The Book Lady Blog

School is out and it’s starting to feel like summer. 
Time for swimming, 4^th of July, and baseball! 

It can be a challenge to get kids to read during the summer months – especially the ages 9-12.  Why not try books that partner with a popular summer activity – such as baseball?Most of us will catch a baseball game sometime this summer, either in person or on TV. 

I really like the Baseball Card adventure books by Dan Gutman.  Not just for boys (girls like them too!) this series of books incorporates real pictures of baseball heroes with fictionalized stories that are easy and engaging to read. 

Check out Shoeless Joe & Me, Abner & Me, Jackie & Me, Satch & Me, Honus & Me, Mickey & Me, Babe & Me, and more! 

Happy Reading!

The Book Lady

So far our poll is showing beloved favorites – such as Beverly Cleary, Shel Silvertein, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.  So who is in the lead so far? 

E.B. White. 

Best known for his classic story “Charlotte’s Web” – this beautiful story about friendship between a pig and a spider has been enchanting children since its publication in 1952.   

This book features illustrations by Garth Williams (who also illustrated another series of classic books – the “Little House on the Prairie” books authored by another top vote getter – Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

E. B. White is also well known for Stuart Little, a funny story about the Little family and their son, Stuart, who just happens to be a mouse.  This book will appeal to children of all ages, and a good choice if you are looking for material to entice readers grades 2-3 (especially boys!) to read. 

The Trumpet of the Swan, another wonderful book, tells the tale of a swan family in Canada in 1968 that is befriended by an 11 year old boy named Sam.  One of the baby swans is mute and cannot “trumpet”.  The story is how Sam helps the swan find his voice in the world. This is probably E.B. White’s most underrated book, and a wonderful read – and a great way to discuss nature, the environment, and respecting nature with your children or family. 

Keep the votes coming in!