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25 Days of Christmas Books for Kids

Lolli — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:00:44 +0000

One of my favorite traditions over the years has been spending the month of December reading Christmas books with the family. We have gathered a huge collection of Christmas stories over the years (two boxes full!). I am quick to grab any Christmas books that I see at used books stores or thrift stores (I’ve found some amazing treasures!). Note: Amazon affiliate links are used in this post.

I celebrated my first Christmas as a mom way back on Christmas Day 1996. My first daughter was a day old, and we were released from the hospital. I couldn’t believe the miracle that had happened on Christmas Eve. I had a perfect, beautiful baby girl! In the past 19 years, I’ve welcomed four more kids to the family and made a ton of holiday memories along the way. Some of these books are precious parts of our Christmas memories and I plan to keep it that way. Now that our family is getting older, I look forward to someday being known as the cool Grandma with all of the Christmas books and hands-on nativities.

I’ve gathered a list of some of our personal favorite holiday stories and Christmas picture books from some of our favorite authors below so that you can enjoy 25 days of Christmas books with your kids.

Happy holidays!

25 Days of Christmas Books for Kids

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski (Author), P.J. Lynch (Illustrator)
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert (Author), Per Breiehagen (Photographer)
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz (Author), Scott Jeralds (Illustrator)
A Wish to Be A Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe (Author), Michael Glenn Monroe (Illustrator)
The Night Before Christmas by Charles Santore
The Animals’ Santa by Jan Brett
Santa’s Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas by Hisako Aoki (Author), Ivan Gantschev (Illustrator)
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell (Author), Jason Cockcroft (Illustrator)
The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer (Author), Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)
Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osborne (Author), James Griffin (Author), Jim Griffin (Illustrator)
The Legend of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Christmas by Dandi Daley Mackall (Author), Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)
Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh (Author), J.otto Seibold (Illustrator)
The Christmas Owl by Angela Muse (Author), Helen H. Wu (Illustrator)
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson (Author), Jane Chapman (Illustrator)
The Itsy Bitsy Snowman by Jeffrey Burton (Author), Sanja Rescek (Illustrator)
Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator)
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
The Friendly Beasts: an old English Christmas Carol by Tomie dePaola
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown (Author), Jim LaMarche (Illustrator)
An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco

For more Christmas and winter ideas, visit a few of my favorite bloggers:

Christmas Games for Groups by In Our Spare Time
7 Christmas Games by Gaggle of Gamers
5 Festive Feel-Good Christmas Stories for Grown-Ups by Pretty Opinionated
Funniest Christmas Movies of All Time by Our Family World
Non-traditional Christmas Movies by Upstate Ramblings
Our Top 10 Christmas Shows to Watch Each Year by Day by Day In Our World

Halloween Books for Kids

Lolli — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 05:00:04 +0000

One of my favorite things to do around each of the holidays throughout the year when my kids were little was to collect holiday-themed books to read. I always had my eyes open for used holiday books at the thrift store or used book store and, of course, we borrowed books from the library. During the weeks preceding each holiday, we would use those books for our read-out-loud time, and that became part of our holiday celebration.

My kids may be a little too old for Halloween picture books at this point, but I still love this tradition, so I decided to spread that tradition on to you guys. Here are a list of 13 kid-friendly Halloween books, including some of the classic stories I read to my kids (some are even so old that my mom read them to me!) and some that are new from authors that we love. Note: Amazon affiliate links used.

Happy Halloween!

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams and Megan Lloyd

The Little Old Lady is one of the classic stories that I remember from my childhood. I love the little old lady’s fearless attitude towards the spooky things that happen around her and her clever solution to handle what’s happening. I also love that it teaches kids that sometimes things that seems scary aren’t really that scary after all.

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain

This is another classic from my own childhood. Brother and Sister Bear head out to trick or treat and plan to avoid Miz McGrizz’s spooky house. But as they trick or treat, they discover that looks can be deceiving, and they end up having a wonderful, perspective-changing time with Miz McGrizz.

Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean

This adorable book finds Pete the Cat rocking out to the classic Halloween children’s song “Five Little Pumpkins.”

Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton

From one of my kids’ favorite board book authors, Pookie tries on costumes one by one, but somehow can’t find just the right thing. Pookie’s resolution is adorable!

Pinkalicious Pink or Treat by Victoria Kann

In this cute Pinkalicious story, the mayor has canceled Halloween because a storm has knocked out the town’s power. No Halloween means no Halloween candy. No Halloween jack-o’-lanterns. No Halloween trick-or-treating. No Halloween holiday parties. And worst of all, no Halloween costumes. Pinkalicious is determined to fix the situation so she can wear her perfect costume.

Who’s There on Halloween? Board book by Susan Hagen Nipp and Pamela Conn Beall (Authors), Charles Reasoner (Illustrator)

Who’s There On Halloween? encourages readers to play along and use the clues to name the holiday characters hidden inside. Fun interactive book for toddlers and preschoolers!

It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator)

Join Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he decorates all the pumpkins in the patch! Although this book was written after the “golden era” of my kids’ read-aloud days, they grew up loving the “If You Give a Mouse” books.

Peanuts: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz

This is a board book version of the classic Peanuts Halloween tv movie. It includes reusable stickers that kids can use to interact with the story that they (and we!) all love.

Splat the Cat: What Was That? by Rob Scotton

Halloween should be a black cat’s favorite holiday, but Spat the Cat is nervous about visiting a creepy haunted house. He’s worried it will be too scary. Splat’s friend Spike tells Splat not to be a scaredy-cat—the haunted house is just for fun! Kids will love this lift-the-flap book (I know my kids lived for them!).

10 Trick-or-Treaters by Janet Schulman (Author), Linda Davick (Illustrator)

10 trick-or-treaters is a cute not-so-scary Halloween counting book with bright, bold artwork and fun rhythms:

10 trick-or-treaters
on a dark and spooky night
out to get some candy
or give someone a fright.

I Spy Spooky Night: A Book of Picture Riddles by Jean Marzollo (Author), Walter Wick (Illustrator)

My kids lived for “I Spy” books, and frankly I enjoyed an occasional break from reading out loud. This “I Spy” book takes children through a spooky old house at night where they search for spooky items like bats and lizards and owls.

Franklin’s Halloween Paperback by Paulette Bourgeois (Author), Brenda Clark (Illustrator)

Perhaps because our last name is Franklin, and perhaps because Franklin was one of my kids’ favorite characters, we had a huge collection of Franklin books (you know…the kind that you know backwards and forwards because you’ve read them so often). We love Franklin’s experience at his Halloween party, where he thinks there might be a real ghost (spoiler: there isn’t a ghost, and Franklin realizes what’s really going on…).

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain

Three brave little bears explore the inside of a mysterious old tree and go into, up, through, over, down, and out. We just love the Berenstain Bears books, so I thought they deserved an extra spot on the list!

What are some of your favorite Halloween picture books?

For more Halloween entertainment, visit a few of my favorite blogs:

Best Halloween Mysteries by In Our Spare Time
5 Halloween Movies for the Whole Family by Mom Does it All
Have a Spooky Good Time With These Kids’ Halloween Shows by Views from the Ville
Are Corn Mazes Dog Friendly by Two Little Cavaliers
30 Spooktacular Halloween Board Books for Toddlers by Mom on the Side
Fun Family Halloween Movies that Kids Can Watch too by Our Family World
Top 7 Scariest Books That Will Make You Want to Read With the Lights On by My Kids Guide
Spooky Fun Halloween Apps for All Ages by Pretty Opinionated
13 Nights of Halloween by MommaDJane
Family Friendly Shows for Halloween by Day by Day in Our World
Halloween Movie Quotes by Style on Main
Halloween Movies that aren’t Gory by How Was Your Day?
Video Game Costumes by Gaggle of Gamers

When I Grow Up…Labor Day Career Books for Kids #EntertainmentHOP

Lolli — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 05:00:42 +0000

Labor Day is coming soon, and so I thought it would be fun to gather up a collection of children’s books about exploring the age old question of “what I want to be when I grow up.”

Note: Amazon affiliate links are used in this post.

When I was a kid, I knew that I loved to write, and I remember saying that I wanted to be a writer at a very early age. It’s kind of ironic that I took my college degree in a completely different direction (I have a degree in Early Childhood Education) but now, 20 years after graduating, I am actually doing exactly what I said I wanted to do as a young girl.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you have big plans for your future? How closely does your life now reflect the dreams you had when you were a kid?

For those of you with kids, what do they want to be when they grow up? A few of my kids have surprised me with very specific ideas of what careers they want when they’re older. One wants to be an environmental lawyer. Another wants to be a builder or inventor of some sort. Another has his eyes set on sports.

For those kids that need some ideas to get their imagination rolling, here are some fun books that expose kids to a variety of careers:

When I Grow Up…Career Books for Kids

When I Grow Up…: A Look At 10 Future Careers for Kids by Brian Rogers

This book, just for kids, looks at 10 different careers: Firefighter, Navy Seal, Astronaut, Police Officer, Veterinarian, Pilot, Lawyer, Actor, Doctor, and a Teacher. The book looks at how much they make, what education is involved, what the future holds, and more!

Career Day by Anne Rockwell (Author), Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator)

Michiko’s mother writes books. Jessica’s mother is a veterinarian. Pablo’s father is a construction worker. What kinds of work do people you know do?

On Career Day the children in Mrs. Madoff’s class take turns introducing special visitors. Every visitor has something interesting to share, and together the class learns all about the different work people do.

In the fourth Mrs. Madoff book, Anne and Lizzy Rockwell revisit Mrs. Madoff’s class as they help young readers explore the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

I Can Be Anything I Want To Be From A to Z (ABC career book for kids) by Lynn R Davis

ABC career book with pictures. A great way to introduce career options to kids.

When I Grow Up Board Book by P. K. Hallinan

This entertaining book, written in verse, allows children to take a look at all the wonderful things they can do when they grow up. The possible professions are arranged from A (Astronaut) to Z. The book features good moral values along with whimsical paintings.

What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry

Shows and tells what busy people do every day to build houses, sail ships, fly planes, keep house, and grow food.

I Can Be Anything: What Will You Be When You Grow Up? (Children’s Success) by D. J. Eva

One of the most common questions children get asked is, “So what are you going to do when you grow up?”

Wise parents will help children explore their interests and acquaint them with the wide variety of careers available.

This book covers some of the most popular and in-demand jobs.

You Can Be Anything! by Charles M. Schulz

Based on the comic strips of everyone’s favorite canine, this book reminds the kid in all of us that we can be anything! From an astronaut to a lawyer or a World War I Flying Ace to just plain cool, the many faces of Snoopy serve as inspiration. This hardcover picture book has great gift appeal for new baby, graduation, celebrating milestones, and moving up in the world.

The Berenstain Bears: Jobs Around Town (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights) by Stan Berenstain (Author), Jan Berenstain (Author), Mike Berenstain (Contributor)

Searching for the perfect job, the Bear siblings learn to celebrate the many talents of others and begin to imagine where their own God-given gifts will take them as they grow.

Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Science by Diane Lindsey Reeves (Author), Lindsey Clasen (Author), Nancy Bond (Illustrator)

From excavating the burial grounds of ancient kings to creating robots in high-tech labs, the realm of science offers exciting career options for kids drawn to exploring how our world functions. “Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Science” guides young readers through a variety of job possibilities. Step-by-step self-assessment allows kids to identify their unique traits and then connect them to viable career options in science. Informative and updated job profiles cover all the basics and spotlight real scientists working in their respective research areas. The career discovery activities have been expanded to include all the latest developments on careers in science, giving kids an engaging and informative vehicle to learn more about themselves and their interests. The career profiles include: Archaeologist; Chemist; Food scientist; Nutritionist; Oceanographer; Robotics technician; Science educator; and Veterinarian.

When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic (Author), Wes Hargis (Illustrator)

Weird Al Yankovic tells the story of 8-year-old Billy, who uses his active imagination to tell his class at school about all of the things he would like to be when he grows up.

Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling (Author), Deborah Hembrook (Author), Andy Robert Davies (Illustrator)

Through lively, accessible verse, readers identify recognizable careers that are fundamental to most communities. Look on and below seven clotheslines and spot colorful items, including the mail carrier’s uniform, the artist’s brushes, and the chef’s apron. Then turn the page to learn which professionals wear and use the special gear in the jobs they do. Clever illustrations show the workers helping one another, and in the end, everyone joins together for a celebration that is out of this world.

When I Grow Up (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer

Little Critter’s sister dreams about all the wonderful things she’s going to do when she grows up. She imagines being a great ballet dancer, a world-famous doctor, a race-car driver, and more!

For more Labor Day related entertainment, visit a few of my favorite bloggers:

Books to Prepare for your First Job by In Our Spare Time
5 Books Every Freelance Writer Needs on Her Bookshelf from Pretty Opinionated
5 Movies You Need to Watch on Labor Day from Mom Does It All
Books About Jobs for Kids, Teens, and Adults from SMS Non-Fiction Book Reviews
Labor Day Books for Teens from Upstate Ramblings
Playing with Jobs from Gaggle of Gamers

Summer Reading List: Patriotic Picture Books

Lolli — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 05:00:26 +0000

Summer time is for reading, whether you’re a kid off school for a few months or an adult with a little relaxation time next to the pool. We’re always looking for recommended reading lists for summer reading, and although my kids are a little bigger now, there’s still something special to me about picture books.

We used to have a tradition of gathering holiday and seasonal themed books from the library or the used book store to enjoy as a family. We loved our read aloud time together each day! As a tribute to those younger days, and in celebration of Independence Day coming up so soon, I made a collection of 10 fun 4th of July picture books.

From educational books to craft books to fun stories with bright pictures, these patriotic books will delight kids and teach them a few things about this wonderful country that we live in!

Note: Amazon links are used within this post.

11 Fun and Educational Patriotic Picture Books for the 4th of July

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh and Marie Nonnast

Two-time Newbery Honor author, Alice Dalgliesh, makes history come alive in this accessible story of America’s birthday. It’s a great read-aloud book that teaches kids about the history of our great land.

I Pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin Jr.

“I led a pigeon to the flag” . . . “and to the wee puppet” . . . “one nation, and a vegetable” . . . What was that again? Children in the United States have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since 1892 — and for about that long, they’ve found its big words confusing. Now, beloved children’s book author Bill Martin Jr (BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?), fellow literacy expert Michael Sampson, and Caldecott Honor-winning artist Chris Raschka give America’s children a hand, and explain this patriotic poem once and for all. A new paperback edition offers notes and suggested activities to help parents and teachers make this book even more interesting to and fun for children.

Independence Day Crafts by Mary Berendes, Jean Eick, and Kathleen Petelinsek

Step-by-step instructions with full-color illustrations introduce Independence Day crafts, including July 4th wavers, glitter stars, and flag fans.

America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates and Chris Gall

From his unique perspective as the great, great grandnephew of “America the Beautiful” writer, Katharine Lee Bates, Chris Gall transforms this beloved patriotic song into monumental works of art–from purple mountain majesties to gleaming alabaster cities. Honoring his ancestry and national pride, Gall pairs the beautiful lyrics with striking illustrations of notable American images such as Pike’s Peak, the Tuskgee Airmen, and firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero.

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney! by Leslie Kimmelman and Nancy Cote

It’s the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It’s a great day. “Happy Birthday, USA!”

A Is for America Paperback by Tanya Lee Stone

Little ones will love learning American history in Tanya Lee Stone’s latest alphabet book. Rhyming couplets that flow through the alphabet help kids celebrate everything from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to Thomas Jefferson and Harriet Tubman!

What Is the 4th of July? by Elaine Landau

Celebrate our nation’s birthday! Learn about the 4th of July and its symbols and traditions in this fun and easy-to-read book. Enjoy a hands-on activity, too!

F Is for Flag (Reading Railroad) by Wendy Cheyette Lewison

F Is for Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family.

America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney

America: A Patriotic Primer is a succinct history of the United States, an ABC of the principles on which this country was founded, and a book for children and families to pore over, discuss, and cherish.

A is for America,
the land that we love.
B is for the Birthday
of this country of ours….

Fourth of July Cheer: A Rhyming Picture Book for Children about the Fourth of July by Dee Smith

July 4th is here! Buster the Dog and his family are getting ready for the big event with a trips to the beach, barbacues, parades and much more Fourth of July fun. Buster and his family are also especially excited to see tonight’s July 4th firework display! Join Buster in celebrating this special day with lots of friends, family and of course cheer! This book is a short rhyming story that makes for a quick, fun and joyful and festive read during any story time.

The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry

This little board book for children uses only 200 words that convey the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the freedom that was the result. It tells why we celebrate July 4th as America’s Birthday.

For more fun patriotic entertainment ideas visit a few of my favorite bloggers:

Patriotic Board Games by In Our Spare Time
Best Family Movies to Watch on the 4th of July by Our Family World
Summer Reading Across the US by Pretty Opinionated
Outdoor Games to Play at Your 4th of July BBQ by Mom Does it All
Games for Canadians by Gaggle of Gamers
Top 10 US History Movies by Upstate Ramblings
Popular Patriotic Songs for 4th of July Parties by Mom on the Side
Patriotic Movies to Enjoy at Home by Day by Day in Our World

Summer Reading Book Series for Teens and Tweens

Lolli — Wed, 27 May 2015 05:00:42 +0000

I would spend the entire summer sitting next to the pool with a good YA novel if I could (in the shade, of course). Considering that I’m a working mom of five, my pool-side reading dream probably won’t happen…but you can bet I’ll be sneaking in as many hours as I can with a book and a cold water bottle.

I love the fact that my kids and I can now share some of the best books – we read them together out loud, or we read them separately and talk about our favorite parts. Since we’re just about to jump into summer, I thought I’d put together a list of amazing book series for teens and tweens. It almost pained me to leave a few incredible series out of this list, but I tried to keep the age-range to 11 and up (although I realize a few, like Harry Potter, are often popular with a much younger crowd).

Some of these series were books that I read either when I was a teenager myself, or long before I was a mom of teens (I read Harry Potter for the first time while I was pregnant with my 3rd, who is now 14 years old!). And a few of the series below are books that my kids have discovered and loved and recommended to me.

Note: Book descriptions are from the books, the author’s website, Amazon, or similar. Amazon affiliate links to books.

What are some of your favorite series for teens and tweens? What should I add to my list? For even MORE great book for kids of all ages, check out my free printable summer reading book lists!

Awesome Book Series for Teens and Tweens

The Divergent Series: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Divergent: One choice can transform you. Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling debut is a gripping dystopian tale of electrifying choices, powerful consequences, unexpected romance, and a deeply flawed “perfect society.”

Insurgent: One choice can destroy you. Veronica Roth’s second #1 New York Times bestseller continues the dystopian thrill ride. As war surges in the factions all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Allegiant: The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.
Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Everything is going to change.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
Remember. Survive. Run.

The Heartlight Saga by T.A. Barron

Starring a heroic young woman named Kate Gordon, and featuring T. A. Barron’s trademark mastery of language and setting, The Heartlight Saga collects three of Barron’s beloved novels into a single volume. The stories follow Kate as she travels to a distant galaxy to save the life of her astronomer grandfather in Heartlight, goes back in time to a lost Native American tribe in The Ancient One, and ultimately down to the very bottom of the sea in The Merlin Effect. Weaving together mystery, mysticism, and magic, and exploring themes of mortality, interconnectedness, and the fragility of the environment, The Heartlight Saga is a testament to the power that each of us has within us to make a difference in our world.

Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely! Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite . . .

Kendra and her brother Seth have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischevious satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.

The Wrinkle in Time Quintet by Madeleine L’Engle

The Time Quintet consists of A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time.

A Wrinkle in Time is one of the most significant novels of our time. This fabulous, ground-breaking science-fiction and fantasy story is the first of five in the Time Quintet series about the Murry family.

A Wind in the Door–When Charles Wallace falls ill, Meg, Calvin, and their teacher, Mr. Jenkins, must travel inside C.W. to make him well, and save the universe from the evil Echthros.

A Swiftly Tilting Planet–The Murry and O’Keefe families enlist the help of the unicorn, Gaudior, to save the world from imminent nuclear war.

Many Waters–Meg Murry, now in college, time travels with her twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys, to a desert oasis that is embroiled in war.

An Acceptable Time–While spending time with her grandparents, Alex and Kate Murry, Polly O’Keefe wanders into a time 3,000 years before her own.

The Belgariad Series by David Eddings

It all begins with the theft of the Orb that for so long protected the West from an evil god. As long as the Orb was at Riva, the prophecy went, its people would be safe from this corrupting power. Garion, a simple farm boy, is familiar with the legend of the Orb, but skeptical in matters of magic. Until, through a twist of fate, he learns not only that the story of the Orb is true, but that he must set out on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger to help recover it. For Garion is a child of destiny, and fate itself is leading him far from his home, sweeping him irrevocably toward a distant tower—and a cataclysmic confrontation with a master of the darkest magic.

The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

The Chronicles of Prydain is a series of five children’s fantasy novels by Lloyd Alexander. Henry Holt published one annually from 1964 to 1968; the second earned a 1966 Newbery Honor and the last won the 1969 Newbery Medal.

The five novels follow one protagonist Taran from youth to maturity, most overtly in the fourth book, Taran Wanderer. Taran has the title Assistant Pig-Keeper at Caer Dallben but initially dreams of being a grand hero. His most important companions in adventure are Princess Eilonwy, a girl his age; Fflewddur Fflam, a wandering bard and minor king; Gurgi, a wild hominid between animal and man; and Doli, a dwarf.

The Complete Harry Potter Collection by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The series chronicles the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, the titular character, and his friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry’s quest to overcome the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who aims to become immortal, conquer the wizarding world, subjugate non-magical people, and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry Potter.

Bluford Series by Various Authors

The Bluford Series is a collection of high-interest novels that have captivated teens nationwide. Set in fictional Bluford High, a tough but nurturing inner city high school, the novels speak to the interests, struggles, and concerns of today’s young adults. Praised by faculty, parents, and students alike, the Bluford Series has transformed entire classrooms into reading zones. A frequent choice for school- and city-wide reading initiatives, the series has been widely reviewed in the Journal for Adolescent and Adult Literacy (JAAL) and repeatedly endorsed by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).

Six titles in this collection were selected as Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers by the American Library Association (ALA) / Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Several other titles were designated by the ALA as Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults.

Embassy Row: All Fall Down (More books in Embassy Row Series coming soon) by Ally Carter

Grace Blakely is absolutely certain of three things:

1. She is not crazy.
2. Her mother was murdered.
3. Someday she is going to find the killer and make him pay.

As certain as Grace is about these facts, nobody else believes her — so there’s no one she can completely trust. Not her grandfather, a powerful ambassador. Not her new friends, who all live on Embassy Row. Not Alexei, the Russian boy next door, who is keeping his eye on Grace for reasons she neither likes nor understands.

Everybody wants Grace to put on a pretty dress and a pretty smile, blocking out all her unpretty thoughts. But they can’t control Grace — no more than Grace can control what she knows or what she needs to do. Her past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn’t stop it, Grace isn’t the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu

The flooded coast of former Los Angeles. Two warring nations of North America–the Republic and the Colonies.
Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen–year–old June is a prodigy. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country, she is being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles.
Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen–year–old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother is murdered. And Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together and the sinister lengths their country will go to in order to keep its secrets.

Ready to grab a book and start reading??

Be sure to check out my Summer Reading Program 2015 post with tips and free printables (booklists for all ages, reading charts, etc).

For more fun summer entertainment ideas, visit a few of my favorite bloggers:

Patriotic Origami Books & DIY by In Our Spare Time
3 Must-Watch Summer Teen Movie Marathons by My Kids Guide
Ultimate Summer Reading List for Middle Graders by Pretty Opinionated
10 Books to put on your Summer Reading List by Mom Does it All
Great Books to Read by the Pool by Style on Main
Road Trip Inspired Movies on Netflix by Mom on the Side
A Boy and His Dog: Feel-Good Movies for Canine-Loving Kids by Dogvills
Kitschy Movies to Watch this Summer by Greta’s Day
Summer Beach Reads by Upstate Ramblings
10 Summer Movies for Teens to Watch in 2015 by Day by Day in Our World
Free Summer Reading Programs 2015 by The Guavalicious Life