A beach umbrella...check.
Fruit, watermelon perhaps? Check.
A good book...check.
These are just a few ingredients for my summer fun beach recipe! Of course, I never leave home without a bottle of sunscreen or a pair of sunglasses, either.
As a teenager I used to be in the sun all the time. Just the feel of the warm sun made me feel so good.
Now that I know how harmful the sun can be, I cover up, and get wrapped up in a really good book. It's the same relaxed feeling, but a much safer and thought-provoking experience!
Well, as long as my children are not in the water, anyway...
It was about a year ago that I wrote my Summer Reading Should Be Fun, Part 1 post for children and tweens. I never wrote a follow-up post, so today I thought I'd share some classics which my 12 and 15 year old have enjoyed during the past year. They're not necessarily easy beach reading material for the average teenager. But just because a book is a classic does not mean a teen will not enjoy it. Even at the beach.
By the way, we tend to visit the book stores and libraries a lot more often during the summer. With so many choices and more time than usual, my children will always find something they're interested in reading.
Of course, there are so many other things to do at the beach - like just enjoying nature and friends. But during those times when there are no friends around, and you just want to relax, you can't beat a book. Teens will realize that if they see you enjoying one!
Anyway, here are just a few classics that GreenGuy has enjoyed over the past year (middle school age range):
- Animal Farm
, by George Orwell (please be advised that you get more for your money when you buy Animal Farm and 1984
together). My children have not read 1984 yet, but it's on the list.
- The Giver (Newbery Medal Book)
, by Lois Lowry
- To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)
, by Harper Lee
And for high school students, StrawberryGirl recommends (out of all of the ones she's read this year, this is the one she enjoyed the most):
- Dracula (Penguin Classics)
, by Bram Stoker (please note she read a different edition)
Here are some other books your middle schooler might enjoy (as GreenGuy did). If they're not considered classics, they sure are close:
- The Westing Game
, by Ellen Raskin (great for tweens)
- Flowers for Algernon
, by Andrew Bujalski (extremely thought-provoking)
I'm hoping to read Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, again (along with both of my children) this summer. It's definitely a must-read for high school students, in my opinion.
You can find more classics here.
Please note that I have not read all of these books, and that since each child is different, it is up to you as the parent to decide what material is appropriate for your child. Each of these books is for strong, mature readers. You might want to pick one to read along with your child, if you're not sure about the level or content.
Summertime reading should be fun, and these books are not for everyone. I do not believe in forcing a child to read something. Free choice is so important, if you want your child to love reading.
Both of my children are avid, yet picky readers. I do find that, when given a choice of at least 5 books, there'll always be one which peaks interest. The key is to present a variety of materials, and it doesn't have to be books. There are many great magazines and newspapers that might peak interest as well.
With a little time, effort, and creativity, we can help our children to develop a lifelong love of reading. As for me, it starts with sharing my love of books - anytime, and anywhere. In a doctor's office, on a plane, and especially - at the beach!!!
Have a wonderful summer.