
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication Date: January 2008
Summary: Paris is bi-racial. She struggles to trust others in a new family and a strange town where she doesn't belong.
The Sherlock Files: The 100-Year-Old Secret
Ages: 9 to 12
Author: Tracy Barrett
Publisher: Henry Holt (Sherlock Files Series)
Publication Date: May 2008
Summary: Xena and Zander Holmes are excited to find out they're related to sleuth Sherlock Holmes and eager to solve the mysteries Holmes could not.
Listen to an excerpt from the The Sherlock Files: The 100-Year-Old Secret
The Battle of the Labyrinth
Ages: 9 to 12
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series)
Publication Date: May 2008
Summary: Percy Jackson's freshman orientation at Camp Half-Blood is invaded by demon cheerleaders and other monsters.
Audrey, Wait!
Ages: Young Adult
Author: Robin Benway
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication Date: April 2008
Summary: Audrey breaks up with Evan and inspires him to write a song. Audrey's life will never be the same!
The Empty Kingdom
Ages: Young Adult
Author: Elizabeth E. Wein
Publisher: Pengin Group (USA) (Mark of Solomon Series)
Publication Date: April 2008
Summary: Telemakos, grandson of King Arthur, attempts to regain his freedom in this suspenseful conclusion to the "Mark of Solomon" duology.
After Tupac and D Foster
Ages: Young Adult
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication Date: January 2008
Summary: Neeka and her best friends embrace D Foster and the music of Tupac Shakur.
New Moon
Ages: Young Adult
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers (Twilight Saga Series)
Publication Date: May 2008
Summary: The dangerous romance continues with Bella Swan and her vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen.
"The Week's Most Talked About Book" is a weekly book review and literary criticism column that publishes every Friday. Selected titles are based on popularity, public opinion, research and observation. Questions, comments and suggestions should be sent to book lover and columnist Karla Mass at kmass@mcclatchyinteractive.com. She is a content producer for McClatchy Interactive.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.