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Read Yourself to Another World

© Bridget Slayden

Ah summer! 'Tis a time when sitting lazily under a tree and listening to the lapping of tiny lake waves is permissible. When kicking your feet up and thinking about nothing is a common fantasy. Yet, the likelihood of relaxation? Not likely. Probably it will remain a distant fantasy, especially when your child's voice pipes up, "I'm bored!" One way to combat those boredom cries and perhaps give you at least a few hours of relaxation is finding something your child can do ALONE. One way that I've always banished boredom through the long-days of summer is by reading. Even as a young child, finding a book that could transport me to another world gave me an ultimate feeling of contentment. But finding those "great" books isn't always easy. A few months ago, I came across a National Education Association list sharing Teacher's fifty favorite children's books. And what a wonderful list it is. I will share some of my favorite books (from childhood and beyond) that will be sure to spark at least some interest in your child. For the complete list of Teacher's Top 100 Favorite Books, please visit the NEA's Website http://www.nea.org/readacross/catalist.h... A children's top 100 book list also appears at: http://www.nea.org/readacross/kidsbooks....

4 to 8-year-olds 1.Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess 2.Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak 3.The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (all ages*) 4.Stellaluna by Janell Cannon 5.Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst 6.The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

9 to 12-year-olds 1.Charlotte's Web by E.B. White 2.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis 3.Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson 4.A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle 5.The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 6.The Giver by Lois Lowry 7.Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

All Ages: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems and Drawings of Shel Silverstein by Shel Silverstein

Young Adult 1.Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls 2.The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 3.Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Yes, these are just a few of the "great" books out there, but it's definitely a way to get started. Children are far more apt to continue reading if the initial books they choose to read are good books. I'll never forget the time a freshman told me excitedly, "That's the first book I've ever read completely." (referring to Gary Paulsen's Hatchet) Though I felt shock in my heart, I tried not to let it show on my face. I watched him read several books by Paulsen that same year. Shouldn't we allow that same triumph for our children at any age? Books are wonderful. Finding the right wonderful books for a particular child may be difficult, but well worth the effort. Besides, reading makes those summer days pass with excitement as the reader is taken to another world.:-)

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