My kids (16, 14, and 8) are all obligated to read a fiction novel per seek this summer. Can you help me come up with a list of suggestions? 16 and 14 are working off the same list; 8 needs simpler chapter books as she isn't there yet for complex chapter books.
On my list for 16 and 14 (both boys) include Musashi, the entire Hainish cycle by Ursula LeGuin, Pride & Prejudice, Picture of Dorian Grey, Scalzi's RedShirts …
I got a list of books for the high school that are on the curriculum so we won't double up, but there are SADLY FEW novels in the new HS curriculum b/c of common core. They voluntarily read a ton of non-fiction, but this summer we are focused on NOVELS. Both of them have received feedback from their English teachers that they need to focus more on fiction and get better at reading fiction. I am cool with the books being fun and in genres they like, but I want to come up with a list of appropriate books for HS students.
I would also appreciate help in finding books for my 8-year-old (she LOVED the Tea Dragon Society) who isn't reading as independently at 8 as I was so my suggestions for her are mostly TERRIBLE and need adult assistance.
We have an excellent public library, a pretty extensive personal library (I have the entire Hainish cycle), and are willing to spend at our local book store for particularly good choices!
by AliMcGraw
3 Comments
For your daughter–
Have you explored Maddie Mara’s Dragon Girls books? Very popular in my house.
Magical Rescue Vets by Melody Lockhart might also be of interest, though they’re a slightly tougher read.
For your sons–
If they love nonfiction, maybe something really grounded. Andy Weir comes to mind; it is written for adult readers but is basically PG-13.
For the teens, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy would be a fun read. Also, I think something like His Dark Materials would be great for teens. Or for funny book, anything David Sedaris would be great.
For your 8 year old, especially if they like graphic novels or dragon themes. How to Train your Dragon is a full series, probably 12 books. Amulet is a great series in that sci-fi world. My 8 year olds really like Parachute Kids and Outside Kids. And they are really into Babysitters Club and Little Sister graphic novels. There’s also Whatever After graphic novels and chapter books. Same with Wings of Fire, GN and chapter books – dragons!
For your 8 year old, maybe try the Dory Fantasmagory series by Abby Hanlon, How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell (the book series and movie series have a lot of the same characters, but the stories are different) or 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos by Vivian Vande Valde.
For your teens, maybe try Catch-22, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Most Dangerous Game (this is a short story but I think they may be interested in it), Catcher in the Rye, As I Lay Dying or The Great Gatsby.